Waikerie

Waikerie is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, the population of the suburb of Waikerie is estimated at around 2,703 people. This reflects an increase of 22 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 in June 2024, and an additional 16 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 suburb 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 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking ahead, a population increase just below the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas is expected for the suburb of Waikerie, with an expected increase of 112 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 4.7% 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

Waikerie has recorded approximately 6 residential properties granted approval each year over the past 5 financial years ending FY26. This totals an estimated 30 homes. As of FY26, 2 approvals have been recorded.

The population has fallen during this period, yet housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a balanced market with good buyer choice. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $380,000, indicating focus on the premium market and high-end developments. Compared to the Rest of SA, Waikerie has significantly less development activity, 62.0% below the regional average per person, which generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. However, construction activity has intensified recently, though it remains under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. All new construction in Waikerie has been detached houses, maintaining its 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 AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Waikerie is expected to grow by 128 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 infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified zero projects likely impacting this area. Notable projects include Project EnergyConnect, SA Public Housing Maintenance and Services Contracts, SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts, Mid North South Australia REZ Expansion.

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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 diverse sectors represented. The unemployment rate was 5.3% as of September 2025, according to AreaSearch data aggregation from statistical areas. In September 2025, 1,212 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate matching Rest of SA's 5.3%.

Workforce participation was similar to Rest of SA's 58.5%. Census responses showed that only 6.7% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries included agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Agriculture, forestry & fishing had a significant presence with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Mining had limited presence at 0.5%, compared to the regional average of 2.9%. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force levels increased by 1.3%, while employment declined by 0.6%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.7 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of SA saw employment growth of 0.3% and labour force growth of 2.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national 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.

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 for financial year 2023, Waikerie had a median income among taxpayers of $43,211. The average income stood at $49,599. Nationally, the median and average incomes were $48,920 and $58,933 respectively for Rest of SA. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Waikerie are approximately $47,014 (median) and $53,964 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Waikerie fall between the 2nd and 9th percentiles nationally. The predominant income bracket spans 34.3% of locals (927 people) earning $400 - 799 weekly, unlike regional trends where 27.5% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Lower income households are prevalent, with 42.5% earning below $800 weekly. While housing costs are modest, 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

In Waikerie, as per the latest Census evaluation, 85.8% of dwellings were houses while 14.2% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Non-Metro SA's figures of 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Waikerie stood at 42.3%, similar to Non-Metro SA's level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (26.8%) or rented (30.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,000, significantly lower than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,153 and the national figure of $1,863. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent in Waikerie was recorded at $200, substantially below Non-Metro SA's $220 and 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 make up 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, 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%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 36.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 8.7% and certificates at 27.6%. A notable 23.9% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 10.6% in primary, 7.3% in secondary, and 1.4% in tertiary education.

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

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Waikerie's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Waikerie's health metrics align closely with national benchmarks, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age groups, with arthritis affecting 11.7% of residents and asthma impacting 7.8%. Private health cover is extremely low, at approximately 47% of the total population (around 1,261 people), compared to 48.9% in Rest of SA and a national average of 55.7%.

A majority, 62.2%, report being completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 62.5% in Rest of SA. Health outcomes among working-age residents are generally typical. The area has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over, at 34.3% (927 people), compared to 27.1% in Rest of SA. National rankings for health indicators are broadly in line with the general population.

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

Waikerie's cultural diversity was found to be below average. Its population composition is as follows: 87.1% are citizens, 86.2% were born in Australia, and 90.9% speak English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, with 49.7% of people identifying as such.

Notably, the 'Other' category comprises 3.7% of Waikerie's population, compared to a regional average of 0.8%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Australian (31.4%), English (29.5%), and German (13.0%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences in representation: Sri Lankan at 0.2% in Waikerie compared to 0.0% regionally, Welsh at 0.5% versus the same regional figure, and Hungarian at 0.2% compared to 0.1%.

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

Waikerie's median age is 49, which is higher than the Rest of SA figure of 47 and significantly exceeds the national norm of 38. Compared to Rest of SA, Waikerie has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (17.5%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (12.2%). This 65-74 concentration is well above the national figure of 9.5%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 9.8% to 11.9% of Waikerie's population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has decreased from 10.6% to 9.1%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Waikerie's age structure. The 75 to 84 group is projected to grow by 42%, reaching 457 people from the current 321. This growth is largely driven by an aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above comprising 93% of projected growth. Conversely, both the 0 to 4 and 15 to 24 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.