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 analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Willunga's population is estimated at around 2,541 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 96 people (3.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,445 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,537, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest Education and Workforce Release (ERP) data release by the ABS (June 2024), and an additional 32 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 119 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Willunga's 3.9% growth since census positions it within 1.0 percentage points of the SA3 area (4.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 64.0% 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, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of national statistical areas is expected, with the suburb expected to grow by 242 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting recording a gain of 9.3% 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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval data shows Willunga averaging around 11 residential properties approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 59 homes were approved, with 2 more granted in FY-26. Each dwelling built over these five years attracted an average of 2.4 new residents per year.

The average construction cost value for new homes was $646,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. This financial year saw $1.4 million in commercial approvals registered, reflecting Willunga's residential nature. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Willunga demonstrates similar development activity per capita, maintaining market balance with surrounding areas.

All approved constructions were detached houses, preserving Willunga's low-density character and appealing to space-seeking buyers. With around 240 people per approval, Willunga remains a low-density area. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Willunga to gain 237 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, creating favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Willunga has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project expected to affect this region: Willunga Basin Water Infrastructure Expansion, Fleurieu Connections - Main South Road and Victor Harbor Road Duplication, HPVN, Adelaide Public Transport Capacity and Access are key projects, with the following being most relevant.

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

Willunga has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.2% as of June 2025, which is 1.8% below Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.3%. Workforce participation in Willunga is on par with Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Education & training has a particularly high representation, at 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 15.2% compared to the regional average of 17.7%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the census working population vs resident population count. In the 12-month period ending Sep-22, employment increased by 2.3%, labour force grew by 2.6%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Adelaide where employment rose by 2.1%, the labour force grew by 2.1%, and unemployment rose marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts, released in Sep-22, 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.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Willunga has a median taxpayer income of $47,438 and an average of $62,841 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2022. This is below Greater Adelaide's median income of $52,592 and average income of $64,886. By September 2025, based on a 12.83% Wage Price Index growth since 2022, estimated incomes would be approximately $53,524 (median) and $70,904 (average). The 2021 Census ranks Willunga's household, family, and personal incomes modestly, between the 44th and 46th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 30.9% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to the metropolitan region at 31.8%. Housing costs allow for 87.4% retention, but disposable income is below average at the 50th percentile, with the area's SEIFA income ranking placing 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 structure, 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 89.2% houses and 10.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Willunga stood at 43.4%, with the rest either mortgaged (41.5%) or rented (15.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,683, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,452. Median weekly rent in Willunga was $330, compared to Adelaide metro's $314. Nationally, Willunga's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 comprise the remaining 21.7%, with lone person households at 20.6% and group households making up 1.3% of the total. 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

Educational attainment in Willunga is notably high, with 31.3% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications, compared to 18.9% in the broader SA3 area and 25.7% statewide. 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 holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas (12.2%) and certificates (23.2%). Educational participation is high, with 26.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 11.3% in primary, 6.9% in secondary, and 4.2% in tertiary education.

Willunga's three schools have a combined enrollment of 1,447 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1031) providing balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes one primary, one secondary, and one K-12 school. As an education hub, Willunga has 57.0 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 13.6, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

The analysis of public transport in Willunga indicates that there are 14 active transport stops currently operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 6 individual routes providing service to the area. Collectively, these routes facilitate 298 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in Willunga is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 260 meters from their nearest transport stop. On average, there are 42 trips per day across all routes, which equates to about 21 weekly trips per individual stop.

Willunga's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data shows that Willunga residents have a relatively low prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 52% (~1,317 people) have private health cover, slightly lower than the average SA2 area's rate of 48.6%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (10.0%) and asthma (7.9%). A total of 68.8% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.9% in Greater Adelaide. In Willunga, 26.5% (673 people) are aged 65 and over, higher than the 21.0% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors in Willunga are particularly strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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 found to be 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 main religion in Willunga, making up 34.5% of people. Notably, the 'Other' category comprised 0.8%, slightly higher than Greater Adelaide's 0.7%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (37.6%), Australian (27.2%), and Scottish (9.2%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Welsh was overrepresented at 1.2% compared to the regional average of 0.8%, German at 6.3% versus 5.4%, and Dutch at 2.0% versus 1.7%.

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 are particularly prominent, making up 14.7% of the population, while those aged 25-34 make up only 6.4%. This concentration of those aged 65-74 is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the proportion of those aged 75 to 84 has grown from 7.2% to 8.9%, while the proportion of those aged 15 to 24 has increased from 9.9% to 11.0%. Conversely, the proportion of those aged 45 to 54 has declined from 15.3% to 13.5%, and the proportion of those aged 35 to 44 has dropped from 11.9% to 10.8%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Willunga's age structure. The 85+ group is expected to grow by 167%, reaching 197 people from the current figure of 73. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above are projected to account for 76% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the age groups of 45-54 and 65-74 are expected to experience population declines.