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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.
est. as @ -- *
ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Berri has an estimated 4,181 residents, up from 4,143 at the 2021 Census. That puts 346 residents on each square kilometre. 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 investigations by AreaSearch, the population of Berri stands at approximately 4,181 as of May 2026. This represents an addition of 38 residents (0.9%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented 4,143 individuals. This shift is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 4,177 alongside 32 validated new addresses registered after the Census. The local population density reaches 346 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density and capacity for future growth. The primary contributor to population increases in recent times was overseas migration, which functioned as the sole source of growth.
Projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia, published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline, are utilized by AreaSearch for each SA2. In instances where SA2 data is unavailable, or for years beyond 2032, regional and LGA projections by age bracket from the SA State Government (released in 2023 using 2021 data) are applied, adjusted via weighted aggregation of population changes from the LGA level to the SA2 level. Based on these anticipated demographic shifts, the overall population is projected to drop, showing a reduction of 53 residents by 2041 under this model. In contrast, expansion is expected within particular age cohorts, led by the 75 to 84 bracket, which is forecast to rise by 136 individuals. Refer to the age section for further information.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
29 new dwellings have been approved in Berri over the past five years, an average of 5 a year. That is 1.4 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 13, running ahead of 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
Around 5 residential building approvals have been granted annually in Berri, accumulating to 29 dwellings during the last 5 financial years. In the current FY-26 period, 12 approvals have been documented. Because the local population has been declining, this new volume has likely satisfied demand, giving home buyers sufficient options, while new homes are built at an average cost of $194,000—which is below regional averages—signifying more affordable alternatives. Additionally, commercial development approvals reached $25.3 million this financial year, reflecting consistent commercial investment. Berri demonstrates significantly lower building activity when compared to the Rest of SA, trailing the regional per capita average by 76.0%.
This limited supply of new dwellings generally supports demand and values for established houses. Construction activity also tracks below national averages, reflecting the mature state of the local market and potential planning barriers. Furthermore, recent building approvals have consisted entirely of detached houses, preserving the spacious, low-density character of the area that appeals to buyers seeking space. Notably, builders are focusing more on detached properties than the historical mix indicates (78.0% at the Census), showing sustained demand for family residences despite broader densification trends. The calculated ratio of 1306 people for each residential approval highlights a quiet, low-growth construction market. As population forecasts indicate a steady or contracting population, Berri is likely to experience less pressure on housing demand, which should benefit prospective purchasers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Berri
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 3 current infrastructure and development projects inside Berri. A further 39 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $2.81 billion. 11 are already under construction and 11 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and transport & logistics. 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 updates, planning decisions, and major works have a significant effect on regional performance. AreaSearch has tracked a total of 3 projects expected to influence this locality. Primary developments include the Berri Energy Project, McLean Street Residential Estate, Riverview Drive Reconstruction (Flood Recovery), and Project EnergyConnect, with details on the most relevant schemes provided below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
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.
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).
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.
Renmark High School Redevelopment
A multi-stage redevelopment project including a new administration building, library and student services upgrade, FLO creative teaching refurbishment, and Home Economics area upgrade. Also included major services and air conditioning and lighting upgrades to all buildings.
Taylor Riverfront Precinct
Transformation of Renmark's riverfront open space to create a high-quality regional destination. Includes a new visitor information centre, 'eat street' on Murray Avenue, feature lighting, water play, BBQs, and family recreation areas.
Renmark Riverfront Wharf Upgrade
The project involved a major upgrade of the Renmark Riverfront Wharf, including a new 3-metre wide walkway, improved access for houseboats, revitalised wharf area with improved lighting and accessible ramps. The new wharf is designed to withstand high river flow and flooding. It aims to revitalize and enhance the amenity and liveability by repairing damage, ensuring flood resilience, accessibility, and asset longevity for 30-50 years.
Revive Renmark
A continuation of the Urban Design Framework, which includes upgrades to Murray Avenue and the Murray Avenue, Renmark Avenue and Ral Ral intersection. Aims to bring life and activity to the town centre and revive its economy.
1,946 residents of Berri are employed, from a labour force of 2,075. Unemployment sits at 6.2%, with participation at 58.4%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.7% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 4,597, about 110% of the resident population, so the area draws in more workers than it sends out. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local workforce is evenly distributed between white and blue collar occupations, with a strong presence in essential service industries, an unemployment rate of 6.2%, and an estimated 2.7% increase in employment over the preceding year. As of March 2026, 1,946 local citizens are employed, with the unemployment rate tracking 0.8% higher than the Regional SA average of 5.5%, while the workforce participation rate matches the Regional SA figure of 58.4%. Census figures indicate that a minor 4.7% of the workforce worked from home, though this may reflect coronavirus restriction factors.
The primary employment sectors for local citizens are health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. The region exhibits a strong concentration in health care & social assistance, employing residents at a rate 1.3 times the regional average. In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing is less represented, accounting for 6.4% of jobs compared to the regional benchmark of 14.5%. The recorded ratio of 0.7 employed persons for each local resident at the Census suggests a higher than average availability of local jobs. According to analysis of SALM and ABS statistics by AreaSearch, employment grew by 2.7% and the labor force expanded by 4.0% during the year ending March 2026, leading to a 1.2 percentage point rise in the unemployment rate. This compares to Regional SA, where employment expanded by 1.2%, the labor force increased by 2.6%, and the unemployment rate rose by 1.4 percentage points. National employment projections released in May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide additional context on potential workforce demand in Berri. These projections, spanning five and ten years, have been aligned with the local industry profile to estimate future changes. While total national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, the rates of change vary by sector. Applying these national sector trends to the local employment mix suggests Berri's jobs could grow by 5.7% over five years and 12.6% over ten years (this represents a basic weighted projection for illustration and does not incorporate local population forecasts).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Berri is $1,039 a week (about $54,000 a year), with median personal income at $610 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $49,369 a year against an average of $55,392. 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
Aggregated taxpayer statistics from the ATO for financial year 2023 indicate that incomes in the Berri SA2 are below national averages. Taxpayers in the Berri SA2 registered a median income of $49,369 and an average income of $55,392, compared to $48,920 and $58,933 respectively across Regional SA. Adjusting for a 10.17% increase in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, current estimates stand at roughly $54,390 for median income and $61,025 for average income as of March 2026. According to the Census, household, family, and individual incomes in Berri sit between the 4th and 13th percentiles nationwide.
Income distribution statistics show the $400 - 799 weekly income bracket contains 29.7% of the population (1,241 people), differing from the broader region where the $1,500 - 2,999 range is most common at 27.5%. After accounting for housing costs, residents retain 85.3% of their income, which sits in the 6th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Berri had 1,758 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 78% detached houses and 4% apartments. 25% are owned with a mortgage, 43% rented and 32% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $215 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,040 a month. Rent absorbs 20.7% of household income here and mortgage repayments 23.1%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Dwelling types in Berri at the time of the latest Census consisted of 78.1% separate houses and 21.9% other options (such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative structures), compared to 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings in Regional SA. Home ownership rates in Berri lagged behind the Regional SA average at 32.0%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with a mortgage (24.9%) or renting (43.2%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,040 was below the Regional SA average of $1,153, while the median weekly rent was $215, compared to $220 in Regional SA.
Nationally, mortgage repayments in Berri are much lower than the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are significantly below the national average of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Berri counted 1,758 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.1 people each. 18% are couples with children, fewer than in 91% of areas nationally, against 26% couples without children. 36% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.8 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 60.4%, consisting of couples with children at 17.9%, couples without children at 26.0%, and single parents at 15.2%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 39.6% of households, with single-person households representing 36.2% and group housing making up 3.5% of the total. The median household occupancy of 2.1 people is lower than the Regional SA average of 2.3.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
14.3% of adults in Berri hold a university qualification, including 10.2% with a bachelor degree and 2.7% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 94% of areas nationally. A further 28.2% hold a vocational qualification. 4 schools serve the area, with 1,102 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 934 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
The region presents low rates of higher education, with university qualifications held by 14.3% of residents compared to the national average of 30.4%. This highlights an opportunity for targeted learning programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 10.2%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 2.7% and graduate diplomas at 1.4%. Vocational skills are highly represented, with 35.6% of residents aged 15 and over holding qualification credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas at 7.4% and certificates at 28.2%. Participation in study is quite high, with 25.7% of local residents enrolled in education.
This breakdown includes 10.9% attending primary school, 7.4% in high school, and 2.1% enrolled in higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Berri means driving: households keep an average of 1.2 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
59.8% of residents in Berri report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 93% of areas nationally. 9.9% need daily assistance with core activities, and 47.4% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 7.7 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Significant health issues are apparent in Berri, based on an analysis of mortality and chronic illness rates which impact both older and younger age groups, while the rate of private health insurance is low at roughly 47% of the population (~1,981 individuals). The national average stands at 55.7%. The most prevalent health issues recorded were arthritis and mental health challenges, affecting 10.6% and 9.9% of the population respectively, while 59.8% of residents reported no chronic conditions compared to 62.5% across Regional SA. The working-age population faces notable health difficulties with high rates of chronic illness.
Residents aged 65 and older represent 23.6% of the local population (985 individuals), which is below the 27.1% level in Regional SA. Seniors face some challenges in health outcomes, with national standings generally matching the wider population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Berri is largely Australian-born, at 85.2% of residents, with 11.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (29.6%) and Australian (28.7%). 4.7% 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
Berri displays lower cultural diversity than average, with citizens making up 88.1% of the population, 85.2% born in Australia, and 88.6% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, representing 45.7% of residents. However, the most distinct overrepresentation is in the Other category, which accounts for 2.6% of the population compared to 0.8% across Regional SA. Regarding ancestral backgrounds (parental birthplaces), the primary groups in Berri are English at 29.6%, Australian at 28.7%, and German at 8.8%. Furthermore, there are distinct differences in representation for other heritages: Greek is highly overrepresented at 2.8% of the population (compared to 0.6% regionally), Hungarian is at 0.4% (compared to 0.1%), and Australian Aboriginal is at 4.7% (compared to 3.3%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Berri is 42. 26.2% 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
Berri has a median age of 42, making it younger than the Regional SA average of 47 but higher than the national median of 38. The 25 to 34 age bracket is well represented at 14.6% compared to Regional SA, while the 65 to 74 group is less common at 11.8%. Data since the 2021 Census reveals the 25 to 34 group has risen from 12.4% to 14.6% of the population, and the 35 to 44 cohort has grown from 11.4% to 12.7%. Meanwhile, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 11.4% to 9.6%.
By 2041, the demographic balance is expected to shift significantly. The 75 to 84 age group will lead this trend by increasing 34% (116 people) to reach 461 from 344. This aging trend is prominent, with those aged 65 and over accounting for 80% of projected growth. In contrast, population declines are forecast for the 0 to 4 and 55 to 64 cohorts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Berri
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 | Oct 2025 10 months ago all 3 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 Oct 2025. | ||
| 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 — 32 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (4,143 at the 2021 Census → 4,181 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 (407031160). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.