Clare

Clare 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, Clare's population is around 4,230 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 134 people (3.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,096 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,173 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 63 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 57 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Clare's 3.3% growth since the census positions it within 1.2 percentage points of the SA3 area (4.5%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 82.2% of overall 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 using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering the projected demographic shifts, lower quartile growth of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is anticipated, with the area expected to expand by 65 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 0.2% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Clare, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Clare has averaged around 14 new dwelling approvals per year, totalling 73 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 4 approvals have been recorded. Given an average of only 0.1 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new construction is matching or outpacing demand, offering buyers more options and enabling population growth that could exceed current expectations, while new homes are being built at an average value of $280,000. Additionally, $14.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting balanced commercial development activity.

Compared to the Rest of SA, Clare shows comparable building activity (per person), supporting market stability in line with regional patterns. This is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. Furthermore, new construction has consisted entirely of standalone homes, preserving the area's low-density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 372 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low-activity development environment.

Future projections show Clare adding 8 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Clare has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 4thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 0 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Barrier Highway Safety Upgrades, Robertstown Solar Project, Mid North South Australia REZ Expansion, and SA Public Housing Maintenance and Services Contracts, 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.

Employment performance in Clare exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Clare possesses a skilled workforce, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.9%, and 2.5% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 2,095 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.9% below Regional SA's rate of 5.7%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (62.5% compared to Regional SA's 58.8%). Based on Census responses, a low 7.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care and social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation and food. The area shows particularly strong specialization in accommodation and food, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry and fishing has a limited presence with 8.0% employment compared to 14.5% regionally. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 2.5% while the labour force increased by 3.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.6 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 Clare. 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 Clare's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Clare 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 Clare SA2's median income among taxpayers is $51,173 and the average income stands at $64,323, 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 $55,676 (median) and $69,983 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Clare, between the 25th and 38th percentiles. The earnings profile shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 30.8% of the community (1,302 individuals), mirroring regional levels where 27.5% occupy this bracket. While housing costs are modest with 87.6% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 30th percentile nationally and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Clare, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 93.0% houses and 7.0% 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 Clare was slightly lagging that of Regional SA, at 39.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (34.4%) or rented (26.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional SA average at $1,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $250, compared to Regional SA's $1,153 and $220. Nationally, Clare's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 65.9% of all households, comprising 22.9% couples with children, 33.8% couples without children, and 9.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 34.1%, with lone person households at 31.6% and group households comprising 2.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Regional SA average of 2.3.

Educational outcomes in Clare fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

Educational qualifications in Clare trail regional benchmarks, with 20.6% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 30.4% in Australia. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 14.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 37.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.8%) and certificates (27.3%).

A substantial 24.9% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 10.2% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Clare is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Clare faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~2,165 people), compared to 48.9% across Regional SA.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.0% and 9.6% of residents, respectively, while 63.5% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 62.5% across Regional SA. Working-age residents show an above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 25.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,069 people), which is lower than the 27.1% in Regional SA, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

Clare is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Clare was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 90.8% of its population born in Australia, 91.8% being citizens, and 96.3% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Clare is Christianity, which makes up 51.9% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 1.0% 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 Clare are English, comprising 33.5% of the population, Australian, comprising 31.9% of the population, and German, comprising 8.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Scottish is notably overrepresented at 7.9% of Clare (vs 7.1% regionally), Serbian at 0.2% (vs 0.1%) and Polish at 0.6% (vs 0.4%).

Clare hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

With a median age of 45, Clare is modestly under the Regional SA figure of 47 but well above Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Regional SA average, the 25 - 34 cohort is notably over-represented (12.0% locally), while 65 - 74 year-olds are under-represented (12.4%). Since 2021, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 10.9% to 12.8% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 8.2% to 9.5%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.3% to 10.8%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Clare's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to increase markedly, expanding by 126 people (90%) from 141 to 268. Senior residents (65+) will drive 79% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 cohorts.