Wallaroo (SA)

Population growth drivers in Wallaroo are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, the population of Wallaroo (SA) is estimated at around 4,217, reflecting a 518 person increase since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 14.0% rise from the previous population count of 3,699 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 4,137, based on their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 84 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 95 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential room for further development. Wallaroo's growth exceeded that of its SA4 region (7.4%) and the Rest of SA, making it a notable growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 95.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are used, based on 2021 data and adjusted employing a method of weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Demographic trends suggest that Wallaroo is expected to expand by 355 persons to reach approximately 4,572 by 2041, reflecting a gain of 5.2% in total over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Wallaroo among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Wallaroo averaged approximately 65 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 327 homes. In FY-26 so far, 41 approvals have been recorded. The average population increase has been around 1.4 people per year for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating balanced supply and demand dynamics. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $417,000, targeting the premium market segment.

Commercial approvals this financial year totalled $2.9 million, reflecting Wallaroo's residential character. All new construction has been standalone homes, preserving low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

With around 77 people per approval, Wallaroo reflects a developing area. Population forecasts indicate an increase of 217 residents by 2041. Current construction levels should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth exceeding current forecasts.

Wallaroo has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 30thth percentile nationally

Five projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area, significantly influencing its performance. These key projects include Wallaroo Roads Rehabilitation, Copper Cove Marina Wallaroo, Wallaroo Shores Masterplanned Community (Aspen Group Stages), and Wallaroo Foreshore Masterplan. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Wallaroo face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Wallaroo has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominent essential services sectors, an unemployment rate of 8.2% as of September 2025, and an estimated employment growth of 0.8% over the past year, according to AreaSearch data aggregation. The area's unemployment rate is 2.9% higher than Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%, with workforce participation at 42.4%, significantly lower than Rest of SA's 58.5%. Census responses indicate that only 9.7% of residents work from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns.

Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, accommodation & food services, and retail trade. Wallaroo has a strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 6.1%, compared to 14.5% regionally. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as suggested by the Census working population vs resident population count.

Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.8% and labour force by 2.7%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.8 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of SA saw employment grow by 0.3%, labour force expand by 2.3%, and unemployment rise by 1.9 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Wallaroo's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Wallaroo suburb had median taxpayer income of $39,580 and average income of $50,356. This is below national averages of $48,920 and $58,933 respectively in Rest of SA. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, estimated median and average incomes for Wallaroo as of September 2025 would be approximately $43,063 and $54,787 respectively. Census 2021 income data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Wallaroo fall between the 1st and 4th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals largest segment comprises 36.9% earning $400-$799 weekly (1,556 residents), differing from broader area where $1,500-$2,999 category predominates at 27.5%. High concentration in sub-$800 weekly brackets indicates economic challenges for significant community portion. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 84.2% of income remaining, ranking at 3rd percentile nationally.

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

Wallaroo's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.4% houses and 8.6% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro SA's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wallaroo stood at 44.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.8% and rented ones at 32.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,169, higher than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,153. The median weekly rent in Wallaroo was $245, compared to Non-Metro SA's $220. Nationally, Wallaroo's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 63.2% of all households, including 14.6% couples with children, 36.8% couples without children, and 10.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 36.8%, with lone person households at 33.4% and group households comprising 3.0% of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Rest of SA average of 2.3.

Wallaroo faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 8.4%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common (6.3%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.2%) and graduate diplomas (0.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.4% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 8.6% and certificates at 30.8%.

A total of 20.6% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 10.1% in primary, 5.3% in secondary, and 1.5% in tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Wallaroo is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Wallaroo faces substantial health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~1,980 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (14.8%) and mental health issues (9.9%). 52.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, lower than the Rest of SA's 62.5%. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 39.1% (1,648 people), compared to Rest of SA's 27.1%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The latest Census data sees Wallaroo placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Wallaroo's population showed low cultural diversity, with 91.3% being citizens, 89.8% born in Australia, and 97.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 46.5%, compared to 45.2% across Rest of SA. The top three ancestral groups were Australian (35.6%), English (35.2%), and Scottish (6.2%).

Notably, German ancestry was higher in Wallaroo at 5.4% than the regional average of 8.2%. Dutch ancestry was slightly higher at 1.4%, compared to 1.3% regionally, while Spanish ancestry was marginally higher at 0.4%, versus 0.2% regionally.

Wallaroo ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Wallaroo's median age is 57 years, which is significantly older than Rest of SA's median age of 47 years and higher than the national average of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of SA average, Wallaroo has a notably over-represented cohort aged 65-74 (21.4%) while those aged 25-34 are under-represented (5.3%). This concentration of people aged 65-74 is well above the national average of 9.5%. According to the 2021 Census, Wallaroo's population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 11.5% to 13.8%, while those aged 55 to 64 have declined from 18.3% to 16.8%. Additionally, the percentage of people aged 25 to 34 has dropped from 6.5% to 5.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Wallaroo's age structure. The number of residents aged 85 and above is projected to increase by 198 people (121%) from 164 to 363. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 80% of population growth, emphasizing demographic aging trends in the area. Conversely, the populations aged 25-34 and 15-24 are expected to decline.