Yankalilla

Population growth drivers in Yankalilla are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Yankalilla's population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, was around 7,028 by May 2026. This figure shows an increase of 530 people from the 2021 Census count of 6,498, representing an 8.2% rise. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population (ERP) of 6,998 in June 2025 and address validation since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 7.2 persons per square kilometer. Yankalilla's growth rate exceeded that of Rest of SA (5.9%) and the SA4 region, indicating it as a growth leader in the area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 86.6% to overall population gains recently.

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 by age category 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. Demographically, non-metropolitan areas like Yankalilla are projected to grow at an above median rate, with the area expected to increase by 790 persons to reach 7,818 by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 10.8% over the 16-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Yankalilla among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Yankalilla has approved approximately 88 new homes annually. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, a total of 444 homes were approved, with an additional 59 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 1.4 people moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five years, indicating a balanced supply and demand market that supports stable conditions.

The average construction value of new properties was $290,000 during this period. This financial year has seen $5.8 million in commercial approvals, reflecting Yankalilla's primarily residential nature. In comparison to the Rest of SA, Yankalilla maintains similar development levels per person, consistent with broader market balance. However, building activity has slowed in recent years.

Notably, this level is significantly above the national average, suggesting robust developer interest in the area. All new construction since FY-21 has been detached dwellings, preserving Yankalilla's traditional low-density character and appealing to families seeking space. With approximately 96 people per dwelling approval, Yankalilla exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is projected to add 760 residents by 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling population growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Yankalilla has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 7thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 20 projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones are Aspen Normanville Lifestyle and Tourism Park, Normanville Foreshore and Jetty Caravan Park Masterplan, Main South Road Safety Upgrades (Myponga to Cape Jervis), and Fleurieu Connections - Main South Road and Victor Harbor Road Duplication. The following 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.

AreaSearch analysis indicates Yankalilla maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Yankalilla has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 3.1% in the past year. Employment growth was estimated at 2.5%.

As of December 2025, 3,093 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.6%, lower than Regional SA's 5.7%. Workforce participation was 52.4%, compared to Regional SA's 58.3%. Home workership stood at 18.5% based on Census responses. Key employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction.

Construction has a significant share of employment at 1.3 times the regional level. Manufacturing employs 6.2% of local workers, below Regional SA's 9.3%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally based on Census data comparisons. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 2.5%, while the labour force grew by 3.7%, leading to a 1.2 percentage point rise in unemployment. In contrast, Regional SA saw employment grow by 0.7% over the same period, with unemployment rising by 2.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Yankalilla's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.3% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The Yankalilla SA2's income level is below the national average according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year ended June 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Yankalilla SA2 was $40,385 and the average income stood at $52,333, compared to figures for Regional SA of $48,920 and $58,933 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year ended June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $44,492 (median) and $57,655 (average) as of March 2026. Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Yankalilla all fall between the 6th and 8th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that the predominant cohort spans 29.1% of locals (2,045 people) in the $800 - 1,499 income category, unlike trends in the surrounding region where 27.5% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. While housing costs are modest with 86.7% of income retained, total disposable income ranks at just the 10th percentile nationally.

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

Yankalilla's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 93.4% houses and 6.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional SA's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Yankalilla stood at 50.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.6% and rented ones at 15.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, higher than Regional SA's average of $1,153. Median weekly rent in Yankalilla was $270, compared to Regional SA's $220. Nationally, Yankalilla's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,863 and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Yankalilla has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 67.8% of all households, including 20.3% that are couples with children, 40.1% that are couples without children, and 7.0% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.2%, with lone person households at 29.9% and group households comprising 2.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Regional SA average of 2.3.

Educational outcomes in Yankalilla fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 17.7%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.7%) and certificates (28.7%). A total of 21.9% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising 9.1% in primary, 6.5% in secondary, and 1.8% in tertiary education.

A substantial 21.9% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 9.1% in primary education, 6.5% in secondary education, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Yankalilla is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Yankalilla faces significant health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were found to be high across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover was extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (around 3,218 people), compared to 48.9% in Regional SA and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions were arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 12.9% and 9.0% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 59.6% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 62.5% in Regional SA. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 36.2% of residents aged 65 and over (around 2,542 people), which is higher than the 27.1% in Regional SA. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

Yankalilla is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Yankalilla, surveyed in June 2016, showed low cultural diversity with 81.3% born in Australia, 90.7% citizens, and 97.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated at 38.5%. Judaism, at 0.1%, was overrepresented compared to Regional SA's 0.0%.

Top ancestral groups were English (38.1%), Australian (27.3%), Scottish (8.5%). Germans (6.1%) and Welsh (0.8%) were notably overrepresented while Dutch (1.7%) showed slight overrepresentation.

Yankalilla ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Yankalilla's median age is 56 years, notably exceeding Regional SA's 47 and well above Australia's median of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent at 20.6%, while the 25-34 group is smaller at 5.2% compared to Regional SA. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 9.5% to 12.4%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 7.2% to 9.3%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 18.6% to 16.6%, and the 25-34 group dropped from 6.6% to 5.2%. By 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Yankalilla's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow exceptionally, expanding by 299 people (133%) from 224 to 524. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 73% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 5-14 cohorts.