Willunga

Willunga has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Willunga's population, as of February 2026, is approximately 3767. This figure represents a growth of 163 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3604. The increase is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 3747 in June 2024 and an additional 50 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a population density of 44 persons per square kilometer. Willunga's growth rate of 4.5% since the Census is within 1.9 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 6.4%. The primary driver of this growth was interstate migration, contributing approximately 63.6% of overall population gains.

All drivers including overseas migration and natural growth 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 or years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are used, adjusted employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on projected demographic shifts, Willunga is expected to grow by 286 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall gain of 7.1% over the 17-year period.

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

Willunga has recorded approximately 17 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 89 homes were approved, with a further 8 approved so far in FY26. On average, each dwelling accommodates about 2.3 new residents per year over these five years, reflecting robust demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $329,000. This financial year has seen $1.4 million in commercial approvals, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Willunga shows comparable development activity per person, maintaining market balance consistent with the broader area.

All new constructions have been standalone homes, preserving the area's traditional low density character and appealing to those seeking space for families. With approximately 283 people per approval, Willunga reflects a low-density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Willunga is projected to gain 266 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Willunga has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 12thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects that could affect this region. Notable ones include Willunga Basin Water Infrastructure Expansion, Main South Road Duplication Project (Stage 2) - Aldinga to Sellicks Beach, Aldinga - A New Community, and Aldinga Intersection Upgrade. The following list details those likely most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Willunga rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Willunga has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 1.9% as of September 2025, lower than Greater Adelaide's 3.9%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.3%.

There were 2,111 residents in work by September 2025, with a workforce participation rate similar to Greater Adelaide's 66.4%. A moderate 19.8% of residents worked from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The area shows strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 5.4 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance has lower representation at 14.8% compared to the regional average of 17.7%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally, as indicated by Census data comparing working population and resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 3.3%, while labour force grew by 3.6%, causing unemployment to rise slightly to 2.0%. In comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 3.0% and a slight decrease in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Willunga's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.1% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending 30 June 2023 shows median income in Willunga SA2 was $49,455 and average income was $65,211. In comparison, Greater Adelaide had a median income of $54,808 and an average income of $66,852 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% from July 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income in Willunga is approximately $53,807 and average income is $70,950 by that date. The 2021 Census data ranks household, family, and personal incomes in Willunga between the 42nd and 50th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 31.9% of residents (1,201 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, similar to the broader metropolitan region at 31.8%. After housing costs, residents retain 87.9% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Willunga, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 97.1% houses and 2.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Adelaide metro's 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Willunga was at 44.4%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (43.3%) or rented (12.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. Median weekly rent in Willunga was recorded at $320, matching Adelaide metro's figure. Nationally, Willunga's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Willunga features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 80.3% of all households, including 32.8% couples with children, 37.6% couples without children, and 9.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 19.7%, with lone person households at 18.6% and group households making up 1.0%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5 people.

Willunga performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 28.9% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the SA3 area average of 18.9% and the state average of 25.7%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 19.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 5.0% and graduate diplomas at 4.3%. Vocational credentials are held by 36.7% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.8% and certificates at 24.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.9% in primary, 7.0% in secondary, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Willunga has 19 active public transport stops serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by six different routes, offering a total of 298 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 277 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to the area's residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 90%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, which is above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 19.8% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 42 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 15 weekly trips per stop.

Willunga's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics indicates robust performance across Willunga, as assessed by AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Both younger and older age groups exhibit low incidence of common health conditions. Private health coverage stands at approximately 52% of the total population (~1,955 people), slightly below the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 9.8% of residents) and asthma (7.8%), while 68.1% report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 67.9% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among working-age individuals are largely comparable to broader trends. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 27.3% (1,028 people), compared to 19.3% in Greater Adelaide. Notably, health outcomes among seniors rank favorably nationally, even exceeding general population rankings.

Willunga ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Willunga's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 79.3% of its population born in Australia, 91.3% being citizens, and 96.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Willunga, comprising 35.0% of people. However, 'Other' religions are overrepresented in Willunga at 0.8%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 1.8%.

The top three ancestry groups in Willunga are English (36.7%), Australian (27.5%), and Scottish (9.0%). Notably, Welsh (1.2%) and German (6.3%) ancestry is overrepresented in Willunga compared to regional averages of 0.6% and 5.1%, respectively. French ancestry at 0.8% is also higher than the regional average of 0.4%.

Willunga hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Willunga's median age is 48 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Adelaide's 39 years and the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Willunga has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (15.4%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (6.9%). This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national average of 9.5%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has grown from 6.7% to 9.1%, while those aged 15 to 24 increased from 10.7% to 12.1%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 45 to 54 has declined from 15.4% to 12.9%, and the proportion of those aged 55 to 64 has dropped from 16.4% to 14.8%. By 2041, Willunga is expected to see significant shifts in its age composition. Notably, the number of residents aged 75 to 84 will grow by 45%, reaching 493 from 340. This demographic aging trend continues as residents aged 65 and older represent 71% of anticipated growth. Conversely, both the 55 to 64 age group and the 5 to 14 age group are expected to decrease in numbers.