Waikerie

Waikerie is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Waikerie's population is around 6,897 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 251 people (3.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,646 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,772 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 92 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1.2 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 using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering the projected demographic shifts, lower quartile growth of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is anticipated, with the area expected to expand by 63 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a decrease of 0.9% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Waikerie recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Waikerie has averaged around 44 new dwelling approvals per year, totalling 224 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 31 approvals have been recorded. As the area has experienced population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice, while new homes are being built at an average value of $269,000. Additionally, $7.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, supporting the area's residential character.

Compared to the Rest of SA, Waikerie shows moderately higher building activity (13.0% above the regional average per person over the 5 year period), preserving reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. Meanwhile, recent building activity consists entirely of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 130 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market.

With the population expected to remain stable or decline, Waikerie should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Waikerie has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 10thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 5 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Morgan Whyalla Pipeline Renewal, Solar River Energy Project, Robertstown Solar Project, and Project 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.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment performance in Waikerie has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Waikerie features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of 5.1%, and 1.5% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 3,101 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.6% below Regional SA's rate of 5.7%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (56.4% compared to Regional SA's 58.8%). Based on Census responses, a low 10.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area has a particular employment specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level. On the other hand, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 9.9% of Waikerie's workforce compared to 13.9% in Regional SA. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 1.5% alongside the labour force increasing by 3.4%, resulting in unemployment rising by 1.8 percentage points. By comparison, Regional SA recorded employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 3.1%, with unemployment rising 2.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Waikerie. 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 Waikerie's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.7% over five years and 10.8% 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 Waikerie SA2's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Waikerie SA2's median income among taxpayers is $45,316 and the average income stands at $51,636, which compares to figures for Regional SA's of $48,920 and $58,933 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $49,304 (median) and $56,180 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Waikerie all fall between the 4th and 10th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows the $400 - 799 earnings band captures 30.5% of the community (2,103 individuals), diverging from regional levels where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 27.5%. While housing costs are modest with 89.1% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 8th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure within Waikerie, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 92.1% houses and 7.8% 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 Waikerie was well beyond that of Regional SA, at 46.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (30.4%) or rented (22.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional SA average at $953, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $200, compared to Regional SA's $1,153 and $220. Nationally, Waikerie's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 64.7% of all households, comprising 21.2% couples with children, 33.9% couples without children, and 8.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 35.3%, with lone person households at 32.7% and group households comprising 2.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Regional SA average of 2.3.

Waikerie 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 (9.8%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 7.5%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.2%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.1%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 39.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.4%) and certificates (30.7%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.3% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 1.1% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Waikerie faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~3,179 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 11.8 and 8.0% of residents, respectively, while 62.2% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 62.5% across Regional SA. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 30.2% of residents aged 65 and over (2,080 people), which is higher than the 27.1% in Regional SA. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

Waikerie is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Waikerie was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 85.2% of its population being citizens, 87.9% born in Australia, and 94.2% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Waikerie is Christianity, which makes up 49.8% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 1.8% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Regional SA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Waikerie are Australian, comprising 31.6% of the population, English, comprising 30.8% of the population, and German, comprising 13.6% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 8.2%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Hungarian is notably overrepresented at 0.3% of Waikerie (vs 0.1% regionally), Australian Aboriginal at 1.9% (vs 3.3%) and Welsh at 0.5% (vs 0.5%).

Waikerie ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Waikerie is 50 years, which is marginally above Regional SA's average of 47 and considerably older than the national norm of 38. Compared to the Regional SA average, the 65 - 74 cohort is notably over-represented (17.5% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (7.8%). This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 7.9% to 10.2% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 9.4% to 7.8%. By 2041, Waikerie is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, expanding by 274 people (39%) from 703 to 978. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 92% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. On the other hand, both 0 to 4 and 15 to 24 age groups will see reduced numbers.