Wakefield - Barunga West

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

Wakefield - Barunga West's population is around 9,985 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 485 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,500 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,756 in June 2024 and an additional 134 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 1.9 persons per square kilometer. Wakefield - Barunga West's growth rate of 5.1% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 4.4%, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 51.5% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the 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. Future population trends suggest an increase just below the median of regional areas across the nation, with the area expected to expand by 943 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 7.2% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Wakefield - Barunga West according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Barunga West, Wakefield has received approximately 35 new dwelling approvals annually on average. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, a total of 175 homes were approved, with an additional 13 approved in FY26 so far. On average, each new home has attracted about 0.6 new residents per year over these five years.

This indicates that the supply of new dwellings is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction value of these new dwellings is $252,000. In FY26, there have been $25.9 million in commercial approvals, suggesting moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the rest of South Australia, Wakefield - Barunga West maintains similar construction rates per person, consistent with the broader area's market balance.

However, these rates are below the national average, which could indicate the area's established nature or potential planning limitations. All new constructions in the area have been detached houses, maintaining its traditional low-density character and appealing to those seeking family homes with space. With around 257 people per approval, Wakefield - Barunga West reflects a low-density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is projected to gain 714 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Wakefield - Barunga West has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 14thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects that could affect this region. Notable ones include Blyth Battery, Kulpara Quarry Operations, Kadina Northeastern Fringe Rezoning (Daddow Court / Abbott Drive), and Daddow Court and Abbott Drive Residential Development. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Wakefield - Barunga West face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Wakefield - Barunga West has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs across various sectors. As of September 2025, its unemployment rate is 6.9%. Over the past year, employment stability has been relatively consistent.

There are 4,078 employed residents, with an unemployment rate 1.6% higher than Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%. Workforce participation stands at 54.7%, below Rest of SA's 58.5%. According to Census responses in September 2025, 13.8% 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 1.8 times the regional level. Retail trade is under-represented, at 7.3% compared to Rest of SA's 9.9%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels increased by 1.8%, while employment declined by 0.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.8 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of SA saw employment growth of 0.3% and labour force growth of 2.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wakefield - Barunga West's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.0% over five years and 11.4% over ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, the Wakefield - Barunga West SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $48,675. The average level stood at $62,593. This was lower than average on a national basis. It compared to levels of $48,920 and $58,933 across Rest of SA respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $52,958 (median) and $68,101 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data showed household, family and personal incomes in Wakefield - Barunga West all fell between the 6th and 11th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicated the largest segment comprised 28.7% earning $400 - 799 weekly (2,865 residents), differing from patterns across the broader area where $1,500 - 2,999 dominated with 27.5%. While housing costs were modest with 89.4% of income retained, the total disposable income ranked at just the 12th percentile nationally.

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

In Wakefield - Barunga West, as per the latest Census, 93.3% of dwellings were houses while 6.7% comprised semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types, compared to Non-Metro SA's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wakefield - Barunga West stood at 47.8%, with mortgaged properties at 30.6% and rented ones at 21.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $965, lower than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,153. Weekly rent in the area was recorded at $220, equal to Non-Metro SA's figure. Nationally, Wakefield - Barunga West's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Wakefield - Barunga West features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households comprise 65.7% of all households, including 23.5% couples with children, 32.2% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 34.3%, with lone person households at 31.8% and group households making up 2.4%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which matches the average for the Rest of South Africa.

Wakefield - Barunga West faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 11.6%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.8%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.5%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.3%). Vocational credentials are held by 36.8% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 8.0% and certificates at 28.8%. Educational participation is high, with 25.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 12.0% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Wakefield - Barunga West is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Wakefield - Barunga West faces significant health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~5,032 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are arthritis (11.8%) and mental health issues (9.5%). Conversely, 59.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.5% across Rest of SA. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 27.6% (2,751 people), compared to 26.5% in Rest of SA. Health outcomes among seniors present additional challenges, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

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

Wakefield-Barunga West has a cultural diversity index below the average, with 91.3% of its population being citizens, 89.7% born in Australia, and 96.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, making up 50.1% of the population, compared to 45.2% across the Rest of SA. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (34.9%), English (34.4%), and German (7.8%).

Notably, Filipino representation is higher at 1.3%, compared to 0.7% regionally, while Australian Aboriginal representation is lower at 1.9%, compared to 3.3%.

Wakefield - Barunga West hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Wakefield - Barunga West is 48 years, similar to the Rest of SA's average of 47 years, but above the national norm of 38 years. The 65-74 cohort makes up 15.9% of the population locally, compared to the Rest of SA average of around 10%, and is notably higher than the national figure of 9.4%. Meanwhile, those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 8.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 65-74 age group has increased from 14.9% to 15.9%, while the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 12.4% to 11.1%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes: the 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 36%, adding 317 residents to reach 1,194. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 70% of population growth, reflecting ongoing demographic aging trends. Conversely, both the 35-44 and 5-14 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.