🔍

West Lakes

SA 5021 • Greater Adelaide

6,768
Population (2021)
$80,496
Median Household Income
4.49 km²
Area
$370/wk
Median Rent
LakesideRetiree-HavenEstablishedSuburbanQuiet

About West Lakes

West Lakes is a lakeside suburb in Adelaide's western suburbs, situated approximately 12 kilometres west of the CBD within the City of Charles Sturt council area. The suburb is centred around an artificial lake system and has a distinctly mature demographic — with a median age of 54, it is one of the older communities in metropolitan Adelaide, characterised by settled owner-occupiers and long-term residents. The population of 6,768 has grown substantially since 2016, reflecting continued interest in the suburb's waterside lifestyle.

West Lakes offers a relaxed lifestyle centred around its lake foreshore, with walking paths, waterfront properties, and a quiet residential atmosphere that appeals strongly to retirees and downsizers. The suburb has a strong Italian and European heritage, with Italian being among the most common ancestries and contributing to the area's close-knit community character. Good access to retail and services along the surrounding road network, combined with affordable median rents of around $370 per week, ensures the suburb attracts a range of residents alongside its predominantly established community.

West Lakes falls under postcode 5021 and is governed by Charles Sturt Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Lee electorate.

📍 Location

State
South Australia
Postcode
5021
Urban Area
Charles Sturt - Coast
LGA / Council
Charles Sturt
Federal Electorate
Hindmarsh
State Electorate
Lee
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-34.87°, 138.49°
Statistical Area
Greater Adelaide
Area
4.49 km²
Elevation
6m

🏷️ Property Prices March quarter 2026

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

🏡House
$1.67M
16 sales · ▲ 21.1% 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)
$370
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,788
Avg Household Size
2.2 people
Median Age
54 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
1.6%

39 state housing + 8 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Adelaide Metro bus services — Adelaide CBD 30-42 min

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
12 km
By Train
No direct rail; Adelaide Metro bus to Adelaide CBD
By Car (Peak)
22-30 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
14-20 min

🛣️ Adelaide Metro buses and car access via arterial roads

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Local shops and amenities are accessible on foot in this suburban area

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    West Lakes Shopping CentreCnr West Lakes Boulevard & Turner Drive West Lakes 5021 SA
  • Woolworths
    111 West Lakes Boulevard West Lakes 5021 SA
  • ALDI
    Frederick Road 44, West Lakes SA 5021

🎓 Schools

No schools listed for this postcode.

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
5,787
Census 2021
6,768
▲ 17.0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$34,528
Personal Income 2021
$41,132
▲ 19.1% 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
$41,132 / yr
$791/wk
Household
$80,496 / yr
$1548/wk
Family
$106,496 / yr
$2048/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 4,830
Born Overseas 1,769

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 388
  • 2. Italy 133
  • 3. China 112
  • 4. Germany 80
  • 5. Greece 74
  • 6. Croatia 68
  • 7. India 60
  • 8. South Africa 49
  • 9. Poland 44
  • 10. Scotland 43

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 2,532
Australian 1,913
Italian 752
Scottish 578
Irish 518
German 457
Greek 273
Chinese 234
Polish 159
Croatian 135

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

3,339
Both parents born in Australia
2,407
Both parents born overseas
752
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
59.6%
No Religion
33.6%
Buddhism
0.9%
Islam
0.6%
Hinduism
0.4%
Sikhism
0.4%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
227 (3.4%)
5-14 years
533 (7.9%)
15-19 years
274 (4.0%)
20-24 years
308 (4.6%)
25-34 years
662 (9.8%)
35-44 years
646 (9.5%)
45-54 years
729 (10.8%)
55-64 years
947 (14.0%)
65-74 years
1,195 (17.7%)
75-84 years
833 (12.3%)
85+ years
409 (6.0%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is West Lakes known for? +

West Lakes is a lakeside suburb in Adelaide's western suburbs, situated approximately 12 kilometres west of the CBD within the City of Charles Sturt council area. West Lakes offers a relaxed lifestyle centred around its lake foreshore, with walking paths, waterfront properties, and a quiet residential atmosphere that appeals strongly to retirees and downsizers.

How far is West Lakes from Adelaide CBD? +

West Lakes is approximately 12 kilometres from Adelaide CBD, with a typical drive taking around 14-22 minutes depending on traffic and route taken.

Does West Lakes have public transport? +

West Lakes 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 West Lakes? +

According to the 2021 Census, West Lakes has a population of approximately 6,768 residents, reflecting a well-established community. The suburb falls within the Charles Sturt (City) local government area.

Is West Lakes a good place to live? +

West Lakes offers a comfortable suburban lifestyle with access to local parks, shops, and community services. It suits a broad range of residents including families, professionals, and retirees looking for a connected and well-serviced neighbourhood.

What is the postcode for West Lakes? +

The postcode for West Lakes, SA is 5021. This postcode covers West Lakes and may also serve nearby localities within the same postcode zone.

What is the average income in West Lakes? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in West Lakes is about $791 per week (around $41,100 per year). The median household income is $1,548 per week and the median family income is $2,048 per week.

What is the median house price in West Lakes? +

As of March quarter 2026, the median house price is $1,667,500, up 21.1% year-on-year. Figures are based on Office of the Valuer-General SA — Metropolitan Median House Sales.

What is the age profile of West Lakes? +

The median age in West Lakes is 54. The largest age group is 65–74 (1,195 residents, around 18%). Around 15% of residents are under 20 and about 36% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in West Lakes? +

In West Lakes, the median weekly rent is $370, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,788 (2021 Census).