Walkley Heights

Walkley Heights 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 Nov 2025, the estimated population of Walkley Heights is around 3,543 people. This figure reflects an increase since the 2021 Census, during which the suburb's population was recorded as 3,513 people. The current population estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and analysis of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, resulting in a resident population estimate of 3,531 people for Walkley Heights. This equates to a density ratio of 2,173 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The primary driver of population growth has been overseas migration.

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, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are used, based on 2021 data and adjusted employing a method of weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population dynamics anticipate an increase just below the median for national statistical areas, with Walkley Heights expected to grow by 369 persons to reach 4,912 people by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 14.1% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Walkley Heights according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Walkley Heights averaged approximately 2 new dwelling approvals annually. Between fiscal year 2021 (FY-21) and FY-25, around 13 homes were approved, with none so far in FY-26.

This results in an average of about 16.5 new residents per year for each home built during these years. The demand for housing significantly outpaces supply, which typically exerts upward pressure on prices and intensifies competition among buyers.

The average construction cost value of new homes is approximately $310,000, indicating more affordable housing options compared to regional levels. Recent building activity consists solely of standalone homes, preserving the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking spacious living arrangements. This trend favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (81.0% at Census), reflecting ongoing robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. Walkley Heights has an estimated population of around 1824 people per approval, indicative of a mature and established area. Population forecasts suggest that Walkley Heights will gain approximately 500 residents by the year 2041 (based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates persist, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Walkley Heights has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified eight projects likely to affect this region. Notable ones are Northern Suburbs High School at Eyre, Walkleys Road Corridor, Oakden Rise, and Gawler Line Electrification & Level Crossing Removals (including Valley View area works). The following list 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 of employment trends sees Walkley Heights performing better than 85% of local markets assessed across Australia

Walkley Heights has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate was 1.7% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.0%.

As of June 2025, 1,846 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.3% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was somewhat below standard at 59.7%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key industries of employment among residents were health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. The area had a notable concentration in public administration & safety, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

However, construction was under-represented, with only 5.9% of Walkley Heights's workforce compared to 8.7% in Greater Adelaide. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. During the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.0%, and labour force increased by 1.7%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Adelaide saw employment grow by 2.1% and labour force expand by 2.1%, with a marginal rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer insight into potential future demand within Walkley Heights. These projections suggest national employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Walkley Heights's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released on 30 June 2022 for financial year 2022, Walkley Heights' median income among taxpayers is $52,890, with an average of $58,408. This is below the national average, and compares to Greater Adelaide's median of $52,592 and average of $64,886. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $59,676 (median) and $65,902 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household income ranks at the 51st percentile ($1,773 weekly), while personal income sits at the 31st percentile. Income brackets indicate the predominant cohort spans 34.6% of locals (1,225 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, consistent with broader trends across the broader area showing 31.8% in the same category. After housing, 85.7% of income remains for other expenses and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Walkley Heights' latest Census data shows 81.0% houses and 19.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). Adelaide metro had 0.0% houses and 0.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Walkley Heights was 34.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 50.8% and rented at 14.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,700, aligning with Adelaide metro's average. Median weekly rent was $370, while Adelaide metro had no figures recorded. Nationally, Walkley Heights' mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Walkley Heights has a typical household mix, with a median household size of 2.7 people

Family households constitute 75.7% of all households, including 38.3% couples with children, 26.2% couples without children, and 11.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 24.3%, with lone person households at 22.4% and group households comprising 1.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.7 people.

Walkley Heights shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's residents aged 15+ have a university qualification rate of 26.1%, exceeding the SA4 region average of 19.8%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 17.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are held by 31.3% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.7% and certificates at 20.6%.

Residents currently enrolled in formal education stand at 29.6%, including primary education (11.5%), secondary education (8.4%), and tertiary education (5.5%). Educational facilities appear to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Transport analysis shows 17 active transport stops operating within Walkley Heights. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totalling 18 individual routes that provide 1,123 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 193 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 160 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 66 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Walkley Heights is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Walkley Heights faces significant health challenges with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across all age groups but to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts. Approximately 50% of the total population (~1,775 people) have private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 9.1 and 7.0% of residents respectively. 68.1% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, while this figure is 0% across Greater Adelaide. As of 2021, 20.2% of residents are aged 65 and over (715 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges that require more attention than those in the broader population.

Walkley Heights was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Walkley Heights had a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 32.8% of its population born overseas and 29.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the main religion in Walkley Heights, comprising 49.3% of the population. However, the category 'Other' was significantly overrepresented, making up 5.2% of the population compared to none across Greater Adelaide.

The top three ancestry groups were English (24.7%), Australian (21.8%), and Other (12.9%). Notably, Polish (1.5%) Vietnamese (2.3%), and Indian (5.7%) ethnic groups were overrepresented in Walkley Heights compared to their regional counterparts.

Walkley Heights hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Walkley Heights has a median age of 42, which is higher than Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 and the national norm of 38. The 45-54 age group comprises 14.7% of Walkley Heights' population, exceeding Greater Adelaide's figure, while the 25-34 age group makes up 8.7%, which is lower than the Greater Adelaide percentage. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 8.4% to 9.4% of Walkley Heights' population, while the 65 to 74 cohort has decreased from 8.8% to 6.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling predicts significant changes in Walkley Heights' age profile. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 80%, adding 127 people and reaching 287 from the current figure of 159. Meanwhile, the 75 to 84 group is expected to grow by 1%, with an increase of just 4 residents.