Waikerie

Waikerie has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

As of Nov 2025, the population of the Waikerie statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 2,688 people. This reflects an increase of 7 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,681 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,653, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 14 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 38 persons per square kilometer. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted, based on 2021 data and adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking ahead, lower quartile growth is anticipated for Australia's regional areas. The Waikerie (SA2) is expected to increase by 103 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 5.0% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Waikerie, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Waikerie has recorded approximately six residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years ending 30 June 2021. This totals an estimated thirty homes. So far in the financial year 2026 (FY-26), two approvals have been recorded as of the latest available data.

The population has fallen during this period, yet housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, indicating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $380,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. Compared to the Rest of SA, Waikerie has significantly less development activity, 62.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. However, construction activity has intensified recently, although it remains under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations.

All new construction in Waikerie since records began has been comprised of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 286 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Waikerie is expected to grow by 133 residents through to 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Waikerie has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 29thth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like modifications to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are anticipated to impact this area. Notable projects include Project EnergyConnect, SA Public Housing Maintenance and Services Contracts, SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts, and Mid North South Australia REZ Expansion, with the following list outlining those most pertinent.

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Employment drivers in Waikerie are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Waikerie's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs with varied sector representation. The unemployment rate was 5.3% as of September 2025, matching the Rest of SA's rate.

Workforce participation was lower at 50.5%. Key employment industries included agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Agriculture, forestry & fishing had a particularly high share of jobs at 1.4 times the regional level, while mining had limited presence at 0.5% compared to 2.9% regionally. Labour force levels increased by 1.3% over the year ending September 2025, despite a 0.5% employment decline, leading to a 1.7 percentage point rise in unemployment rate.

In comparison, Rest of SA saw employment growth of 0.3%, labour force growth of 2.3%, and a 1.9 percentage point increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Waikerie's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.1% over five years and 11.5% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released on June 30, 2023, Waikerie had a median taxpayer income of $43,211 and an average income of $49,599. These figures are lower than the national averages of $48,920 and $58,933 respectively for Rest of SA. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since June 30, 2023, estimated median and average incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $47,014 and $53,964 respectively. According to the 2021 Census, Waikerie's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 2nd and 9th percentiles nationally. The predominant income bracket in Waikerie is $400 - $799, with 34.3% of locals (921 people) earning within this range, unlike regional trends where 27.5% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. Notably, 42.5% of Waikerie residents earn below $800 weekly, indicating affordability pressures. Despite modest housing costs with 87.1% of income retained, total disposable income ranks at just the 4th percentile nationally.

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

Waikerie's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 85.8% houses and 14.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro SA had 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Waikerie was 42.3%, similar to Non-Metro SA's level. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 26.8% and rented dwellings made up 30.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Waikerie was $1,000, lower than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,083. The median weekly rent figure in Waikerie was $200, compared to Non-Metro SA's $220. Nationally, Waikerie's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,000 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Waikerie features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 63.0% of all households, including 19.2% couples with children, 32.8% couples without children, and 9.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 37.0%, with lone person households at 34.4% and group households comprising 3.0% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of SA average of 2.3.

Waikerie faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 11.4%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 36.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (8.7%) and certificates (27.6%).

A substantial 23.9% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 10.6% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 1.4% in tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Waikerie is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Waikerie faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent among both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, at approximately 47% (1,254 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most frequent medical conditions are arthritis (11.7%) and asthma (7.8%). About 62.2% of residents report no medical ailments, similar to the Rest of SA's 61.8%. Waikerie has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over, at 33.8% (908 people), compared to Rest of SA's 26.2%.

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

Waikerie's population showed lower cultural diversity, with 87.1% being Australian citizens, 86.2% born in Australia, and 90.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 49.7%. The category 'Other' had a higher representation in Waikerie at 3.7%, compared to 1.5% regionally.

For ancestry, Australian (31.4%), English (29.5%), and German (13.0%) were the top groups. Notable differences existed for Sri Lankan (0.2% vs regional 0.0%), Welsh (0.5% vs 0.4%), and Hungarian (0.2% vs 0.2%).

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

Waikerie has a median age of 49, which is higher than the Rest of SA figure of 47 and substantially exceeds the national norm of 38. Compared to Rest of SA, Waikerie has a higher concentration of residents aged 65-74 (17.4%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (12.6%). This 65-74 concentration is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 9.8% to 11.4% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 10.6% to 9.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Waikerie's age structure. The 75 to 84 group is projected to grow by 50%, reaching 461 people from the current 306. This growth will be led by those aged 65 and above, comprising 92% of the projected population increase. Conversely, both the 0 to 4 and 15 to 24 age groups are projected to decrease in number.