🔍

Semaphore

SA 5019 • Greater Adelaide

2,749
Population (2021)
$89,336
Median Household Income
1.06 km²
Area
$320/wk
Median Rent
BeachsideHistoricWalkableCommunityCoastal Charm

About Semaphore

Semaphore is a charming beachside suburb in Adelaide's western suburbs, located 14 kilometres from the CBD in the City of Port Adelaide Enfield. With a population of 2,749 at the 2021 census and a median age of 50, it covers just 1.06 square kilometres at 13 metres elevation on the Gulf St Vincent coast. Established in 1849, Semaphore is one of Adelaide's oldest seaside destinations, known for its iconic jetty, art deco cinema, and vibrant Semaphore Road shopping strip.

Semaphore offers a classic Australian seaside lifestyle with its wide sandy beach, historic jetty (built 1860), and the beloved Odeon Star cinema. Semaphore Road is a thriving strip of cafés, restaurants, boutiques, and the famous Semaphore Palais. The suburb hosts regular markets and community events, maintaining a village-like atmosphere. It attracts retirees, young families, and creatives drawn to the affordable beachside living, strong community spirit, and nostalgic coastal charm.

Semaphore falls under postcode 5019 and is governed by Port Adelaide Enfield Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Port Adelaide electorate.

📍 Location

State
South Australia
Postcode
5019
Urban Area
Port Adelaide - Enfield - Coast
LGA / Council
Port Adelaide Enfield
Federal Electorate
Hindmarsh
State Electorate
Port Adelaide
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-34.84°, 138.48°
Statistical Area
Greater Adelaide
Area
1.06 km²
Elevation
13m

🏷️ Property Prices March quarter 2026

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

🏡House
$1.47M
7 sales · YoY n/a

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)
$320
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,733
Avg Household Size
2.2 people
Median Age
50 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
2.9%

33 state housing + 0 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Semaphore Station (historic, limited)
0.3 km
4 min
Outer Harbor Line stations
2 km
25 min

Bus Services

  • 333, 334 — Adelaide CBD via Port Adelaide 30 min
  • 340 — West Lakes / Arndale 15 min

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
14 km
By Train
25 min (from nearby Glanville/Ethelton on Outer Harbor Line)
By Bus
30 min
By Car (Peak)
25 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
15 min

🛣️ Good public transport access via nearby Outer Harbor train line and bus routes.

Walkability Very Walkable

Excellent walkability with beach, jetty, Semaphore Road shops, cafés, and cinema all within easy walking distance.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,764
Census 2021
2,749
▼ 0.5% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$36,088
Personal Income 2021
$44,564
▲ 23.5% 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
$44,564 / yr
$857/wk
Household
$89,336 / yr
$1718/wk
Family
$122,824 / yr
$2362/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,004
Born Overseas 598

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 219
  • 2. New Zealand 40
  • 3. Scotland 32
  • 4. United States 27
  • 5. Italy 24
  • 6. Germany 22
  • 7. Netherlands 18
  • 8. Philippines 17
  • 9. Poland 11
  • 10. Ireland 10

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,176
Australian 835
Irish 348
Scottish 345
German 230
Italian 190
Dutch 75
Greek 57
Australian Aboriginal 53
Polish 48

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,390
Both parents born in Australia
816
Both parents born overseas
372
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
53.8%
Christianity
36.6%
Islam
1.1%
Buddhism
0.8%
Hinduism
0.3%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
87 (3.2%)
5-14 years
225 (8.2%)
15-19 years
127 (4.6%)
20-24 years
126 (4.6%)
25-34 years
261 (9.5%)
35-44 years
304 (11.1%)
45-54 years
477 (17.4%)
55-64 years
583 (21.2%)
65-74 years
364 (13.2%)
75-84 years
138 (5.0%)
85+ years
53 (1.9%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Semaphore known for? +

Semaphore is a charming beachside suburb in Adelaide's western suburbs, located 14 kilometres from the CBD in the City of Port Adelaide Enfield. Semaphore offers a classic Australian seaside lifestyle with its wide sandy beach, historic jetty (built 1860), and the beloved Odeon Star cinema.

How far is Semaphore from Adelaide CBD? +

Semaphore is approximately 14 kilometres from Adelaide CBD, with a typical drive taking around 17-25 minutes depending on traffic and route taken.

Does Semaphore have public transport? +

Semaphore is connected to the Adelaide CBD via Adelaide Metro bus services. Adelaide Metro train stations are accessible nearby for rail commuters. The suburb is well-served for public transport in the metropolitan Adelaide context.

What is the population of Semaphore? +

According to the 2021 Census, Semaphore has a population of approximately 2,749 residents, a modest but established community. The suburb falls within the Port Adelaide Enfield (City) local government area.

Is Semaphore a good place to live? +

Semaphore is highly appealing to those seeking a coastal lifestyle, with easy access to beaches, waterways, and outdoor recreation. It suits families, retirees, and sea-changers looking for a relaxed pace of life close to nature.

What is the postcode for Semaphore? +

The postcode for Semaphore, SA is 5019. This postcode covers Semaphore and may also serve nearby localities within the same postcode zone.

What is the average income in Semaphore? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Semaphore is about $857 per week (around $44,600 per year). The median household income is $1,718 per week and the median family income is $2,362 per week.

What is the median house price in Semaphore? +

As of March quarter 2026, the median house price is $1,472,500. Figures are based on Office of the Valuer-General SA — Metropolitan Median House Sales.

What is the age profile of Semaphore? +

The median age in Semaphore is 50. The largest age group is 55–64 (583 residents, around 21%). Around 16% of residents are under 20 and about 20% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in Semaphore? +

In Semaphore, the median weekly rent is $320, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,733 (2021 Census).