Chart Color Schemes
This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
Find a Recent Sale
Sales Detail
Walkley Heights has an estimated 3,556 residents, up from 3,513 at the 2021 Census — a change of 43 people, or 1.2%. That puts 2,182 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Analysis of ABS demographic updates for the wider region, alongside address data verified by AreaSearch since the Census, indicates that the suburb of Walkley Heights has a population of approximately 3,556 as of May 2026. This represents a gain of 43 people (1.2%) compared to the 2021 Census, which counted 3,513 people. The calculation is based on an estimated resident population of 3,547, derived by AreaSearch from the June 2025 ABS ERP release and subsequent address checks. The current population levels result in a density of 2,181 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the typical figure for national locations analyzed by AreaSearch.
In recent times, overseas migration has been the primary driver of population growth, acting as virtually the sole source of these gains. AreaSearch incorporates projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024 using 2022 as the baseline. For any SA2 regions lacking this coverage, or for years after 2032, regional and LGA projections by age bracket published by the SA State Government in 2023 (based on 2021 statistics) are applied, utilizing weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 boundaries. Future demographic trends suggest that the suburb of Walkley Heights will experience population expansion slightly below the national median for statistical areas. The community is projected to increase by 357 residents by 2041, representing a total rise of 9.8% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
According to building approval figures from the ABS compiled by AreaSearch for this statistical area, the suburb of Walkley Heights has recorded an average of approximately 2 new home approvals each year, summing to 14 residences over the previous 5 financial years. Thus far during FY-26, 8 approvals have been registered. Because the population decreased during the prior term, the volume of housing has remained sufficient to meet local needs, resulting in a balanced market offering favorable options for purchasers, with new residential projects carrying an average building cost of $310,000.
Additionally, commercial approvals worth $3,000 have been logged during the current financial year, highlighting the quiet, domestic character of the area. Recent additions to the housing stock have consisted entirely of detached family residences, preserving the suburban character of the community and providing options for buyers seeking larger spaces. Interestingly, builders are focusing on standalone houses to a greater extent than the historical split would suggest, which stood at 81.0% at the Census, demonstrating persistent appetite for traditional houses despite density trends. With a ratio of approximately 1774 people for every approval, the suburb of Walkley Heights displays the characteristics of a stable, fully developed neighborhood. Projections indicate that the suburb of Walkley Heights will add 348 residents by 2041, relative to the most recent quarterly estimates from AreaSearch. If building activity remains at its current pace, the supply of new dwellings may not keep up with population growth, which could increase buyer competition and support upward pressure on prices.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Walkley Heights
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 17 current infrastructure and development projects close to Walkley Heights, worth an estimated $3.66 billion. 3 are already under construction and 2 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, transport & logistics and communities. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Changes in local infrastructure projects and urban planning policies significantly affect regional performance. AreaSearch has identified 7 projects expected to influence this neighborhood. Notable developments include the Northern Suburbs High School at Eyre, the Walkleys Road Corridor, Oakden Rise, and the Finniss Avenue Reserve Housing Development, with details of the most significant projects listed below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Pooraka Enterprise Park Expansion - Stage 2 (Various Sites)
Established industrial precinct in Pooraka, Adelaide's inner north, originally developed by Australasian Property Developments as a 50,000 sqm greenfield site with commitments from Cavpower, Best Bar and Mechvac. The flagship 35-37 Maxwell Road estate (2.70ha, 7,917 sqm GLA) was acquired by Realside Ovest in 2022 as part of the Ovest Industrial Fund 2 and is now a fully leased asset. More recent additions across the precinct include a brand-new five-unit office/warehouse development at 17-21 Maxwell Road, which has since sold, and a recently completed warehouse at 23-25 Maxwell Road available for occupancy in April 2026.The precinct benefits from strong access to Main North Road, Port Wakefield Road, Grand Junction Road and the Northern Expressway, supporting continued employment growth in Adelaide's northern industrial corridor.
Walkleys Road Corridor
The City of Salisbury's largest residential development, delivering around 220 homes on a former road corridor reserve at Ingle Farm. Housing types include traditional allotments, low-maintenance lots, townhouses and super lots for integrated development. The project includes two new streets, shared paths and bikeways, upgraded green streetscapes, stormwater detention basins with biofiltration, and a $2 million district-level playspace at Baloo Reserve. Targeting 6-Star Green Star Communities accreditation - the first in South Australia. Planning application lodged June 2024, with five civil construction stages.First stage civil works and land release are anticipated to commence in 2026, with full delivery expected by 2030.
Finniss Avenue Reserve Housing Development
Proposed development of housing on a portion of Finniss Avenue Reserve as part of the Strategic Property Development Program. The project was in the concept planning process with community engagement closing in November 2021. The engagement summary report shows community feedback emphasizing retention of green space and potential upgrades to remaining reserve areas. The City of Salisbury is identifying underused surplus council land for future housing.
Montague Farm Estate
Large master-planned residential community delivering over 1000 new homes including townhouses, apartments and detached dwellings in the heart of Pooraka, with integrated parks and community facilities.
Pooraka Triangle Masterplan Redevelopment
A major urban renewal initiative proposed to transform the approximately 40-hectare Pooraka Triangle precinct - bounded by Main North Road, Montague Road and Maxwell Road - into a vibrant mixed-use community. Plans include up to 2,000 new dwellings alongside commercial, retail and community facilities, with significant public realm improvements. The project is led by Renewal SA and remains in the planning and masterplanning phase with no confirmed construction timeline.
Oakden Rise
A 52-hectare master-planned community that will deliver up to 1,500 new homes in Adelaide's north-east. The development will feature a variety of housing options, a new community facility with a pool and gym, extensive parks, and a village centre.
Laing St, Northfield
Five-building accessible residential project with 60 units designed for people with disabilities. Supported through NDIS.
SDA High Physical Support Home, Ingle Farm
Brand new Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) home in Ingle Farm, built to High Physical Support (HPS) and NCC Class 1B standards. Features accessible design including wide corridors, ramp entry, open showers, accessible kitchen, and provisions for a separate carer's room. The specific address, 16A Danum Avenue, has been sold and is a completed investment property, indicating the project is fully constructed and compliant with NDIS requirements.
1,748 residents of Walkley Heights are employed, from a labour force of 1,782. Unemployment sits at 1.9%, with participation at 61.2%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.4% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 2,987, about 84% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Data aggregated by AreaSearch indicates that the suburb of Walkley Heights has a highly qualified labor force with strong representation in essential service industries, an unemployment rate of only 1.9%, and steady employment conditions over the previous year. As of March 2026, there are 1,748 employed locals, and the unemployment rate of 1.9% is lower than the Greater Adelaide figure of 3.8%. However, the local participation rate of 61.2% is considerably lower than the 66.6% recorded across Greater Adelaide. Census records show that a modest 8.5% of the workforce worked from home, though this figure may have been influenced by COVID-19 restrictions.
The primary employment sectors for local workers are health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. The community has a notable concentration of workers in public administration & safety, which is 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, building and construction is underrepresented, employing only 5.9% of the local workforce compared to 8.7% across Greater Adelaide. The heavily residential nature of the suburb of Walkley Heights appears to limit local job availability, as shown by comparing the count of working residents against local jobs. Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics for the broader region, employment rose by 0.2% and the labor force grew by 0.4% during the 12 months ending March 2026, leading to a 0.2 percentage point increase in unemployment. In comparison, Greater Adelaide experienced a 4.2% expansion in employment, a 4.0% increase in the labor force, and a 0.2 percentage point decline in unemployment. National forecasts released by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25 provide additional context regarding future demand. These five and ten-year forecasts have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future patterns. Although the national workforce is expected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, the rates of change vary widely by sector. Applying these national trends to the industry mix of the suburb of Walkley Heights indicates that local employment would rise by 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, assuming a basic weighted extrapolation that does not incorporate local population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Walkley Heights is $1,773 a week (about $92,000 a year), with median personal income at $715 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $52,805 a year against an average of $58,327. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
The latest postcode-level ATO statistics released for the 2023 financial year show that taxpayers in the suburb of Walkley Heights have a median income of $52,805 and an average income of $58,327. These figures are below the national averages, and compare to a median of $54,808 and an average of $66,852 in Greater Adelaide. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.17% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates as of March 2026 would be roughly $58,175 for the median and $64,259 for the average. According to the Census, household incomes are in the 51st percentile at $1,773 per week, while personal incomes are in the 31st percentile.
The largest income group comprises 34.6% of residents (1,230 individuals) earning between $1,500 and $2,999, which aligns with the broader regional pattern where 31.8% of the population falls into this bracket. Discretionary funds remaining after housing costs account for 85.7% of income, and the local SEIFA income index sits in the 6th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Walkley Heights had 1,245 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 81% detached houses and 1% apartments. 51% are owned with a mortgage, 14% rented and 35% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $370 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,700 a month. Rent absorbs 20.9% of household income here and mortgage repayments 22.1%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the last Census, the housing mix in the suburb of Walkley Heights consisted of 81.0% standalone houses and 19.0% alternative housing types, such as semi-detached homes and apartments, compared to 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings across the Adelaide metro area. Home ownership was higher than the Adelaide metro average, with 34.8% of properties owned outright, while 50.8% were mortgaged and 14.4% were rented. The median monthly mortgage payment was $1,700, which is higher than the Adelaide metro median of $1,562, and the median weekly rent was $370, compared to the metropolitan median of $320.
On a national level, mortgage costs in the suburb of Walkley Heights are below the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are lower than the countrywide figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Walkley Heights counted 1,245 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.7 people each. 38% are couples with children, against 26% couples without children. 22% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.7 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family households constitute 75.7% of all residences, including 38.3% couples with children, 26.2% couples without children, and 11.1% single parents. The remaining 24.3% are non-family households, with single-person households representing 22.4% and group households accounting for 1.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is slightly larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
26.1% of adults in Walkley Heights hold a university qualification, including 17.9% with a bachelor degree and 5.6% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 85% of areas nationally. A further 20.6% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local area has a distinctive educational profile, with university graduation rates at 26.1% of residents aged 15 and over, which is higher than the SA4 average of 19.8%. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 17.9%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 5.6% and graduate diplomas at 2.6%. Vocational and technical skills are also common, with 31.3% of residents aged 15 and over holding qualification credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas at 10.7% and certificates at 20.6%. Enrolment rates are high, with 29.6% of local residents actively participating in formal study.
This student population includes 11.5% in primary schools, 8.4% in high schools, and 5.5% in higher education institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Walkley Heights reaches 17 stops on 20 routes, timetabled for about 1,100 services a week. The typical home sits about 190 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.5 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
An analysis of public transit options shows 17 active bus stops operating within the suburb of Walkley Heights. These transit points are connected to 20 different routes, which provide a combined total of 1,122 weekly passenger journeys. Accessibility is excellent, with residents living an average of 193 meters from their closest stop. Due to the residential character of the neighborhood, most workers travel outside the area, with private cars being the main transit option at 88% and buses accounting for 9%. The average number of vehicles per household is 1.5.
A small share of the workforce, 8.5%, worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions. Transit service frequency averages 160 journeys per day across the network, which translates to approximately 66 weekly trips at each individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
68.1% of residents in Walkley Heights report no long-term health condition. 8.0% need daily assistance with core activities, and 50.1% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.9 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Based on mortality data and chronic illness rates, the suburb of Walkley Heights faces notable health issues, with general health conditions present across the community and concentrated heavily among older cohorts. The private health insurance rate is relatively low, covering approximately 50% of the population (~1,780 individuals). This compares to 52.7% across Greater Adelaide and a national average of 55.7%. Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent issues, affecting 9.1% and 7.0% of residents. However, 68.1% of the population reported no chronic medical conditions, compared to 67.9% in Greater Adelaide.
Residents under the age of 65 generally experience favorable health outcomes. The community has a high proportion of older residents, with 20.5% aged 65 and over (728 individuals), compared to 19.2% in Greater Adelaide. Health challenges are more common among seniors, whose health metrics rank lower nationally than the rest of the local population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
32.8% of Walkley Heights residents were born overseas and 29.9% speak a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (24.7%) and Australian (21.8%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
The suburb of Walkley Heights exhibits higher cultural diversity than most areas, with 32.8% of its residents born outside Australia and 29.9% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 49.3% of the community. The most notable religious variance is in the Other category, which accounts for 5.2% of the local population compared to 1.8% across Greater Adelaide. Regarding parent birthplaces, the most common ancestries in the suburb of Walkley Heights are English at 24.7%, Australian at 21.8%, and Other at 12.9%. There are also distinct concentrations of specific ethnic backgrounds, including Polish residents at 1.5% (compared to 1.0% in the region), Vietnamese at 2.3% (compared to 1.2%), and Indian at 5.7% (compared to 2.3%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Walkley Heights is 42. 22.0% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age in the suburb of Walkley Heights is 42, which is higher than the Greater Adelaide median of 39 and the national median of 38. The 45 - 54 age bracket is well represented at 14.8% of the population, while the 25 - 34 bracket is smaller at 8.9%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has increased from 8.4% to 9.8%, whereas the 65 to 74 group has decreased from 8.8% to 6.2%. Future projections suggest significant demographic shifts by 2041, led by a 72% increase in the 85+ cohort (adding 115 people) to reach 276 instead of 160, while the cohort aged 75 to 84 is projected to decrease by 15.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Walkley Heights
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (3,513 at the 2021 Census → 3,556 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL41515). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.