Yankalilla (SA)

Detail

Based on research into ABS population updates for the wider region, alongside address files validated by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Yankalilla has a population estimated at around 1,653 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 690 people (71.7%) relative to the 2021 Census, when the recorded population was 963 people. This trend is calculated from the resident population of 1,648, estimated by Districts following analysis of the most recent ABS ERP data release (June 2025) and an additional 6 validated new addresses since the Census date. Such a population size corresponds to a density ratio of 50 persons per square kilometer, an environment that offers plenty of space per resident. The 71.7% expansion rate in the suburb of Yankalilla since the 2021 census was faster than the Rest of SA (5.9%), as well as the SA4 region, establishing it as a regional growth leader. Population expansion in the locality was mostly propelled by interstate migration, which accounted for approximately of overall population increases during recent times.

Detail

The employment landscape in Yankalilla reflects a mix of white and blue collar roles, with manufacturing and industrial fields making up a substantial share of the local job market. According to Districts aggregations of statistical area data, the area experienced an estimated employment growth of 11.1% over the previous year and maintained an unemployment rate of 5.5%. By March 2026, there were 620 residents actively employed, and the local unemployment rate matched that of Regional SA at 5.5%. However, workforce participation in Yankalilla was notably lower at 44.8% compared to the 58.4% rate observed in Regional SA. Census data indicated that 14.9% of residents worked from home, a figure that should be interpreted with caution given the lingering effects of Covid-19 lockdowns.

Detail

The most recent postcode-level ATO data from Districts for financial year 2023 indicates that incomes in the suburb of Yankalilla run below the national norm, showing a median value of $33,865 and an average of $42,967. This is lower than Regional SA, which records a median income of $48,920 and an average of $58,933. Adjusted for a Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, current estimates would stand at roughly $37,309 (median) and $47,337 (average) as of March 2026. Census findings show that household, family, and individual incomes in Yankalilla all sit between the 2nd and 3rd percentiles across Australia. Income distribution statistics show that 32.5% of the population (537 individuals) earn in the $400 - 799 weekly range, whereas the regional leader is the - bracket at . Lower-income households represent a substantial share of the area, with earning under weekly, pointing to financial strain for a large segment of the community. Housing cost pressures are significant, leaving residents with only of their income, which places the area in the th percentile.

Detail

Residential structures in Yankalilla at the time of the latest Census consisted of 94.0% separate houses and 6.0% alternative housing types (including semi-detached properties, apartments, and other dwellings), compared to 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings throughout Regional SA. Outright home ownership in Yankalilla was much higher than the Regional SA standard at 46.3%, with the remaining properties being purchased with a mortgage (33.7%) or occupied by renters (20.0%). The median monthly mortgage cost of $1,300 was notably higher than the Regional SA average of $1,153, while the median weekly rental cost was $250 compared to the regional figure of $220. On a national scale, Yankalilla's mortgage costs are significantly below the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are much lower than the national average of $375.

Detail

Families make up the majority of households at 61.5%, which includes 19.0% couples with children, 34.9% couples without children, and 6.4% single parent families. The remaining 38.5% consists of non-family households, with single-person households representing 37.1% and group homes accounting for 1.9% of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Regional SA average of 2.3.

Detail

The community shows lower rates of higher education, with university qualification rates (13.7%) falling well below the national average of 30.4%. This highlights both a regional challenge and a focus area for future educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 10.4%, followed by postgraduate degrees (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational and technical training are highly represented, with 40.7% of residents aged 15+ holding trade qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas (11.5%) and certificates (29.2%).

Detail

Yankalilla faces notable health difficulties, according to Districts' evaluation of mortality data and chronic illness rates, with general health conditions being quite common, particularly among older residents, while the share of residents with private health insurance is low at approximately 44% of the population (~728 people). This is lower than the 48.9% rate observed across Regional SA and the national benchmark of 55.7%.

Detail

Yankalilla has lower levels of cultural diversity than average, with 82.3% of residents born in Australia, 92.5% holding citizenship, and 97.8% using only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, representing 37.5% of local residents. The most distinct relative overrepresentation is found in Judaism, which accounts for 0.4% of the population compared to a regional average of 0.0%.

Detail

With a median age of 59 years, Yankalilla's population is considerably older than the Regional SA average of 47 and substantially older than the national median of 38 years. Compared to the Regional SA average, the 75 - 84 age bracket is highly over-represented (16.9% locally), while young adults aged 25 - 34 are under-represented (5.2%). This local concentration of residents aged 75 - 84 is much higher than the national share of 6.1%. Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 cohort has expanded from 12.9% to 16.9% of the population, and the 65 to 74 group rose from 19.8% to 20.9%. In contrast, the to group decreased from to , and the to bracket fell from to . Demographic projections indicate that Yankalilla's age structure will change significantly by . The + cohort is projected to lead this shift, growing by ( people) to reach residents, up from . Ongoing demographic aging is reflected in the fact that residents aged and over will account for of all projected population growth, while decreases are anticipated for the to and to cohorts.

Detail

Yankalilla currently has an estimated 38 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 32 children aged 0-2 and 20 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 58% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 3% by 2041 (to approximately 39 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 127. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 4.2 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.