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

Wattle Range's population was approximately 3,746 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 276 people, an 8.0% rise from the 2021 Census which reported a population of 3,470. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,636 in June 2024 and an additional 48 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 1.6 persons per square kilometer. Wattle Range's growth exceeded that of the SA3 area (6.6%) and the Rest of SA, indicating it as a regional growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 46.2% to overall population gains.

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, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. Projected demographic shifts suggest non-metropolitan areas may experience lower quartile growth nationally. The area is expected to grow by 101 persons to 2041, reflecting a reduction of 0.2% over the 17-year period based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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 approximately 16 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, 81 homes were approved, with a further 7 approved in FY-26 to date. On average, 2.5 people have moved to the area per new home constructed over these years, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average construction cost of $271,000. In FY-26, $2.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to the Rest of SA, Wattle Range has similar development levels per person, contributing to market stability aligned with regional patterns.

Recent building activity consists solely of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character and appealing to those seeking space. With approximately 295 people per dwelling approval, there is room for growth in the location. Population projections indicate stability or decline, reducing housing demand pressures and benefiting potential buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects likely to impact the area. Key projects are Stringy Bark Drive Residential Subdivision, Wattle Range Council General Code Amendment, Limestone Coast Hydrogen Hub (LCH2), and Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan. The following details those most relevant.

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.

The labour market in Wattle Range shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Wattle Range has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of 1.9%, and estimated employment growth of 0.9% in the past year as of September 2025. There are 1,918 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 3.5% lower than Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%. Workforce participation stands at 63.6%, higher than Rest of SA's 58.5%.

According to Census responses, 16.1% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Wattle Range has a strong focus on agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 2.2 times the regional level, but under-represents health care & social assistance at 11.5% compared to Rest of SA's 13.9%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by working population versus resident population counts.

Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 0.9% while labour force grew by 1.5%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of SA saw employment growth of 0.3% and labour force growth of 2.3%, with a 1.9 percentage point rise in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Wattle Range's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.8% over five years and 11.1% over ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows median income in Wattle Range SA2 is $47,442, with average income at $57,302. This is lower than national averages of $48,920 and $58,933 respectively for Rest of SA. By September 2025, estimated median income in Wattle Range would be approximately $51,617, and average income $62,345, based on an 8.8% growth since financial year ending June 2023. Census 2021 data ranks incomes in Wattle Range between the 24th and 26th percentiles for households, families, and individuals. Income brackets indicate 31.1% of residents (1,165 individuals) earn within $1,500 - 2,999 range. Housing costs allow retention of 92.2% income, but disposable income ranks at the 35th percentile, lower than average.

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

Dwelling structure in Wattle Range, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 99.2% houses and 0.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro SA's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wattle Range was at 51.8%, with the rest being mortgaged (36.8%) or rented (11.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,006, below Non-Metro SA's average of $1,153. Median weekly rent in Wattle Range was $177, compared to Non-Metro SA's $220. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,863 and rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 72.2% of all households, including 26.8% couples with children, 37.8% couples without children, and 7.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 27.8%, with lone person households at 26.4% and group households comprising 1.2%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is larger than the Rest of 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's university qualification rate is 13.6%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 8.6% and certificates at 31.1%. Educational participation is high, with 26.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 12.2% in primary, 7.7% in secondary, and 1.4% in tertiary education.

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 shows positive outcomes for Wattle Range residents. Mortality rates and health conditions align closely with national benchmarks.

Prevalence of common health conditions is low in both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at 48% (1,783 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 10.8 and 8.0% respectively. 65.6% report being free from medical ailments, compared to 62.5% in Rest of SA. Working-age residents have a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions. 26.7% of residents are aged 65 and over (999 people). Health outcomes among seniors rank high nationally, even better than 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 89.6% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (91.7%), and speaking English only at home (97.3%). Christianity was the predominant religion in Wattle Range, comprising 40.1% of the population. Islam's representation was notably overrepresented compared to regional averages, making up 0.3% of the population versus 0.5%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (33.9%), Australian (33.2%), and Scottish (9.5%). Notably, German ethnicity was overrepresented in Wattle Range at 6.5%, compared to regional averages of 8.2%, while Dutch ethnicity was also higher than average at 2.0% versus 1.3%.

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

Wattle Range's median age is 49, which is higher than the Rest of SA figure of 47 and substantially exceeds the national norm of 38. Compared to Rest of SA, Wattle Range has a higher concentration of residents aged 55-64 (18.0%) but fewer aged 25-34 (7.4%). This 55-64 concentration is well above the national figure of 11.2%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 15 to 24 has grown from 8.8% to 10.6%, while those aged 75 to 84 increased from 6.4% to 7.6%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has declined from 13.7% to 11.7%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Wattle Range's age structure. The 75 to 84 group is projected to grow by 44%, reaching 410 people from the current 285. This growth is led by those aged 65 and above, who will comprise 97% of the projected population increase. Conversely, both the 45 to 54 and 0 to 4 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.