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

The population of West Lakes Shore, as estimated by AreaSearch using ABS updates and new addresses validated since Nov 2025, is around 3,436. This represents an increase of 200 people from the 2021 Census figure of 3,236, reflecting a growth rate of 6.2%. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 3,397 in June 2024 and seven additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,147 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. West Lakes Shore's growth rate is close to the state's average, differing by only 0.9 percentage points. Overseas migration contributed approximately 54.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in the suburb.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and for areas not covered by this data or years post-2032, it adopts the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category from 2023 based on 2021 data, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods. Based on these projections, West Lakes Shore is expected to experience above median population growth compared to other statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch. By 2041, the suburb is projected to expand by 486 persons, reflecting a total gain of 12.8% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees West Lakes Shore recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows West Lakes Shore recorded around 23 residential properties granted approval annually. Approximately 117 homes were approved over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with four more approved in FY-26 so far. On average, 1.5 new residents arrived per new home each year between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating balanced supply and demand, stable market conditions, and an average construction value of $510,000, slightly above the regional average.

This financial year has seen $4.1 million in commercial approvals registered, suggesting a residential character for the area. Compared to Greater Adelaide, West Lakes Shore shows 17.0% lower construction activity per person but ranks among the 75th percentile nationally. New building activity consists of 68.0% standalone homes and 32.0% townhouses or apartments, offering varied housing types across price ranges.

The location has approximately 161 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, West Lakes Shore is expected to grow by 439 residents through to 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects likely to affect the area. Key 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 most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in West Lakes Shore exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

West Lakes Shore has a skilled workforce with an unemployment rate of 3.1% as of June 2025. This is 0.9% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%.

The area experienced employment growth of 2.9% over the past year, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025, there are 1,747 residents in work and workforce participation is similar to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key industries of employment among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction is particularly specialized with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance employs just 14.4% of local workers, below Greater Adelaide's 17.7%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.9%, while the labour force grew by 3.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points in West Lakes Shore. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment rise by 2.1% and the labour force grow by 2.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within West Lakes Shore. Over five years, national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6%, with local employment projected to increase by 6.4%. Over ten years, national employment is expected to grow by 13.7%, while West Lakes Shore's employment is projected to rise by 13.3%. These projections are based on simple weighting extrapolation and do not account for localized population projections.

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

West Lakes Shore has a high national income level, according to AreaSearch data from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for the financial year ending June 2022. The median income among taxpayers in West Lakes Shore was $60,524, with an average income of $80,735. This compares to Greater Adelaide's figures of $52,592 and $64,886 respectively for the same period. Based on a 12.83% increase in wages since June 2022, as indicated by the Wage Price Index, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $68,289 (median) and $91,093 (average). The 2021 Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in West Lakes Shore are at the 54th percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that the majority of residents, 31.6% or 1,085 people, fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 income bracket after tax, aligning with regional trends where this cohort also represents 31.8%. After accounting for housing costs, residents retain 87.6% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's Socio-Economic Indexes For Areas (SEIFA) income ranking places it in the 7th decile nationally.

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

West Lakes Shore's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 70.7% houses and 29.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Adelaide metro's 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 figure was $390, compared to Adelaide metro's $325. Nationally, West Lakes Shore's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 24.8%, with lone person households at 23.1% and group households comprising 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 has 25.4% of residents aged 15 and above holding university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 36.3% of residents aged 15 and above holding them - advanced diplomas account for 12.0% and certificates for 24.3%. In total, 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.

West Lakes Shore School serves the local community with an enrollment of 551 students as of a recent report. The school focuses on primary education, with ICSEA score indicating above-average socio-educational conditions (1056). Secondary educational options are available in nearby areas.

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

Transport analysis shows 19 active transport stops operating in West Lakes Shore. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totaling 15 individual routes. They collectively provide 474 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 160 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 67 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 24 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 outcomes with common conditions slightly more prevalent across both younger and older age groups compared to average. Private health cover stands at approximately 59% of the total population (2,022 people), higher than Greater Adelaide's 52.8%.

The most frequent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 9.1 and 6.7% respectively. 68.4% report no medical ailments, similar to Greater Adelaide's 68.9%. West Lakes Shore has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 28.4% (975 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 20.0%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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

West Lakes Shore's population showed above-average cultural diversity, with 22.9% born overseas and 14.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 56.9%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 51.6%. The top three ancestry groups were English (28.2%), Australian (23.2%), and Other (6.9%).

Notably, Russian (1.3%) and Polish (1.6%) populations were higher than the regional averages of 0.6% and 1.4%, respectively. Croatian ancestry was also slightly overrepresented at 1.4%.

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

West Lakes Shore has a median age of 47, which is higher than Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 and the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent, making up 15.8% of the population, compared to 8.8% for the 25-34 group. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is higher than the national average of 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 75 to 84 age group 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, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in West Lakes Shore's age structure. The 75 to 84 age group is expected to grow by 49% (162 people), reaching 496 from 333. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 59% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0 to 4 and 65 to 74 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.