Warradale

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Warradale's population is around 18,767 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,577 people (15.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 16,190 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 17,594 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 245 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 3,122 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Warradale's 15.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (7.4%) and the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 94.3% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including natural growth and interstate migration, were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Regarding demographic trends, an above-median population growth of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is projected, with the area expected to grow by 4,121 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 15.7% in total over the 17 years.

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

Warradale has recorded around 180 residential properties granted approval per year, totalling 901 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26105 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 1.7 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, while new homes are being built at an average value of $233,000, in line with regional trends. Additionally, $11.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

When measured against Greater Adelaide, Warradale records 51.0% more new home approvals (per person), offering buyers greater choice. New building activity shows 54.0% standalone homes and 46.0% townhouses or apartments, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments providing options across different price points, from family homes to more affordable compact living. At around 89 people per approval, Warradale reflects a developing area.

Looking ahead, Warradale is expected to grow by 2,948 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Warradale has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 13thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 7 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Westfield Marion Expansion, Tram Grade Separation at Morphett Road, Morphettville, Oaklands Green, and the Marion Cultural Centre Plaza Upgrade, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 performance in Warradale exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Warradale features a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of only 3.4%, and 5.5% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 9,504 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.4% below Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is on par with Greater Adelaide's 67.2%. Based on Census responses, a low 10.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in health care & social assistance, with employment levels at 1.2 times the regional average. On the other hand, manufacturing is under-represented, with only 4.7% of Warradale's workforce compared to 7.0% in Greater Adelaide. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 5.5% while the labour force increased by 4.7%, resulting in unemployment falling by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide experienced employment growth of 4.2% and labour force growth of 3.9%, with a 0.3 percentage point drop. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Warradale. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Warradale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

The Warradale SA2's income level is slightly lower than average on a national basis according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Warradale SA2's median income among taxpayers is $55,969 and the average income stands at $65,629, which compares to figures for Greater Adelaide's of $54,808 and $66,852 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $60,894 (median) and $71,404 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Warradale, between the 30th and 37th percentiles. Income analysis reveals 31.4% of the population (5,892 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 31.8% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 27th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Warradale displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Warradale, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 59.4% houses and 40.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Adelaide metro's 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Warradale was slightly lagging that of Adelaide metro, at 28.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (34.6%) or rented (36.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Adelaide metro average at $1,730, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $345, compared to Adelaide metro's $1,562 and $320. Nationally, Warradale's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 62.8% of all households, comprising 23.4% couples with children, 25.6% couples without children, and 12.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 37.2%, with lone person households at 32.2% and group households comprising 5.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Warradale exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's educational profile stands out regionally, with university qualification rates (31.3% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the SA average of 25.7% and that of the SA4 region (28.1%), reflecting the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees lead at 20.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 31.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.5%) and certificates (20.9%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.6% in primary education, 7.7% in tertiary education, and 5.4% pursuing secondary education.

Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Public transport analysis reveals 85 active transport stops operating within Warradale, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 68 individual routes, collectively providing 6,992 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 203 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 81%, with 8% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 10.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 998 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 82 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Warradale is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a slightly higher degree among older age cohorts

Warradale faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a slightly higher degree among older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover slightly lags that of the average SA2 area at approximately 52% of the total population (~9,740 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 9.2% and 8.8% of residents, respectively, while 66.5% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 20.1% of residents aged 65 and over (3,770 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Warradale was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Warradale is more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 30.5% of its population born overseas and 22.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Warradale is Christianity, which makes up 39.0% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Hinduism, which comprises 3.9% of the population, compared to 2.8% across Greater Adelaide.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Warradale are English, comprising 28.6% of the population, Australian, comprising 23.3% of the population, and Other, comprising 10.0% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 4.8% of Warradale (vs 5.1% regionally), Chinese at 4.7% (vs 3.1%) and Dutch at 1.5% (vs 1.2%).

Warradale's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

With a median age of 38, Warradale nearly matches the Greater Adelaide figure of 39 and Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Greater Adelaide average, the 25 - 34 cohort is notably over-represented (17.0% locally), while 55 - 64 year-olds are under-represented (9.0%). Since 2021, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 14.0% to 15.4% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 10.8% to 9.0% and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 11.2% to 10.2%. Demographic modeling suggests Warradale's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to see notable expansion, increasing by 554 people (28%) from 2,008 to 2,563. Meanwhile, the 65 to 74 cohort is expected to grow by a modest 2% (29 people).