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

Clare's population was 4,096 as of the 2021 Census. By February 2026, it had increased to around 4,230, a rise of 134 people (3.3%). This growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 4,173 in June 2024 and the addition of 63 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density in Clare is 57 persons per square kilometer. Between the 2021 Census and February 2026, Clare's growth rate was 3.3%, compared to the SA3 area's rate of 4.5%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 82.2% of overall population gains during this period.

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 adjusted using weighted aggregation methods. By 2041, Clare's population is projected to increase by 65 persons, reflecting an overall growth rate of 0.2% 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, 3 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 SA, Clare shows comparable building activity per person, supporting market stability aligned with regional patterns, albeit below the national average, which may reflect 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 per dwelling approval is 372 people, reflecting a quiet development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Clare is projected to add 8 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

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

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are likely to impact this area. Notable projects include Barrier Highway Safety Upgrades, Robertstown Solar Project, Mid North South Australia REZ Expansion, and SA Public Housing Maintenance and Services Contracts. The following list details those most relevant.

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's workforce is skilled with prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.9% in the past year, with an estimated growth of 1.0%. As of September 2025, 2,076 residents were employed at a rate of 2.4% below Rest of SA's 5.3%, and workforce participation was 62.0%.

Only 7.7% worked from home, possibly impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food, with the latter showing strong specialization at 1.4 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence at 8.0%, compared to 14.5% regionally. Many residents commute elsewhere for work.

Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 1.0% while labour force grew by 1.8%, raising unemployment by 0.7 percentage points, contrasting with Rest of SA's changes. National employment forecasts from May-25 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Clare's employment mix suggests local growth should be around 5.8% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Clare SA2's median income among taxpayers was $51,173 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $64,323 during the same period. These figures are lower than those for Rest of SA, which were $48,920 and $58,933 respectively. By September 2025, estimated median and average incomes would be approximately $55,676 and $69,983, based on an 8.8% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Clare ranked modestly between the 25th and 38th percentiles. The earnings profile showed that 30.8% of individuals earned within the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, closely mirroring regional levels at 27.5%. Housing costs were modest with 87.6% of income retained. However, total disposable income ranked at the 30th percentile nationally and Clare's SEIFA income ranking placed 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

In Clare, as per the latest Census evaluation, 93.0% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 7.0% being other types such as semi-detached properties, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro SA's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Clare stood at 39.2%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 34.4% and rented ones for 26.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, exceeding Non-Metro SA's average of $1,153. The median weekly rent figure in Clare was $250, compared to Non-Metro SA's $220. Nationally, Clare's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were 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 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 South Africa 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 a university degree qualification rate of 20.6%, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 14.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are held by 37.1% of residents aged 15+, including advanced diplomas (9.8%) and certificates (27.3%). In total, 24.9% of Clare's population is actively pursuing formal education, with 10.2% in primary, 7.9% in secondary, and 1.8% in tertiary education.

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, with arthritis impacting 10.0% and mental health issues affecting 9.6% of residents.

Approximately 51% of the total population (~2,165 people) has private health cover, compared to 48.9% across Rest of SA. Sixty-three point five percent of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.5% across Rest of 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 Rest of SA. National rankings for chronic conditions are even higher than those of 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's population was found to be predominantly Australian-born, with 90.8% having been born in Australia, and 91.8% being citizens. English is the primary language spoken at home, with 96.3% of residents reporting this. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 51.9% of Clare's population.

The category 'Other' was notably overrepresented in Clare compared to the rest of South Australia, making up 1.0% versus 0.8%. In terms of ancestry, English and Australian were the most prevalent, at 33.5% and 31.9% respectively, followed by German at 8.5%. Some ethnic groups showed notable differences in representation compared to regional averages: Scottish was overrepresented at 7.9%, Serbian at 0.2%, and Polish at 0.6%.

Clare hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Clare's median age is 45, which is slightly below the Rest of South Australia's figure of 47 but notably higher than Australia's median age of 38. Comparing Clare's demographics with the Rest of SA average, individuals aged 25-34 are disproportionately represented at 12.0%, while those aged 65-74 are under-represented at 12.4%. Between 2021 and present, the population aged 35 to 44 has grown from 10.9% to 12.8%, and the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 8.2% to 9.5%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 12.3% to 10.8%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Clare's age structure. The number of individuals aged 85 and above is projected to increase by 126 people (90%), rising from 141 to 268. Residents aged 65 and above will contribute significantly to population growth, accounting for 79% of the increase, reflecting demographic aging trends. Conversely, populations in the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 age groups are projected to decline.