Ceduna
Statistical Area - sa2

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 is approximately 2,863 as of August 2025. From the 2021 Census which reported a population of 2,697 people, this reflects an increase of 166 people (6.2%). This growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,865 in June 2024 and one additional validated address since the Census date. The population density ratio is 6.9 persons per square kilometer. Ceduna's population grew by 6.2% between the 2021 Census and August 2025, exceeding the SA4 region's growth of 4.8%. 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 released in 2023 with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population trends suggest a median increase below national regional areas, with an expected expansion of 206 persons to reach 3,069 by 2041, indicating a total increase of 7.3% 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 six residential properties granted approval annually. Development approval data from the ABS covers a five-year period between FY20 and FY25, totalling 34 homes with one approval so far in FY26. On average, 3.5 new residents arrive per year for each dwelling constructed during this period. This demand exceeds supply, leading to price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average construction value of new homes is $413,000. In the current financial year, Ceduna has recorded $5.8 million in commercial development approvals, indicating its predominantly residential nature. Compared to Rest of SA, Ceduna has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 55th percentile nationally for development activity. Recent development consists solely of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes.

The estimated population density is 446 people per dwelling approval. Future projections indicate Ceduna will add 208 residents by 2041, with construction pace keeping up with projected growth but potential buyer competition increasing as population grows.

Ceduna has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

No local infrastructure changes or major projects have been identified by AreaSearch as likely to impact the area. Key projects include South Australian Road Network Maintenance, South Australia High Productivity Vehicle Network Access, Gawler Craton Rail Access, and Bulk Water Supply Security.

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

AreaSearch analysis reveals Ceduna recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Ceduna's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with prominent essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 7.7% in June 2025, 3.1% higher than the Rest of SA's rate of 4.6%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.8%. As of June 2025, 1,366 residents were employed, with workforce participation at 58.9%, compared to Rest of SA's 54.1%. Key industries for employment include health care & social assistance, education & training, and public administration & safety. Education & training is particularly strong, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 6.5% compared to the regional average of 14.5%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the 12 months prior, employment increased by 4.8%, while unemployment rose by 0.9 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of SA where employment contracted by 1.2% and unemployment rose by 1.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Ceduna's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.1% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 indicates Ceduna's median income among taxpayers is $52,062, with an average of $61,399. This is below the national average. The Rest of SA has a median income of $46,889 and an average of $56,582. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Ceduna would be approximately $57,700 (median) and $68,049 (average) as of March 2025. Census 2021 income data shows personal income ranks at the 47th percentile with a weekly income of $788, while household income sits at the 29th percentile. In Ceduna, 29.1% of the population (833 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen regionally where 27.5% similarly occupy this range. Housing costs are manageable with 88.0% retained, though disposable income sits below average at the 35th percentile.

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

In Ceduna, as assessed at the latest Census, 90.9% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 9.1% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This is compared to Non-Metro SA's 75.9% houses and 24.1% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in Ceduna was 31.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.5% and rented ones at 40.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,251, higher than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,170. The median weekly rent in Ceduna was recorded as $220, compared to Non-Metro SA's $195. Nationally, Ceduna's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were 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 has lower university qualification rates at 14.5% compared to Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 38.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.8%) and certificates (28.8%). Educational participation is high at 28.1%, comprising primary education (13.0%), secondary education (6.9%), and tertiary education (3.2%).

Two schools serve the area: Crossways Lutheran School Ceduna and Ceduna Area School, educating a total of 610 students. Both offer integrated K-12 education for academic continuity. The area has more school places than typical residential needs (21.3 places per 100 residents vs regional average of 15.8), indicating it serves as an educational hub for the broader region.

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 from Ceduna shows positive outcomes for its residents with standard levels of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts.

Approximately 51% (~1,448 people) have private health cover, which is relatively low compared to other areas. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (7.3%) and arthritis (7.2%). Around 70.0% of residents report no medical ailments, higher than the Rest of SA's 65.6%. Ceduna has 20.4% (585 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than the Rest of SA's 22.1%. Health outcomes among seniors in Ceduna are strong, outperforming general population metrics.

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

Ceduna has a lower cultural diversity, with 88.6% citizens, 90.9% born in Australia, and 89.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, comprising 48.7%. The 'Other' category, at 1.5%, is higher than the regional average of 0.6%.

Top ancestry groups are English (27.0%), Australian (26.7%), and Australian Aboriginal (18.5%), which exceeds the regional averages of 31.9% and 4.8% respectively. Notables include German at 6.4%, Greek at 2.2%, and Indian at 1.5%, each higher than regional averages.

Ceduna's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Ceduna has a median age of 39, which is significantly younger than the Rest of SA figure of 47 and comparable to Australia's national average of 38. The age profile shows that individuals aged 25-34 make up 13.8% of the population, while those aged 65-74 comprise 11.5%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 5.7% to 7.3%, and the 35 to 44 cohort has risen from 10.3% to 11.7%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has decreased 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, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 78% of total population growth, reflecting Ceduna's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0 to 4 and 15 to 24 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.