suburb.guide

SA · Loxton Waikerie Council

Waikerie, 5330

Est. population · Jun 2025

2,758

Growth (1 yr)

+0.0%

Growth (5 yr)

0.0%

Median age

49

Median income

$954/wk

Employment rate

48.2%

Languages at home

9.1%non-English

Most common: Punjabi, Serbian, Italian

2021 Census · usual residence

Desirability score

32.5/100
Below average

529th in SA

Verified 89% confidence

How this score is calculated
  • Green suburb
  • Excellent transport
  • Education hub
  • National parks
  • Heritage area
What Waikerie is known for: Green suburb, Excellent transport, Education hub, National parks, Heritage area

Suburb profile

Waikerie offers a slower mid-sized suburb life in Loxton Waikerie Council, with open surrounds and a close-knit community feel. A mature community gives the area a calm, settled social fabric, with families and grandchildren still a visible part of community life. The pace is unhurried, with local businesses and community spots doing the heavy lifting.

Green space punches above what many regional towns offer, with parks and playgrounds woven through the suburb. Day-to-day life is more car-oriented here, with buses covering longer trips across the wider area. Homes are relatively cheap compared with the wider market, which keeps entry costs lower.

Reported crime has been rising recently. Active development is adding new homes and refreshed pockets throughout the suburb.

Desirability sits below average overall, with local dining and lifestyle amenities, plus community and employment the main drag compared with similar regional towns. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.

At a glance

Waikerie snapshot

A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk

Median house price

—

No data available

Median rent

$350/wk

Houses $370 · Units $180

Population (ERP)

2,758

+0.0% annual growth

Dwelling vacancy

11.8%

Census unoccupied dwellings

Livability profile

Desirability pillars vs the peer median (50th percentile)

How it compares

Relative standing using percentiles, ranks, and national deciles

Desirability

#78

among Country & regional · Mature

Safety

56th

percentile in state (higher = safer)

Pop. growth

47th

percentile in SA

Advantage (IRSAD)

1/10

national SEIFA decile

School ICSEA

35th

percentile among schools with ICSEA

Population growth

Recent ERP change over 1 and 5 years

Housing mix

Dwelling types from the 2021 Census

Risks & flags

Quick scan — open a section below for full context

Living here

Desirability

Ranks & confidence
Desirability score
32.5/100 — Below average
National rank
5164th in Australia
State rank
529th in SA
Peer rank
#78 among Country & regional · Mature suburbs
Cohort rank
#143 among Country & regional suburbs
Data confidence
89%

Data sources & freshness

  • Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated

Housing

Flats / units (01/01/26 to 31/03/26)
$180
Houses (01/01/26 to 31/03/26)
$370
All types (01/01/26 to 31/03/26)
$350
Rental bonds lodged (01/01/26 to 31/03/26)
15

Median weekly rent from SA Housing Authority rental bond data. Figures can be unreliable where few bonds were lodged in the quarter.

Median house sale prices cover metropolitan Adelaide and selected fringe councils (19 LGAs, including Adelaide Hills and Gawler), not all of regional South Australia.

Contributes to desirability score · Housing (15%) · Future Growth (7%)

Median price, rental yield and vacancy Recent price momentum

Data sources & freshness

  • SA rent report & metro median house sales — Government of South Australia · 1 January - 31 March 2026 · Updated · Quarterly; metro-fringe sales only

Population

Estimated resident population

2,758(June 2025)

+0.0% annual · 0.0% over 5 years · 47th percentile in SA

Growth figures & methodology
Annual growth
+0.0%
5-year growth
0.0%
Change in 1 year
+1
Change in 5 years
0
Growth rank in SA
47th percentile

ABS Estimated Resident Population allocated to this suburb from SA2-level data. Not an official ABS suburb count.

Methodology

Figures are allocated from ABS Estimated Resident Population at Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2), using 2021 Census share within overlapping SA2 regions. Where Census data is unavailable, area overlap is used instead.

The dashed chart line is a simple growth-trend estimate to June 2030 (~2,800), extrapolated at +0.4% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.

2021 Census figures

2021 Census

Population
2,681
Median age
49
Median household income / week
$954
Dwelling vacancy
11.8%
Unoccupied private dwellings
149 of 1,267
Median monthly mortgage
$1,000
Employment rate
48.2%
Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
963 / 150 / 0 (+ 9 other)

Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)

Employment, household income and age diversity (2021 Census)

Data sources & freshness

  • 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated

    The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.

  • Estimated Resident Population — Australian Bureau of Statistics · 2025 · Updated · SA2 ERP allocated to suburb boundaries

Community & culture

No 2021 Census cultural diversity data for this suburb yet.

Data sources & freshness

  • 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated

    The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.

Crime & safety

Reported offences increased compared with the previous period.

Offence counts & rates
Total offences (2024–25)
108
Against the person
29
Against property
79
Rate per 1,000 residents
39.2
Person-crime prevalence
About 1 in 92 residents
State safety percentile
55.7th (lower crime is better)
Family & domestic abuse offences
28
Increase (daily rate)
+19%

Most common offence types

  • Other Property Damage And Environmental20
  • Other Theft20
  • Receive Or Handle Proceeds Of Crime6
  • Sct - Non Residence6
  • Serious Assault Not Resulting In Injury22

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)

Crime rate and year-on-year trend

Data sources & freshness

Family & Lifestyle

Schools & preschools

Schools within 2 km
2 (2 schools, 1 preschools)
Median school ICSEA (3 schools)
974
Median ICSEA percentile
35th
School list
  • Waikerie Children's Centre Inc16 Marks TerraceIntegrated Centres
  • Waikerie High SchoolSecondary · Government · ICSEA 962 · 30th percentile · LBOTE 9% · 301 students · Top SEA quarter 7%View on My School →
  • Waikerie Lutheran Primary SchoolPrimary · Independent · ICSEA 976 · 36th percentile · LBOTE 27% · 76 students · Top SEA quarter 6%View on My School →
  • Waikerie Primary SchoolPrimary · Government · ICSEA 974 · 35th percentile · LBOTE 9% · 189 students · Top SEA quarter 9%View on My School →

Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)

School and preschool counts, median school ICSEA

Data sources & freshness

Childcare

1 childcare service from OpenStreetMap

  • Waikerie Children's Centrekindergarten

Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)

Childcare centre count

Data sources & freshness

Public transport

6 public transport stops in this suburb

  • Sichler St / Elders Wy - South side (Waikerie)
  • Strangman Rd - North East side (Waikerie Civic Centre)
  • Strangman Rd - South West side (Waikerie Civic Centre)
  • West Rd / Allen St - South side (Waikerie)
  • West Rd / Mary Starr Dr - North side (Waikerie)

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Public transport stop coverage

Data sources & freshness

Amenities

No OpenStreetMap amenities mapped for this suburb yet.

Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)

Food, shopping, recreation and sport (OpenStreetMap)

Data sources & freshness

  • Local amenity insights — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
  • OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated

Green cover

Parks & woodland (OSM)
11
Parks (OSM)
11

OpenStreetMap parks and natural woodland features mapped within the suburb boundary.

Contributes to desirability score · Environment (10%)

Parks and green cover (OpenStreetMap)

Data sources & freshness

Health access

Hospitals & GP clinics in suburb
1
Nearest hospital
Waikerie Health Service (4.1 km)
Nearest hospital type
Public Hospital
Nearest hospital emergency
Emergency department
Emergency department in suburb
On site
  • Waikerie Health Service1 Lawrie TerracePublic Hospital

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Hospitals and GP clinics

Data sources & freshness

  • Hospitals & GP Plus clinics (SA) — SA Health · current · Updated

NDIS participation

NDIS participants (31 March 2026)
78
Participants per 1,000 residents
28.3

Active NDIS participants allocated from NDIA Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2, ASGS 2016) counts to this suburb boundary. Not an official suburb-level NDIS figure · as at 31 March 2026.

For NDIS spend and service-demand exploration by SA2 or postcode, see the Care Sector Demand Map.

Data sources & freshness

Weather

Typical conditions by season for suburbs in the same ~44 km climate area. Rainfall totals are summed from monthly WorldClim layers; rainy-day counts are approximate.

Summer (Dec–Feb)

Usual max / min
32° / 15°
Rainfall
57 mm · ~7 rainy days

Autumn (Mar–May)

Usual max / min
25° / 10°
Rainfall
57 mm · ~7 rainy days

Winter (Jun–Aug)

Usual max / min
17° / 5°
Rainfall
74 mm · ~9 rainy days

Spring (Sep–Nov)

Usual max / min
25° / 9°
Rainfall
85 mm · ~11 rainy days

Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)

Temperature and humidity comfort

Data sources & freshness

  • Seasonal climate normals — WorldClim 2.1 · Updated

Future & Planning

Planning & development

Development applications from PlanSA register and EPA licensed activities.

2026· 43 proposals

  • August 2026

  • Land Division (1 into 3 Allotments)
    86 POPE RD WAIKERIE SA 5330Under Assessment
  • Construction of an Outbuilding
    37 MARY STARR DR WAIKERIE SA 5330Under Assessment
  • Attached Verandah
    3 BLIGHT ST WAIKERIE SA 5330Under Assessment

  • July 2026

  • Single storey dwelling with associated carport & deck
    LOT 46 RAMCO RD WAIKERIE SA 5330Under Assessment
  • Single storey dwelling with associated carport
    LOT 46 RAMCO RD WAIKERIE SA 5330Under Assessment
  • Single storey dwelling with associated carport
    LOT 46 RAMCO RD WAIKERIE SA 5330Under Assessment
  • Single storey dwelling with associated carport
    LOT 46 RAMCO RD WAIKERIE SA 5330Under Assessment

  • June 2026

  • Single storey dwelling with associated carport
    LOT 46 RAMCO RD WAIKERIE SA 5330Decision Made
  • Single storey dwelling with associated carport
    LOT 46 RAMCO RD WAIKERIE SA 5330Under Assessment
  • Single storey dwelling with associated carport
    LOT 46 RAMCO RD WAIKERIE SA 5330Under Assessment
  • Single storey dwelling with associated carport
    LOT 46 RAMCO RD WAIKERIE SA 5330Under Assessment
  • Single storey dwelling with associated carport
    LOT 46 RAMCO RD WAIKERIE SA 5330Decision Made
  • Single storey dwelling with associated carport
    LOT 46 RAMCO RD WAIKERIE SA 5330Decision Made
  • Single storey dwelling with associated carport
    LOT 46 RAMCO RD WAIKERIE SA 5330Under Assessment
  • Single storey dwelling with associated carport
    LOT 46 RAMCO RD WAIKERIE SA 5330Under Assessment
  • Variation to DA 24008700 (Construction of storage shed - community facility) - comprising the addition of a storage container for community use and amendment to storage shed location
    LOT 100 CLIFF ST WAIKERIE SA 5330Decision Made
  • Additions and Alterations to an existing service trade premise comprising replacement of damaged structural frame and cladding (retrospective approval)
    2 RAILWAY TCE WAIKERIE SA 5330Under Assessment
  • Construction of a single storey detached dwelling with UMR garage and verandah
    LOT 122 POPE RD WAIKERIE SA 5330Decision Made
  • Land Division - 1 into 2 allotments
    44 PEAKE TCE WAIKERIE SA 5330Under Assessment
  • Construction of an outbuilding (garge)
    150 IAN OLIVER DR WAIKERIE SA 5330Decision Made

  • May 2026

  • Outback Verandah
    12 HARDEN ST WAIKERIE SA 5330Decision Made
  • Land Division (1 into 2 allotments)
    7 HEMING ST WAIKERIE SA 5330Under Assessment
  • Extension to existing existing shed
    31 MATTNER RD WAIKERIE SA 5330Decision Made
  • Construction of an outbuilding (garage/domestic storage)
    12 HENDERSON ST WAIKERIE SA 5330Decision Made
  • Construction of a domestic outbuilding
    131 OLD BLANCHETOWN RD WAIKERIE SA 5330Decision Made

  • April 2026

  • Modifications to existing parking area (relocation of Woolworths Direct-to-Boot (DTB) service) including five (5) post mounted directional signs
    1 WHITE ST WAIKERIE SA 5330Decision Made
  • Construction of a carport
    3 BLIGHT ST WAIKERIE SA 5330Decision Made

  • March 2026

  • Construction of a single storey detached dwelling with UMR verandah
    LOT 38 VIRGO RD WAIKERIE SA 5330Under Assessment
  • Site 132 Lot 46 Ramco Road Waikerie
    LOT 46 RAMCO RD WAIKERIE SA 5330Under Assessment
  • Site 149 Lot 46 Ramco Road Waikerie
    LOT 46 RAMCO RD WAIKERIE SA 5330Under Assessment
  • Construction of an outbuilding (domestic storage) and relocation of an existing carport
    20 OLD BLANCHETOWN RD WAIKERIE SA 5330Decision Made
  • Construction of a detached single storey dwelling with attached verandah and construction of a freestanding carport
    LOT 44 SEGNERI RD WAIKERIE SA 5330Decision Made
  • Construction of an agricultural shed
    LOT 38 VIRGO RD WAIKERIE SA 5330Decision Made
  • Carport
    19 PEAKE TCE WAIKERIE SA 5330Decision Made
  • Construction of a tourist accommodation facility comprising a function and reception building, a function deck, a pool deck, 10 hotel suites, and 15 spas, including car parking, landscaping, earthworks and retaining walls
    LOT 54 STURT HWY WAIKERIE SA 5330Under Assessment

  • February 2026

  • Repairs to fire damaged dwelling
    4 SMITH DR WAIKERIE SA 5330Decision Made
  • Single storey dwelling with associated carport
    LOT 46 RAMCO RD WAIKERIE SA 5330Under Assessment
  • Single storey dwelling with associated carport
    LOT 46 RAMCO RD WAIKERIE SA 5330Decision Made
  • Single storey dwelling with associated carport
    LOT 46 RAMCO RD WAIKERIE SA 5330Decision Made
  • Single storey dwelling with associated carport
    LOT 46 RAMCO RD WAIKERIE SA 5330Under Assessment
2025· 4 proposals

  • December 2025

  • Construction of an attached verandah
    93 CHECKER RD WAIKERIE SA 5330Decision Made
  • Ground-mounted solar array associated with an existing irrigation pump
    LOT 1 DUNSTAN RD WAIKERIE SA 5330Decision Made
  • Construction of a single storey detached dwelling with UMR garage attached verandah, and boundary fencing and retaining walls
    LOT 310 MARY STARR DR WAIKERIE SA 5330Under Assessment
  • Riverbank remediation works comprising installation of Geotextile sand container (GSC) and rock beach revetment along the toe of the bank and replacement of turf – Waikerie Stage 5 - Constraints Project
    LOT 1 EDGAR BARTLETT DR WAIKERIE SA 5330Under Assessment

Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)

Development and planning activity

Data sources & freshness

Heritage

1 heritage place

  • Former Irrigation Pumping Station Chimney, WaikerieScenic Lookout Reserve WAIKERIEState heritage

Data sources & freshness

Hazards

Bushfire planning zone
Overlay applies
Bushfire safer places
1

Bushfire overlay checked at suburb centroid against all current SA Planning risk layers (high, medium, general, urban interface, regional, outback). Safer places from CFS designated locations.

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)

Bushfire hazard overlays

Data sources & freshness

Politics & representation

Federal electorate
Barker
Member of Parliament
Tony PASIN (Liberal)
Results from
2025 federal election
Electorate enrolment (2025)
127,045
Turnout (2025)
92.6%
Swing since 2022 (2025)
+3.6 pp toward Labor

Two-party preferred (2025)

Coalition 63.0%Labor 37.0%

Estimated suburb voting profile

Estimated from 8 nearby ordinary polling places (up to 46.9 km away).

Coalition 69.8%Labor 30.2%

6.8 percentage points more Coalition-leaning than the electorate

Estimated swing since 2022: +3.8 pp toward Labor

Nearest polling places

  • WaikerieLabor 31.6% · Coalition 68.4% TPP (2025)3.7 km away
  • RamcoLabor 26.2% · Coalition 73.8% TPP (2025)5.8 km away
  • CadellLabor 28.7% · Coalition 71.3% TPP (2025)27.1 km away
  • MorganLabor 43.7% · Coalition 56.3% TPP (2025)34.5 km away
  • BlanchetownLabor 36.6% · Coalition 63.4% TPP (2025)35.9 km away

Federal electorate from AEC federal division boundaries (2025 redistribution). Division-level results are official AEC figures from the latest general election, with by-election updates where applicable. The estimated suburb profile blends up to eight nearest ordinary polling booths in the same electorate using inverse-distance weighting from the suburb centroid — an approximation, not official AEC data. Nearest polling places are shown for reference.

Data sources & freshness

Socio-economic

IRSAD decile (2021)
1/10
IRSD decile (2021)
2/10

ABS Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA), 2021 release — the latest available, derived from the 2021 Census. Deciles rank suburbs nationally from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).

What do IRSAD and IRSD measure?

IRSAD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage. Combines indicators of advantage (e.g. high income, skilled occupations) and disadvantage. Higher decile = more advantaged relative to other Australian areas.

IRSD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage. Focuses on disadvantage only (e.g. low income, unemployment, limited education). Higher decile = less disadvantage nationally.

A new SEIFA edition typically follows each census; the ABS has not announced a release date beyond 2021.

Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)

Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile)

Data sources & freshness

More in Loxton Waikerie Council

Other suburbs in the same local government area.

Comparable suburbs

Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of South Australia.