Karoonda - Lameroo

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

As of February 2026, Karoonda - Lameroo's population is around 2962. This reflects an increase of 41 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2921. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2956 in June 2024 and an additional 19 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 was primarily driven by overseas migration during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation 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 latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 2.6% 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 around 70 homes. As of FY26, there have been 0 approvals recorded so far. The population decline in recent years has resulted in adequate development activity relative to its size, benefiting buyers with more affordable housing options, as new properties are constructed at an average cost of $173,000, below regional norms. This financial year has seen $42.0 million in commercial development approvals, 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 has been detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population density is around 480 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Karoonda - Lameroo will gain approximately 76 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Karoonda - Lameroo has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 13thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 0 projects that could impact this area. Notable projects include SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts, SA Public Housing Maintenance and Services Contracts, Project EnergyConnect, and EnergyConnect. The following list details those most relevant.

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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%. This is below Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%, and workforce participation stands at 63.2%.

Approximately 18.1% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share 3.6 times the regional level, but manufacturing shows lower representation at 1.9%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work.

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. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment 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.

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 $45,700 and an average income of $53,212 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is lower than the national average, with Rest of SA having a median income of $48,920 and an average income of $58,933. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since the financial year 2023, estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $49,722 (median) and $57,895 (average). According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Karoonda - Lameroo fall between the 12th and 18th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 28.2% of the community earns between $800 and $1,499 (835 individuals), unlike surrounding regions where 27.5% fall within the $1,500 to $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

In Karoonda - Lameroo, as per the latest Census, 96.6% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 3.4% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This is compared to Non-Metro SA's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Karoonda - Lameroo stood at 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 $1,153. The 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 below 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 making up 1.5%. The median household size is 2.2 people, 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 significantly lower than the Australian average, at 13.3% compared to 30.4%. This disparity presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent among residents with higher education qualifications, at 10.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational credentials are also common in the area, with 37.4% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications.

Advanced diplomas account for 9.0% and certificates for 28.4%. Educational participation is 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

Karoonda - Lameroo has six active public transport stops served by two routes offering 17 weekly passenger trips. Residents' access to these stops is limited, with an average distance of 10859 meters to the nearest one. The area's primary mode of commuting outward is car, used by 86% of residents, while 11% walk. On average, there are 1.8 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, 18.1% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency is two trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately two weekly trips per individual stop.

Service frequency averages 2 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 2 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Karoonda - Lameroo are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Karoonda - Lameroo. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were assessed by AreaSearch, showing common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover was found to be extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (around 1,371 people), compared to 48.9% across Rest of SA and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions were arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.8 and 9.3% of residents respectively, while 62.8% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 62.5% across Rest of SA. Working-age residents showed above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area had 25.6% of residents aged 65 and over (757 people), which was lower than the 27.1% in Rest of SA. Health outcomes among seniors were above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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 on 28th August 2016, had a low cultural diversity with 85.3% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (87.6%) and speaking English at home (93.2%). Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 53.6%, compared to 45.2% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.0%), English (31.8%), and German (11.6%).

Notably, South African, Korean, and Dutch ethnicities had higher representations than the regional averages: South African at 1.5% vs 0.2%, Korean at 0.2% vs 0%, and Dutch at 1.2% vs 1.3%.

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

Karoonda-Lameroo has a median age of 46, close to Rest of SA's figure of 47 and above the national average of 38. The 45-54 age group is strongly represented at 13.0%, higher than Rest of SA's percentage, while the 65-74 cohort is less prevalent at 12.5%. Post-2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group grew from 7.5% to 9.8%, and the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 8.9% to 10.5%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 12.1% to 10.3%, and the 65 to 74 group decreased from 13.8% to 12.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Karoonda-Lameroo's age profile will change significantly. The 85+ age cohort is projected to increase by 90 people (94%), from 96 to 187. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 62% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 25 to 34 and 5 to 14 cohorts.