Berri

Berri is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Berri's population was around 4181 as of May 2026. This reflected an increase of 38 people (0.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4143 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 4177 from the ABS as of June 2025 and an additional 32 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 346 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted 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, were adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering the projected demographic shifts, over this period, projections indicated a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to decline by 53 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts was anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which was projected to grow by 136 people.

The level of residential development activity in Berri is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Berri has received approximately five dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 29 homes. As of FY-26, seven approvals have been recorded. Despite population decline during this period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with ample buyer choice. The average construction cost for new homes is $194,000, below regional norms, indicating more affordable housing options.

In FY-26, commercial development approvals totalled $25.3 million, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of SA, Berri has markedly lower building activity, 76.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties due to limited new home supply. Activity is also below the national average, indicating an established area with potential planning limitations. All new construction in Berri consists of detached houses, preserving its low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

Developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (78.0% at Census), reflecting strong demand for family homes despite densification trends. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 1314 people, reflecting Berri's quiet, low-activity development environment. With stable or declining population projections, housing demand pressures are expected to remain reduced, benefiting potential buyers.

Berri has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 6thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three major projects that may impact the region: Berri Energy Project, McLean Street Residential Estate, Riverview Drive Reconstruction (Flood Recovery), and Project EnergyConnect. These are the key initiatives likely to have the most relevance.

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The labour market performance in Berri lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Berri's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. Key sectors include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. As of December 2025, 1,920 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 6.7%.

This has increased from 4.4% in the past year, showing a growth of 0.9%. Berri's unemployment rate is higher than Regional SA's 5.7%, but workforce participation is similar at 58.3%. Census data shows 4.7% of residents work from home. The area specializes in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 6.4%, compared to Regional SA's 14.5%. There are 0.7 workers per resident, indicating above-average local employment opportunities. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.9% while the labour force grew by 3.4%, causing unemployment to rise by 2.3 percentage points. In contrast, Regional SA saw employment rise by 0.7%, labour force grow by 3.1%, and unemployment increase by 2.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project a 6.6% growth over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Berri's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.6% over ten years.

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

The Berri SA2's income level is lower than average on a national basis according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Berri SA2 is $49,369 and the average income stands at $55,392. These figures compare to regional averages of $48,920 and $58,933 respectively for Regional SA. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $54,390 (median) and $61,025 (average) as of March 2026. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Berri all fall between the 4th and 13th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows that 29.7% of the community (1,241 individuals) earn within the $400 - 799 band, differing from patterns across the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 band dominates with 27.5%. After housing expenses, 85.3% of income remains, ranking at only the 6th percentile nationally for disposable income.

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

In Berri, as per the latest Census evaluation, 78.1% of dwellings were houses while 21.9% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes and apartments. This contrasts with Regional SA's figures of 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Berri stood at 32.0%, with mortgaged properties at 24.9% and rented ones at 43.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,040, lower than Regional SA's average of $1,153. The median weekly rent in Berri was recorded as $215, compared to Regional SA's figure of $220. Nationally, Berri's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,040 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $275 (sic).

Berri features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 60.4% of all households, including 17.9% couples with children, 26.0% couples without children, and 15.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 39.6%, with lone person households at 36.2% and group households comprising 3.5%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Regional SA average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 14.3%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 10.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 35.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (7.4%) and certificates (28.2%).

Educational participation is high, with 25.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.9% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Berri is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Berri faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, affecting both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is low, at approximately 47% of the total population (~1,981 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (10.6%) and mental health issues (9.9%), while 59.8% of residents report being free from medical ailments, compared to 62.5% across Regional SA. Working-age residents face notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 23.6% of residents aged 65 and over (985 people), lower than the 27.1% in Regional SA. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Berri's population showed low cultural diversity, with 88.1% citizens, 85.2% born in Australia, and 88.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 45.7%. The 'Other' religious category was overrepresented at 2.6%, compared to 0.8% regionally.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (29.6%), Australian (28.7%), and German (8.8%). Notably, Greek (2.8%) and Hungarian (0.4%) groups were overrepresented, while Australian Aboriginal (4.7%) was slightly higher than regional levels (3.3%).

Berri's median age exceeds the national pattern

Berri's median age is 42, which is younger than Regional SA's figure of 47 but higher than Australia's national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group constitutes 14.6% of Berri's population, compared to Regional SA, while the 65-74 cohort makes up 11.8%. Post-Census data from 2021 shows that the 25-34 age group has increased from 12.4% to 14.6%, and the 35-44 cohort has risen from 11.4% to 12.7%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has decreased from 11.4% to 9.6%. By 2041, Berri's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 34%, reaching 461 people from 344. The population aged 65 and above will comprise 80% of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are anticipated for the 0-4 and 55-64 age cohorts.