Barmera

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

Barmera's population, as of May 2026, is approximately 6,665 people. This figure represents an increase of 264 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,401. The estimated resident population was 6,662 in June 2025, with an additional 86 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this growth. This results in a population density ratio of 7.8 persons per square kilometer. Barmera's 4.1% growth rate since the census is within 1.8 percentage points of the SA3 area's 5.9%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 58.7% of overall population gains during recent periods in Barmera.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted. These projections were released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, with adjustments made using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering projected demographic shifts, lower quartile growth of non-metropolitan areas nationally is anticipated. Barmera is expected to grow by 264 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total gain of 3.9% over the 16-year period.

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 approximately 12 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, 63 homes were approved, with a further 9 approved so far in FY-26. On average, each year has seen around one new resident arrive for every new home approved between FY-21 and FY-25.

This suggests that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost of these homes was $218,000, which is below the regional average, indicating more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY-26, $3.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to the Rest of SA, Barmera has significantly less development activity, at 67.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings.

Additionally, this activity is under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent development in Barmera has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, preserving its low density nature. This focus on detached housing attracts space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 606 people, reflecting the area's quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate that Barmera will gain 261 residents by 2041, according to 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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence a region's performance. AreaSearch identified 11 projects likely impacting the area, notably including Bruno Bay Infrastructure Upgrade, Berri Energy Project, McLean Street Residential Estate, and Riverview Drive Reconstruction (Flood Recovery). The following list details those expected to be most relevant.

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's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent, with an unemployment rate of 4.5% and estimated employment growth of 2.0% in the past year as of December 2025. There are 3,316 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.3% below Regional SA's rate of 5.7%.

Workforce participation is at 60.6%, close to Regional SA's 58.3%. Only 8.8% of residents work from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries are health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and agriculture. Manufacturing employment is particularly high, at 1.5 times the regional level, while retail trade is under-represented at 7.7%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited, with Census data showing fewer working residents than expected based on population. Between December 2024 and 2025, employment levels increased by 2.0% and labour force grew by 3.5%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.4 percentage points. In comparison, Regional SA had employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 3.1%, and a 2.2 percentage point increase in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Barmera's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.3% over five years and 12.0% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Barmera SA2 has lower income levels than the national average. The median income is $46,411 and 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 10.17% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Barmera would be approximately $51,131 (median) and $57,363 (average) as of March 2026. Census data reveals that household, family and personal incomes in Barmera all fall between the 16th and 19th percentiles nationally. The data shows that 28.9% of the population (1,926 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to metropolitan regions where 27.5% occupy this range. Housing costs are modest with 89.0% of income retained, but 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

Barmera's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.0% houses and 9.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional SA's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Barmera was 40.7%, aligning with Regional SA. Dwellings were either mortgaged (36.8%) or rented (22.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, below the Regional SA average of $1,153. Median weekly rent in Barmera was $200, compared to Regional SA's $220. Nationally, Barmera's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 68.8% of all households, including 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 is 2.3 people, which matches the Regional SA average.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 11.5%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 37.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.9%) and certificates (29.8%). A total of 23.8% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, with 11.4% in primary, 7.0% in secondary, and 1.5% in tertiary education.

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

Barmera's health data shows significant challenges. AreaSearch found notable prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover was extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~3,052 people), compared to 48.9% in Regional SA and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions were arthritis (11.6%) and mental health issues (9.0%). However, 61.0% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.5% across Regional SA. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 27.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,857 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking higher than the general population nationally.

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

Barmera's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.0% of its population born in Australia, 91.9% being citizens, and 90.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Barmera, accounting for 44.2% of the population. Notably, the 'Other' category comprises 2.5% of Barmera's population compared to 0.8% across Regional SA.

The top three ancestry groups are English (30.9%), Australian (30.7%), and German (9.1%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences in representation: Greeks at 4.1% in Barmera versus 0.6% regionally, Hungarians at 0.4% versus 0.1%, and Croatians at 0.7% versus 0.3%.

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

The median age in Barmera is 48 years, similar to Regional SA's average of 47 years, which is well above the national norm of 38 years. Compared to the Regional SA average, the 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented at 16.1% locally, while the 5-14 age group is under-represented at 10.1%. This 65-74 concentration is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 7.1% to 9.3% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 10.2% to 12.0%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 11.9% to 10.1%, and the 45 to 54 age group dropped from 13.2% to 11.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Barmera, with the 75 to 84 cohort projected to grow by 35%, adding 216 residents to reach 834. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 78% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. Conversely, both the 35 to 44 and 65 to 74 age groups are projected to see reduced numbers.