Williamstown (SA)

Population growth drivers in Williamstown 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 since the Census, Williamstown's population is estimated at around 3,287 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 306 people (10.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,981 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,210, 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 45 persons per square kilometer. Williamstown's growth exceeded that of the SA4 region (7.1%) and the non-metro area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 40% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, 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. Future trends project an above median population growth for Australian non-metropolitan areas, with Williamstown expected to grow by 554 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 13.1% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Williamstown when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Williamstown shows around 11 dwellings receiving development approval annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 58 homes were approved, with a further 12 approved so far in FY-26. This results in an average of about 3.3 new residents per year for every home built over the past five financial years.

The supply of new dwellings is lagging behind demand, indicating heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average construction cost value of new homes being built is $381,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totalled $496,000, reflecting the area's residential nature.

Compared to Rest of SA, Williamstown has approximately 62% of the construction activity per person and ranks in the 71st percentile nationally when measured against other areas assessed. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 180 people per approval, Williamstown reflects a developing area. Future projections estimate Williamstown will add 431 residents by 2041. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

Williamstown has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 23rdth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been pinpointed by AreaSearch that could potentially impact this area. Notable projects include Concordia Residential Development, Barossa Growth and Infrastructure Investment Strategy, Northern Adelaide Transport Study, and SA Public Housing Maintenance and Services Contracts. The following list details those expected to be most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Williamstown demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Williamstown has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The unemployment rate is 2.4%, with an estimated growth of 1.4% over the past year (AreaSearch data).

As of September 2025, 1,709 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.9%, lower than Rest of SA's 5.3%. Workforce participation is high at 67.5%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and construction, particularly the latter which has a share 1.6 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 4.7% compared to the regional average of 14.5%.

Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census data comparison. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 1.4%, labour force by 2.0%, and unemployment rose by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of SA had employment growth of 0.3%, labour force growth of 2.3%, and an unemployment increase of 1.9 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Williamstown's mix suggests local employment should grow by 5.7% over five years and 12.4% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023, Williamstown had a median income among taxpayers of $54,998. The average income stood at $63,575. This is below the national average. Across Rest of SA, the figures were $48,920 and $58,933 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% from financial year ending June 2023 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $59,838 (median) and $69,170 (average). From the 2021 Census, incomes in Williamstown cluster around the 51st percentile nationally. In terms of income distribution, 36.0% of locals (1,183 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, which is consistent with broader trends across the region showing 27.5% in the same category. After housing costs, residents retain 87.3% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

In Williamstown, as per the latest Census evaluation, 99.1% of dwellings were houses, with 0.9% being other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Non-Metro SA's 94.6% houses and 5.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Williamstown stood at 33.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 55.4% and rented ones at 11.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, higher than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,400. Median weekly rent in Williamstown was $300, compared to Non-Metro SA's $285. Nationally, Williamstown's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,500 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $300 compared to 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 constitute 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 Australia's average of 30.4%. This discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.8%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.6%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.1% of residents aged 15 and above holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.7%) and certificates (32.4%).

Educational participation is high, with 27.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.0% in primary education, 7.8% in secondary education, and 3.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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 mirror national benchmarks, with common health conditions evenly distributed across young and older age groups.

Private health cover stands at approximately 52%, covering around 1,713 people, slightly higher than the SA2 area average. Asthma and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 8.9% and 8.8% of residents respectively. Sixty-six point three percent of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 64.6% across Rest of SA. Eighteen point four percent of residents are aged 65 and over (604 people), lower than the 22.8% in Rest of SA. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, aligning 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, established in 1853, was found to have a cultural diversity index of -7.9 as of 2016. Its population is predominantly born in Australia (84.8%), citizens (93.6%), and speaks English only at home (98.1%). Christianity is the main religion, comprising 37.9% of the population.

However, Judaism, which makes up 0.0% of Williamstown's population, is overrepresented compared to the rest of South Australia where it also comprises 0.0%. The top three ancestry groups are English (35.3%), Australian (32.1%), and German (9.1%), notably lower than regional averages. Dutch (1.8%) and Maltese (0.4%) groups are overrepresented in Williamstown compared to regional averages of 1.3% and 0.2%, respectively.

Williamstown's median age exceeds the national pattern

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 stands at 5.1%. Post-2021 Census data indicates the 15 to 24 age group grew from 11.4% to 12.5%, and the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 4.0% to 5.1%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 15.1% to 14.0%. By 2041, Williamstown's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 65 to 74 group will grow by 25%, reaching 457 from 364. Those aged 65 and above are projected to comprise 56% of the growth, while the 5 to 14 cohort shows minimal growth of just 1%.