Waikerie

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for Waikerie, as of Nov 2025 its population is estimated at around 2714. This reflects an increase of 33 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2681. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2692 following examination of ABS ERP data release in Jun 2024, and additional validation of 14 new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 38 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with base year 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking ahead, lower quartile growth is anticipated for Australia's regional areas. Waikerie is expected to increase by 108 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 4.1% 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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Waikerie indicates an average of approximately 7 residential properties granted approval each year over the past 5 financial years. This totals an estimated 37 homes. As of FY-26, 2 approvals have been recorded. Despite a fall in population during this period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

The average construction value for new homes is $380,000. In the current financial year, $1.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the rest of South Australia, Waikerie shows reduced construction activity, at 53.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. However, recent construction activity has intensified.

Nationally, Waikerie's construction activity is also below average, indicating an established area with potential planning limitations. All new construction in Waikerie has been standalone homes, maintaining its traditional low density character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 259 people per dwelling approval, Waikerie exhibits characteristics of a low density area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Waikerie is expected to grow by 112 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Waikerie has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 0 projects that could affect this area. Notable projects are Project EnergyConnect, SA Public Housing Maintenance and Services Contracts, SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts, and Mid North South Australia REZ Expansion. The following list details those most relevant:.

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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 comprises both white and blue-collar jobs across diverse sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.7% in June 2025, slightly higher than Rest of SA's 4.6%.

There were 1,197 residents employed with a workforce participation rate of 50.5%, below the regional average of 54.1%. Key industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is particularly strong, representing 1.4 times the regional level. However, mining is under-represented at 0.5% compared to Rest of SA's 2.9%.

The area may have limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data for June 2025 showing a decrease in labour force (-2.3%) and employment (-3.3%), leading to an unemployment rate increase of 1.0 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Waikerie's industry mix suggests local employment could grow by 5.1% in five years and 11.5% in ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

Waikerie's median taxpayer income was $43,211 and average income was $49,599 in financial year 2022. This is lower than the national averages of $46,889 (median) and $56,582 (average). In comparison, Rest of SA had median incomes of $46,889 and average incomes of $56,582 in the same period. By September 2025, estimated incomes in Waikerie would be approximately $48,755 (median) and $55,963 (average), based on a 12.83% growth since financial year 2022. Census data shows that incomes in Waikerie fall between the 2nd and 9th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The predominant income bracket in Waikerie is $400 - $799, with 34.3% of locals (930 people) falling within this range, contrasting with the regional leading bracket of $1,500 - $2,999 at 27.5%. Economic circumstances indicate financial pressure, with 42.5% of households having weekly budgets below $800. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 87.1% income retention, total disposable income ranks at the 4th percentile nationally.

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

In Waikerie, as per the latest Census evaluation, 85.8% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 14.2% consisting of semi-detached properties, apartments, and other dwelling types. This is compared to Non-Metro SA's figures of 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Waikerie stood at 42.3%, similar to Non-Metro SA, with mortgaged properties at 26.8% and rented dwellings at 30.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,000, lower than the Non-Metro SA average of $1,083. The median weekly rent in Waikerie was recorded at $200, compared to Non-Metro SA's $220. Nationally, Waikerie's median monthly mortgage repayment is significantly lower than Australia's average of $1,863, while the median weekly rent figure is substantially below the national average of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 37.0%, with lone person households at 34.4% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 2.2 people, 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 presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 36.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 8.7% and certificates at 27.6%.

A substantial 23.9% of the population is actively pursuing formal education. This includes 10.6% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 1.4% pursuing tertiary education. Waikerie's three schools have a combined enrollment of 571 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 972) offering balanced educational opportunities. The area functions as an education hub with 21.0 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 13.5, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Health data indicates significant challenges for Waikerie, with high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 47%, covering around 1,266 people, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 11.7% of residents) and asthma (7.8%). A total of 62.2% of residents reported no medical ailments, similar to the Rest of SA's 61.8%. Waikerie has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 33.7% (914 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 has a cultural diversity below average, with 87.1% citizens, 86.2% born in Australia, and 90.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion, comprising 49.7%. The 'Other' category is overrepresented at 3.7%, compared to Rest of SA's 1.5%.

Top ancestry groups are Australian (31.4%), English (29.5%), and German (13.0%). Notably, Sri Lankan, Welsh, and Hungarian ethnicities have higher representation in Waikerie than regionally.

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 (17.3%) 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 now, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 9.8% to 11.4% of Waikerie's population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 10.6% to 9.4%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Waikerie's age structure. The 75 to 84 group is projected to grow by 50%, reaching 463 people from the current 309. This growth will be led by those aged 65 and above, who are expected to comprise 92% of the total population growth. Conversely, both the 0 to 4 and 15 to 24 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.