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 November 2025, is approximately 3,752. This figure represents an increase of 148 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,604. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,747 in June 2024 and an additional 43 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 44 persons per square kilometer. Willunga's growth rate of 4.1% since the census is within 2.1 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 6.2%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Interstate migration contributed approximately 63.6% to overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts 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 by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data and adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering projected demographic shifts, Willunga is expected to grow by approximately 286 persons to reach around 4,038 by 2041, reflecting an increase of about 7.5% over the 17-year period based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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 granted approximately 17 residential property approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, it approved a total of 89 homes, with an additional 8 approved in FY-26 so far. Each dwelling accommodated an average of 2.3 new residents per year over the past five financial years.

The average construction cost value for new homes was $329,000 during this period. This year, commercial approvals totaled $1.4 million, indicating a primarily residential focus. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Willunga's development activity is comparable on a per capita basis, maintaining market balance with the broader area.

All new constructions have been standalone homes, preserving Willunga's traditional low-density character and appealing to families seeking space. With around 283 people per approval, Willunga reflects its low-density status. By 2041, AreaSearch forecasts indicate Willunga will gain approximately 281 residents. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, offering favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current 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 identified 18 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives 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 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.

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

Willunga has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 1.9%, lower than Greater Adelaide's 3.9%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.3%.

As of September 2025, 2,111 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.0% and workforce participation similar to Greater Adelaide's 66.5%. Approximately 19.8% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. 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 locally may be limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 3.3%, while labour force increased by 3.6%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 3.0%, labour force growth of 2.9%, with unemployment falling 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that over five years, national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% and over ten years by 13.7%. 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

Income data from AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO figures for financial year 2023 shows median income in Willunga SA2 was $49,455 and average income was $65,211. This is lower than Greater Adelaide's median income of $54,808 and average income of $66,852. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 8.8% since financial year 2023, estimated median income in Willunga as of September 2025 is approximately $53,807, with average income at around $70,950. Census data from 2021 ranks household, family and personal incomes in Willunga between the 42nd and 50th percentiles. The most common income bracket is $1,500 - $2,999, with 31.9% of residents (1,196 people) falling into this category, similar to the broader metropolitan region at 31.8%. After accounting for housing costs, Willunga residents retain 87.9% of their income, indicating 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

Willunga's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 97.1% houses and 2.9% other dwellings. In comparison, Adelaide metro had 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Willunga stood at 44.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 43.3% and rented ones at 12.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. Median weekly rent in Willunga was $320, matching Adelaide metro's figure but lower than the national average of $375. Nationally, Willunga's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863.

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 comprising 1.0%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

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 of 28.9%, exceeding the SA3 area average of 18.9% and that of South Australia (SA) at 25.7%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 19.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 5.0% and graduate diplomas at 4.3%. Trade and technical skills are prominent, with vocational credentials held by 36.7% of residents aged 15+, including advanced diplomas (11.8%) and certificates (24.9%).

Educational participation is high, with 26.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.9% in primary education, 7.0% in secondary education, 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

Public transport analysis shows 19 active transport stops operating within Willunga. These stops are served by a mix of buses along six individual routes, collectively providing 298 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 277 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward using private vehicles, which remain the dominant mode at 90%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, exceeding the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 19.8% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 42 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 15 weekly trips per individual 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 shows strong performance throughout Willunga.

AreaSearch's assessment indicates low prevalence of common health conditions across both young and old age cohorts. Private health cover is slightly lower than the average SA2 area at approximately 52% of the total population (~1,947 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (9.8%) and asthma (7.8%), while 68.1% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among working-age residents are typical. Willunga has a higher proportion of seniors, with 26.3% aged 65 and over (986 people), compared to 19.0% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

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 below average, with 79.3% born in Australia, 91.3% being citizens, and 96.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated as the main religion, comprising 35.0%. The most notable overrepresentation was in 'Other', which made up 0.8%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 1.8%.

Top ancestry groups were English (36.7%), Australian (27.5%), and Scottish (9.0%). Welsh (1.2%) and German (6.3%) were notably overrepresented, while French was slightly higher at 0.8% 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 (15.2%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (7%). This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 6.7% to 8.6%, while those aged 15 to 24 have increased from 10.7% to 11.9%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has declined from 15.4% to 13.5%, and the 55 to 64 age group has decreased from 16.4% to 15.2%. By 2041, Willunga's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 54% (171 people), reaching 493 from 321. Residents aged 65 and older will represent 74% of the anticipated growth. Conversely, both the 0 to 4 and 45 to 54 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.