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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Barmera has an estimated 6,665 residents, up from 6,401 at the 2021 Census — a change of 264 people, or 4.1%. Fewer than ten people live on each square kilometre, across a boundary that takes in surrounding rural land. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to the analysis by AreaSearch, the population of Barmera is estimated to be approximately 6,665 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 264 residents (4.1%) from the 6,401 individuals recorded in the 2021 Census. The expansion is calculated based on the ABS estimated resident population of 6,662 in June 2025 alongside 86 validated new addresses identified since the Census. With this population count, the area density stands at 7.8 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density living. The 4.1% increase post-census is 1.8 percentage points lower than the 5.9% recorded in the wider SA3 region, showing competitive demographic trends.
The primary driver of this population growth was overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 58.7% of the total demographic gains in recent times. Projections from ABS and Geoscience Australia, published in 2024 using 2022 as a baseline, are utilized for each SA2 region. For locations lacking this dataset or for projections extending past 2032, regional and LGA projections by age bracket released by the SA State Government in 2023 (based on 2021 numbers) are applied, utilizing weighted aggregation of population expansion from the LGA to the SA2 level. Reflecting wider demographic patterns, growth is projected to align with the lower national quartile for non-metropolitan regions, with the population expected to rise by 264 people by 2041 based on recent annual ERP figures, translating to an overall expansion of 3.9% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
63 new dwellings have been approved in Barmera over the past five years, an average of 12 a year. That is 1.9 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 12, broadly in line with that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Barmera averages approximately 12 residential building approvals annually, with a cumulative total of 63 dwellings approved over the preceding 5 financial years. In the current financial year of FY-26, 11 approvals have been documented. The ratio of new residents to completed dwellings stood at 1.8 people per home over the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, pointing to balanced supply and demand conditions. However, this has risen to 3.5 people per home over the last 2 financial years, suggesting heightened demand and a possible shortage of housing. Newly built homes carry an average construction value of $218,000, which falls below the average for the broader region, indicating more affordable entry points for construction.
Furthermore, commercial approvals totaling $3.2 million have been logged in the current financial year, highlighting the predominantly residential makeup of the area. Development activity in Barmera is notably quiet, registering 67.0% below the per capita average for the Rest of SA. This low level of new supply tends to support demand and pricing for existing housing stock. The volume of building approvals also falls below the national average, reflecting the established character of the area and potentially indicating local planning restrictions. All recent residential approvals have consisted of detached houses, maintaining the low-density footprint of the locality and appealing to buyers seeking larger properties. The ratio of 609 residents for every single residential approval highlights the low-key pace of local construction. Based on the most recent quarterly estimates from AreaSearch, population projections indicate Barmera will add 261 residents by 2041. Under current construction trajectories, the supply of new housing should comfortably satisfy this demand, maintaining favorable conditions for prospective purchasers while leaving room to accommodate growth rates that outpace current projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Barmera
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 2 current infrastructure and development projects inside Barmera, worth an estimated $2 million. A further 34 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $17 billion. 8 are already under construction and 7 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans communities, precincts & urban renewal, transport & logistics and residential development. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, major works, and municipal planning developments have a strong influence on the performance of a region. AreaSearch has identified a total of 11 projects expected to impact the local community. Key developments include the Bruno Bay Infrastructure Upgrade, the Berri Energy Project, the McLean Street Residential Estate, and the Riverview Drive Reconstruction (Flood Recovery), with details provided for the most significant undertakings below.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Bruno Bay Infrastructure Upgrade
Infrastructure upgrades at Bruno Bay including a new and improved boat ramp, raised access road and carpark, upgraded toilet facilities, barbecue shelters and seating. The project is being delivered through the South Australia Constraints Measures project to improve community resilience and maintain access during River Murray high-flow events while supporting environmental water delivery. Community consultation has been completed and the project remains scheduled for completion by December 2026.
Big Orange Redevelopment
Revitalisation of the iconic 15-meter tall Big Orange landmark into a 1.5 million AUD multifaceted destination featuring a craft brewery, distillery, restaurant, bar, and outdoor dining verandah to boost regional tourism and celebrate the region's citrus heritage.
McLean Street Residential Estate
Sale of a significant 3.06ha development site (Lot 45 McLean St) in the Riverland town of Berri, which was advertised with two professionally drafted concept plans for a low-density residential estate of up to 34 new homes to address the critical local housing shortage. The site was sold on October 9, 2025.
Riverview Drive Reconstruction (Flood Recovery)
The reconstruction of Riverview Drive in Berri, following significant damage caused by the earth levee bank constructed during the 2022/23 River Murray flood. The project involved a like-for-like road renewal over an expanded scope, delivered $416,000 under budget, marking a major flood recovery milestone for the Berri Barmera Council. The section reconstructed measured 2,860m (2.86km).
Berri Energy Project
Australia's first fully operational utility-scale DC-coupled solar and battery energy storage system. The project, built on a former racecourse, features a 5.8 MWp solar farm (9,800 solar panels) coupled with a 6.7 MWh battery. It commenced full commercial operations in early 2023, generating 11,500 MWh annually, and provides Frequency Control Ancillary Services (FCAS) and voltage control services to the grid. It also has a community fund donating over $190,000 over its lifetime.
Billiatt Road Reconstruction - Final Stage
Final stage reconstruction of Billiatt Road involving sealing and widening from 6.2 metres to 7.6 metres to accommodate increased traffic and road trains. As the gateway to Billiatt Conservation Park and the main tourism route in the Riverland region, this project will improve safety for locals, freight, and tourist traffic. Funded through the Australian Government's Special Local Roads Program with $993,000 allocated for this final stage.
Pocket Galleries in Loxton
A pilot initiative to establish small-scale pocket galleries throughout Loxton, creating accessible community exhibition spaces for local artists and cultural activities. The project is being developed in partnership with founder Di Caught and aims to enhance arts and culture engagement across the district. Community consultation was conducted in August 2025, with the pilot launch expected to roll out following feedback from residents, artists, and businesses.
William Street Staircase Repair
Repair works on the William Street Staircase following significant structural damage from the 2022/23 Murray River floods. The project includes installation of screw piles to landing supports, replacement of missing handrails, and reinstatement of the retaining wall. This important pedestrian access point connects Loxton's main shopping area to the riverfront. Works commenced June 2025 with targeted completion October 2025.
3,353 residents of Barmera are employed, from a labour force of 3,502. Unemployment sits at 4.3%, with participation at 61.2%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.3% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 5,934, about 89% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Barmera features a mix of white collar and blue collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial fields making up a significant portion of the economy. The area reports an unemployment rate of 4.3% and an estimated employment growth of 3.2% over the previous year. As of March 2026, 3,353 residents are employed, and the local unemployment rate stands at 1.2% lower than the 5.5% rate recorded for Regional SA. Workforce participation in Barmera is fairly standard at 61.2%, which is slightly higher than the 58.4% rate for Regional SA. According to Census data, only 8.8% of residents worked from home, although the effects of Covid-19 lockdowns should be taken into account when interpreting this figure.
The primary sectors employing local residents are manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. The community exhibits a strong specialization in the manufacturing sector, where the employment concentration is 1.5 times the regional average. Conversely, the retail trade sector is less prominent, employing 7.7% of the local workforce compared to 9.9% in Regional SA. The comparison between the number of working Census respondents and the resident population suggests a limited volume of local employment opportunities. According to AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics for the year ending March 2026, the number of employed individuals rose by 3.2% while the total labor force grew by 4.0%, leading to an increase of 0.8 percentage points in the unemployment rate. Over the same timeframe, Regional SA experienced a 1.2% rise in employment, a 2.6% expansion in the labor force, and a 1.4 percentage point increase in unemployment. National employment projections released in May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide context for future local demand. These five and ten-year forecasts have been applied to the local workforce structure to model potential changes. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though rates vary significantly by sector. Applying these industry weightings to the local employment distribution suggests Barmera's employment could grow by 5.3% over five years and 12.0% over ten years, though this illustrative calculation does not incorporate local population growth forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Barmera is $1,245 a week (about $65,000 a year), with median personal income at $651 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $46,411 a year against an average of $52,068. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
According to the latest postcode-level ATO statistics compiled by AreaSearch for the 2023 financial year, local incomes in the Barmera SA2 are below national benchmarks, reporting a median of $46,411 and an average of $52,068. This is lower than the Regional SA figures, which show a median income of $48,920 and an average income of $58,933. Adjusted for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.17% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates as of March 2026 would stand at approximately $51,131 for the median and $57,363 for the average. Census data places family, household, and individual incomes in the area between the 16th and 19th percentiles nationwide.
About 28.9% of the population (1,926 people) report incomes between $1,500 and $2,999, mirroring the metropolitan area where 27.5% fall into this bracket. While housing costs consume a relatively low share of income, leaving 89.0% retained, overall disposable income sits at the 22nd percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Barmera had 2,563 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 91% detached houses and 1% apartments. 37% are owned with a mortgage, 23% rented and 41% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $200 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,083 a month. Rent absorbs 16.1% of household income here and mortgage repayments 20.1%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census, the housing stock in Barmera consisted of 91.0% separate houses and 9.0% alternative housing types, such as apartments and semi-detached properties, compared to 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings in Regional SA. The rate of outright home ownership was recorded at 40.7%, matching the figure for Regional SA, while the remaining homes were mortgaged (36.8%) or rented (22.5%). The median monthly payment for home loans was lower than the regional average at $1,083, and the median weekly rent was $200, compared to regional figures of $1,153 and $220.
On a national scale, local mortgage payments are significantly below the Australian average of $1,863, and rent levels are well below the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Barmera counted 2,563 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.3 people each. 24% are couples with children, against 33% couples without children. 29% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.0 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the majority of households at 68.8%, consisting of couples without children at 33.0%, couples with children at 23.7%, and single parents at 11.2%. Non-family households account for the remaining 31.2% of homes, with single-person households representing 29.1% and group houses making up 2.1%. The average household occupancy stands at 2.3 people, which is identical to the Regional SA average.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
11.5% of adults in Barmera hold a university qualification, including 8.9% with a bachelor degree and 1.6% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 96% of areas nationally. A further 29.8% hold a vocational qualification. 6 schools serve the area, with 602 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 935 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational attainment levels present specific challenges locally, with the proportion of residents holding university qualifications (11.5%) falling well below the national rate of 30.4%. This highlights key areas for potential educational development. Among higher education qualifications, bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.9%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 1.6% and graduate diplomas at 1.0%. Vocational and technical skills are highly represented, with 37.7% of the population aged 15+ holding a vocational qualification, including 7.9% with advanced diplomas and 29.8% with certificates. A notable 23.8% of the local population is enrolled in formal study.
This student cohort includes 11.4% in primary schools, 7.0% in high schools, and 1.5% enrolled in higher education programs.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Barmera means driving: households keep an average of 1.7 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
61.0% of residents in Barmera report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 86% of areas nationally. 7.8% need daily assistance with core activities, and 45.8% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 6.1 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health assessments indicate notable local challenges based on AreaSearch's analysis of mortality figures and chronic illness rates across younger and older demographics, with private health insurance coverage levels being low at approximately 46% of the population (~3,052 people). This is below the Regional SA average of 48.9% and the national rate of 55.7%. The most frequent diagnoses recorded locally were arthritis (11.6% of residents) and mental health conditions (9.0% of residents), while 61.0% of the population reported no chronic health conditions, compared to 62.5% across Regional SA. Chronic illness rates are elevated within the working-age cohort.
Residents aged 65 and over constitute 27.9% of the population (1,857 people), and health outcomes for this senior cohort are ranked lower relative to national averages than the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Barmera is largely Australian-born, at 88.0% of residents, with 9.7% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (30.9%) and Australian (30.7%). 3.5% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity metrics are below national averages, with 88.0% of the population born within Australia, 91.9% holding citizenship, and 90.3% speaking only English in the home. Christianity is the dominant religious affiliation, representing 44.2% of residents. The most pronounced statistical variation is in the category of Other religions, which accounts for 2.5% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Regional SA. In terms of parent country of birth, the primary ancestries reported are English at 30.9%, Australian at 30.7%, and German at 9.1%. Certain European backgrounds show higher concentrations than the regional average, with Greek ancestry representing 4.1% of residents (compared to 0.6% regionally), Hungarian at 0.4% (compared to 0.1%), and Croatian at 0.7% (compared to 0.3%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Barmera is 48, older than 86% of areas nationally. 21.3% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of residents is 48 years, which is close to the Regional SA average of 47 and well above the national median of 38. The 65 - 74 age group is highly represented at 16.1% compared to the regional profile, while children aged 5 - 14 are less represented at 10.1%. This 65 - 74 bracket is also higher than the national share of 9.4%. Since 2021, the cohort aged 75 to 84 has expanded from 7.1% to 9.3%, and the 15 to 24 age bracket rose from 10.2% to 12.0%.
Conversely, children aged 5 to 14 dropped from 11.9% to 10.1%, and adults aged 45 to 54 declined from 13.2% to 11.5%. By 2041, demographic forecasts project major shifts, with the 75 to 84 cohort growing by 35%, adding 216 individuals to reach 834. Seniors aged 65 and over are expected to account for 78% of the total population growth, highlighting demographic aging, whereas the 35 to 44 and 65 to 74 cohorts are projected to contract.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Barmera
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Jul 2026 last month all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Jul 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 86 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (6,401 at the 2021 Census → 6,665 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (407031159). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.