Willunga

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

Willunga's population was approximately 3,791 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 187 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,604. The growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 3,784 in June 2025 and 56 validated new addresses added since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 44 persons per square kilometer. Willunga's 5.2% growth since census compares favorably with its SA3 area's 5.8%, indicating strong growth fundamentals. Interstate migration accounted for approximately 53.5% of overall population gains during recent periods, though all drivers contributed positively.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024, based on 2022 data, and SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category released in 2023 for areas not covered or years post-2032. Based on these projections, Willunga is expected to grow by approximately 270 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain of 6.9% over the 16-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 granted approximately 17 residential approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 89 homes received approval, with an additional 12 approved in FY26 so far. On average, each dwelling accommodates about 2.3 new residents per year over these five years, reflecting strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost of new homes is approximately $329,000. This financial year has seen around $1.4 million in commercial approvals, indicating a primary focus on residential development. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Willunga exhibits similar development activity per capita, maintaining market balance with the broader area.

All new constructions have been standalone homes, preserving Willunga's traditional low-density character and catering to families seeking space. With around 283 people per approval, Willunga reflects a low-density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Willunga is projected to gain approximately 263 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 the region. Key initiatives include Willunga Basin Water Infrastructure Expansion, Main South Road Duplication Project (Stage 2) from Aldinga to Sellicks Beach, Aldinga - A New Community, and Aldinga Intersection Upgrade. The following list details those most likely to be 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 prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 1.8%, showing a 4.6% increase in employment over the past year. As of December 2025, 2,144 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.0%, lower than Greater Adelaide's 3.8%.

Workforce participation stands at 68.5%, slightly higher than Greater Adelaide's 66.0%. Approximately 19.8% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have influenced this figure. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The area has a strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 5.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 14.8% compared to the regional average of 17.7%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the ratio of Census working population to resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 4.6%, while labour force also grew by 4.6%, maintaining a stable unemployment rate. In comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 4.2% and labour force growth of 3.9%, with a decrease in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Willunga. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. 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, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for local population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Willunga SA2 has an income median of $49,455 and average income of $65,211. This is below Greater Adelaide's median income of $54,808 and average income of $66,852. By March 2026, with a 10.17% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated incomes are approximately $54,485 (median) and $71,843 (average). The 2021 Census ranks Willunga's household, family, and personal incomes modestly, between the 42nd and 50th percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 is dominant in Willunga with 31.9% of residents (1,209 people), similar to metropolitan trends at 31.8%. After housing costs, 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 (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Adelaide metro's 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 recorded at $320, matching Adelaide metro's figure. Nationally, Willunga's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 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 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 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

Willunga has 19 active public transport stops operating within the area. These stops are serviced by 6 different bus routes that collectively provide 298 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 277 meters from their nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward using various modes of transportation. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport in Willunga at 90%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling in Willunga is 1.9, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 19.8% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages approximately 42 trips per day, equating to around 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 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 (~1,967 people), slightly below the average SA2 area's rate. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 9.8 and 7.8% of residents respectively. Conversely, 68.1% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among working-age individuals are generally consistent with broader trends. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 27.2% (1,032 people), compared to the 19.2% in Greater Adelaide. Notably, health outcomes among seniors rank favourably, even exceeding national averages for the general population.

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

Willunga showed cultural diversity below average levels, 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 'Other' category was overrepresented at 0.8%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 1.8%.

In ancestry, English (36.7%) and Australian (27.5%) were top groups, significantly higher than regional averages of 27.8% and 19.4%, respectively. Scottish ancestry stood at 9.0%. Notably, Welsh was overrepresented at 1.2%, compared to 0.6% regionally; German at 6.3% (vs 5.1%), and French at 0.8% (vs 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 percentage of residents aged 65-74 (15.4%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (6.8%). This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the percentage of Willunga's population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 6.7% to 8.8%, while the 15 to 24 age group increased from 10.7% to 12.1%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has declined from 15.4% to 12.9%, and the 55 to 64 age group has dropped from 16.4% to 15.0%. By 2041, Willunga is expected to experience notable shifts in its age composition, with the 75 to 84 age group projected to grow by 44%, reaching 484 people from 335. The demographic aging trend will continue as residents aged 65 and older represent 71% of anticipated growth. Conversely, both the 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 age groups are expected to decrease in number.