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 is around 4,238 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 95 people (2.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,143 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,180 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 32 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates 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, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering the projected demographic shifts, projections indicate 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 is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to grow by 164 people. See the age section for more details.

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

Berri has experienced around 5 dwellings receiving development approval each year, totalling 29 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 6 approvals have been recorded. Given population has fallen over the past period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice, while new homes are being built at an average value of $194,000—below regional norms—reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. Additionally, $25.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting balanced commercial development activity.

Relative to the Rest of SA, Berri records markedly lower building activity (77.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This activity is similarly under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Further, new construction has been completely comprised of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (78.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes amid densification trends. The estimated count of 1314 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Berri should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 3 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Berri Energy Project, McLean Street Residential Estate, Riverview Drive Reconstruction (Flood Recovery), and Project EnergyConnect, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

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

Berri possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 6.7%, and 0.9% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 1,920 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.9% above Regional SA's rate of 5.7%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional SA's 58.8%. Based on Census responses, a low 4.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. The area shows particularly strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 6.4% versus the regional average of 14.5%. The ratio of 0.7 workers for each resident, as at the Census, indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.9% and labour force increased by 3.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 2.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional SA, where employment rose by 0.7%, the labour force grew by 3.1%, and unemployment rose 2.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Berri. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Berri's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.6% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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 FY-23. The Berri SA2's median income among taxpayers is $49,369 and the average income stands at $55,392, which compares to figures for Regional SA's of $48,920 and $58,933 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $53,713 (median) and $60,266 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Berri all fall between the 4th and 13th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows the $400 - 799 earnings band captures 29.7% of the community (1,258 individuals), differing from patterns across the surrounding region where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 27.5%. After housing, 85.3% of income remains, though this ranks at only the 6th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure within Berri, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 78.1% houses and 21.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional SA's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Berri lagged that of Regional SA at 32.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (24.9%) or rented (43.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional SA average at $1,040, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $215, compared to Regional SA's $1,153 and $220. Nationally, Berri's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 60.4% of all households, comprising 17.9% couples with children, 26.0% couples without children, and 15.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 39.6%, with lone person households at 36.2% and group households comprising 3.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.1 people is 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (14.3%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 10.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 35.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (7.4%) and certificates (28.2%).

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.

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

Critical health challenges are evident across Berri, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A range of health conditions have marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~2,008 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.6% and 9.9% of residents, respectively, while 59.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 62.5% across Regional SA. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 24.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,018 people), which is 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 88.1% of its population being citizens, 85.2% born in Australia, and 88.6% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Berri is Christianity, which makes up 45.7% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 2.6% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Regional SA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Berri are English, comprising 29.6% of the population, Australian, comprising 28.7% of the population, and German, comprising 8.8% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Greek is notably overrepresented at 2.8% of Berri (vs 0.6% regionally), Hungarian at 0.4% (vs 0.1%) and Australian Aboriginal at 4.7% (vs 3.3%).

Berri's median age exceeds the national pattern

With a median age of 42, Berri is materially younger than the Regional SA figure of 47 while significantly higher than the national norm of 38. The 25 - 34 age group shows strong representation at 14.1% compared to Regional SA, whereas the 55 - 64 cohort is less prevalent at 11.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 12.4% to 14.1% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 7.1% to 8.6%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 11.4% to 9.4%. By 2041, Berri is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 31% (113 people), reaching 478 from 364. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 86% of projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 55 to 64 cohorts.