Karoonda - Lameroo

Karoonda - Lameroo has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Karoonda - Lameroo's population is around 2,960 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 39 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,921 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,956 in June 2024 and an additional 17 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 0.30 persons per square kilometer. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering projected demographic shifts, lower quartile growth is anticipated for national regional areas. The area is expected to increase by 82 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 2.6% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Karoonda - Lameroo, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Karoonda-Lameroo has seen approximately 14 new home approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 70 homes. As of FY26, there have been 0 recorded approvals. The population decline in recent years has resulted in adequate development activity relative to other areas, benefiting buyers with more affordable housing options at an average construction cost of $173,000. In the current financial year, $42.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating high levels of local commercial activity.

Compared to the rest of South Australia, Karoonda-Lameroo records about three-quarters the building activity per person and ranks among the 36th percentile nationally, offering limited housing choices for buyers but supporting demand for existing homes. All new construction in the area has been detached houses, maintaining its traditional low density character with a focus on family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 480 people, reflecting its quiet development environment.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Karoonda-Lameroo is forecasted to gain 78 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Karoonda - Lameroo has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 16thth percentile nationally

No changes can influence an area's performance more than alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Key projects include SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts, SA Public Housing Maintenance and Services Contracts, Project EnergyConnect, and EnergyConnect, with the following list detailing those likely to be most relevant.

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

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Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.0%, Karoonda - Lameroo has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Karoonda-Lameroo has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation as of September 2025. The unemployment rate is 3.0%, with an employment figure of 1,543 residents.

This rate is 2.3% lower than Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%. Workforce participation stands at 57.9%. Dominant sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has a particularly high employment share, at 3.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, manufacturing shows lower representation at 1.9% compared to the regional average of 9.3%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data analysis. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force increased by 1.3%, while employment declined by 0.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Karoonda-Lameroo's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.3% over five years and 10.3% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The Karoonda - Lameroo SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $42,284 and an average income of $47,531 in the financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than national averages; Rest of SA's median income was $46,889 with an average income of $56,582. By September 2025, estimated incomes are approximately $47,709 (median) and $53,629 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022. The 2021 Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Karoonda - Lameroo falling between the 12th and 18th percentiles nationally. The $800 - 1,499 earnings band captures 28.2% of the community (834 individuals), unlike surrounding regions where 27.5% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Housing costs are modest with 94.1% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 23rd percentile nationally.

Karoonda - Lameroo is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Karoonda - Lameroo, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.6% houses and 3.4% other dwellings. Non-Metro SA had 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Karoonda - Lameroo was 54.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 26.6% and rented ones at 18.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $661, lower than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,083. Median weekly rent in the area was $160, compared to Non-Metro SA's $220. Nationally, Karoonda - Lameroo's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $661 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $160 compared to the national figure of $375.

Karoonda - Lameroo features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 63.5% of all households, including 23.5% couples with children, 32.5% couples without children, and 5.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 36.5%, with lone person households at 34.8% and group households comprising 1.5% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of SA average of 2.3.

Karoonda - Lameroo faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 13.3%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common (10.4%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 37.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.0%) and certificates (28.4%). Educational participation is high at 25.9%, comprising primary education (12.1%), secondary education (8.1%), and tertiary education (1.2%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.1% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 1.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis indicates six active public transport stops operating within the Karoonda - Lameroo area. These stops are served by a mix of buses along four individual routes, collectively offering 25 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 10859 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages three trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately four weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Karoonda - Lameroo is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Karoonda-Lameroo faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~1,361 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.8% and 9.3% of residents respectively. 62.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 61.8% across Rest of SA. The area has 25.1% of residents aged 65 and over (743 people), which is lower than the 26.2% in Rest of SA. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

Karoonda - Lameroo ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Karoonda-Lameroo, as per the census conducted on 9 August 2016, had a cultural diversity index below average. Its population was predominantly Australian citizens, with 85.3% holding citizenship, and 87.6% having been born in Australia. English was spoken at home by 93.2% of residents.

Christianity was the primary religion, practiced by 53.6%, which is lower than the state average of 46.1%. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.0%), English (31.8%), and German (11.6%). Notably, South African ancestry was overrepresented at 1.5% compared to the regional average of 0.2%, while Korean ancestry was present at 0.2% (versus 0.0%) and Dutch ancestry at 1.2% (versus 1.1%).

Karoonda - Lameroo hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Karoonda - Lameroo has a median age of 46, which is close to Rest of SA's figure of 47 and well above Australia's national average of 38 years. The 45-54 age group constitutes 12.5% of the population in Karoonda - Lameroo, higher than Rest of SA's percentage, while the 65-74 cohort makes up 12.3%, slightly lower compared to Rest of SA. According to the Census conducted on 28 August 2021, the 75-84 age group has grown from 7.5% to 9.6% of the population, and the 15-24 cohort increased from 8.9% to 10.5%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort declined from 12.1% to 10.6%, and the 65-74 group decreased from 13.8% to 12.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Karoonda - Lameroo's age profile. The 85+ age cohort is projected to increase markedly, growing by 92 people (97%) from 94 to 187. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 61% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 25-34 cohorts.