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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Wakefield - Barunga West has an estimated 9,811 residents, up from 9,500 at the 2021 Census — a change of 311 people, or 3.3%. 155 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. Fewer than ten people live on each square kilometre, across a boundary that takes in surrounding rural land. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to research conducted by AreaSearch, the resident population across Wakefield - Barunga West stands at roughly 9,811 as of Aug 2026. This represents an expansion of 311 people (3.3%) relative to the 9,500 people counted in the 2021 Census. Such movement is calculated from the ABS June 2025 estimated resident population of 9,786 alongside 155 validated new addresses added post-Census. Consequently, population density sits at 1.9 persons per square kilometer, highlighting a spacious regional environment. The local expansion rate of 3.3% outpaced the broader SA3 area (3.1%), establishing the district as an area growth benchmark.
Inflow from interstate migration formed the backbone of this expansion, accounting for roughly 57.7% of total net additions over recent observation windows. Forecast modeling relies on 2024 ABS/Geoscience Australia releases configured from a 2022 base year across SA2 boundaries. Where coverage is lacking or for timeframes beyond 2032, models incorporate the 2023 SA State Government Regional/LGA age-cohort releases based on 2021 numbers, adjusted via weighted LGA-to-SA2 growth distributions. Forward-looking projections indicate demographic growth tracking slightly beneath non-metropolitan national medians, forecasting an expansion of 911 persons to 2041 under latest annual ERP figures, translating to an aggregate rise of 9.0% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
182 new dwellings have been approved in Wakefield - Barunga West over the past five years, an average of 36 a year. That is 3.7 approvals per 1,000 residents. Of the 36 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 100% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Residential building activity across Wakefield - Barunga West has averaged roughly 36 new dwelling approvals annually, totaling 182 homes across the past 5 financial years (between FY-22 and FY-26). With approximately 1 new residents added per constructed home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-22 and FY-26), local building activity continues to comfortably match or outstrip population requirements, providing broad purchasing options, creating upside headroom for prospective growth, and recording an average construction cost of $313,000 per dwelling. Furthermore, non-residential building remains active, with $25.9 million in commercial approvals registered this financial year.
Per-capita building rates in Wakefield - Barunga West track evenly with Rest of SA, preserving a balanced market in step with surrounding districts. Recent construction activity has centered entirely on standalone single-family homes, maintaining the district's low-density layout and drawing buyers seeking land and open space. Overall density is reflected by a ratio of around 257 people per dwelling approval. According to the latest quarterly calculations from AreaSearch, future population projections indicate an addition of 886 residents through to 2041 across Wakefield - Barunga West. At prevailing building volumes, residential development appears well poised to absorb anticipated demand, fostering accessible market conditions and accommodating potential expansion beyond baseline forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Wakefield - Barunga West
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 3 current infrastructure and development projects inside Wakefield - Barunga West, worth an estimated $5.32 billion. A further 75 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $25.8 billion. 28 are already under construction and 29 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans communities, precincts & urban renewal, residential development and energy. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Strategic planning, public works, and capital investments play a decisive role in shaping community development. AreaSearch has pinpointed 16 major initiatives positioned to influence the district, highlighted by projects such as Blyth Battery, Kulpara Quarry Operations, Kadina Northeastern Fringe Rezoning (Daddow Court / Abbott Drive), and Daddow Court and Abbott Drive Residential Development, alongside the primary projects cataloged below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Blyth Battery
Grid-scale battery energy storage system sized at 238.5 MW / 477 MWh. Equipped with grid-forming inverter capability to provide system strength and stability services. Connected to ElectraNet's transmission network via the existing 275 kV Blyth West substation. Supports Neoen's 70 MW renewable energy baseload contract with BHP to help power Olympic Dam by firming output from Goyder South Stage 1 wind farm. Commissioned and operating from April 2025.
Kulpara Quarry Operations
Operational hard rock quarry supplying aggregates, sands and road base across Yorke Peninsula, Northern Adelaide and the Mid North. The site operates under Extractive Minerals Leases EML 6074, EML 6179 and EML 6180, with extended operating hours approved in 2022 to meet major project demand. Products service civil, construction and domestic markets via Hallett Group/Hallett Resources.
Myponie Point Port Facility (Hawsons Iron Project)
Proposed bulk commodity export port facility at Myponie Point for the Hawsons Iron Project, including a deep-water jetty of about 2.2 km, ship loading wharf, ore dewatering plant, stockpiling areas, and buried slurry and return-water pipelines from the mine area near Broken Hill. The South Australian port proposal remains an impact assessed development with EIS requirements still pending. Hawsons completed a PFS in December 2025, declared a 2.3 Bt probable ore reserve and is progressing early works toward a full Feasibility Study, with environmental and permitting work to align with the development timeline.
Kadina Northeastern Fringe Rezoning (Daddow Court / Abbott Drive)
Rezoning of approximately 28 hectares of farming land at Lot 300 Daddow Court and Abbott Drive on Kadina's north eastern fringe from Deferred Urban to Neighbourhood (General Neighbourhood Zone) to enable around 227 low density residential allotments with associated internal roads, open space and infrastructure. Minimum allotment size is 450 square metres. The code amendment has been adopted by Minister for Planning Nick Champion, allowing proponent Lasopail Pty Ltd to progress the next stage of planning and prepare a development application.The rezoning extends existing residential streets on the site and has support from the local member and Copper Coast Council.
Daddow Court and Abbott Drive Residential Development
Rezoning of 28 hectares of land to accommodate at least 227 new low-density residential allotments. This privately-led rezoning aims to support the growing population and demand for housing in the Yorke Peninsula.
Walter Road Swale Drain
Creation of a new swale drain to capture stormwater runoff from the road and improve the intersection of Walter and Downer Road. The project involved the installation of rocks and delineator posts.
Gracewood Estate
Gracewood Estate is a master-planned residential community comprising approximately 513 allotments delivered across multiple stages over a 5 to 10 year timeline. Master planned by Leinad Land Developments in the Adelaide Plains Council region, the development incorporates dedicated open space, walking trails, and stormwater infrastructure to support regional population growth.
Kadina Town Hall Restoration
Restoration of the heritage-listed Kadina Town Hall to address structural and safety issues, including roof and interior works. The hall officially reopened to the public in June 2019 and is now back in regular community use and hosts Council meetings.
4,171 residents of Wakefield - Barunga West are employed, from a labour force of 4,450. Unemployment sits at 6.3%, with participation at 55.1%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.0% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local labour market across Wakefield - Barunga West displays a balanced mix of blue and white collar positions across diverse industries, registering an unemployment rate of 6.3% alongside annual employment growth of 3.6%. As of March 2026, employed residents numbered 4,171, while joblessness sat 0.8% above the 5.5% benchmark recorded across Regional SA, accompanied by a labour force participation rate of 55.1% compared to 58.3% regionally. Census returns also indicated that 13.8% of workers operated from home, though pandemic-related movement restrictions should be noted. Key employment sectors among residents include agriculture, forestry & fishing along with health care & social assistance and education & training.
The district demonstrates a pronounced concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, maintaining a workforce proportion 1.8 times the broader regional benchmark. In contrast, retail trade is less prominent locally, engaging 7.3% of workers against 9.9% across the region. Comparisons between local working-population tallies and resident worker counts suggest a restricted volume of employment options within the immediate boundary. Evaluation of SALM and ABS statistics shows annual local employment grew by 3.6% alongside a 3.3% expansion in the labour pool, driving a 0.2 percentage points reduction in unemployment. In comparison, Regional SA recorded employment growth of 1.2%, a labour pool rise of 2.6%, and an unemployment climb of 1.4 percentage points. Forward expectations can also be gauged from the Mar-26 national industry projections by Jobs and Skills Australia mapped to the area profile. While nationwide job numbers are projected to grow by 6.6% across five years and 13.7% across ten years, sector trajectories vary widely. Weighting these projections against the area's specific industry composition indicates potential local job expansion of 5.0% over five years and 11.4% over ten years (representing an illustrative weighting model without local population adjustments).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Wakefield - Barunga West is $1,092 a week (about $57,000 a year), with median personal income at $599 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $48,675 a year against an average of $62,593. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
According to ATO postcode records aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023, taxpayers in the Wakefield - Barunga West SA2 reported a median earnings figure of $48,675 and an average of $62,593. These income metrics track below nationwide medians, contrasting with Regional SA levels of $48,920 (median) and $58,933 (average). Factoring in a Wage Price Index rise of 10.17% since financial year 2023, updated estimates reach approximately $53,625 for median income and $68,959 for average income as of March 2026. At the 2021 Census, personal, family, and household earnings clustered between the 6th and 11th percentiles nationally.
Income distribution shows 28.7% of residents (2,815 people) earning within the $400 - 799 bracket, contrasting with the regional dominance of the $1,500 - 2,999 band at 27.5%. Even though residents retain 89.4% of earnings after housing obligations, overall disposable capacity sits at the 12th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Wakefield - Barunga West had 3,819 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 93% detached houses and 1% apartments. 31% are owned with a mortgage, 22% rented and 48% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $220 a week and the median mortgage repayment $965 a month. Rent absorbs 20.1% of household income here and mortgage repayments 20.4%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
At the latest Census, the housing inventory in Wakefield - Barunga West was composed of 93.3% standalone houses and 6.7% alternative dwelling types (comprising apartments, semi-detached properties, and other structures), compared to 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings throughout Regional SA. Outright property ownership was exceptionally high at 47.8%, outpacing regional norms, while mortgaged properties accounted for 30.6% and rental homes comprised 21.6%. Monthly mortgage payments showed a median of $965, well below the Regional SA benchmark of $1,153, while weekly rents matched the regional level at $220. Compared to Australia-wide benchmarks, local mortgage obligations sit far beneath the national $1,863 figure, and rental rates remain markedly lower than the national $375 baseline.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Wakefield - Barunga West counted 3,819 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.3 people each. 24% are couples with children, fewer than in 75% of areas nationally, against 32% couples without children. 32% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.1 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family units constitute 65.7% of local households, featuring couples without children at 32.2%, couples with offspring at 23.5%, and single parent households at 9.4%. The remaining 34.3% consists of non-family living arrangements, primarily lone-person dwellings at 31.8% alongside group living arrangements at 2.4%. Average occupancy matches the broader Regional SA figure with a median household size of 2.3 people.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
11.6% of adults in Wakefield - Barunga West hold a university qualification, including 8.8% with a bachelor degree and 1.3% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 89% of areas nationally. A further 28.8% hold a vocational qualification. 11 schools serve the area, with 1,564 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 970 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Attainment levels across the region show a clear divergence from nationwide trends, with tertiary degree holders accounting for 11.6% of the community compared to the Australian benchmark of 30.4%, pointing to opportunities for targeted vocational and educational development. Within higher education, bachelor degrees represent 8.8%, graduate diplomas stand at 1.5%, and postgraduate credentials make up 1.3%. Vocational training forms a substantial foundation, with 36.8% of individuals aged 15+ holding technical qualifications, split between certificates (28.8%) and advanced diplomas (8.0%). Community educational engagement is extensive, with 25.2% of the local population actively participating in academic programs.
This comprises 12.0% enrolled in primary schools, 7.4% attending secondary institutions, and 1.8% enrolled in higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Wakefield - Barunga West means driving: households keep an average of 1.6 vehicles, and scheduled services reach only a handful of stops. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transit infrastructure within Wakefield - Barunga West encompasses 14 active transport stops across 8 distinct transit lines, providing an aggregate of 60 weekly passenger trips. Transit access is comparatively dispersed, with residents situated an average of 3466 meters from their nearest transit stop. Due to outward commuting flows, private vehicles serve as the primary transport method for 87% of commuters, while 10% travel by foot. Private car availability averages 1.6 per dwelling, and 13.8% of workers performed their duties from home at the 2021 Census under prevailing conditions. Transit service schedules deliver an average of 8 trips per day across the network, translating to roughly 4 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
59.3% of residents in Wakefield - Barunga West report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 90% of areas nationally. 9.0% need daily assistance with core activities, and 50.4% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 6.9 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
An examination of mortality figures and chronic illness prevalence indicates significant community health pressures across Wakefield - Barunga West, with widespread common ailments observed among both younger cohorts and senior demographics. Concurrently, private medical insurance uptake remains limited at approximately 50% of residents (~4,944 people), trailing the Australian average of 55.7%. Prevalent medical diagnoses within the population include arthritis, affecting 11.8% of people, and mental health conditions, impacting 9.5%, while 59.3% of individuals reported no chronic medical issues compared to 62.5% across Regional SA. Working-age residents experience elevated rates of ongoing health conditions.
Moreover, seniors aged 65 and over make up 28.2% of the population (2,771 people), exceeding the Regional SA share of 27.1%, with senior health vulnerability metrics scoring higher against national comparisons than the broader community.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Wakefield - Barunga West is largely Australian-born, at 89.7% of residents, with 3.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (34.9%) and English (34.4%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Measures of cultural diversity across Wakefield - Barunga West remain below standard benchmarks, with 91.3% of the community holding Australian citizenship, 89.7% born domestically, and 96.6% utilizing solely English at home. Religious affiliation is predominantly Christian at 50.1% of residents, which sits above the Regional SA proportion of 45.2%. Regarding parental lineage and heritage, the leading ancestral backgrounds are Australian at 34.9%, English at 34.4%, and German at 7.8%. Other cultural communities show specific variations against regional profiles, with Filipino ancestry accounting for 1.3% locally (vs 0.7% regionally) and Australian Aboriginal representation recorded at 1.9% (vs 3.3%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Wakefield - Barunga West is 48, older than 86% of areas nationally. 18.4% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The demographic age distribution across Wakefield - Barunga West closely mirrors Regional SA benchmarks, showing a maximum variance of only 3.0 percentage points across cohorts. Median age is estimated at 48, matching the 2021 Census figure and sitting 1 year older than the Regional SA Census median of 47, while remaining well above the national median of 38. Since the Census, the mature adult bracket (45 - 64) decreased from 28.2% to an estimated 25.7%. Moving toward 2041, the sharpest expansion is anticipated across senior age brackets (65+), growing by 606 residents (22%) to reach 3,378.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Wakefield - Barunga West
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | May 2026 5 months ago all 3 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 155 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (9,500 at the 2021 Census → 9,811 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (405021119). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.