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 was around 9,812 as of May 2026, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure shows an increase of 312 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,500. The growth is inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 9,786 in June 2025 and validated new addresses since then. The population density was 1.9 persons per square kilometer. Wakefield - Barunga West's growth rate of 3.3% exceeded the SA3 area's 3.1%, making it a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 57.7% to recent population gains.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered 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 nationwide. By 2041, Wakefield - Barunga West is expected to expand by 927 persons, reflecting a total increase of 9.2% over the 16 years.

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

Wakefield - Barunga West averaged approximately 35 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, totalling 175 homes. In FY26, up to May, 24 dwellings have been approved. On average, each new home attracted about 0.6 new residents yearly during these five years, indicating that new supply has kept pace with or exceeded demand.

The average construction cost of new dwellings was around $252,000. This financial year has seen $25.9 million in commercial approvals, reflecting moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of SA, Wakefield - Barunga West maintains similar construction rates per capita, suggesting a balanced market consistent with broader trends. However, these rates are below the national average, possibly due to established nature and potential planning limitations.

All new constructions have been detached houses, preserving the area's traditional low-density character favoured by families seeking space. With approximately 257 people per approval, this reflects Wakefield - Barunga West's low-density status. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is projected to gain around 901 residents by 2041. Current development appears well-suited to meet future needs, supporting stable market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Wakefield - Barunga West has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 15thth percentile nationally

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

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.

AreaSearch assessment indicates Wakefield - Barunga West faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Wakefield - Barunga West has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate is 6.9%. Over the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 1.6%.

In December 2025, 4,114 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.2% higher than Regional SA's rate of 5.7%. Workforce participation stands at 54.9%, below Regional SA's 58.3%. According to Census responses, 13.8% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries are 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 employs 7.3% of local workers, below Regional SA's 9.9%. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 1.6% while labour force grew by 3.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wakefield - Barunga West's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 5.0% over five years and 11.4% over ten years, although this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Wakefield - Barunga West SA2 had a median income of $48,675 among taxpayers and an average income of $62,593. Nationally, these figures are lower than the average. Compared to Regional SA, Wakefield - Barunga West's median income is $48,920 with an average of $58,933. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 would be approximately $53,625 (median) and $68,959 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, Wakefield - Barunga West's household, family, and personal incomes all fall between the 6th and 11th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 28.7% of the population, equating to 2,816 individuals, falls within the $400-$799 income range, unlike regional trends where 27.5% fall within the $1,500-$2,999 range. Despite modest housing costs allowing for retention of 89.4% of income, total disposable income ranks 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

Wakefield - Barunga West had 93.3% houses and 6.7% other dwellings in the latest Census, compared to Regional SA's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership was 47.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.6% and rented ones at 21.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $965, below Regional SA's average of $1,153. Median weekly rent was $220, matching Regional SA's figure but lower than the national average of $375. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the Regional SA average.

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%. This indicates a need for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.8%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.5%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.3%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 36.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (8.0%) and certificates (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

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Wakefield - Barunga West, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Notably, common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is relatively low, at approximately 50% of the total population (~4,945 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis (11.8%) and mental health issues (9.5%). Conversely, 59.3% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.5% across Regional SA. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 28.1% of residents aged 65 and over (2,759 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some 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, surveyed in 2016, had a culturally diverse population with 8.7% born overseas, 10.3% speaking languages other than English at home, and 49.9% identifying as Christian. Ancestry-wise, Australians made up 34.9%, English 34.4%, and German 7.8%. Notably, Filipinos were overrepresented at 1.3% compared to the regional average of 0.7%, while Australian Aboriginals were underrepresented at 1.9% versus 3.3%.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Wakefield - Barunga West are Australian, comprising 34.9% of the population, English, comprising 34.4% of the population, and German, comprising 7.8% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Filipino is notably overrepresented at 1.3% of Wakefield - Barunga West (vs 0.7% regionally) and Australian Aboriginal at 1.9% (vs 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 Regional South Australia's average of 47, but well above the national norm of 38. Compared to the Regional SA average, the 5-14 cohort is notably over-represented at 12.7% locally, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 8.1%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 8.1% to 9.2% of the population. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 12.4% to 10.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Wakefield - Barunga West. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 103%, adding 314 residents to reach 620. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 63% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Conversely, both the 5-14 and 55-64 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.