APY Lands

APY Lands has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, APY Lands's population is around 2,658 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 325 people (13.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,333 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,654 from the ABS as of June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 0.00 persons per square kilometer, a level providing ample space per person. APY Lands's 13.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (4.7%), along with the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 50.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to decline by 62 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 35 to 44 age group, which is projected to expand by 71 people. See the age section for more details.

Residential development activity is lower than average in APY Lands according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

APY Lands has averaged around 4 new dwelling approvals each year, totalling 20 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 5 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 7.4 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $199,000—under regional levels—indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. Additionally, $6.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

Compared to the Rest of SA, APY Lands has slightly more development (14.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values, though development activity has moderated in recent periods. This is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. Further, recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

With population projections showing stability or decline, APY Lands should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

APY Lands has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 9thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 20 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the APY Lands Groundwater Quantity and Quality Investigation, Umuwa Multi-Agency Facility, Umuwa Central Power House Renewable Energy Upgrade, and Fregon Anangu School Upgrade, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 conditions in APY Lands face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

APY Lands has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of 62.8%. As of December 2025347 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 57.0% above Regional SA's rate of 5.7%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (44.9% compared to Regional SA's 58.8%). Based on Census responses, a low 1.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are education & training, health care & social assistance, and arts & recreation. The area shows particularly strong specialization in education & training, with an employment share of 3.9 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 3.1% versus the regional average of 14.5%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force increase by 2.4% while employment declined by 48.8%, resulting in the unemployment rate rising by 37.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional SA, where employment rose by 0.7%, the labour force grew by 3.1%, and unemployment rose 2.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within APY Lands. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to APY Lands's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.4% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The APY Lands SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $27,968 and an average of $34,446 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is lower than average on a national basis, contrasting with Regional SA's median income of $48,920 and average income of $58,933. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $30,429 (median) and $37,477 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household income ranks at the 18th percentile ($1,266 weekly), while personal income sits at the 0th percentile. The earnings profile shows the $800 - 1,499 bracket dominates with 32.2% of residents (855 people), contrasting with the region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 27.5%. While housing costs are modest with 93.5% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 29th percentile nationally.

APY Lands is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within APY Lands, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 91.1% houses and 9.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional SA's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within APY Lands lagged that of Regional SA, at 2.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (0.0%) or rented (97.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional SA average at $0, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $85, compared to Regional SA's $1,153 and $220. Nationally, APY Lands's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

APY Lands features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 80.0% of all households, comprising 35.2% couples with children, 17.3% couples without children, and 20.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 20.0%, with lone person households at 17.5% and group households comprising 2.9% of the total. The median household size of 4.0 people is larger than the Regional SA average of 2.3.

APY Lands faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (13.0%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 9.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational pathways account for 19.1% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (3.2%) and certificates (15.9%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.7% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 1.0% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in APY Lands is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

APY Lands faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 45% of the total population (~1,193 people). This compares to 48.9% across Regional SA. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are diabetes and asthma, impacting 9.5 and 4.6% of residents, respectively, while 78.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 62.5% across Regional SA. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 4.8% of residents aged 65 and over (127 people), which is lower than the 27.1% in Regional SA. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in APY Lands was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

APY Lands was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 2.7% of its population born overseas and 88.5% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in APY Lands is Christianity, which makes up 53.7% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 9.4% of the population, substantially higher than the Regional SA average of 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in APY Lands are Australian Aboriginal, comprising 85.1% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 3.3%, English, comprising 3.7% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 32.5%, and Australian, comprising 3.6% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 31.3%.

APY Lands hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

The 28-year median age in APY Lands is notably under Regional SA's average of 47 and also substantially under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Regional SA, APY Lands has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (21.3%) but fewer 65 - 74 year-olds (3.2%). This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 12.9% to 15.6% of the population, while the 55 to 64 cohort increased from 8.0% to 9.2%. Conversely, the 15 to 24 cohort has declined from 18.8% to 16.2% and the 0 to 4 group dropped from 8.4% to 6.1%. By 2041, APY Lands is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 45 to 54 group will grow by 19% (57 people), reaching 354 from 296. Meanwhile, both 55 to 64 and 65 to 74 age groups will see reduced numbers.