West Lakes

Population growth drivers in West Lakes are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

The population of the West Lakes statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 7,577 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 809 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,768 people. The change was inferred from the resident population of 7,219 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 1,698 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The West Lakes (SA2) saw a growth of 12.0% since the 2021 census, exceeding both the state's 8.7% and metropolitan area growth rates, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 56.99999999999999% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for the area, expected to increase by 1,534 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 13.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in West Lakes shows an average of 73 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25368 homes were approved, with a further 89 approved so far in FY-26. This averages out to approximately 1.2 people moving to the area for each dwelling built over these five financial years, indicating balanced supply and demand.

The average construction cost value of new homes being built is $496,000, suggesting a focus on premium developments. In terms of commercial development, $20.6 million in approvals have been recorded this financial year, reflecting balanced activity. Compared to Greater Adelaide, West Lakes has moderately higher new home approvals, at 25.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years.

The new development mix consists of 64.0% standalone homes and 36.0% attached dwellings, including townhouses and apartments, catering to various price points. West Lakes has a population growth rate of around 91 people per dwelling approval, indicating growth area characteristics. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is projected to gain 1,053 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond projections.

West Lakes has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 39thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects that may impact this region. 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.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

The employment environment in West Lakes shows above-average strength when compared nationally

West Lakes has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 3.2%, lower than Greater Adelaide's 3.9%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.2%. As of September 2025, there are 3,423 residents in work and the unemployment rate is 0.7% below Greater Adelaide's. Workforce participation lags significantly at 53.2%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.

The area has a notable concentration in rental, hiring & real estate, with employment levels at 2.2 times the regional average. However, health care & social assistance employs only 13.0% of local workers, below Greater Adelaide's 17.7%. Many residents appear to commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.2%, labour force increased by 4.1%, resulting in a 0.2 percentage point decrease in unemployment. In comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 3.0% over the same period. State-level data to 25-Nov shows SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, outperforming the national average of 0.14%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest West Lakes' employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of West Lakes had a median taxpayer income of $56,502 and an average income of $75,094 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is higher than national averages, with Greater Adelaide's median income being $54,808 and average income $66,852. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $61,474 (median) and $81,702 (average), based on an 8.8% growth in wages since financial year 2023. In West Lakes, household, family, and personal incomes ranked modestly between the 38th and 47th percentiles, as per the 2021 Census figures. The $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominated with 30.2% of residents (2,288 people), similar to regional levels where 31.8% fell into this bracket. Housing costs were manageable with 88.2% retained, but disposable income was below average at the 43rd percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 7th decile.

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

In West Lakes, as per the latest Census evaluation, 58.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 42.0% consisting of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types of dwellings. In contrast, Adelaide metro had 66.1% houses and 33.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in West Lakes stood at 54.1%, with mortgaged properties at 28.8% and rented ones at 17.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,788, surpassing the Adelaide metro average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in West Lakes was $370, compared to Adelaide metro's $325. Nationally, West Lakes' mortgage repayments were lower than Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were less 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 comprise the remaining 32.1%, with lone person households at 29.8% and group households making up 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 the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 17.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 5.6% and graduate diplomas at 2.6%. Vocational credentials are held by 33.4% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 11.6% and certificates at 21.8%.

School and university attendance makes up 19.4% of the community, including 6.6% in primary education, 5.0% in secondary education, and 4.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 44 active stops operating in West Lakes. These are served by a mix of buses along 30 routes, offering 1835 weekly passenger trips collectively. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 154 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 262 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 prevalent across all age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 57% (~4,292 people), higher than Greater Adelaide's 53.3%.

The most common conditions are arthritis (11.0%) and mental health issues (6.5%). However, 63.1% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 68.9% in Greater Adelaide. West Lakes has a larger senior population, with 36.8% aged 65 and over (2,788 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 20.0%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are above average, exceeding general population metrics.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in West Lakes was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

West Lakes had a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 26.8% of its population born overseas and 19.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in West Lakes, making up 62.6% of people, compared to 51.6% across Greater Adelaide. The top three ancestry groups were English (28.4%), Australian (21.4%), and Italian (8.4%).

Notably, Polish (1.8%) was overrepresented in West Lakes compared to the regional average of 1.4%, as were Russian (1.0%) and Croatian (1.5%) 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 also above the national average of 38. The 75-84 age group makes up 14.7% of West Lakes' population, compared to Greater Adelaide's figure, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 9.2%. This concentration in the 75-84 age group is higher than the national average of 6.0%. According to the 2021 Census, this age group has grown from 12.3% to 14.7% of West Lakes' population. Conversely, 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%. Demographic modeling suggests that by 2041, West Lakes' age profile will change significantly. The 85+ age cohort is projected to more than double, increasing by 522 people (115%) from 454 to 977. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 82% of total population growth, reflecting West Lakes' aging demographic profile. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 25-34 cohorts.