Wallaroo

Population growth drivers in Wallaroo are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Wallaroo's population was approximately 4,987 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 561 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,426. The growth is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data of 4,878 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 34 persons per square kilometer. Wallaroo's 12.7% growth rate exceeded both its SA4 region (7.4%) and Rest of SA, indicating it as a regional growth leader. Interstate migration contributed 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 are adopted, based on 2021 data released in 2023 with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods. Projected demographic shifts indicate a population increase just below Australia's non-metropolitan median to 2041, with Wallaroo expected to gain approximately 410 persons, reflecting a total growth of 6.0% over the 17-year period based on latest annual ERP population numbers.

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. So far in FY26, 44 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.6 people moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25. The supply and demand appear balanced, with new properties constructed at an average value of $290,000.

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

All new construction has been standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 88 people per dwelling approval, Wallaroo shows characteristics of a growth area. Population forecasts indicate Wallaroo will gain 301 residents through to 2041, based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Current development patterns suggest new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Wallaroo has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 26thth percentile nationally

Sixteen projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Key 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 likely to be 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's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 8.0% as of an unspecified date, with an estimated employment growth of 0.6% over the preceding year. As of September 2025, 1,728 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate stood at 2.6% higher than Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%.

Workforce participation in Wallaroo was lower at 43.9%, compared to Rest of SA's 58.5%. According to Census responses, only 9.5% of residents worked from home. The dominant employment sectors were health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and construction. Notably, health care & social assistance had an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing showed lower representation at 7.0%, compared to the regional average of 14.5%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census data comparing working population with resident population. Over the twelve months to September 2025, employment increased by 0.6% while labour force grew by 2.5%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.8 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of SA saw employment rise by 0.3%, labour force grow by 2.3%, and unemployment increase by 1.9 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wallaroo's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Wallaroo SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $43,672 and an average of $56,886. Nationally, these figures are lower than the average. In Rest of SA, the median was $48,920 with an average of $58,933. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $47,515 (median) and $61,892 (average). According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Wallaroo fall between the 1st and 4th percentiles nationally. The largest segment comprises 34.6% earning $400 - $799 weekly, with 1,725 residents. This differs from metropolitan regions where the $1,500 - $2,999 category predominates at 27.5%. The prevalence of lower-income residents (43.4% under $800/week) indicates constrained household budgets across much of Wallaroo. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 3rd percentile.

Wallaroo is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Wallaroo's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 91.9% houses and 8.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Non-Metro SA had 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wallaroo was at 44.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.9% and rented ones at 31.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,213, compared to Non-Metro SA's average of $1,153. The median weekly rent figure for Wallaroo was $250, while Non-Metro SA recorded $220. Nationally, Wallaroo's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Wallaroo features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 35.4%, with lone person households at 32.6% and group households making up 2.5% of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of South Africa average of 2.3.

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 Australia's 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 prevalent, with 39.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (8.9%) and certificates (30.9%).

A total of 20.7% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 10.0% in primary education, 5.6% in secondary education, and 1.7% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Wallaroo is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Wallaroo faces significant health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is low, at approximately 48% of the total population (~2,373 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (14.1%) and mental health issues (9.8%). Conversely, 53.3% of residents report no medical ailments, lower than the Rest of SA's 62.5%. Working-age residents face notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Wallaroo has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (38.2%, or 1,904 people), compared to Rest of SA at 27.1%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with national rankings for the general population.

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% citizens, 89.8% born in Australia, and 97.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, at 46.8%, compared to 45.2% regionally. The top three ancestral groups were English (35.6%), Australian (35.0%), and Scottish (6.5%).

Notably, German ancestry was higher in Wallaroo at 5.6% than regionally at 8.2%. Dutch ancestry remained similar at 1.3%, while Spanish ancestry was slightly higher at 0.4% compared to the regional 0.2%.

Wallaroo ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Wallaroo's median age is 56 years, which exceeds Rest of SA's median of 47 years and is well above Australia's median of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 years are particularly prominent at 20.9%, while the 25-34 year-olds make up only 5.6% of the population, which is smaller than in Rest of SA. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is higher than the national average of 9.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 11.2% to 13.4% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age cohort has declined from 18.4% to 16.8%, and the 25 to 34 year-olds have dropped from 6.7% to 5.6%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Wallaroo's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow by 229 people (117%) from 195 to 425. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 78% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 25 to 34 and 15 to 24 age cohorts.