Wallaroo (SA)

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Wallaroo (SA) had an estimated population of around 4,270 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 571 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,699 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,235, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 85 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 96 persons per square kilometer. Wallaroo's growth rate of 15.4% since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of SA (5.9%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the area. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 95.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the 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. Demographic trends indicate that the suburb is expected to expand by 354 persons to reach an estimated population of around 4,624 by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of approximately 7.5% in total over the 16 years.

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 around 64 new dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 324 homes. So far in FY-2025/26, 60 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.5 people moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY-2020/21 and FY-2024/25, indicating balanced supply and demand dynamics. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $417,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

This financial year has seen $2.9 million in commercial approvals, reflecting Wallaroo's residential character. All new construction comprises standalone homes, preserving the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

With approximately 80 people per approval, Wallaroo's population is growing. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate forecasts Wallaroo will gain 319 residents by 2041. Current construction levels should meet housing demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling population growth exceeding current forecasts.

Wallaroo has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 34thth percentile nationally

AreaSearch has identified five projects that could impact the area's performance. These include Wallaroo Roads Rehabilitation, Copper Cove Marina Wallaroo, Wallaroo Shores Masterplanned Community (Aspen Group Stages), and Wallaroo Foreshore Masterplan. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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Employment drivers in Wallaroo are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Wallaroo has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The unemployment rate is 8.2%. Over the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 2.5%.

As of December 2025, 1,467 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.5% higher than Regional SA's rate of 5.7%. Workforce participation in Wallaroo lags behind Regional SA at 42.7% compared to 58.3%. According to Census responses, only 9.7% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade.

The area has a strong specialization in health care & social assistance with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 6.1%, compared to 14.5% regionally. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 2.5% while the labour force grew by 4.2%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 1.5 percentage points. In comparison, Regional SA saw employment growth of 0.7%, labour force expansion of 3.1%, and an increase in unemployment rate of 2.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Wallaroo's local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Wallaroo's employment mix.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for Wallaroo in financial year 2023 shows a median taxpayer income of $39,580 and an average income of $50,356. This is below the national averages of $48,920 and $58,933 for Regional SA respectively. As of March 2026, estimated incomes are approximately $43,605 (median) and $55,477 (average), based on a 10.17% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census 2021 data indicates that Wallaroo's household, family, and personal incomes all fall between the 1st and 4th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 36.9% of residents earn $400 - $799 weekly (1,575 residents), differing from broader area trends where the $1,500 - $2,999 category is dominant at 27.5%. The concentration of 45.3% in sub-$800 weekly brackets suggests economic challenges for a significant portion of the community. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 3rd percentile nationally.

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

Wallaroo's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.4% houses and 8.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Regional 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, exceeding Regional SA's average of $1,153. Median weekly rent in Wallaroo was $245, compared to Regional 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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 36.8%, with lone person households at 33.4% and group households making up 3.0% of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Regional 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%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 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 them, including advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (30.8%). A total of 20.6% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising 10.1% in primary, 5.3% in secondary, and 1.5% in tertiary education.

A substantial 20.6% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 10.1% in primary education, 5.3% in secondary education, and 1.5% pursuing 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 significant health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Notably high levels of common health conditions are seen across both younger and older age groups.

Only approximately 47% (~2005 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are arthritis (14.8%) and mental health issues (9.9%). Conversely, 52.2% report no medical ailments, compared to 62.5% across Regional SA. Working-age residents face substantial health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 38.2% (1631 people), compared to 27.1% in Regional SA. Senior health outcomes align with national rankings, presenting some challenges similar to 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 predominant religion, at 46.5%, compared to 45.2% regionally. The top three ancestral groups were Australian (35.6%), English (35.2%), and Scottish (6.2%).

Notably, German ancestry was higher than regional averages, at 5.4% versus 8.2%. Dutch ancestry was similar at 1.4%, while Spanish ancestry was slightly higher at 0.4% compared to the region's 0.2%.

Wallaroo ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Wallaroo's median age is 57 years, which is significantly older than Regional SA's median age of 47 years and the national average of 38 years. Compared to the Regional SA average, Wallaroo has a notably over-represented cohort of 65-74 year-olds (20.6% locally), while those aged 25-34 are under-represented (6.0%). This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national average of 9.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 11.5% to 13.5% of Wallaroo's population, while the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 18.3% to 17.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Wallaroo's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to surge dramatically, expanding by 200 people (115%) from 175 to 376. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 78% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends in the region. Conversely, the 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.