West Lakes

West Lakes lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the population of West Lakes is estimated at around 7,267 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 499 people (7.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,768 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 7,156, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 244 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,629 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. West Lakes's 7.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the state's growth rate of 7.1%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 56.99999999999999% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth of national areas is projected, with the suburb expected to increase by 1,526 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 18.6% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions West Lakes among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, West Lakes averaged around 72 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 363 homes were approved, with an additional 24 approved so far in FY-26. Over these past five financial years, on average, 1.2 people moved to the area for each dwelling built.

This indicates balanced supply and demand conditions, maintaining stable market conditions. The average construction value of new homes was $495,000, which is moderately higher than regional levels, suggesting an emphasis on quality construction. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totaled $27.0 million, indicating balanced commercial development activity in the area.

Compared to Greater Adelaide, West Lakes had moderately higher new home approvals, with 23.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. This balance supports buyer choice while maintaining current property values. New developments consisted of 65.0% standalone homes and 35.0% attached dwellings, offering options across different price points from family homes to more affordable compact living. With around 85 people per dwelling approval, West Lakes exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the population is forecasted to grow by 1,355 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

West Lakes has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include West Lakes Public Transport Hub, West Lakes Tennis Club Redevelopment, West Lakes Shore Masterplan Residential Release, and Charles Sturt Playground Renewal Program. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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The labour market in West Lakes demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

West Lakes has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 3.5%, and there was an estimated employment growth of 2.9% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, 3411 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.5% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in West Lakes lags behind Greater Adelaide at 53.2% compared to 61.7%. The leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Notably, rental, hiring & real estate services have employment levels at 2.2 times the regional average.

However, health care & social assistance employs only 13.0% of local workers, which is below Greater Adelaide's 17.7%. Many West Lakes residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.9%, and the labour force grew by 3.2%, leading to a rise in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 2.1% and unemployment rose marginally during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 indicate that national employment is expected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to West Lakes' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

West Lakes' median taxpayer income is $56,509 and average is $75,086 according to AreaSearch's postcode level ATO data for the financial year 2022. This is higher than national averages of $52,592 (median) and $64,886 (average) in Greater Adelaide. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income will be approximately $63,759 and average $84,720, based on a 12.83% growth from the Wage Price Index since financial year 2022. Incomes rank modestly in West Lakes, between the 38th and 47th percentiles according to 2021 Census figures. The $1,500 - $2,999 income bracket dominates with 30.2% of residents (2,194 people), similar to regional levels at 31.8%. Housing costs are manageable with 88.2% retained, but disposable income is below average at the 43rd percentile. West Lakes' SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

West Lakes displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The latest Census evaluated West Lakes' dwelling structure as 58.0% houses and 42.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). Adelaide metro had 66.1% houses and 33.9% other dwellings. West Lakes' home ownership was 54.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.8% and rented at 17.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in West Lakes was $1,788, compared to Adelaide metro's $1,733. The median weekly rent figure for West Lakes was $370, while Adelaide metro recorded $325. Nationally, West Lakes' mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were lower than the national figure of $375.

West Lakes has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 67.9% of all households, including 22.6% couples with children, 36.8% couples without children, and 7.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 32.1%, with lone person households at 29.8% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.4.

West Lakes shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

University qualification levels in West Lakes are at 26.0%, slightly below Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common, with 17.8% of residents holding one. Postgraduate qualifications and graduate diplomas follow, at 5.6% and 2.6% respectively.

Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 33.4% of those aged 15+ possessing them, including advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (21.8%). School and university attendance comprises 19.4% of the community, with 6.6% in primary education, 5.0% in secondary education, and 4.2% pursuing tertiary education. Educational facilities may be located outside West Lakes' immediate boundaries, necessitating families to access schools in neighboring areas.

Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

The public transport analysis indicates that there are 44 active transport stops operating within West Lakes. These stops service a mix of buses, with 28 individual routes collectively providing 1,831 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 154 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 261 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 41 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in West Lakes is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

West Lakes faces significant health challenges, with common conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately 57% (~4116 people) have private health cover, compared to 52.8% across Greater Adelaide.

The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (11.0%) and mental health issues (6.5%), while 63.1% report no medical ailments, compared to 68.9% in Greater Adelaide. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 36.7% (2666 people), higher than the 20.0% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, outperforming general population metrics.

West Lakes was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

West Lakes was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 26.8% of its population born overseas and 19.2% speaking a language other than English at home. The dominant religion in West Lakes is Christianity, comprising 62.6% of the population, compared to 51.6% across Greater Adelaide. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups in West Lakes are English (28.4%), Australian (21.4%), and Italian (8.4%).

Notably, Polish (1.8%) is overrepresented compared to the regional average of 1.4%, as are Russian (1.0% vs 0.6%) and Croatian (1.5% vs 1.1%) groups.

West Lakes ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

West Lakes has a median age of 54, which is higher than Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 and the national average of 38. The 75-84 age group makes up 14.6% of West Lakes' population, compared to Greater Adelaide's figure and the national average of 6%. Following the 2021 Census, this age group has grown from 12.3% to 14.6%, while the 65-74 cohort has declined from 17.7% to 16.1% and the 55-64 group has dropped from 14.0% to 12.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests West Lakes' age profile will change significantly. The 85+ age cohort is projected to more than double, increasing by 539 people (124%) from 436 to 976. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 77% of total population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 35-44 and 0-4 age cohorts.