Wallaroo
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Wallaroo are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Wallaroo's population is approximately 4,968 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 542 people, a rise of 12.2%, since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 4,426. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,878 in June 2024 and an additional 83 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 33 persons per square kilometer. Wallaroo's growth rate exceeds both the non-metro area (6.8%) and the state average during this period, marking it as a regional growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 95.4% of overall population gains recently.

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 a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on projected demographic shifts, Wallaroo is expected to increase by approximately 410 persons to 2041, recording a gain of around 6.4% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Wallaroo among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Wallaroo has recorded approximately 69 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling 345 homes. As of FY-26, 27 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.6 people move to the area each year for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, suggesting a balanced supply and demand creating stable market conditions. The average construction value of new properties is $290,000.

This financial year, $3.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to the Rest of SA, Wallaroo records elevated construction levels, 41.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. This has maintained good buyer choice while supporting existing property values, though building activity has slowed in recent years. The national average is significantly lower, indicating robust developer interest in the area.

All new constructions have been standalone homes, preserving Wallaroo's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers with an average of 88 people per dwelling approval. Population forecasts indicate Wallaroo will gain 320 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Wallaroo has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 48thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects that may affect this region. Notable projects include Wallaroo Roads Rehabilitation, Copper Cove Marina Wallaroo, Wallaroo Shores Masterplanned Community (Aspen Group Stages), and Wallaroo Grain Export Facility (Port Narungga). The following list details those most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Wallaroo face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Wallaroo has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate in Wallaroo is 7.6%.

As of June 2025, there are 1,671 residents employed, an unemployment rate of 3.0% higher than the Rest of SA's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation in Wallaroo lags at 41.4%, compared to Rest of SA's 54.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, accommodation & food services, and construction. The area has a strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 7.0% of local workers, below Rest of SA's 14.5%. Over the year to June 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.2%, while employment declined by 1.6%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.8 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May 2025, suggest that Wallaroo's employment could grow by approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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

Wallaroo's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $40,754. The average income stood at $51,849 during this period. In comparison, the median and average incomes for Rest of SA were $46,889 and $56,582 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83%, current estimates suggest Wallaroo's median income is approximately $45,983 as of September 2025, with the average being around $58,501. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Wallaroo fall between the 2nd and 5th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The income distribution shows that 34.6% of residents earn between $400 - 799 per week (1,718 individuals), unlike the surrounding region where earnings predominantly fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 category at 27.5%. A significant proportion of Wallaroo's population has lower incomes, with 43.4% earning less than $800 per week, indicating financial constraints for many households in the suburb. Housing affordability is a severe issue in Wallaroo, with only 84.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 4th percentile nationally.

Wallaroo is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Wallaroo's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, comprised 91.9% houses and 8.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro SA's 93.3% houses and 6.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wallaroo stood at 44.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.9% and rented ones at 31.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,213, higher than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,083. Median weekly rent in Wallaroo was $250, compared to Non-Metro SA's $230. Nationally, Wallaroo's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,213 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Wallaroo features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 64.6% of all households, including 15.2% that are couples with children, 37.8% that are couples without children, and 10.8% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 35.4%, with lone person households at 32.6% and group households comprising 2.5% of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which matches the average for the Rest of South Africa.

Wallaroo faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area has university qualification rates of 9.5%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 7.2%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.2%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.1%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 39.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (8.9%) and certificates (30.9%).

A substantial 20.7% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 10.0% in primary, 5.6% in secondary, and 1.7% in tertiary education. Educational provision includes St Mary MacKillop School and Wallaroo Primary School, serving a total of 212 students. The area has varied educational conditions, with one primary school and one K-12 school. Local school capacity is limited at 4.3 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 12.2, resulting in many families traveling to nearby areas for schooling.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Wallaroo is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Wallaroo faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately 46% (~2,295 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (14.1%) and mental health issues (9.8%). Conversely, 53.3% report no medical ailments, compared to 56.0% in the Rest of SA. Wallaroo has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 37.3% (1,851 people), compared to 36.2% in the Rest of SA. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are challenging but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

The latest Census data sees Wallaroo placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Wallaroo's population showed low cultural diversity, with 91.1% being citizens, 89.8% born in Australia, and 97.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 46.8%, compared to 48.3% across Rest of SA. The top three ancestry groups were English (35.6%), Australian (35.0%), and Scottish (6.5%).

Notably, German ethnicity was overrepresented at 5.6% in Wallaroo versus 7.0% regionally, Dutch at 1.3% versus 1.2%, and Spanish at 0.4% versus 0.2%.

Wallaroo ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Wallaroo's median age is 56 years, notably exceeding Rest of SA's 47 and well above Australia's median age of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent at 20.8%, while the 25-34 group is comparatively smaller at 6.0%. This concentration of those aged 65-74 is significantly higher than the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 11.2% to 12.8% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 18.4% to 16.9%. By 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Wallaroo's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow exceptionally, expanding by 243 people (134%) from 181 to 425. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 81% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 15-24 and 25-34 age cohorts.