Willunga

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Willunga's population is around 3,767 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 163 people (4.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,604 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,747 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 50 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 44 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Willunga's 4.5% growth since the census positions it within 1.9 percentage points of the SA3 area (6.4%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 63.6% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including overseas migration and natural growth, were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation is expected, with the area expected to grow by 286 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 7.1% in total over the 17 years.

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 around 17 residential properties granted approval annually, with 89 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 8 so far in FY-26. At an average of 2.3 new residents per year for each dwelling over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), reflecting robust demand that underpins property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $329,000. There have also been $1.4 million in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting a predominantly residential focus.

Relative to Greater Adelaide, Willunga shows comparable development activity (per person), maintaining a market balance consistent with the broader area. Meanwhile, new construction has consisted entirely of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. At around 283 people per approval, Willunga reflects a low density area.

Population forecasts indicate Willunga will gain 266 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good 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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 18 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Willunga Basin Water Infrastructure Expansion, Main South Road Duplication Project (Stage 2) - Aldinga to Sellicks Beach, Aldinga - A New Community, and the Aldinga Intersection Upgrade, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 features a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 1.8%, and 4.6% estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 2,144 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 2.0% below Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Greater Adelaide's 67.2%. Based on Census responses, a moderate 19.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The area shows particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 5.4 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 14.8% versus the regional average of 17.7%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 4.6% while the labour force increased by 4.6%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. By comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 4.2%, labour force growth of 3.9%, with unemployment falling 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Willunga. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Willunga's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.1% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Willunga SA2 is just below the national average, with the median assessed at $49,455 while the average income stands at $65,211. This contrasts with Greater Adelaide's figures of a median income of $54,808 and an average income of $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $53,807 (median) and $70,950 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Willunga, between the 42nd and 50th percentiles. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 31.9% of residents (1,201 people), consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 31.8% in the same category. After housing costs, residents retain 87.9% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and 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 within Willunga, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 97.1% houses and 2.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Adelaide metro's 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Willunga was well beyond that of Adelaide metro, at 44.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (43.3%) or rented (12.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Adelaide metro average at $1,733, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $320, compared to Adelaide metro's $1,562 and $320. Nationally, Willunga's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 80.3% of all households, comprising 32.8% couples with children, 37.6% couples without children, and 9.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 19.7%, with lone person households at 18.6% and group households comprising 1.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people is 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 stands out regionally, with university qualification rates (28.9% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the SA3 area average of 18.9% and that of SA (25.7%), reflecting the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees lead at 19.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.0%) and graduate diplomas (4.3%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 36.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.8%) and certificates (24.9%).

Educational participation is notably 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 reveals 19 active transport stops operating within Willunga, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 6 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; the car remains the dominant mode at 90%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 19.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; 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, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts see low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover slightly lags that of the average SA2 area at approximately 52% of the total population (~1,955 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.8% and 7.8% of residents, respectively, while 68.1% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 27.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,028 people), which is higher than the 19.3% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than those of 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 79.3% of its population born in Australia, 91.3% being citizens, and 96.3% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Willunga is Christianity, which makes up 35.0% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 0.8% of the population, compared to 1.8% across Greater Adelaide.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Willunga are English, comprising 36.7% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 27.8%, Australian, comprising 27.5% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 9.0% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Welsh is notably overrepresented at 1.2% of Willunga (vs 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 of 48 years stands significantly above Greater Adelaide's 39 as well as well above the 38-year national average. Relative to Greater Adelaide, Willunga has a higher concentration of 65 - 74 residents (15.4%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (6.9%). This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.7% to 9.1% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 10.7% to 12.1%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 15.4% to 12.9% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 16.4% to 14.8%. By 2041, Willunga is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 45% (152 people), reaching 493 from 340. Demographic aging continues as residents 65 and older represent 71% of anticipated growth. Conversely, both 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 age groups will see reduced numbers.