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 around 3,746 as of Feb 2026. This figure represents an increase of 276 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,470. The change is inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 3,636 in June 2024 and an additional 49 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1.6 persons per square kilometer. Wattle Range's growth of 8.0% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (6.9%) and the Rest of SA, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 46.2% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration being positive factors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted, based on 2021 data and adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering projected demographic shifts, lower quartile growth of non-metropolitan areas nationally is anticipated. The area is expected to grow by 101 persons to 2041, reflecting a reduction of 0.2% in total over the 17 years 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 FY2021 to FY2025, with a total of 81 homes approved during this period. Seven homes have been approved so far in FY2026. On average, 2.5 people moved to the area each year for every new home constructed between FY2021 and FY2025, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value of these new homes was $271,000. In FY2026, $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.

All recent building activity consists of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character and appealing to those seeking family homes with space. The location has approximately 295 people per dwelling approval, suggesting potential for growth. Population projections indicate stability or decline in Wattle Range, which should alleviate housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects expected to impact the region. Notable ones 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 consisting of both white and blue collar jobs, with diverse sectors represented. Its unemployment rate was 1.9% in the past year. Employment growth was estimated at 0.9%.

As of September 2025, there were 1,918 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.5%, below Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%. Workforce participation was 63.3%, slightly higher than Rest of SA's 58.5%. According to Census responses, 16.1% of residents worked from home in 2025. Key industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

The area has a strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing (2.2 times the regional level), but is under-represented in health care & social assistance (11.5% compared to 13.9% in Rest of SA). Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 0.9%, while labour force grew by 1.5%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Wattle Range's employment should increase by 4.8% over five years and 11.1% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that in Wattle Range SA2, median income is $47,442 and average income is $57,302. This is lower than the national averages of $48,920 (median) and $58,933 (average) for Rest of SA. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income will be approximately $51,617 and average income $62,345, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023. According to Census 2021 income data, incomes in Wattle Range rank modestly, between the 24th and 26th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. Income brackets indicate that 31.1% of individuals (1,165) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to metropolitan regions where 27.5% occupy this range. Housing costs allow for retention of 92.2% of income, but disposable income ranks below average at the 35th percentile.

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

In Wattle Range, as per the latest Census evaluation, 99.2% of dwellings were houses, with 0.8% comprising semi-detached units, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Non-Metro SA's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wattle Range stood at 51.8%, with mortgaged properties at 36.8% and rented ones at 11.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,006, lower than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,153. The median weekly rent in Wattle Range was $177, compared to Non-Metro SA's $220. Nationally, Wattle Range's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,006 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were 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, larger than the Rest of South Africa 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 the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (31.1%).

Educational participation is 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 for Wattle Range residents shows positive outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks for mortality rates and health conditions. The prevalence of common health conditions is low across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is held by approximately 48% of the total population (~1,783 people), lower than the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (impacting 10.8%) and asthma (8.0%), while 65.6% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 62.5% in the rest of SA. Working-age residents have a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions than average. As of 27th June 2021, 27.5% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,031 people). Health outcomes among seniors rank particularly 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 below average, with 89.6% citizens, 91.7% born in Australia, and 97.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated, comprising 40.1%. Islam was overrepresented at 0.3%, compared to Rest of SA's 0.5%.

Top ancestry groups were English (33.9%), Australian (33.2%), Scottish (9.5%). Notably, German and Dutch were overrepresented at 6.5% and 2.0% respectively.

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

Wattle Range's median age is 49, higher than Rest of SA's figure of 47 and substantially exceeding the national norm of 38. Compared to Rest of SA, Wattle Range has a higher concentration of residents aged 55-64 (18.3%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (6.8%). 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 10.7%, while those aged 75 to 84 have increased from 6.4% to 8.3%. Conversely, the population aged 45 to 54 has declined from 13.7% to 11.5% and those aged 25 to 34 have dropped from 8.2% to 6.8%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Wattle Range's age structure. The population aged 75 to 84 is projected to grow by 32%, reaching 410 from 311. Those aged 65 and above will comprise 89% of this growth. Conversely, both the populations aged 45 to 54 and 0 to 4 are expected to decrease in number.