Karoonda - Lameroo

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

Karoonda - Lameroo's population is approximately 2,946 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 25 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,921. The change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data: 2,944 in June 2025 and an additional 18 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 0.30 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed approximately 93.0% of overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For uncovered areas and years post-2032, SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data and adjusted using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Projected demographic shifts suggest lower quartile growth for national regional areas. By 2041, the area is expected to increase by 72 persons, reflecting a total increase of 2.4% over the 16 years based on latest annual ERP population numbers.

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 homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 70 homes. As of FY26, there have been 0 approvals recorded so far. The population has declined in recent years, but development activity has remained adequate relative to this decline, benefiting buyers with more affordable housing options, as new properties are constructed at an average value 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 more limited choices for buyers but supporting demand for existing homes. All new construction has been 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 population per dwelling approval is 480 people.

Population forecasts indicate Karoonda - Lameroo will gain 70 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 12thth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like modifications to local infrastructure, substantial projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been pinpointed by AreaSearch as probable influencers on this area. Notable projects encompass SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts 2024-28, SA Housing Trust Maintenance Contracts Review and Service Program, Project EnergyConnect, and EnergyConnect, with the subsequent list detailing those likely to be most pertinent.

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 with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 3.2% in December 2025. Employment grew by an estimated 1.7% over the past year.

As of December 2025, 1,556 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.5%, lower than Regional SA's rate of 5.7%. Workforce participation was 64.5%, higher than Regional SA's 58.3%. According to Census responses in December 2025, 18.1% of residents worked from home. Dominant employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

The area has a strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 3.6 times the regional level. Manufacturing representation is lower at 1.9% compared to the regional average of 9.3%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.7%, labour force by 3.2%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 1.4 percentage points. In contrast, Regional SA experienced employment growth of 0.7% and a larger unemployment rise of 2.2 percentage points over the same period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. 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 of $53,212 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages, with Regional SA's median income being $48,920 and average income at $58,933. By March 2026, estimates suggest a median income of approximately $50,348 and an average of $58,624, based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Karoonda - Lameroo fall between the 12th and 18th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The $800 - 1,499 earnings band captures 28.2% of the community (830 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

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 compares to Regional 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 Regional SA's average of $1,153. The median weekly rent in Karoonda - Lameroo was $160, significantly lower than the Regional SA figure of $220 and the national average of $375. Nationally, mortgage repayments were $1,863 on average.

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

Family households account for 63.5% of all households, consisting of 23.5% couples with children, 32.5% couples without children, and 5.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute 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, 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's university qualification rate is 13.3%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 37.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.0%) and certificates (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. Transport accessibility is limited with residents typically located 10859 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, predominantly by car (86%) or walking (11%). Average vehicle ownership is 1.8 per dwelling, above the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 18.1% of residents work from home. Service frequency averages 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 as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions were found to be slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover was extremely low, at approximately 46% of the total population (~1,363 people), compared to 48.9% in Regional SA and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions were arthritis (impacting 9.8% of residents) and asthma (9.3%), while 62.8% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 62.5% across Regional SA. Working-age residents showed above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area had 25.8% of residents aged 65 and over (760 people), lower than the 27.1% in Regional 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 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, compared to 45.2% across Regional SA. In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are Australian (33.0%), English (31.8%), and German (11.6%).

Notably, South Australian ethnicity is overrepresented at 1.5% in Karoonda-Lameroo compared to 0.2% regionally, Korean at 0.2% versus 0.0%, and Dutch at 1.2% versus 1.3%.

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

Karoonda - Lameroo has a median age of 46, close to Regional SA's figure of 47 and above the national average of 38. The 45-54 age group makes up 12.1% of the population, compared to Regional SA. The 65-74 cohort is less prevalent at 12.6%. Post the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group grew from 7.5% to 9.8%, and the 15-24 cohort increased from 8.9% to 10.9%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort declined from 12.1% to 10.6%, and the 25-34 group dropped from 11.1% to 9.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Karoonda - Lameroo's age profile. The 85+ cohort is expected to increase by 93 people (93%), from 100 to 194. Notably, combined 65+ age groups will account for 65% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 25-34 and 5-14 cohorts.