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

Based on ABS population updates, as of Nov 2025, the estimated population for Walkley Heights statistical area (Lv2) is around 3,581. This reflects an increase of 68 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,513. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of resident population at 3,547 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,196 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 a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation method from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking ahead, population projections indicate an increase just below the median for national statistical areas, with Walkley Heights (SA2) expected to expand by 367 persons to reach a total of 4,018 by 2041, reflecting a gain of 12.8% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Walkley Heights recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Walkley Heights had approximately 3 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 15 homes were approved, with another 3 so far in FY-26. This results in an average of about 14.3 people moving to the area annually for each dwelling built over these years.

Supply is lagging demand, indicating heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $347,000, slightly above the regional average.

This year has seen $3,000 in commercial development approvals, reflecting the area's residential nature. Recent development has been entirely detached dwellings, maintaining Walkley Heights' traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes. Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than previously indicated (81.0% at Census), suggesting strong demand for family homes despite densification trends. With approximately 521 people per approval, the area indicates a mature market. By 2041, Walkley Heights is expected to grow by around 460 residents. If current construction levels continue, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Eight projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the local area's performance. Key projects include Northern Suburbs High School at Eyre, Walkleys Road Corridor, Oakden Rise, and Gawler Line Electrification & Level Crossing Removals (including works in the Valley View area). The following list details those likely to be 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 notable representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 1.8% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 2.0% over the past year.

This is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. In Walkley Heights, 1,826 residents were employed in September 2025, with an unemployment rate of 2.1%, compared to Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was somewhat lower at 59.7% compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.

The area has a particularly notable concentration in public administration & safety, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. Construction, however, has limited presence with 5.9% employment compared to 8.7% regionally. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.0%, while labour force increased by 1.7%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide experienced employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 2.9%, with a 0.1 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, adding 10,710 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.0%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

Walkley Heights' suburb income level is below national average, per latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Median income among taxpayers in Walkley Heights is $52,805, with an average of $58,327, compared to Greater Adelaide's figures of $54,808 and $66,852 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8%, current estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $57,452 (median) and $63,460 (average). According to 2021 Census figures, household income ranks at the 51st percentile ($1,773 weekly), while personal income sits at the 31st percentile. Income brackets show 34.6% of population (1,239 individuals) fall within $1,500 - 2,999 range, aligning with broader area's 31.8%. After housing expenses, 85.7% of income remains for other expenses, and SEIFA income ranking places Walkley Heights in the 6th decile.

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

Walkley Heights' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 81.0% houses and 19.0% other dwellings. Home ownership stood at 34.8%, with 50.8% of dwellings mortgaged and 14.4% rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,700, and the median weekly rent was $370. 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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 24.3%, with lone person households at 22.4% and group households making up 1.2%. 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 educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 26.1% among residents aged 15+, surpassing 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 skills are also prominent, with 31.3% of residents aged 15+ holding such credentials – advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (20.6%).

Educational participation is high, with 29.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 11.5% in primary, 8.4% in secondary, and 5.5% in tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 17 active stops in Walkley Heights, with a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 20 routes, offering 1,122 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 193 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 160 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 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 prevalent among its residents, particularly among older age cohorts. Approximately half of the total population (~1,793 people) has private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 9.1% and 7.0% of residents respectively. A majority of residents (68.1%) report no medical ailments, compared to 0% across Greater Adelaide. The area has a significant elderly population, with 20.2% of residents aged 65 and over (723 people). Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those of 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 predominant religion in Walkley Heights, accounting for 49.3% of the population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprised 5.2% of the population, significantly higher than the regional average of None%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (24.7%), Australian (21.8%), and Other (12.9%). Some ethnic groups had notable representations: Polish at 1.5%, Vietnamese at 2.3%, and Indian at 5.7%, all higher than their respective regional averages of None%.

Walkley Heights's median age exceeds the national pattern

Walkley Heights has a median age of 42, which is slightly higher than Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 and significantly higher than the national norm of 38. The 5-14 age group makes up 14.4% of Walkley Heights' population, compared to Greater Adelaide. However, the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 8.7%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 8.4% to 9.4%, while the 65 to 74 cohort has decreased from 8.8% to 6.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests that Walkley Heights' age profile will change significantly. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 78%, reaching 287 people from the current 161. Meanwhile, the number of people in the 75 to 84 age range is expected to decrease slightly.