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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
Sales Activity
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Population
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 4,230 as of November 2025. This reflected an increase of 87 people (2.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,143 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,180 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 31 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 350 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.
AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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 were adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, 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 68 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 164 people.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
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 per year over the past five financial years, totaling 29 homes. As of FY-26, six approvals have been recorded. Despite a population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a balanced market with good buyer choice. The average construction cost for new homes is $194,000, below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options.
In the current financial year, $25.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of SA, Berri has significantly lower building activity (77.0% below the regional average per person), which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This activity is also below the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. All new construction in Berri consists of detached houses, preserving its low-density character and attracting space-seeking buyers. Developers are constructing more detached housing than previously implied (78.0% at Census), reflecting strong demand for family homes amidst densification trends.
The estimated population per dwelling approval is 1314 people, indicating a quiet, low-activity development environment. With stable or declining population projections, Berri should experience reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Infrastructure
Berri has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 5thth percentile nationally
Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects likely to impact the area: Berri Energy Project, McLean Street Residential Estate, Riverview Drive Reconstruction (Flood Recovery), and Project EnergyConnect. The following details these key projects in order of relevance.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy
State-wide NSW planning reforms via amendments to the State Environmental Planning Policy to enable more diverse low and mid-rise housing (dual occupancies, terraces, townhouses, manor houses and residential flat buildings up to 6 storeys) in well-located areas within 800 m of selected train, metro and light-rail stations and town centres. Stage 1 (dual occupancies in R2 zones statewide) commenced 1 July 2024. Stage 2 (mid-rise apartments, terraces and dual occupancies near stations) commenced 28 February 2025. Expected to facilitate up to 112,000 additional homes over the next five years.
Enabling Infrastructure for Hydrogen Production
Australia has completed the National Hydrogen Infrastructure Assessment (NHIA) to 2050 and refreshed its National Hydrogen Strategy (2024). The programmatic focus has shifted to planning and enabling infrastructure through measures such as ARENA's Hydrogen Headstart and the Hydrogen Production Tax Incentive (from April 2025). Round 2 of Hydrogen Headstart consultation occurred in 2025. Collectively these actions aim to coordinate investment in transport, storage, water and electricity inputs linked to Renewable Energy Zones and priority hubs, supporting large-scale renewable hydrogen production and future export supply chains.
Bulk Water Supply Security
Nationwide program led by the National Water Grid Authority to improve bulk water security and reliability for non-potable and productive uses. Activities include strategic planning, science and business cases, and funding of state and territory projects such as storages, pipelines, dam upgrades, recycled water and efficiency upgrades to build drought resilience and support regional communities, industry and the environment.
EnergyConnect
Australia's largest energy transmission project. A new ~900km interconnector linking the NSW, SA and VIC grids. NSW-West (Buronga to SA border and Red Cliffs spur) was energised in 2024-2025, connecting the three states via the expanded Buronga substation. NSW-East (Buronga-Dinawan-Wagga Wagga) is under active construction with substation upgrades at Wagga Wagga completed in June 2025 and works well advanced at Dinawan and Buronga. Full 800MW transfer capability is targeted after completion of the eastern section and inter-network testing, expected by late 2027.
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.
Network Optimisation Program - Roads
A national program concept focused on improving congestion and reliability on urban road networks by using low-cost operational measures and technology (e.g., signal timing, intersection treatments, incident management) to optimise existing capacity across major city corridors.
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.
Project EnergyConnect
Project EnergyConnect is a new 900-kilometre electricity interconnector (transmission line) to enhance transfer capacity between South Australia and New South Wales, with a connection to Victoria. It is delivered in two stages: SA Section (Stage One, 206 km, 150 MW capacity) and NSW Section (Stage Two, 700 km, 800 MW capacity), including new substations, transmission lines, and upgrades.
Employment
Employment conditions in Berri face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally
Berri has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominent essential services sectors, and an unemployment rate of 6.2% as of September 2025. In this month, 1,907 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.9% higher than Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%.
The workforce participation in Berri is similar to Rest of SA's 54.1%. Key industries for employment among residents include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Health care & social assistance shows strong specialization with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 6.4% compared to the regional average of 14.5%.
The ratio of 0.7 workers per resident indicates ample local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Berri's labour force increased by 1.2%, while employment declined by 0.8%, leading to a 1.9 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. By comparison, Rest of SA saw employment growth of 0.3% and labour force growth of 2.3%, with a similar increase in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in May-25, project national employment growth at 6.6% 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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data
The median income among taxpayers in Berri SA2 was $46,367 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $53,959 during the same period. These figures are lower than those for Rest of SA, which were $46,889 and $56,582 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest that median income in Berri could reach approximately $52,316 and average income could be around $60,882, based on a 12.83% growth since financial year 2022. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Berri fall between the 4th and 13th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 29.7% of individuals in Berri earn between $400 - 799, while this band is less prominent in surrounding regions where earnings between $1,500 - 2,999 dominate at 27.5%. After accounting for housing costs, 85.3% of income remains in Berri, which ranks at the 6th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Berri is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region
The dwelling structure in Berri, as per the latest Census, consisted of 78.1% houses and 21.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro SA's figures of 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Berri was at 32.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.9% and rented ones at 43.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,040, lower than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,083. The median weekly rent figure in Berri was recorded at $215, compared to Non-Metro SA's figure of $220. Nationally, Berri's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Berri features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size
Family households make up 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 account for 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, which is smaller than the Rest of SA average of 2.3.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
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%. Bachelor degrees are the most common, at 10.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 35.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.4%) and certificates (28.2%). Educational participation is high, with 25.7% currently enrolled in formal education: 10.9% in primary, 7.4% in secondary, and 2.1% in tertiary education.
Educational participation is notably 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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
No public transport data available for this catchment area.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Health performance in Berri is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts
Critical health challenges are evident across Berri. A range of health conditions impact both younger and older age cohorts.
The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~1,988 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.6 and 9.9% of residents respectively. 59.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 61.8% across Rest of SA. Berri has 23.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,009 people), which is lower than the 26.2% in Rest of SA. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
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 was found to be relatively homogeneous culturally, with 88.1% being citizens, 85.2% born in Australia, and 88.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 45.7% of Berri's population. The most notable overrepresentation was seen in the 'Other' category, which constituted 2.6% of Berri's population compared to 1.5% across the rest of South Australia.
In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (29.6%), Australian (28.7%), and German (8.8%). Significant differences were observed in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Greek was overrepresented at 2.8% compared to 1.3% regionally, Hungarian at 0.4% versus 0.2%, and Australian Aboriginal at 4.7% compared to 3.0%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Berri's median age exceeds the national pattern
Berri has a median age of 42, which is younger than the Rest of SA figure of 47 but higher than the national norm of 38. The age group of 25-34 years shows strong representation at 13.8% compared to Rest of SA, while the 55-64 cohort is less prevalent at 11.3%. According to data from after the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 12.4% to 13.8%, and the 75 to 84 cohort has increased from 7.1% to 8.1%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 11.4% to 9.7%. By 2041, Berri is expected to experience notable shifts in its age composition. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 39%, reaching 478 people from 343. This growth is part of a broader aging population trend, with those aged 65 and above comprising 86% of the projected population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 55 to 64 age cohorts.