Clare
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Clare's population was 4,096 as of June 2021. By Nov 2025, it had increased to around 4,234, a rise of 138 people (3.4%). This growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 4,173 in June 2024 and 59 new addresses validated since the Census date. Clare's population density is approximately 57 persons per square kilometer. From Jun 2021 to Nov 2025, Clare's growth rate was 3.4%, compared to the SA3 area's 5.7%. Overseas migration contributed about 82.2% of Clare's recent population gains.

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 method employs weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels using SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category, based on 2021 data released in 2023. According to these projections, Clare's non-metropolitan area is expected to expand by 65 persons to 2041, with an increase of 0.1% over the 17-year period.

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 approximately 14 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 73 homes. As of FY-26, 2 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, an average of 0.1 new residents per year per dwelling constructed was observed. This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current expectations.

The average value of new homes being built is $280,000. In FY-26, $14.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the rest of South Australia, Clare shows comparable building activity per person, supporting market stability aligned with regional patterns. This level is below the national average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

All new construction in Clare has consisted of standalone homes, preserving its low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population density is 372 people per dwelling approval, indicating a quiet development environment. Future projections suggest Clare will add 4 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth.

Clare has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 26thth percentile nationally

No infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified zero projects impacting this region. Key initiatives include Barrier Highway Safety Upgrades, Robertstown Solar Project, Mid North South Australia REZ Expansion, and SA Public Housing Maintenance and Services Contracts. Relevant details are listed below.

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

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

Clare has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.6%, with relative employment stability over the past year.

As of June 2025, 2,095 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.6% compared to Rest of SA's 4.6%. Workforce participation in Clare is 59.6%, higher than Rest of SA's 54.1%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. Clare has a particular specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 8.0% versus the regional average of 14.5%. While local employment opportunities exist, many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the year to June 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.3%, while employment declined by 0.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.6 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Clare's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.8%% over five years and 12.5% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Clare's median income among taxpayers was $49,504 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $62,846 during the same period. In comparison, Rest of SA had a median income of $46,889 and an average income 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 $55,855 (median) and $70,909 (average). Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Clare rank modestly, between the 25th and 39th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 30.8% of Clare's community earns between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, which mirrors the broader area where 27.5% fall into this bracket. Housing costs are manageable with 87.6% retained, but disposable income is below average at the 31st percentile. 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

Clare's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 93.0% houses and 7.0% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro SA had 94.2% houses and 5.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Clare was at 39.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.4% and rented ones at 26.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Clare was $1,300, higher than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,081. Weekly rent in Clare was $250, compared to Non-Metro SA's $220. Nationally, Clare's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,300 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $250 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

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

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

Clare's residents aged 15+ have lower university degree holders than Australia's average: 20.6% compared to 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 14.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 37.1% of residents holding them; advanced diplomas account for 9.8% and certificates for 27.3%. A significant 24.9% of Clare's population is actively pursuing formal education: 10.2% in primary, 7.9% in secondary, and 1.8% in tertiary education.

Clare has five schools with a combined enrollment of 1,035 students, operating under typical Australian conditions (ICSEA score: 1014). The educational mix includes two primary schools, one secondary school, and two K-12 schools. Clare functions as an education hub with 24.7 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 15.0.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Clare is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant challenges in Clare with high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover rate is approximately 51% of the total population (~2,163 people), slightly lower than the average for SA2 areas at 48.0%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.0%) and mental health issues (9.6%). A majority, 63.5%, report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 60.9% in Rest of SA. Clare has 25.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,057 people), which is lower than the 27.7% in Rest of SA.

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

Clare's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 91.8% of its population being citizens born in Australia who speak English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 51.9% of Clare's population. Notably, the 'Other' category comprised 1.0%, higher than the Rest of SA's 0.5%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (33.5%), Australian (31.9%), and German (8.5%). Some ethnic groups showed notable divergences: Scottish was overrepresented at 7.9% compared to the regional average of 7.1%, Serbian was at 0.2% versus 0.1%, and Polish was at 0.6% compared to 0.5%.

Clare hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Clare's median age is 45, which is slightly below the Rest of South Australia figure of 47 but notably higher than Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 cohort is significantly overrepresented in Clare at 12.0%, compared to the Rest of SA average, while the 65-74 year-olds are underrepresented at 12.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 10.9% to 12.6% of Clare's population, and the 75-84 cohort has grown from 8.2% to 9.3%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 12.3% to 11.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Clare's age structure. The 85+ age group is projected to increase by 132 people (98%), from 135 to 268. Residents aged 65 and above will contribute to 85% of population growth, highlighting the trend of demographic aging. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 5-14 age cohorts.