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, as of August 2025, is approximately 4,903 people. This figure represents an increase of 477 individuals, a growth rate of 10.8%, since the 2021 Census which recorded a population of 4,426. This change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,878 in June 2024 and the addition of 52 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is 33 persons per square kilometer. Wallaroo's growth rate exceeded that of its SA4 region (5.8%) and the non-metro area, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration accounted for approximately 95.4% 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 and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on projected demographic shifts, Wallaroo is expected to increase by approximately 410 persons to the year 2041, recording a total gain of 7.8% 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. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, totalling 345 approvals across the past five financial years between FY21 and FY25, with 14 approvals so far in FY26. On average, 1.6 people have moved to the area annually for each dwelling built over these five financial years, indicating a balanced supply and demand market that supports stable conditions. New homes are being constructed at an average expected construction cost of $417,000.

This year, Wallaroo has registered $3.3 million in commercial approvals, reflecting its primarily residential nature. Compared to the Rest of SA, Wallaroo records elevated construction activity, with a 41.0% increase per person over the past five years, offering good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. However, building activity has slowed recently. This level is significantly above the national average, 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 385 residents by 2041. Given 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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 17 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable among these are Wallaroo Roads Rehabilitation, Copper Cove Marina Wallaroo, Wallaroo Shores Masterplanned Community (Aspen Group Stages), and Wallaroo Grain Export Facility (Port Narungga). The following list provides details of those projects considered most relevant.

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

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. Key sectors include essential services.

As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 7.6%. There are 1,671 residents employed, with an unemployment rate 3.0% higher than Rest of SA's 4.6%. Workforce participation in Wallaroo is lower at 41.4%, compared to Rest of SA's 54.1%. Employment concentrations are in health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and construction.

Health care & social assistance employs 1.4 times the regional average. 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%, but employment declined by 1.6%, raising unemployment by 1.8 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of SA saw a 1.2% unemployment rise with less significant employment and labour force changes. Jobs and Skills Australia's May 2025 national employment forecasts project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wallaroo's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.4%% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

Wallaroo's median income among taxpayers was $40,754 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $51,849 during the same period. For comparison, Rest of SA had a median income of $46,889 and an average income of $56,582. By March 2025, estimates suggest Wallaroo's median income would be approximately $45,168, with an average income of around $57,464, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 10.83% since financial year 2022. 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 and $799 per week, unlike surrounding regions where earnings predominantly fall within the $1,500 to $2,999 range at 27.5%. A significant proportion, 43.4%, of Wallaroo residents earn less than $800 per week, indicating financial constraints for many households in the suburb. Housing affordability is a severe issue, 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 structure in its latest Census comprised 91.9% houses and 8.2% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings, compared 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 recorded at $250, compared to Non-Metro SA's figure of $230. Nationally, Wallaroo's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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% couples with children, 37.8% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 35.4%, with lone person households at 32.6% and group households comprising 2.5%. 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's university qualification rate is 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 prevalent at 7.2%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.2%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.1%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 39.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas comprise 8.9% and certificates make up 30.9%.

Currently, 20.7% of the population is engaged in formal education, including 10.0% in primary, 5.6% in secondary, and 1.7% in tertiary education. St Mary MacKillop School and Wallaroo Primary School collectively serve 212 students. Wallaroo has varied educational conditions with one primary school and one K-12 school. The area has limited local school capacity (4.3 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 12.2), leading many families to travel for schooling in nearby areas.

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 age cohorts. The rate of private health cover in Wallaroo is approximately 46%, which equates to around 2,265 people, significantly lower than the national average of 55.3%.

Arthritis and mental health issues are the most common medical conditions, impacting 14.1% and 9.8% of residents respectively. Conversely, 53.3% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 56.0% in the rest of South Australia. Wallaroo has a higher percentage of seniors aged 65 and over, with 37.3% (1,827 people) compared to 36.2% in the rest of SA. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Wallaroo perform better than those of the general population in terms of 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 dominant religion, practised by 46.8%, compared to 48.3% regionally. The top three parental ancestry groups were English (35.6%), Australian (35.0%), and Scottish (6.5%).

Notably, German ancestry was higher than regional averages at 5.6% vs 7.0%, Dutch at 1.3% vs 1.2%, and Spanish at 0.4% vs 0.2%.

Wallaroo ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Wallaroo's median age is 56 years, which exceeds Rest of SA's 47 and is 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% than in Rest of SA, with this concentration being higher than the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 11.2% to 12.8% of the population, while the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 18.4% to 16.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Wallaroo's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow exceptionally, increasing by 245 people (137%) from 179 to 425. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 80% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 15-24 and 65-74 cohorts.