West Lakes Shore

West Lakes Shore has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates, as of Nov 2025, the West Lakes Shore statistical area's population is estimated at around 3,515. This reflects an increase of 279 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,236. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 3,354 following examination of ABS ERP data release in Jun 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This level equates to a density ratio of 2,196 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. The West Lakes Shore's growth rate of 8.6% since census is within 0.1 percentage points of the state's 8.7%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 54.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth for the area.

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, SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering projected demographic shifts, the West Lakes Shore is expected to expand by 482 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 10.1% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within West Lakes Shore when compared nationally

West Lakes Shore has recorded approximately 21 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 109 homes were approved, with a further 22 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, 1.6 new residents arrive per year for each new home built over these five years, indicating balanced supply and demand.

The average construction value of new homes is $510,000, targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This financial year has seen $14.8 million in commercial approvals, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Adelaide, West Lakes Shore shows around 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 77th percentile nationally.

New building activity comprises 65.0% standalone homes and 35.0% townhouses or apartments, offering choices across price ranges. The location has approximately 154 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, West Lakes Shore is expected to grow by 356 residents through to 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

West Lakes Shore has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 35thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified nine projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include West Lakes Shore Masterplan Residential Release, Novo West Lakes Stage 2, West Lakes Public Transport Hub, and West Lakes Sports Complex Upgrade. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant:.

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

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Employment conditions in West Lakes Shore demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

West Lakes Shore has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate in September 2025 was 2.8%, lower than Greater Adelaide's 3.9%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.3%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction has a particularly high share of employment, at 1.3 times the regional level.

Health care & social assistance employs 14.4% of local workers, below Greater Adelaide's 17.7%. Employment levels increased by 4.3% during the year to September 2025, with labour force increasing by 4.1%, causing unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment rise by 3.0%, labour force grow by 2.9%, and unemployment fall by 0.1 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.0%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest West Lakes Shore's employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to local employment mix.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

The suburb of West Lakes Shore had an extremely high national income level according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers was $60,524 and the average income stood at $80,735, compared to Greater Adelaide's figures of $54,808 and $66,852 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $65,850 (median) and $87,840 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in West Lakes Shore cluster around the 54th percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 31.6% of residents (1,110 people), aligning with the region where this cohort likewise represents 31.8%. After housing costs, residents retain 87.6% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

West Lakes Shore is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in West Lakes Shore, as per the latest Census, consisted of 70.7% houses and 29.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Adelaide metro's figures of 66.1% houses and 33.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in West Lakes Shore stood at 49.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.5% and rented ones at 14.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in West Lakes Shore was $390, compared to Adelaide metro's $325. Nationally, West Lakes Shore's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,950 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were also higher at $390 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 75.2% of all households, including 29.6% couples with children, 34.4% couples without children, and 10.7% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 24.8%, with lone person households at 23.1% and group households making up 1.5%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.4.

The educational profile of West Lakes Shore exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

West Lakes Shore trail residents aged 15+ have 25.4% university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. This gap suggests potential for educational development. Bachelor degrees are most common at 16.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 36.3% of residents holding them; advanced diplomas account for 12.0% and certificates for 24.3%.

A substantial 23.4% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 9.2% in primary, 5.5% in secondary, and 4.0% in tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transportation in West Lakes Shore indicates that there are nineteen active transport stops currently operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with fifteen individual routes in total providing 474 weekly passenger trips collectively. The accessibility to these services is rated as excellent, with residents typically situated approximately 160 meters from the nearest transport stop.

On average, service frequency across all routes stands at sixty-seven trips per day, equating to roughly twenty-four weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in West Lakes Shore are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

West Lakes Shore shows below-average health indicators with common conditions slightly more prevalent across both younger and older age groups compared to average. Private health cover rate is exceptionally high at approximately 59% of the total population (2,069 people), compared to 53.3% across Greater Adelaide.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis impacting 9.1% of residents and asthma affecting 6.7%. 68.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.9% in Greater Adelaide. The area has 28.4% of residents aged 65 and over (998 people), higher than the 20.0% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

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

West Lakes Shore's population exhibits above-average cultural diversity, with 22.9% born overseas and 14.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in West Lakes Shore, accounting for 56.9%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 51.6%. The top three ancestry groups are English (28.2%), Australian (23.2%), and Other (6.9%).

Notably, Russian (1.3% vs regional 0.6%), Polish (1.6% vs 1.4%), and Croatian (1.4% vs 1.1%) groups are overrepresented in West Lakes Shore.

West Lakes Shore hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

West Lakes Shore's median age is 48 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Adelaide's 39 years and the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Adelaide, West Lakes Shore has a higher percentage of residents aged 65-74 (15.8%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (8.8%). This 65-74 age group is also higher than the national average of 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the percentage of residents aged 75 to 84 has grown from 7.5% to 9.7%, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 12.6% to 13.7%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 14.1% to 12.5% and the 65 to 74 group decreased from 17.3% to 15.8%. By 2041, West Lakes Shore is expected to experience notable shifts in its age composition. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 45%, reaching 496 people from the current 340. This demographic aging trend continues as residents aged 65 and older represent 64% of anticipated growth. Conversely, both the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.