Barmera

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Barmera's population is around 6,660 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 259 people (4.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,401 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,628 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 52 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 7.8 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 85.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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, lower quartile growth of non-metropolitan areas nationally is anticipated, with the area expected to grow by 297 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 4.0% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Barmera, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Barmera has seen around 12 new homes approved each year, with 63 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 5 so far in FY-26. At an average of just 1 new resident per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts, while new homes are being built at an average value of $218,000—below the regional average—suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. Additionally, $3.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

When measured against the Rest of SA, Barmera has significantly less development activity (67.0% below regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. This activity is similarly below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Further, recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 606 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Barmera will gain 265 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Barmera 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 11 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Bruno Bay Infrastructure Upgrade, Berri Energy Project, McLean Street Residential Estate, and Riverview Drive Reconstruction (Flood Recovery), 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.

Barmera has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Barmera possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of 4.5%, and 2.0% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 3,316 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.3% below Regional SA's rate of 5.7%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (61.0% compared to Regional SA's 58.8%). Based on Census responses, a low 8.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. The area has a particular employment specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. Conversely, retail trade is under-represented, with only 7.7% of Barmera's workforce compared to 9.9% in Regional SA. 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, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 2.0% and the labour force increased by 3.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.4 percentage points. By comparison, Regional SA recorded employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 3.1%, and unemployment rising 2.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Barmera. 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 Barmera's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.3% over five years and 12.0% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Barmera SA2 is lower than average on a national basis, with the median assessed at $46,411 while the average income stands at $52,068. This contrasts with Regional SA's figures of a median income of $48,920 and an average income of $58,933. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $50,495 (median) and $56,650 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Barmera all fall between the 16th and 19th percentiles nationally. The data shows 28.9% of the population (1,924 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen in the metropolitan region where 27.5% similarly occupy this range. While housing costs are modest with 89.0% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 22nd percentile nationally.

Barmera is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure within Barmera, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 91.0% 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 Barmera was in line with that of Regional SA, at 40.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (36.8%) or rented (22.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional SA average at $1,083, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $200, compared to Regional SA's $1,153 and $220. Nationally, Barmera's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Barmera has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households dominate at 68.8% of all households, comprising 23.7% couples with children, 33.0% couples without children, and 11.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 31.2%, with lone person households at 29.1% and group households comprising 2.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people matches the Regional SA average.

Barmera 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 (11.5%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.0%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 37.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (7.9%) and certificates (29.8%).

A substantial 23.8% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 11.4% in primary education, 7.0% in secondary education, and 1.5% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Barmera is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Barmera, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~3,050 people). This compares to 48.9% across Regional SA. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.6 and 9.0% of residents, respectively, while 61.0% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 62.5% across Regional SA. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 28.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,866 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

Barmera ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Barmera was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 88.0% of its population born in Australia, 91.9% being citizens, and 90.3% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Barmera is Christianity, which makes up 44.2% of the people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 2.5% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Regional SA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Barmera are English, comprising 30.9% of the population, Australian, comprising 30.7% of the population, and German, comprising 9.1% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Greek is notably overrepresented at 4.1% of Barmera (vs 0.6% regionally), Hungarian at 0.4% (vs 0.1%) and Croatian at 0.7% (vs 0.3%).

Barmera hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The 48-year median age in Barmera is similar to Regional SA's average of 47 and is similarly well above the national norm of 38. Compared to the Regional SA average, the 65 - 74 cohort is notably over-represented (16.0% locally), while 0 - 4 year-olds are under-represented (3.7%). This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. In the period since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 7.1% to 9.4% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 10.2% to 11.5%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.2% to 11.3% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 11.9% to 10.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Barmera. The 75 to 84 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 35%, adding 220 residents to reach 849. Senior residents (65+) will drive 78% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. Conversely, both the 35 to 44 and 65 to 74 age groups will see reduced numbers.