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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
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Wattle Park has an estimated 1,956 residents, up from 1,885 at the 2021 Census — a change of 71 people, or 3.8%. That puts 1,716 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
Based on analysis of ABS demographic updates for the broader region and post-Census new addresses verified by AreaSearch, the suburb of Wattle Park has a residency estimated at 1,956 as of May 2026. This represents a gain of 71 people (3.8%) relative to the 2021 Census, which recorded 1,885 residents. The change is calculated from a resident base of 1,954, determined by AreaSearch through examining the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) and one verified new address registered since the Census. This count places the local density ratio at 1,715 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical rate across countrywide sites reviewed by AreaSearch.
The 3.8% post-census growth rate for the suburb of Wattle Park is within 1.2 percentage points of the broader SA3 territory (5.0%), showing competitive local expansion factors. Growth during recent terms was mostly fueled by offshore migration, which accounted for roughly 94.0% of the total demographic gains. ABS and Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a 2022 baseline are utilized for each SA2 zone. For any SA2 regions lacking this data, or for periods past 2032, calculations apply age-specific regional and LGA forecasts published by the SA State Government in 2023 utilizing 2021 data, modified through weighted aggregation of expansion rates from the LGA scale to SA2 boundaries. Factoring in these expected shifts, demographic growth just under the national median is anticipated for the suburb of Wattle Park, with projections suggesting an expansion of 137 residents by 2041 across the aggregated SA2 zones, showing an overall rise of 6.9% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
According to AreaSearch evaluations of ABS building statistics mapped from regional data, the locality averages approximately one residential building approval per year, representing a total of 6 homes over the last 5 financial years. Thus far in FY-26, 5 development approvals have been logged. With an average of 5.5 new residents arriving for every completed house over the 5 financial years between FY-21 and FY-25, demand is outpacing supply, which commonly drives up local prices and intensifies competition, while approved dwellings carry an average construction value of $838,000, showing that builders are prioritizing high-end premium housing.
Furthermore, $200,000 in non-residential building approvals have been logged during the current financial year, suggesting minimal commercial development. Wattle Park exhibits much lower building volumes than the Greater Adelaide zone, coming in at 89.0% below the regional per capita benchmark. This restricted development pipeline typically supports demand and valuations for established properties, even though construction activity has risen recently. Approval rates are also below national averages, reflecting the mature layout of the suburb and pointing to possible planning constraints. In addition, new approvals have consisted entirely of detached houses, preserving the classic low-density suburban atmosphere and appealing to buyers who value extra space for families. Averaging 781 residents for every approval, the area presents as a mature, developed residential market. Looking forward, the local population is projected to expand by 135 people by 2041, based on the latest quarterly calculations from AreaSearch. If current building rates persist, residential supply may lag behind demographic expansion, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting higher price growth.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Wattle Park
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 5 current infrastructure and development projects close to Wattle Park, worth an estimated $720 million. 3 are already under construction and 2 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities and energy. 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
Local infrastructure projects, major developments, and urban planning decisions significantly shape regional performance. AreaSearch has identified one project expected to influence the local area. Relevant initiatives include Hamilton Hill (the former Youth Training Centre site in Magill/Woodforde), the Magill Campus Renewal Project, the O-Bahn City Access Project, and the SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts for 2024-28, with details on 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
Hamilton Hill (former Magill Youth Training Centre, Woodforde)
Masterplanned community by Kite Projects on the former Magill Youth Training Centre site in Woodforde, delivering around 440 homes across house allotments, townhouses and apartments. All townhouses, apartments and house and land packages are now sold. The final stage, St Andrews, comprises 53 architecturally designed one and two bedroom apartments on the northern edge of the site opposite the six hectare Lewis Yarlupurka O'Brien Reserve; construction has commenced with Build Society appointed as builder. The development includes a landscaped reserve with an amphitheatre, native creeks and walking and cycling trails connecting to the adjacent Morialta Conservation Park.
Magill Campus Renewal Project
The transformation of the 14.62-hectare former UniSA Magill Campus into a green, sustainable residential neighbourhood. The project is being delivered in two stages: an Eastern parcel (3 hectares) planned for 100 homes and aged care starting in 2027, and a larger Western parcel (11 hectares) focused on retaining over 60 percent open space, heritage preservation of Murray House, and the Third Creek biodiversity corridor. The Western stage is delayed until at least 2033-34 due to an existing university lease.
Norwood Green
A $120 million master-planned mixed-use community at 100 Magill Road, Norwood, built on the former Caroma factory site. The precinct comprises 111 apartments across five seven-storey buildings and 33 townhouses, arranged around a communal village green. Ground-floor retail includes an ALDI supermarket, East End Cellars, cafes and specialty tenants. Designed by Tectvs architects and jointly developed by Buildtec Group and Catcorp. Final stage apartments are now available, with earlier stages completed and occupied.
Magill 5 Units Luxury Townhouse Project
A boutique development of 5 contemporary townhouses in Magill by Dragonwheel Investment Group. The site is near The Gums Reserve with convenient access to Norwood Parade and Firle Plaza. Estimated completion was set for December 2024; sales and marketing materials indicate homes with 4 bedrooms, multiple bathrooms and garages.
emPowering Magill Community Battery
Community-scale battery installed at Tuku Wirra Reserve, Magill, as part of the South Australian Government's emPowering SA program. Owned by the SA Government and operated by AGL within a Virtual Power Plant, the 150 kW / 405 kWh system supports eligible SA Housing Trust households with discounted energy plans (around 25% below the default market offer).
1,011 residents of Wattle Park are employed, from a labour force of 1,033. Unemployment sits at 2.1%, with participation at 64.1%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 7.3% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 1,487, about 76% 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
The local workforce is highly educated, featuring strong representation in professional services, an unemployment rate of only 2.1%, and an estimated job growth rate of 4.4% over the prior year, based on AreaSearch compilation of regional statistical data. As of March 2026, 1,011 locals are employed, and the local unemployment rate sits 1.7% lower than the Greater Adelaide average of 3.8%, though overall workforce participation is slightly below the regional benchmark, at 64.1% compared to 66.6%. According to Census responses, a moderate 16.7% of working locals operated from home, though this figure may reflect the influence of Covid-19 restrictions.
The major employment sectors for residents are health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. The community shows a high concentration of professional & technical workers, with their share of employment reaching 1.8 times the metropolitan average. Conversely, retail trade plays a smaller role, employing 7.1% of workers compared to 10.0% across the region. The largely residential character of the area corresponds to limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the comparison between Census local jobs and resident workers. Based on AreaSearch tracking of SALM and ABS statistics aggregated from wider geographic zones, the recent 12-month window experienced a 4.4% expansion in employment alongside a 4.2% rise in the labour force, resulting in a 0.2 percentage point drop in the unemployment rate. By comparison, Greater Adelaide registered employment growth of 4.2% and labour force expansion of 4.0%, with unemployment declining by 0.2 percentage points. National forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia issued in May-25 offer additional context on future labour demand. These projections, spanning five and ten-year horizons, have been applied to the local workforce profile to model future trends. Locally, mapping these industry-specific projections suggests employment will increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.7% over ten years, relative to national projected expansions of 6.6% and 13.7% respectively, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation and does not incorporate local population forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Wattle Park is $2,305 a week (about $120,000 a year), with median personal income at $952 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $58,358 a year against an average of $90,173. The average runs 55% above the median, a wider spread than most areas and a sign of a concentrated group of high earners. 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
According to the latest postcode-level ATO data released for financial year 2023, taxpaying residents in the suburb of Wattle Park have a median income of $58,358 and an average income of $90,173. These figures are exceptionally high by national standards and compare to a metropolitan median of $54,808 and average of $66,852 in Greater Adelaide. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, current estimates correspond to approximately $64,293 for the median and $99,344 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census confirms that household, family, and personal incomes all place highly, ranking between the 73rd and 83rd percentiles across the nation.
The largest income bracket contains 27.5% of local taxpayers (537 people) earning in the $1,500 - 2,999 range, mirroring regional patterns where 31.8% of taxpayers fall into the same bracket. Financial strength is evident, with 38.1% of households earning weekly incomes above $3,000, which supports high consumer demand. After meeting housing expenses, households retain 88.8% of their earnings, indicating strong discretionary purchasing power and placing the area in the 9th decile of the SEIFA income index.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Wattle Park had 683 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 87% detached houses and 4% apartments. 39% are owned with a mortgage, 10% rented and 51% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $470 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,338 a month. Rent absorbs 20.4% of household income here and mortgage repayments 23.4%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Residential housing structure in Wattle Park at the time of the latest Census consisted of 87.3% separate houses and 12.7% semi-detached properties, townhouses, apartments, or other dwellings, compared to the Adelaide metropolitan breakdown of 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership rates are notably higher than the metropolitan average, with 50.8% of homes owned outright, while the remaining properties are either held with a mortgage (39.4%) or rented (9.8%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $2,338 is significantly above the Adelaide metropolitan average of $1,562, and the median weekly rent is $470 compared to the metropolitan median of $320.
On a national level, mortgage costs exceed the Australian average of $1,863, and rent prices are well above the countrywide figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Wattle Park counted 683 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.7 people each. 42% are couples with children, more than in 82% of areas nationally, against 28% couples without children. 17% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.6 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up 80.5% of all households, consisting of 41.7% couples with children, 27.7% couples without children, and 10.5% single-parent households. Non-family households account for the remaining 19.5%, with single-person households representing 17.0% and group households making up 1.6%. The median household size of 2.7 people is slightly larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
51.0% of adults in Wattle Park hold a university qualification, including 32.3% with a bachelor degree and 13.8% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 95% of areas nationally. A further 10.4% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Qualifications in Wattle Park are substantially higher than broader indicators, with 51.0% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 25.7% across SA and 28.9% in Greater Adelaide. This strong academic background positions the local workforce well for professional opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 32.3%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 13.8% and graduate diplomas at 4.9%. Vocational qualifications are held by 19.4% of residents aged 15+, consisting of advanced diplomas at 9.0% and certificates at 10.4%. Engagement in learning is high, with 31.0% of the population enrolled in formal study.
This includes 10.1% attending primary schools, 8.2% in secondary education, and 7.9% enrolled in tertiary institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Wattle Park reaches 9 stops on 8 routes, timetabled for about 580 services a week. The typical home sits about 260 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.7 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
Public transport networks include 9 active bus stops operating within Wattle Park. These stops are serviced by 8 distinct routes, which accommodate 576 passenger trips per week. Transit access is good, with residents living an average of 262 meters from their nearest stop. As the area is predominantly residential, most workers commute to outer areas; private vehicles remain the main transport mode at 90%, with 6% traveling by bus and 2% cycling. Households average 1.7 motor vehicles, which is higher than the regional average. Working from home was recorded for 16.7% of residents in the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 conditions.
Services average 82 daily trips across all routes, which translates to approximately 64 weekly trips for each transit stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
74.5% of residents in Wattle Park report no long-term health condition, a healthier profile than 89% of areas nationally. 3.4% need daily assistance with core activities, and 62.6% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.1 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health indicators show excellent outcomes in Wattle Park, based on AreaSearch assessments of mortality rates and chronic disease frequency, with low rates of common illnesses across all age cohorts. The rate of private health insurance is exceptionally high, covering approximately 63% of the population (1,223 people), compared to 52.7% across Greater Adelaide and a national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent chronic conditions recorded among residents are arthritis and asthma, affecting 7.6% and 5.0% of the population, respectively. Meanwhile, 74.5% of residents reported having no long-term medical conditions, compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide.
The population includes 23.3% of residents aged 65 and over (455 people), which exceeds the Greater Adelaide benchmark of 19.2%. Senior health profiles are particularly strong, showing national standings that align closely with the broader local population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
37.2% of Wattle Park residents were born overseas and 31.8% speak a language other than English at home, more culturally diverse than 79% of areas nationally. The largest reported ancestries are English (23.0%) and Australian (18.0%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Wattle Park exhibits a high level of cultural diversity, with 31.8% of the population using a language other than English at home and 37.2% born outside Australia. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 44.5% of residents. The most pronounced difference from metropolitan averages is in Buddhism, which is practiced by 3.8% of the local population compared to 2.4% across Greater Adelaide. Regarding parental country of birth, the three largest ancestry groups are English at 23.0%, Australian at 18.0%, and Chinese at 13.3%, which is much higher than the regional average of 3.1%.
Other notable variations in ethnic heritage include Polish ancestry representing 1.2% of the local population (compared to 1.0% regionally), French at 0.8% (compared to 0.4%), and Hungarian at 0.4% (compared to 0.3%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Wattle Park is 46, older than 82% of areas nationally. 19.8% 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 of 46 years in Wattle Park is significantly higher than the Greater Adelaide average of 39 and the national median of 38. The age distribution shows a high proportion of residents aged 45 to 54 (14.3%), while the 25 to 34 age bracket is smaller (6.3%) than the metropolitan average. Since 2021, the 75 to 84 cohort has increased from 7.9% to 9.2% of the population, while the 35 to 44 age group has decreased from 12.4% to 11.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 show notable demographic aging, with the 85 and over cohort projected to grow by 78%, adding 60 residents to reach 139.
Residents aged 65 and over are expected to account for 63% of total population growth. Conversely, population declines are forecast for the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 age brackets.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Wattle Park
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 — 1 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (1,885 at the 2021 Census → 1,956 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 (SAL41551). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.