Happy Valley

SA 5159 • Greater Adelaide

11,420
Population (2021)
$81,796
Median Household Income
13.08 km²
Area
$360/wk
Median Rent
FoothillsFamily-FriendlyEstablishedNature Access

About Happy Valley

Happy Valley is an established suburb 18 kilometres south of Adelaide's CBD in the City of Onkaparinga. The suburb sits in the foothills, offering elevated living with views towards the coast. The Happy Valley Reservoir provides a scenic backdrop.

Hills proximity and family character define Happy Valley—bushland access, established homes, and strong community appeal to those seeking southern Adelaide lifestyle. The suburb attracts families and older residents who appreciate space and nature.

Happy Valley falls under postcode 5159 and is governed by Onkaparinga Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Davenport electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
5159
Urban Area
Onkaparinga - Central North
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-35.07°, 138.58°
Statistical Area
Greater Adelaide
Area
13.08 km²
Elevation
147m

🏷️ Property Prices March quarter 2026

Median sale prices in Happy Valley for the March quarter 2026. Median house sale prices published by the Office of the Valuer-General SA (Adelaide metropolitan area).

🏡House
$910K
33 sales · ▲ 14% YoY

Source: Office of the Valuer-General SA — Metropolitan Median House Sales. Houses only — South Australia does not publish a unit/apartment series. Medians are for the latest quarter; year-on-year change is shown only where both quarters had at least 10 sales.

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$360
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,517
Avg Household Size
2.5 people
Median Age
42 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
0.3%

7 state housing + 6 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Local bus services — Adelaide CBD Varies

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
16 km
By Train
Train access via local station
By Car (Peak)
25-45 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
20-35 min

🛣️ Located 16 km from Adelaide CBD

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Some errands can be done on foot near the local centre, but most residents rely on a car for daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
11,219
Census 2021
11,420
1.8% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$34,996
Personal Income 2021
$40,196
14.9% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$40,196 / yr
$773/wk
Household
$81,796 / yr
$1573/wk
Family
$101,972 / yr
$1961/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 9,019
Born Overseas 2,125

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 945
  • 2. Scotland 97
  • 3. South Africa 88
  • 4. New Zealand 83
  • 5. India 73
  • 6. Netherlands 73
  • 7. Philippines 69
  • 8. Germany 53
  • 9. China 47
  • 10. Poland 34

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 5,598
Australian 4,511
Scottish 1,212
Irish 1,027
German 1,007
Italian 303
Dutch 294
Chinese 137
Greek 132
Welsh 125

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

6,729
Both parents born in Australia
2,829
Both parents born overseas
1,565
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
54.7%
Christianity
38.4%
Islam
0.6%
Buddhism
0.6%
Hinduism
0.4%
Sikhism
0.2%
Judaism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
634 (5.6%)
5-14 years
1,308 (11.5%)
15-19 years
674 (5.9%)
20-24 years
546 (4.8%)
25-34 years
1,356 (11.9%)
35-44 years
1,512 (13.2%)
45-54 years
1,397 (12.2%)
55-64 years
1,414 (12.4%)
65-74 years
1,544 (13.5%)
75-84 years
721 (6.3%)
85+ years
318 (2.8%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Happy Valley known for? +

Happy Valley is a well-established residential suburb in Onkaparinga, SA, with a population of approximately 11,420 residents. The suburb is valued for its local schools, parks, and community facilities.

How far is Happy Valley from Adelaide CBD? +

Happy Valley is approximately 16 kilometres from Adelaide CBD, typically a 20-35 min drive outside peak hours.

Does Happy Valley have public transport? +

Happy Valley is served by local bus services connecting to the broader SA network. Nearby train stations provide access to Adelaide CBD.

What is the population of Happy Valley? +

According to the 2021 Census, Happy Valley has a population of approximately 11,420 residents.

Is Happy Valley a good place to live? +

Happy Valley offers a practical and liveable lifestyle with local schools, parks, and shopping. With a median income around $48,415, it attracts a broad demographic mix.

What is the postcode for Happy Valley? +

The postcode for Happy Valley, SA is 5159.

What is the average income in Happy Valley? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Happy Valley is about $773 per week (around $40,200 per year). The median household income is $1,573 per week and the median family income is $1,961 per week.

What is the median house price in Happy Valley? +

As of March quarter 2026, the median house price is $909,750, up 14% year-on-year. Figures are based on Office of the Valuer-General SA — Metropolitan Median House Sales.

What is the age profile of Happy Valley? +

The median age in Happy Valley is 42. The largest age group is 65–74 (1,544 residents, around 14%). Around 23% of residents are under 20 and about 23% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in Happy Valley? +

In Happy Valley, the median weekly rent is $360, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,517 (2021 Census).