Ceduna

An assessment of population growth drivers in Ceduna reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Ceduna's population was approximately 2,865 as of November 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure reflects a growth of 168 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,697. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,865 in June 2024 and two validated new addresses added after the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 6.9 persons per square kilometer. Ceduna's growth rate of 6.2% since the 2021 census surpassed both the SA4 region (5.3%) and the SA3 area, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 57.1% to overall population gains during recent periods.

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, based on 2021 data and released in 2023, with adjustments made using a weighted aggregation method from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population trends suggest an increase just below the national regional median, with an expected expansion of 206 persons to reach 3,071 by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 7.2% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Ceduna recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Ceduna has recorded approximately seven residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 35 homes were approved, with three more approved in FY26 so far. On average, around 3.5 new residents arrive per year for each dwelling constructed during this period.

This supply lagging demand has led to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average construction cost value of new dwellings is $287,000. In terms of commercial development, $5.8 million in approvals have been registered in the current financial year, indicating limited focus on commercial development compared to residential. Compared to the rest of South Australia, Ceduna has about three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person.

Nationally, it ranks around the 54th percentile for areas assessed, though recent periods show increased development activity. The area's development is characterized by standalone homes, maintaining its traditional low-density character and appealing to those seeking space. With an estimated 446 people per dwelling approval, Ceduna's development environment is quiet and low-activity. Future projections estimate Ceduna will add 206 residents by 2041. Current development levels seem aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Ceduna has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 28thth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, substantial projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are expected to impact this area. Notable projects include South Australian Road Network Maintenance, South Australia High Productivity Vehicle Network Access, Gawler Craton Rail Access, and Bulk Water Supply Security, with the following list providing details on those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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AreaSearch assessment indicates Ceduna faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Ceduna's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with prominent essential services sectors. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate was 10.3%.

Over the past year, employment has been relatively stable. The unemployment rate in Ceduna is higher than Rest of SA's rate by 5.0%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation stands at 58.9%, slightly above Rest of SA's 54.1%. Key industries for residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety.

Notably, education & training has a strong representation with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 6.5% compared to the regional average of 14.5%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data analysis. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, Ceduna's labour force increased by 4.4%, while employment declined by 0.2%, leading to an unemployment rise of 4.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of SA saw employment grow by 0.3% and the labour force increase by 2.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Ceduna's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though these are illustrative estimates based on simple weighting extrapolations.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Ceduna SA2 had a median income of $52,062 and an average of $61,399. This was below the national average. The Rest of SA had a median income of $46,889 and an average of $56,582. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $58,742 (median) and $69,276 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, personal income ranks at the 46th percentile ($788 weekly), while household income is at the 29th percentile. Income distribution shows 29.1% of the population falls within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, reflecting regional patterns where 27.5% occupy this range. Housing costs are manageable with 88.0% retained, but disposable income is below average at the 34th percentile.

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

Ceduna's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 90.9% houses and 9.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro SA's 75.9% houses and 24.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ceduna was at 31.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.5% and rented ones at 40.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,251, higher than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,170. Median weekly rent in Ceduna was $220, compared to Non-Metro SA's $195. Nationally, Ceduna's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,863 and rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 67.0% of all households, including 25.6% couples with children, 27.8% couples without children, and 11.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 33.0%, with lone person households at 30.1% and group households comprising 3.1%. The median household size is 2.4 people, larger than the Rest of SA average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 14.5%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 38.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.8%) and certificates (28.8%).

Educational participation is high, with 28.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 13.0% in primary, 6.9% in secondary, and 3.2% in tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Ceduna's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health data shows relatively positive outcomes for Ceduna residents with a standard level of common health conditions across both young and old age cohorts.

Approximately 51% (~1,449 people) have private health cover, which is relatively low. The most common medical conditions are asthma (7.3%) and arthritis (7.2%). About 70.0% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.6% across Rest of SA. There are 20.4% (585 people) residents aged 65 and over, lower than the 22.1% in Rest of SA. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Ceduna, as per the census data from June 2016, showed lower cultural diversity with 88.6% of its population being Australian citizens, 90.9% born in Australia, and 89.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 48.7% of Ceduna's population. The 'Other' religious category appeared overrepresented at 1.5%, compared to 0.6% across the rest of South Australia.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (27.0%), Australian (26.7%), and Australian Aboriginal (18.5%). Notably, Australian ancestry was lower than the regional average of 31.9%, while Australian Aboriginal ancestry was substantially higher at 18.5% compared to the regional average of 4.8%. Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: German (6.4% vs regional 6.6%), Greek (2.2% vs regional 0.7%), and Indian (1.5% vs regional 0.4%) were overrepresented in Ceduna.

Ceduna's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Ceduna has a median age of 39, which is younger than the Rest of SA figure of 47 and comparable to Australia's national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 make up 13.8% of Ceduna's population, while those aged 65-74 comprise 11.5%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of people aged 75 to 84 has grown from 5.7% to 7.3%, and the 35 to 44 cohort has increased from 10.3% to 11.7%. Conversely, the proportion of those aged 45 to 54 has declined from 13.7% to 10.7%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Ceduna's age structure. The 75 to 84 age group is expected to grow by 45%, reaching 302 people from the current figure of 208. Notably, those aged 65 and above will account for 79% of total population growth, reflecting Ceduna's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0 to 4 and 15 to 24 age groups are projected to experience population declines.