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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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West Lakes Shore has an estimated 3,150 residents, down from 3,236 at the 2021 Census — a change of 86 people, or 2.7%. The population has thinned by an average 0.6% a year over five years, slower than 98% of areas nationally. That puts 1,969 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Recent figures compiled by AreaSearch utilizing ABS regional demographic updates and newly confirmed residential addresses indicate that West Lakes Shore has a residency of approximately 3,150 people as of May 2026. This represents a contraction of 86 individuals (2.7%) from the 2021 Census registry of 3,236 residents. The adjustment was calculated using the June 2025 ABS Estimated Resident Population release alongside 7 validated new addresses registered since the Census. With this headcount, the locality maintains a density of 1,968 persons per square kilometer, outstripping the standard concentration across assessed Australian locales.
International migration served as the principal driver of demographic expansion, accounting for 54.0% of the total resident inflows over the recent observation interval. Future demographic trajectories leverage official 2024 projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia, using 2022 as the base observation year, supplemented by 2023 South Australian state government projections by age bracket where localized SA2 projections are unavailable. Long-term regional growth figures are aggregated to the SA2 level using weighted scaling methods. Future growth for the suburb of West Lakes Shore is anticipated to settle slightly below the national median, with projections indicating a rise of 281 residents by 2041, representing a cumulative increase of 8.9% over a 16-year horizon.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
76 new dwellings have been approved in West Lakes Shore over the past five years, an average of 15 a year. That is 4.7 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 1, well below that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
An evaluation of ABS building approval trends within the suburb of West Lakes Shore reveals a historical rate of approximately 15 new home approvals annually, translating to 76 residential approvals across the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, and a single approval recorded in FY-26. Amidst recent population declines, this volume of construction suggests supply has kept pace with local demand to support home seekers. Developers appear focused on upmarket builds, with the average projected construction cost of approved residences sitting at $510,000. Additionally, commercial development projects totaling $14.8 million have secured approval during the current financial year.
Construction intensity per capita within the suburb of West Lakes Shore is roughly half the rate recorded across Greater Adelaide, placing the suburb in the 7th percentile of all analyzed locations nationwide, which constrains selection for purchasers and bolsters demand for established housing stock. Detached houses constitute 80.0% of the newly approved dwellings, while townhouses and apartments make up the remaining 20.0%, indicating a preservation of the low-density suburban aesthetic. Reflecting the mature nature of the local market, the ratio of residents to new dwelling approvals stands at approximately 3,170 people. Long-term forecasts point to an increase of 281 residents in the suburb of West Lakes Shore by 2041, based on the latest quarterly calculations. Current construction trajectories indicate that residential developers are positioned to accommodate this expansion, maintaining favorable purchasing conditions and potentially paving the way for growth numbers to exceed current predictions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around West Lakes Shore
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 2 current infrastructure and development projects inside West Lakes Shore, worth an estimated $535 million. A further 22 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $1.18 billion. 8 are already under construction and 8 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and sports & recreation. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects and planning changes influence regional growth. AreaSearch has identified 9 projects that are expected to impact the local area. Key developments include the West Lakes Shore Masterplan Residential Release, Novo West Lakes Stage 2, the West Lakes Public Transport Hub, and the West Lakes Sports Complex Upgrade.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
West Lakes Shore Masterplan Residential Release
Renewal SA's West Lakes Shore residential land release is in its final delivery stages, creating around 120 waterfront residential allotments with new public open space, landscaped reserves and upgraded local infrastructure. Civil works and home construction continue across the remaining stages.
Novo West Lakes Stage 2
Novo West Lakes is a master-planned community situated on the former SA Water wastewater treatment site. Developed by Potentia, the project delivers up to 500 residential properties including townhouses, houses, and land lots, alongside around 3 hectares of public open spaces and a proposed retail precinct on Frederick Road. Earthworks and civil works for Stage 2 (Parkside) are underway, and the overall completion is estimated for mid-2027.
West Lakes Sports Complex Upgrade
Major upgrade to West Lakes Sports Complex including new playing fields, clubhouse facilities, and spectator amenities.
Quest Hotel Port Adelaide (Second Quest) and Large Retail Precinct
This significant redevelopment by One SMG (Neville Smith Group) features a second $35 million Quest Hotel apartment complex at 10-12 North Parade, providing 88-90 serviced guest suites with river views, gym, and conference facilities. Complementing the hotel is a large-format retail and commercial hub at 271 Commercial Road, spanning approximately 5,860 sqm. The precinct focuses on urban renewal, adaptive reuse of heritage elements like Customs House, and improved pedestrian connectivity to the Port River waterfront.Construction on the retail component is scheduled to commence around late 2025/early 2026 following development approval in August 2025.
West Lakes Marina Upgrade
Concept to upgrade lakeside berthing and public access infrastructure around the Aquatic Reserve at West Lakes, including additional small-craft berths, amenity upgrades to the boat launch area used by paddle sports, and foreshore improvements. No authoritative government project page found; enquiries directed to City of Charles Sturt as asset manager for West Lakes recreation facilities.
West Lakes Tennis Club Redevelopment
Major upgrade and expansion of the West Lakes Tennis Club facility including a brand-new clubhouse, additional hard courts, upgraded LED lighting, and modernized community amenities delivered in partnership between the club and local council.
West Lakes Boulevard Road Management Plan and Footpath Upgrade
The South Australian Department for Infrastructure and Transport is progressing the West Lakes Boulevard Road Management Plan to identify staged improvements for safety, traffic operations, pedestrian and cycling access along the corridor. Separate funded footpath upgrade works are scheduled during 2026, while broader road upgrades remain subject to future funding.
West Lakes Public Transport Hub
Proposed integrated public transport hub and upgrades for the West Lakes area, intended to consolidate the existing West Lakes Centre Interchange and add park-and-ride capacity. It is being evaluated as part of the West Lakes Boulevard Road Management Plan (RMP). The SA Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) is progressing planning for the corridor. Currently, there is no committed funding for delivery beyond the planning phase.
1,635 residents of West Lakes Shore are employed, from a labour force of 1,673. Unemployment sits at 2.3%, with participation at 64.1%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.4% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 2,558, about 81% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
A highly trained labor force characterizes the suburb of West Lakes Shore, with strong representation in vital services, an unemployment rate of 2.3%, and an estimated annual job growth rate of 4.5% according to aggregated local data. Jobholders totaled 1,635 as of March 2026, while the local unemployment rate sits 1.6% lower than the Greater Adelaide benchmark of 3.8%. The workforce participation rate is recorded at 64.1%, trailing the Greater Adelaide mark of 66.6%. Census files show that 14.8% of local workers operated from home, though this figure was influenced by public health restrictions.
The primary employment sectors for local residents consist of healthcare & social assistance, construction, and retail. Construction exhibits the highest degree of specialization, with a local employment share 1.3 times the Greater Adelaide average. Conversely, healthcare & social assistance accommodates 14.4% of the local workforce, a smaller proportion than the 17.7% recorded regionally. Comparison of Census employment data against resident numbers indicates that this residential enclave provides few local jobs. Aggregated data from the ABS and SALM databases show that during the year leading to March 2026, the employed population in the suburb of West Lakes Shore grew by 4.5% while the total labor force expanded by 3.6%, resulting in a 0.9 percentage point drop in unemployment. By comparison, Greater Adelaide experienced a 4.2% rise in employment, a 4.0% increase in the labor force, and a 0.2 percentage point drop in unemployment. Future labor market requirements can be analyzed using the May-25 Jobs and Skills Australia projections. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with performance varying by sector. Mapping these national projections onto the local sector mix suggests employment for residents of the suburb of West Lakes Shore could grow by 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in West Lakes Shore is $1,758 a week (about $91,000 a year), with median personal income at $849 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $60,524 a year against an average of $80,735. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Taxpayer income records from the ATO for the 2023 financial year show that the suburb of West Lakes Shore ranks exceptionally high on a national scale. Median annual earnings for taxpayers in the area reached $60,524, while average annual earnings were $80,735, compared to Greater Adelaide benchmarks of $54,808 and $66,852. Adjusting these figures for a 10.17% increase in the Wage Price Index since the 2023 financial year yields estimated earnings of $66,679 for the median and $88,946 for the average as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual incomes sit at the 54th percentile nationally.
The most common income band is the $1,500 - 2,999 range, containing 31.6% of residents (995 people), which corresponds to the wider region's rate of 31.8%. After meeting housing expenses, local households retain 87.6% of their income, indicating robust purchasing capacity, and the area is situated in the 7th decile for SEIFA economic resources.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
West Lakes Shore had 1,279 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 71% detached houses and 1% apartments. 36% are owned with a mortgage, 15% rented and 50% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $390 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,950 a month. Rent absorbs 22.2% of household income here and mortgage repayments 25.6%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Census data reveals that houses represent 70.7% of the residential options in the suburb of West Lakes Shore, with semi-detached structures, units, and alternative dwellings accounting for the other 29.4%, compared to the Adelaide metropolitan breakdown of 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership is strong, with 49.7% of residents owning their properties outright, while 35.5% pay mortgages and 14.8% rent. The median mortgage payment of $1,950 per month is higher than the Adelaide metro median of $1,562, and the median weekly rent of $390 exceeds the regional average of $320.
These figures also surpass the national averages, which stand at $1,863 for monthly mortgages and $375 for weekly rent.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
West Lakes Shore counted 1,279 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.5 people each. 30% are couples with children, against 34% couples without children. 23% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.6 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families comprise 75.2% of the local households, consisting of 29.6% couples with children, 34.4% couples without children, and 10.7% single parents. Single-person households make up 23.1% and group households represent 1.5% of the total, with non-family households combining for 24.8% of the mix. The median occupancy of 2.5 residents per home matches the Greater Adelaide average.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
25.4% of adults in West Lakes Shore hold a university qualification, including 16.4% with a bachelor degree and 6.3% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 24.3% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 551 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,056 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
The proportion of residents in the suburb of West Lakes Shore holding university degrees is 25.4%, which is lower than the national benchmark of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 16.4%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 6.3% and graduate diplomas at 2.7%. Vocational education is common, with 36.3% of residents aged 15+ holding trade qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas at 12.0% and certificates at 24.3%. A total of 23.4% of local residents are enrolled in studies, with primary school pupils representing 9.2%, high school students comprising 5.5%, and tertiary students making up 4.0% of the population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in West Lakes Shore reaches 19 stops on 15 routes, timetabled for about 470 services a week. The typical home sits about 160 m from its nearest stop. Households keep an average of 1.5 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
A network of 19 public transport stops, utilizing bus services, operates within the suburb of West Lakes Shore. These stops are served by 15 separate routes, which provide 474 weekly passenger trips. Average distance to the nearest stop is 160 meters, indicating high accessibility. Private vehicles remain the primary commuting method, used by 92% of working residents, with average vehicle ownership at 1.5 per household. Working from home was recorded for 14.8% of residents in the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by public health restrictions. Services average 67 trips per day across the network, providing approximately 24 weekly departures from each individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
68.4% of residents in West Lakes Shore report no long-term health condition, a healthier profile than 79% of areas nationally. 5.7% need daily assistance with core activities, and 58.9% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 3.9 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Low mortality rates and a low prevalence of chronic conditions among both younger and older cohorts indicate strong health profiles in the suburb of West Lakes Shore. Private health coverage is exceptionally common, held by approximately 59% of the population (1,854 people), compared to 52.7% across Greater Adelaide. Arthritis and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 9.1% and 6.7% of residents. Meanwhile, 68.4% of residents reported having no chronic health issues, compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. Residents under the age of 65 experience favorable health outcomes. The cohort aged 65 and over represents 27.6% of the population (869 people), which is higher than the Greater Adelaide figure of 19.2%.
The health profiles of these older residents match national standards.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
West Lakes Shore is largely Australian-born, at 77.1% of residents, with 14.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (28.2%) and Australian (23.2%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
The suburb of West Lakes Shore has higher than average levels of cultural diversity, with 22.9% of residents born overseas and 14.4% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 56.9% of the population, compared to 42.4% across Greater Adelaide. The most common ancestries in the suburb of West Lakes Shore are English (28.2%), Australian (23.2%), and Other (6.9%). Certain European groups show higher representation locally than regionally: Russian ancestry is recorded at 1.3% of the population (compared to 0.3% regionally), Polish at 1.6% (compared to 1.0%), and Croatian at 1.4% (compared to 0.5%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of West Lakes Shore is 47, older than 88% of areas nationally. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 18.1% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of 47 in the suburb of West Lakes Shore is higher than the Greater Adelaide average of 39 and the national average of 38. The 65 - 74 age group is prominent at 15.0% of the population, while the 25 - 34 bracket is smaller at 8.6% compared to the Adelaide metropolitan area. The local proportion of 65 - 74 year-olds is higher than the national rate of 9.4%. Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 cohort has grown from 7.5% to 10.0%, while the 65 to 74 cohort decreased from 17.3% to 15.0%, and the 55 to 64 group declined from 14.1% to 12.3%.
Projections for 2041 indicate that the 75 to 84 cohort will increase by 34% (106 people) to reach 421 from 315. Residents aged 65 and over are expected to account for 61% of total population growth, while the 35 to 44 and 0 to 4 groups are projected to contract.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for West Lakes Shore
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Jun 2026 2 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Jun 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 7 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (3,236 at the 2021 Census → 3,150 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL41569). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.