Willunga

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

Based on ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of May 2026, the estimated population of Willunga is around 2,594. This reflects an increase of 149 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,445. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,591, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, and an additional 44 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 122 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential room for further development. Willunga's growth rate of 6.1% since the 2021 census exceeded that of the SA3 area at 5.8%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 64.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

However, all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were 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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data, with adjustments made using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking ahead, population projections indicate an increase just below the median of national statistical areas. The suburb is expected to grow by 227 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall gain of 8.6% over the 16 years based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data indicates Willunga recorded approximately 12 residential properties granted approval annually. Around 60 homes were approved in the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with nine approved so far in FY-26. Each dwelling built over these years attracted an average of 2.4 new residents per year, suggesting healthy demand that supports property values.

New homes are constructed at an average expected cost of $646,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. This financial year has seen $232,000 in commercial approvals registered, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Willunga exhibits similar development activity per person, maintaining market balance consistent with surrounding areas.

All new construction consists of detached houses, preserving Willunga's low density character and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 202 people per approval, Willunga reflects a low-density area. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Willunga to gain 224 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Willunga has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 26thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project expected to influence the region: Willunga Basin Water Infrastructure Expansion, Fleurieu Connections - Main South Road and Victor Harbor Road Duplication, High Productivity Vehicle Network (HPVN), Adelaide Public Transport Capacity and Access are key projects, with the following list highlighting those most relevant.

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 performance in Willunga ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

Willunga has a highly educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.1%, lower than the national average. In the past year, employment growth was estimated at 4.8%.

As of December 2025, 1,417 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.7% below Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Adelaide's 66.0%. A moderate 17.7% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction.

Notably, the area specializes in education & training with an employment share 1.3 times higher than the regional average. Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 15.2% compared to the regional average of 17.7%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data comparing working population and resident population. Between May-24 and May-25, employment increased by 4.8%, labour force grew by 4.9%, with unemployment remaining stable. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment rise by 4.2%, labour force grow by 3.9%, and unemployment fall by 0.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project 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, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Willunga had a median taxpayer income of $47,438 and an average income of $62,841 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year ended 30 June 2023. These figures are lower than the national averages of $54,808 median and $66,852 average for Greater Adelaide. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 10.17% since the end of June 2023, current estimates suggest a median income of approximately $52,262 and an average income of $69,232 as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Willunga rank modestly, with household, family, and personal incomes all falling between the 44th and 46th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 30.9% of the community (801 individuals) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 per annum, which is similar to the metropolitan region where this cohort also represents 31.8%. Housing costs in Willunga allow for 87.4% retention of income, but disposable income is below average at the 50th percentile, placing the area's SEIFA income ranking in the 6th decile.

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

Willunga's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.3% houses and 3.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Adelaide metro's 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 than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below 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 account for 21.7%, comprising 20.6% lone person households and 1.3% group households. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns 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 is notably higher than broader averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 31.3% have university qualifications, compared to 18.9% in the SA3 area and 25.7% across South Australia as a whole (Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing, Aug 2021). This educational advantage is driven by bachelor degrees (20.7%), postgraduate qualifications (5.4%), and graduate diplomas (5.2%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 35.4% of residents holding such qualifications - including advanced diplomas (12.2%) and certificates (23.2%).

Educational participation is high in Willunga, with 26.3% of residents 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 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by six different routes that together facilitate 298 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these stops is considered good, with residents typically living within 260 metres of the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most Willunga residents commute outward using private vehicles, which remain the dominant mode of transport at 89%. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling in Willunga, higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 17.7% of Willunga residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The frequency of service across all routes averages 42 trips per day, 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 found to be very low across all age groups. Private health cover was relatively low at approximately 52% of the total population (~1,344 people). The most common medical conditions were arthritis (impacting 10.0% of residents) 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 demonstrated better than average health outcomes. As of the latest available data, 27.9% of residents were aged 65 and over (723 people), higher than the 19.2% 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, according to the data, has a lower level of cultural diversity compared to average. The majority of its population, 79.0%, was born in Australia, with 92.6% being citizens and 97.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Willunga, comprising 34.5% of the population.

However, there's an overrepresentation in the 'Other' category, which accounts for 0.8% of the population compared to 1.8% across Greater Adelaide. For ancestry, the top three groups are English at 37.6%, Australian at 27.2%, and Scottish at 9.2%. Notably, Welsh (1.2%), German (6.3%), and Dutch (2.0%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Willunga compared to regional averages of 0.6%, 5.1%, and 1.2% respectively.

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 also above the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 years make up 15.0% of the population, a larger proportion than in Greater Adelaide or nationally (9.4%). Conversely, those aged 25-34 years comprise only 6.4% of Willunga's population. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 7.2% to 9.4%, while the 85+ cohort has increased from 1.9% to 3.5%. During this period, the 45 to 54 age group has declined from 15.3% to 12.9%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Willunga's age structure. The 85+ group is expected to grow by 124%, reaching 203 people from the current 90. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 70% of total population growth. In contrast, the 55 to 64 and 65 to 74 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.