Median house price
—
No data available
SA · Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council
Watervale, 5452
Est. population · Jun 2025
350
Growth (1 yr)
+0.3%
Growth (5 yr)
+1.4%
Median age
43
Median income
$1,437/wk
Employment rate
67.7%
Languages at home
2.4%non-English
Mostly English at home
2021 Census · usual residence
Desirability score
- Heritage area
- Excellent transport
- Education hub
- High desirability
Suburb profile
Watervale is a quieter smaller community in Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council, where peace, space and a country-town pace still dominate. The area suits established families and long-term locals, with family life visible on every street. The pace is unhurried, with local businesses and community spots doing the heavy lifting.
Local green pockets are modest, with bigger outdoor outings usually found in neighbouring areas. A car helps for most daily errands, though buses still link the suburb further afield. Property prices run toward the upper end of the local market.
Reported crime has been rising recently. This is a mature, settled pocket where the existing streetscape still defines the local character.
Versus similar regional towns, the suburb reads below average on desirability, chiefly because local dining and lifestyle amenities trail behind. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.
At a glance
Watervale snapshot
A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk
Median rent
$540/wk
Population (ERP)
350
+0.3% annual growth
Dwelling vacancy
16.1%
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
#35
among Country & regional · Established
Safety
2nd
percentile in state (higher = safer)
Pop. growth
50th
percentile in SA
Advantage (IRSAD)
6/10
national SEIFA decile
School ICSEA
61st
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
- 29.9/100 — Below average
- National rank
- 5611th in Australia
- State rank
- 565th in SA
- Peer rank
- #35 among Country & regional · Established suburbs
- Cohort rank
- #169 among Country & regional suburbs
- Data confidence
- 68%
Data sources & freshness
- Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
Housing
- Houses (01/01/26 to 31/03/26)
- $540
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
350(June 2025)
+0.3% annual · +1.4% over 5 years · 50th percentile in SA
Growth figures & methodology
- Annual growth
- +0.3%
- 5-year growth
- +1.4%
- Change in 1 year
- +1
- Change in 5 years
- +5
- Growth rank in SA
- 50th 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 (~350), extrapolated at +0.5% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.
2021 Census figures
2021 Census
- Population
- 338
- Median age
- 43
- Median household income / week
- $1,437
- Dwelling vacancy
- 16.1%
- Unoccupied private dwellings
- 23 of 143
- Median monthly mortgage
- $1,231
- Employment rate
- 67.7%
- Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
- 115 / 3 / 0
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)
- 2
- Against the person
- 0
- Against property
- 2
- Rate per 1,000 residents
- 5.7
- State safety percentile
- 2.4th (lower crime is better)
- Family & domestic abuse offences
- 1
- Increase (daily rate)
- +100.5%
Most common offence types
- Obtain Benefit By Deception1
- Other Theft1
Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)
Crime rate and year-on-year trend
Data sources & freshness
- SAPOL reported crime statistics — South Australia Police — OpenData · 2023-24 → 2024-25; 2024-25 · Updated · Financial-year releases
Family & Lifestyle
Schools & preschools
- Schools within 2 km
- 1
- Median school ICSEA
- 1,033
- Median ICSEA percentile
- 61th
School list
- Watervale Primary SchoolPrimary · Government · ICSEA 1033 · 61th percentile · LBOTE 4% · 29 students · Top SEA quarter 12% · 0.6 km awayView on My School →
Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)
School and preschool counts, median school ICSEA
Data sources & freshness
- Government education sites register — Government of South Australia · current · Updated
- School ICSEA (ACARA) — Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority · 2025 · Updated · Annual release
Public transport
2 public transport stops in this suburb
- Main North Rd - East side (Watervale General Store)
- Main North Rd - West side (Watervale General Store)
Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)
Public transport stop coverage
Data sources & freshness
- Adelaide Metro GTFS stops — Department for Infrastructure and Transport (SA) · current · Updated
Amenities
8 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km
1 restaurants · 1 swimming pools
Local character & venue list
Local character
- Limited walkable amenities nearby
- Walkability proxy
- 5/100
- Cafés per 1,000 residents
- 0
- Food & drink per 1,000 residents
- 2.96
- Parks per 1,000 residents
- 0
Food & drink(1)
- Watervale HotelRestaurant
Sport & outdoors(2)
- Sports field
- Swimming pool
Other(5)
- Drinking water
- Information
- Public toilets
- Rental
- Shelter
Names and addresses from OpenStreetMap. Unnamed venues show as their type (e.g. Cafe). Transport stops are summarised by type rather than listed individually.
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
Health access
- Nearest hospital
- Clare Hospital (15.4 km)
- Nearest hospital type
- Public Hospital
- Nearest hospital emergency
- Emergency department
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)
- 10
- Participants per 1,000 residents
- 28.6
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
- NDIS participants by SA2 — National Disability Insurance Agency · 2026-Q1 · Updated · Quarterly SA2 counts allocated to suburb boundaries
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
- 29° / 13°
- Rainfall
- 69 mm · ~9 rainy days
Autumn (Mar–May)
- Usual max / min
- 22° / 9°
- Rainfall
- 80 mm · ~10 rainy days
Winter (Jun–Aug)
- Usual max / min
- 14° / 5°
- Rainfall
- 142 mm · ~18 rainy days
Spring (Sep–Nov)
- Usual max / min
- 21° / 8°
- Rainfall
- 125 mm · ~16 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· 7 proposals
August 2026
- Verandah217 SKILLOGALEE CREEK RD WATERVALE SA 5452Under Assessment
July 2026
- Outbuilding (shed), carport and verandah7 NORTH TCE WATERVALE SA 5452Under Assessment
- Partial change of use of land to establish an outdoor function venue in association with an existing cellar door45 OLD RD WATERVALE SA 5452Under Assessment
June 2026
- Agricultural building (implement storage) and retaining wallsLOT 1 UPPER SKILLY RD WATERVALE SA 5452Under Assessment
April 2026
- Land Division (Torrens Title - 1 into 2) resulting in a dwelling excision50 QUELLTALER RD WATERVALE SA 5452Decision Made
March 2026
- Alterations and additions to an existing agricultural building (implement storage) and decking7303 HORROCKS HWY WATERVALE SA 5452Decision Made
February 2026
- Single story detached dwelling and retaining wall7 NORTH TCE WATERVALE SA 5452Decision Made
2025· 13 proposals
December 2025
- Verandah addition to dwelling and outbuilding (domestic storage shed)35 WEST RD WATERVALE SA 5452Decision Made
- Change of use from a store (implement storage) to a function venue, alterations and additions to the existing building including restoration works and additions including commercial kitchen and amenities with associated relocation of an existing above-ground rainwater tank, carparking and landscaping7303 HORROCKS HWY WATERVALE SA 5452Under Assessment
August 2025
- Decking with associated screening11 NORTH TCE WATERVALE SA 5452Decision Made
July 2025
- Deck6 COMMERCIAL RD WATERVALE SA 5452Under Assessment
- Shade sail (over existing playground)7420 HORROCKS HWY WATERVALE SA 5452Decision Made
- Carport60 SOLLYS HILL RD WATERVALE SA 5452Decision Made
- Outbuilding (garage) and associated landscaping29 -31 WEST RD WATERVALE SA 5452Decision Made
June 2025
- Spa and associated safety features8 COMMERCIAL RD WATERVALE SA 5452Decision Made
- Installation of two (2) Frost fans (FrostBoss C49) associated with existing vineyards170 BLENHEIM RD WATERVALE SA 5452Decision Made
- Land Division (Torrens Title - 1 into 11) over two stagesLOT 383 SHEOAK RD WATERVALE SA 5452Decision Made
April 2025
- Carport8 SOUTH TCE WATERVALE SA 5452Decision Made
- Outbuilding (shed) and carport11 NORTH TCE WATERVALE SA 5452Decision Made
February 2025
- Single storey detached dwelling and installation of bathroom and laundry facilities within the existing shed8 COMMERCIAL RD WATERVALE SA 5452Decision Made
2024· 10 proposals
August 2024
- Single storey detached dwelling4 ADELAIDE NORTH RD WATERVALE SA 5452Decision Made
July 2024
- Installation of one (1) frost fan (FrostBoss C59) associated with existing vineyardsLOT 2 CEMETERY RD WATERVALE SA 5452Decision Made
June 2024
- Change of use from office to dwelling19 MAIN NORTH RD WATERVALE SA 5452Decision Made
- Demolition of existing non-heritage listed dwelling additions and outbuilding (shed) and construction of new dwelling additions to an existing State Heritage Place (SHP - I.D 14492) including minor internal works to the SHP, under main roof garage and carports, verandah and associated landscaping9 SOUTH TCE WATERVALE SA 5452Under Assessment
May 2024
- Outbuilding (shed)19-21 ST VINCENT RD WATERVALE SA 5452Decision Made
April 2024
- Single storey detached dwelling with outbuilding (shed) and retaining wallsLOT 2 NORTH TCE WATERVALE SA 5452Decision Made
- Agricultural building (horticulture shed and implement storage)4-18 NORTH TCE WATERVALE SA 5452Decision Made
February 2024
- Alterations and additions to an existing dwelling and verandah65 SOLLYS HILL RD WATERVALE SA 5452Decision Made
January 2024
- Outbuilding (garage)6 SOUTH TCE WATERVALE SA 5452Decision Made
- Shed (for domestic storage purposes)8 COMMERCIAL RD WATERVALE SA 5452Decision Made
2023· 10 proposals
December 2023
- Alterations and additions to the existing building to create four tourist accommodation units with shared facilities, associated decking and new amenities block ancillary to the cellar door45 OLD RD WATERVALE SA 5452;LOT 2 CEMETERY RD WATERVALE SA 5452Under Assessment
- Swimming pool with associated safety features24-26 WEST RD WATERVALE SA 5452Decision Made
August 2023
- Single storey detached dwellingLOT 1 NORTH TCE WATERVALE SA 5452Decision Made
July 2023
- Verandah (replacing existing verandah)12 ST VINCENT RD WATERVALE SA 5452Decision Made
- Swimming pool and associated safety barriers221 CEMETERY RD WATERVALE SA 5452Decision Made
- Carport11 SHEOAK RD WATERVALE SA 5452Under Assessment
June 2023
- Single storey detached dwelling with associated carport and decking12 COMMERCIAL RD WATERVALE SA 5452Decision Made
May 2023
- Shed (for domestic storage purposes)10 COMMERCIAL RD WATERVALE SA 5452Decision Made
April 2023
- Conversion of an outbuilding to ancillary accommodation and construction of a deck to the rear of the existing dwelling5 COMMERCIAL RD WATERVALE SA 5452Decision Made
January 2023
- 6.1m x 4m skillion roof colourbond shed.12 COMMERCIAL RD WATERVALE SA 5452Decision Made
2022· 3 proposals
December 2022
- Tourist accommodation (Bed & Breakfast) with associated carport, verandah and decking8 SOUTH TCE WATERVALE SA 5452Decision Made
- Agricultural building (storage shed for primary production)178 SKILLOGALEE CREEK RD WATERVALE SA 5452Decision Made
November 2022
- Single storey detached dwelling and outbuilding (garage)7 ADELAIDE NORTH RD WATERVALE SA 5452Decision Made
Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)
Development and planning activity
Data sources & freshness
- PlanSA development applications & EPA licences — Government of South Australia — PlanSA · 2026 · Updated
Heritage
7 heritage places
- Annie's Lane (Quelltaler (former Springvale) Winery)Great Northern Road WATERVALEState heritage
- Dwelling (formerly Winifred the Washerwoman's House)Horrocks Highway (formerly Main North Road) WATERVALEState heritage
- Former Stanley (former Coles) Grammar SchoolCommercial Road WATERVALEState heritage
- Hughes Park Homestead Complex, including Dwelling, Dairy, Blacksmithy, Stables, Petrol House, Coach House, Cottages, Offices, Garage and Manager's HouseHughes Park, Near WATERVALEState heritage
- Mounting Steps (two sets), WatervaleHorrocks Highway (formerly Main North Road) WATERVALEState heritage
- Rosenberg Winery9 South Terrace WATERVALEState heritage
- Watervale Community Hall (former Foresters' Lodge Hall)Horrocks Highway (formerly Main North Road) WATERVALEState heritage
Data sources & freshness
- SA Heritage Places database — Department for Environment and Water (SA) · current · Updated
Hazards
- Bushfire planning zone
- Overlay applies
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
- Bushfire & hazard overlays (SA) — Government of South Australia · current · Updated
Politics & representation
- Federal electorate
- Grey
- Member of Parliament
- Tom VENNING (Liberal)
- Results from
- 2025 federal election
- Electorate enrolment (2025)
- 128,707
- Turnout (2025)
- 89.4%
- Swing since 2022 (2025)
- +5.4 pp toward Labor
Two-party preferred (2025)
Coalition 54.6%Labor 45.4%
Estimated suburb voting profile
Estimated from 8 nearby ordinary polling places (up to 23.1 km away).
Coalition 56.1%Labor 43.9%
1.5 percentage points more Coalition-leaning than the electorate
Estimated swing since 2022: +1.8 pp toward Labor
Nearest polling places
- WatervaleLabor 44.0% · Coalition 56.0% TPP (2025)0.6 km away
- AuburnLabor 47.4% · Coalition 52.6% TPP (2025)7.4 km away
- ClareLabor 37.2% · Coalition 62.8% TPP (2025)13.4 km away
- ManooraLabor 25.0% · Coalition 75.0% TPP (2025)16.0 km away
- SaddleworthLabor 38.1% · Coalition 61.9% TPP (2025)17.8 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
- Federal election results — Australian Electoral Commission · Updated · 2025 election with by-election overlays
Socio-economic
- IRSAD decile (2021)
- 6/10
- IRSD decile (2021)
- 7/10
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
- SEIFA 2021 (IRSAD / IRSD) — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
Compare with
Similar suburbs to weigh up side by side — scores, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
More in Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council
Other suburbs in the same local government area.
Comparable suburbs
Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of South Australia.