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 approximately 10,014 as of November 2025. This figure represents a growth of 514 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 9,500. The increase is inferred from an estimated resident population of 9,791 in June 2024 and an additional 134 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1.9 persons per square kilometer. Wakefield - Barunga West's growth rate of 5.4% since the census is within 0.3 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 5.7%. The primary driver for this population growth was interstate migration, contributing approximately 51.5% of overall 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 by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted, based on 2021 data and adjusted using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. By 2041, Wakefield - Barunga West is projected to increase by approximately 943 persons, reflecting a total growth of 6.8% over the 17-year period, based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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

Barunga West in Wakefield has seen approximately 35 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25175 homes were approved, with an additional 11 approved so far in FY26. On average, 0.6 new residents have arrived per new home each year during these five years.

This pace of new supply has kept up with or exceeded demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $252,000. In FY26, there have been $25.9 million in commercial approvals, indicating 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.

This activity is below the national average, suggesting an established area and potential planning limitations. All new constructions have been detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. With around 257 people per approval, Wakefield - Barunga West reflects a low-density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is forecasted to gain 685 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 8thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects that may 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.

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

Wakefield - Barunga West has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The unemployment rate in September 2025 was 6.9%.

Employment stability over the past year is relative. There are 4,078 residents currently employed. The unemployment rate is 1.6% higher than Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%, with workforce participation at 51.7%, compared to Rest of SA's 54.1%. 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 data. 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%, with a 1.9 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 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, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2022, Wakefield - Barunga West SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $45,338 and an average level of $54,772. These figures are lower than the national averages of $46,889 and $56,582 respectively for Rest of SA. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $51,155 (median) and $61,799 (average). Census 2021 income data shows Wakefield - Barunga West's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 6th and 11th percentiles nationally. The largest income segment comprises 28.7% earning $400-$799 weekly, with 2,874 residents in this bracket, differing from broader area patterns where $1,500-$2,999 dominates at 27.5%. Housing costs are modest, with 89.4% of income retained, but 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

In Wakefield - Barunga West, as recorded in the latest Census, 93.3% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 6.7% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This is compared to Non-Metro SA's figures of 94.2% houses and 5.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wakefield - Barunga West stood at 47.8%, with mortgaged dwellings making up 30.6% and rented ones 21.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $965, lower than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,081. Weekly rent in the area was $220, matching Non-Metro SA's figure. Nationally, Wakefield - Barunga West's median monthly mortgage repayment of $965 is significantly lower than Australia's average of $1,863, while weekly rent of $220 is 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 compose 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, aligning with the Rest of 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%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.8%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.5%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 36.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.0%) and certificates (28.8%). Educational participation is high at 25.2%, with 12.0% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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 a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Wakefield - Barunga West faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately 47% (~4,726 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.8%) and mental health issues (9.5%), while 59.3% report no medical ailments, compared to 60.9% in the rest of SA. The area has 27.6% (2,759 people) aged 65 and over, with seniors showing better health outcomes than the general population.

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 had a cultural diversity index below average, with its population comprising 91.3% citizens, 89.7% born in Australia, and 96.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Wakefield-Barunga West as of 2016, accounting for 50.1% of the population, compared to 51.3% across the rest of South Australia. In terms of ancestry, Australians made up 34.9%, English 34.4%, and German 7.8% of Wakefield-Barunga West's population as of the 2016 Census.

Notably, Filipino residents were overrepresented at 1.3%, compared to 0.8% regionally, while Australian Aboriginal representation was slightly higher at 1.9%.

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 South Australia's average of 47, but well above the national norm of 38. Compared to the Rest of SA average, the 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented at 15.9% locally, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 8.2%. This 65-74 concentration is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 14.9% to 15.9% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.4% to 11.1%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Wakefield - Barunga West. The 75 to 84 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 36%, adding 314 residents to reach 1,194. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 70% of population growth, underscoring trends towards demographic aging. Conversely, both the 35-44 and 5-14 age groups are projected to see reduced numbers.