Wattle Range

An assessment of population growth drivers in Wattle Range reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Wattle Range's population is around 3,746 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 276 people (8.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,470 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,636 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 49 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1.6 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Wattle Range's 8.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (6.9%) and the Rest of SA, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 46.2% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including natural growth and overseas 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 using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering the projected demographic shifts, lower quartile growth of non-metropolitan areas nationally is anticipated, with the area expected to grow by 101 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a reduction of 0.2% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Wattle Range recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Wattle Range has seen around 16 new homes approved each year, with 81 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 7 so far in FY-26. With an average of 2.5 people per year moving to the area per new home constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), indicating healthy demand that should support property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $271,000. Additionally, $2.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating the area's residential nature.

Compared to the rest of SA, Wattle Range has similar development levels (per person), supporting market stability in line with regional patterns. Furthermore, recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 295 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Wattle Range should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Wattle Range has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 0thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 5 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Stringy Bark Drive Residential Subdivision, Wattle Range Council General Code Amendment, Limestone Coast Hydrogen Hub (LCH2), and Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan, 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 conditions in Wattle Range demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Wattle Range possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of just 2.2%, and 2.7% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 1,935 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 3.6% below Regional SA's rate of 5.7%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (64.1% compared to Regional SA's 58.8%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 16.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area shows particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 2.2 times the regional level. On the other hand, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 11.5% of the Wattle Range workforce compared to 13.9% in Regional SA. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 2.7% while the labour force increased by 3.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Regional SA experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 3.1%, with a 2.2 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Wattle Range. 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 Wattle Range's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.8% over five years and 11.1% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Wattle Range SA2 is lower than average on a national basis, with the median assessed at $47,442 while the average income stands at $57,302. This contrasts with Regional SA's figures of a median income of $48,920 and an average income of $58,933. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $51,617 (median) and $62,345 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Wattle Range, between the 24th and 26th percentiles. Income brackets indicate 31.1% of the population (1,165 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen in the metropolitan region where 27.5% similarly occupy this range. Housing costs are manageable with 92.2% retained, though disposable income sits below average at the 35th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure within Wattle Range, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 99.2% houses and 0.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional SA's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Wattle Range was well beyond that of Regional SA, at 51.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (36.8%) or rented (11.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional SA average at $1,006, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $177, compared to Regional SA's $1,153 and $220. Nationally, Wattle Range's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Wattle Range has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 72.2% of all households, comprising 26.8% couples with children, 37.8% couples without children, and 7.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 27.8%, with lone person households at 26.4% and group households comprising 1.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people is larger than the Regional SA average of 2.3.

Educational outcomes in Wattle Range fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (13.6%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 10.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (31.1%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.2% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 1.4% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Wattle Range's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Wattle Range residents, with AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions showing results broadly in line with national benchmarks. The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~1,783 people). The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 10.8 and 8.0% of residents, respectively, while 65.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 62.5% across Regional SA. Working-age residents show an above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 27.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,031 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.

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

Wattle Range was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 89.6% of its population being citizens, 91.7% born in Australia, and 97.3% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Wattle Range is Christianity, which makes up 40.1% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Islam, which comprises 0.3% of the population, compared to 0.5% across Regional SA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Wattle Range are English, comprising 33.9% of the population, Australian, comprising 33.2% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 9.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 6.5% of Wattle Range (vs 8.2% regionally) and Dutch at 2.0% (vs 1.3%).

Wattle Range hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

With a median age of 49, Wattle Range is somewhat higher than the Regional SA figure of 47 and substantially exceeds the national norm of 38. Relative to Regional SA, Wattle Range has a higher concentration of 55 - 64 residents (18.3%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (6.8%). This 55 - 64 concentration is well above the national 11.2%. Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 8.8% to 10.7% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 6.4% to 8.3%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.7% to 11.5% and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 8.2% to 6.8%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Wattle Range's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 32% (98 people), reaching 410 from 311. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 89% of projected growth. Conversely, both 45 to 54 and 0 to 4 age groups will see reduced numbers.