Willunga

An assessment of population growth drivers in Willunga reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As per ABS population updates for the broader area and validated new addresses by AreaSearch, the estimated population of Willunga as of Feb 2026 is around 2,564. This reflects a growth of 119 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,445. The current resident population estimate of 2,547 by AreaSearch, following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), and an additional 39 validated new addresses since the Census date, indicates a population density ratio of 120 persons per square kilometer. Willunga's growth rate of 4.9% since census is within 1.5 percentage points of the SA3 area's 6.4%, demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Interstate migration contributed approximately 64.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors. 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 by age category, released in 2023 based on 2021 data, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. According to population projections moving forward, the suburb is expected to expand by 234 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 8.3% in total over the 17 years.

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

Willunga has seen approximately 12 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Around 60 homes were approved between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, with an additional 6 approved in FY-26 so far. Each dwelling attracted an average of 2.4 new residents per year over the past five financial years.

New homes are constructed at an average value of $646,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totaled $232,000, reflecting Willunga's residential nature. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Willunga maintains similar construction rates per person, preserving market balance with the broader area.

All new constructions have been detached houses, maintaining Willunga's low density character and attracting space-seeking buyers. The population is around 201 people per approval. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate forecasts Willunga gaining 212 residents by 2041. Current development patterns suggest that new housing supply should meet demand, offering favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Willunga has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 21stth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely affecting this region: Willunga Basin Water Infrastructure Expansion. Other notable projects include Fleurieu Connections - Main South Road and Victor Harbor Road Duplication, High Productivity Vehicle Network (HPVN), and Adelaide Public Transport Capacity and Access. The following details those most relevant to the area.

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

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.

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

Willunga has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.2%, lower than Greater Adelaide's 3.9%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.2%.

As of September 2025, 1,374 residents are employed and the unemployment rate is 1.7% below Greater Adelaide's rate. Workforce participation in Willunga matches Greater Adelaide's 66.4%. About 17.7% of residents work from home, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction.

Education & training has particular specialization with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 15.2% versus the regional average of 17.7%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. In the year ending September 2025, employment increased by 3.2%, labour force grew by 3.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Adelaide where employment rose by 3.0% and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Willunga's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The median taxpayer income in Willunga is $47,438 and the average is $62,841 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than the national average of $54,808 (median) and $66,852 (average). By September 2025, estimates suggest a median income of approximately $51,613 and an average of $68,371 based on Wage Price Index growth. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Willunga rank modestly at the 44th to 46th percentiles for households, families, and individuals. The earnings profile shows that 30.9% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually (792 individuals), similar to the metropolitan region where this group represents 31.8%. Housing costs allow for retention of 87.4% of income, but disposable income is below average at the 50th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Willunga's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.3% houses and 3.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Adelaide metro had 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Willunga stood at 43.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.5% and rented ones at 15.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,683, higher than Adelaide metro's $1,562. Median weekly rent in Willunga was $330, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Willunga's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,683 against the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $330 compared to the national figure of $375.

Willunga features high concentrations of family households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 78.3% of all households, including 32.6% couples with children, 35.0% couples without children, and 9.7% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 21.7%, with lone person households at 20.6% and group households comprising 1.3%. The median household size is 2.5 people, aligning with the Greater Adelaide average.

The educational profile of Willunga exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Willunga's educational attainment exceeds broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 31.3% hold university qualifications, compared to 18.9% in the SA3 area and 25.7% in South Australia. Bachelor degrees are most common at 20.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.4%) and graduate diplomas (5.2%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 35.4% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 12.2% and certificates at 23.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.3% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (11.3%), secondary education (6.9%), and tertiary education (4.2%).

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Willunga has 14 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by six different routes that collectively facilitate 298 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Willunga is rated as good, with residents typically residing 260 meters away from the nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation, used by 89% of residents. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling in Willunga, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 17.7% of residents work from home, a figure that may have been influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 42 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 21 weekly trips per individual stop.

Willunga's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Willunga.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were very low across all age groups. Private health cover was found to be relatively low at approximately 52% of the total population (~1,329 people). The most common medical conditions in the area were arthritis (10.0%) and asthma (7.9%). 68.8% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. The under-65 population had better health outcomes than average. The area had 27.6% of residents aged 65 and over (707 people), higher than the 19.3% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors were particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Willunga ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Willunga's cultural diversity was below average, with 79.0% of its population born in Australia, 92.6% being citizens, and 97.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 34.5% of Willunga's population. The most notable overrepresentation was seen in the 'Other' category, which constituted 0.8% compared to Greater Adelaide's 1.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (37.6%), Australian (27.2%), and Scottish (9.2%). Certain ethnic groups showed notable divergences: Welsh at 1.2% (vs regional 0.6%), German at 6.3% (vs 5.1%), and Dutch at 2.0% (vs 1.2%).

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

Willunga has a median age of 47, which is higher than Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 and above the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 make up 14.9% of the population, compared to 9.5% nationally. Conversely, the 25-34 age group comprises only 6.3%, lower than Greater Adelaide's figure. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 7.2% to 9.4%, while those aged 85+ have risen from 1.9% to 3.3%. However, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 15.3% to 12.9%, and the 55-64 group has dropped from 14.9% to 13.6%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Willunga's age structure. The 85+ group is expected to grow by 128% (108 people), reaching 193 from 84. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 73% of total population growth. In contrast, the 55-64 and 65-74 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.