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, as of May 2026, is approximately 3,695. This figure represents an increase of 225 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,470. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,676 in June 2025 and an additional 53 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 1.6 persons per square kilometer. Wattle Range's population growth of 6.5% since the 2021 census exceeds both the SA3 area (4.9%) and the Rest of SA, indicating it as a region with significant growth. Natural growth contributed approximately 40.0% to overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. 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 released in 2023, with adjustments made 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 99 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an overall gain of 2.2% over the 16-year period.

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 FY21 to FY25, 81 homes were approved, with a further 11 approved in FY26 to date. On average, 2.5 people have moved to the area per new home constructed over these years, indicating strong demand which supports property values.

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

All new constructions since FY21 have been detached dwellings, maintaining the area's low-density character and appealing to those seeking family homes with space. The location currently has approximately 295 people per dwelling approval, suggesting room for growth. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Wattle Range is projected to gain 80 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favorable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling population growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

Five projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area, notable among them being Stringy Bark Drive Residential Subdivision, Wattle Range Council General Code Amendment, Limestone Coast Hydrogen Hub (LCH2), and Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan.

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.

Wattle Range ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Wattle Range has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Its unemployment rate is 2.2%, and it has seen an estimated employment growth of 2.7% in the past year. As of December 2025, there are 1,935 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.6%, which is below Regional SA's rate of 5.7%.

Workforce participation in Wattle Range is high at 63.6%, compared to Regional SA's 58.3%. According to Census responses, 16.1% of residents work from home. The key industries are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is particularly strong, with an employment share of 2.2 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 11.5% compared to Regional SA's 13.9%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 2.7%, labour force increased by 3.5%, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Regional SA saw employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 3.1%, with unemployment rising by 2.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Wattle Range's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 4.8% over five years and 11.1% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates that median income in Wattle Range SA2 is $47,442, lower than the national average of $58,933. The average income in Wattle Range stands at $57,302 compared to 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 10.17% since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $52,267 (median) and $63,130 (average). Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Wattle Range rank modestly, between the 24th and 26th percentiles. The data reveals that 31.1% of the population (1,149 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to metropolitan regions where 27.5% occupy this range. Housing costs are manageable with 92.2% retained, but disposable income is below average at the 35th percentile.

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

The latest Census evaluated dwelling structures in Wattle Range as 99.2% houses and 0.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional SA's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wattle Range was 51.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.8% and rented dwellings at 11.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,006, below Regional SA's average of $1,153. The median weekly rent figure in Wattle Range was $177, compared to Regional SA's $220. Nationally, Wattle Range's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian 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 comprise the remaining 27.8%, with lone person households at 26.4% and group households making up 1.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, 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'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, including advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (31.1%). Educational participation is high, with 26.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 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 for Wattle Range residents shows positive outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks in mortality rates and health conditions. The prevalence of common health conditions is low across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is found to be low at approximately 48% of the total population (~1,758 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 10.8 and 8.0% of residents respectively. A majority, 65.6%, report being completely free from medical ailments, slightly higher than the Regional SA average of 62.5%. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has a high proportion of seniors, with 27.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,018 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

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 and 91.7% born in Australia. The majority, 97.3%, spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 40.1% of people in Wattle Range.

Islam was overrepresented compared to Regional SA, with 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 and Dutch ethnicities were also overrepresented in Wattle Range compared to regional averages: German at 6.5% versus 8.2%, and Dutch at 2.0% versus 1.3%.

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

Wattle Range has a median age of 49, which is higher than the Regional SA figure of 47 and substantially exceeds the national norm of 38. Compared to Regional SA, Wattle Range has a higher concentration of residents aged 55-64 (17.5%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (7.5%). This 55-64 concentration is well above the national figure of 11.2%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 15 to 24 has grown from 8.8% to 10.7%, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 6.4% to 8.2%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group declined from 13.7% to 11.2%, and the 0 to 4 age group dropped from 5.6% to 4.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Wattle Range's age structure. Leading this shift, the 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 34%, reaching 405 people from a current total of 301. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 86% of the projected growth. Conversely, both the 0 to 4 and 15 to 24 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.