Williamstown (SA)

Population growth drivers in Williamstown are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Williamstown's population is estimated at around 3,141 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 160 people (5.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,981 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,107, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 12 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 43 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Williamstown has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.3%, outpacing the SA4 region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 40.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 by age category are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. As we examine future population trends, an above median population growth of Australian non-metropolitan areas is projected for the suburb of Williamstown (SA), expected to grow by 544 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 18.1% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Williamstown has received around 10 dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, approximately 50 homes were approved, with a further 5 approved in FY26. On average, each home built over these years accommodates about 3.9 new residents annually.

The supply of new dwellings is significantly lagging demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $381,000. This financial year has seen $1.8 million in commercial approvals, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of SA, Williamstown shows approximately half the construction activity per person, placing it among the 55th percentile nationally.

This activity is below the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent building activity consists solely of standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers, with around 286 people per dwelling approval. By 2041, Williamstown is forecasted to gain approximately 567 residents. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like modifications to local infrastructure, major undertakings, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has pinpointed zero projects expected to impact the area. Notable projects comprise Concordia Residential Development, Barossa Growth and Infrastructure Investment Strategy, SA Public Housing Maintenance and Services Contracts, and SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts, with the following list highlighting those most pertinent.

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

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Employment conditions in Williamstown demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Williamstown's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs, with prominent essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.4% as of June 2025, according to AreaSearch data aggregation.

In this period, 1,676 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate 2.2% lower than Rest of SA's 4.6%. Workforce participation stood at 67.5%, exceeding Rest of SA's 54.1%. Key employment sectors included health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and construction, notably the latter which was at 1.6 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented with only 4.7% of Williamstown's workforce compared to Rest of SA's 14.5%.

Local employment opportunities appeared limited based on Census working population vs resident population data. Over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.1%, while employment declined by 0.8%, raising unemployment by 0.8 percentage points. Rest of SA saw a 1.2% employment decline and a 1.2 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections suggest Williamstown's employment could increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.4% over ten years.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Williamstown's median income among taxpayers was $54,998 and average income stood at $63,575 in financial year 2022. These figures compare to Rest of SA's median income of $46,889 and average income of $56,582 respectively. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $62,054 and average income around $71,732 based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022. Census 2021 data shows Williamstown's incomes cluster around the 51st percentile nationally. Incomes in Williamstown range from $1,500 to $2,999 for 36.0% of residents (1,130 individuals), similar to the surrounding region where 27.5% fall within this bracket. After housing costs, residents retain 87.3% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and indicating Williamstown's SEIFA income ranking in the 5th decile.

Williamstown is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

The dwelling structure in Williamstown, as recorded at the latest Census, consisted of 99.1% houses and 0.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Non-Metro SA's 94.6% houses and 5.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Williamstown was at 33.4%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (55.4%) or rented (11.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,500, higher than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,400. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $300, compared to Non-Metro SA's $285. Nationally, Williamstown's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Williamstown features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 79.5% of all households, including 38.1% couples with children, 31.8% couples without children, and 9.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 20.5%, with lone person households at 19.8% and group households comprising 0.9%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Rest of SA average of 2.5.

Williamstown shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 17.5%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.8%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.6%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 43.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (32.4%). Educational participation is high at 27.3%, comprising primary education (12.0%), secondary education (7.8%), and tertiary education (3.0%).

Williamstown Primary School serves the area with an enrollment of 190 students, reflecting typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1000) and balanced educational opportunities. The school focuses on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. Local school capacity is limited at 6.0 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 13.0, leading many families to travel for schooling.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Williamstown's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Williamstown's health metrics closely match national benchmarks. Common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts are fairly standard.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (~1,637 people), leading that of the average SA2 area by around 2%. This compares to 49.8% across Rest of SA. The most common medical conditions in the area were asthma and arthritis, impacting 8.9 and 8.8% of residents respectively. Sixty-six point three percent of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 64.6% across Rest of SA. Eighteen point four percent of residents are aged 65 and over (577 people), which is lower than the 22.8% in Rest of SA. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Williamstown is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Williamstown, surveyed in June 2016, had a cultural diversity index of 57.9, indicating below average diversity. As of that date, 84.8% were Australian-born, 93.6% were citizens, and 98.1% spoke English at home. Christianity was the primary religion, comprising 37.9%.

Judaism was not present in Williamstown (0.0%), matching the Rest of SA average (0.0%). Top ancestry groups included English (35.3%), Australian (32.1%), and German (9.1%), lower than regional averages. Dutch representation was notably higher at 1.8% compared to 1.3% regionally, Maltese at 0.4% versus 0.2%, and Macedonian at 0.1% versus none regionally.

Williamstown hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Williamstown's median age is 42, which is younger than the Rest of SA figure of 47 and higher than the national norm of 38. The 5-14 age group comprises 14.2%, compared to Rest of SA, while the 75-84 cohort is less prevalent at 5.1%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 15-24 age group grew from 11.4% to 12.5%, and the 75-84 cohort increased from 4.0% to 5.1%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 15.1% to 14.0%. By 2041, Williamstown is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition, with the 65-74 group growing by 31% (108 people) to reach 457 from 348, and the 0-4 cohort growing by a modest 8% (12 people).