Karoonda - Lameroo

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Karoonda - Lameroo's population is around 2,962 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 41 people (1.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,921 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,956 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 19 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 0.30 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering the projected demographic shifts, lower quartile growth of national regional areas is anticipated, with the area expected to increase by 82 persons by 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 around 14 new homes approved annually, totalling 70 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 0 approvals have been recorded. With population declining over recent years, development activity has been adequate in relative terms, a positive for buyers, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $173,000—below regional norms—reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. Additionally, $42.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity.

Compared to the Rest of SA, Karoonda - Lameroo records about three-quarters the building activity per person and places within the 36th percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. Meanwhile, new construction has been completely comprised of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 480 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Karoonda - Lameroo will gain 76 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 0 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts, SA Public Housing Maintenance and Services Contracts, Project EnergyConnect, and EnergyConnect, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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

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Employment performance in Karoonda - Lameroo exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Karoonda - Lameroo has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of only 3.2%, and 1.7% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 1,556 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.5% below Regional SA's rate of 5.7%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (63.9% compared to Regional SA's 58.8%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 18.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area has particular employment specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 3.6 times the regional level. Conversely, manufacturing shows lower representation at 1.9% versus the regional average of 9.3%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.7% and labour force increased by 3.2%, resulting in unemployment rise by 1.4 percentage points. In contrast, Regional SA experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 3.1%, with a 2.2 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Karoonda - Lameroo. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Karoonda - Lameroo's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.3% over five years and 10.3% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Karoonda - Lameroo SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $45,700 and an average of $53,212 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is lower than average on a national basis, contrasting with Regional SA's median income of $48,920 and average income of $58,933. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $49,722 (median) and $57,895 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Karoonda - Lameroo all fall between the 12th and 18th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows the $800 - 1,499 earnings band captures 28.2% of the community (835 individuals), unlike trends in the surrounding region where 27.5% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. While housing costs are modest with 94.1% of income retained, the 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 within Karoonda - Lameroo, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 96.6% houses and 3.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional SA's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Karoonda - Lameroo was well beyond that of Regional SA, at 54.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (26.6%) or rented (18.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional SA average at $661, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $160, compared to Regional SA's $1,153 and $220. Nationally, Karoonda - Lameroo's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 63.5% of all households, comprising 23.5% couples with children, 32.5% couples without children, and 5.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 36.5%, with lone person households at 34.8% and group households comprising 1.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Regional 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (13.3%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 10.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 37.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.0%) and certificates (28.4%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 6 active transport stops operating within Karoonda - Lameroo. These stops are serviced by 2 individual routes, collectively providing 17 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 10859 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 86%, with 11% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 18.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~1,371 people). This compares to 48.9% across Regional SA. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.8% and 9.3% of residents, respectively, while 62.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 62.5% across Regional SA. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 25.6% of residents aged 65 and over (757 people), which is lower than the 27.1% in Regional SA. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than those of 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 85.3% of its population being citizens, 87.6% born in Australia, and 93.2% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Karoonda - Lameroo is Christianity, which makes up 53.6% of people in the area. This compares to 45.2% across Regional SA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Karoonda - Lameroo are Australian, comprising 33.0% of the population, English, comprising 31.8% of the population, and German, comprising 11.6% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: South Australian is notably overrepresented at 1.5% of Karoonda - Lameroo (vs 0.2% regionally), Korean at 0.2% (vs 0.0%) and Dutch at 1.2% (vs 1.3%).

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

With a median age of 46, Karoonda - Lameroo is close to the Regional SA figure of 47 and well above the 38-year national average. The 45 - 54 age group shows strong representation at 13.0% compared to Regional SA, whereas the 65 - 74 cohort is less prevalent at 12.5%. Following the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 7.5% to 9.8% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 8.9% to 10.5%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 12.1% to 10.3% and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 13.8% to 12.5%. Demographic modeling suggests Karoonda - Lameroo's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 85+ age cohort is projected to increase markedly, expanding 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 profile. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 25 to 34 and 5 to 14 cohorts.