Eyre Peninsula

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

As of May 2026, Eyre Peninsula's population is approximately 7,245, marking a 6.2% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 6,824 people. This growth is inferred from ABS estimates: 7,232 residents in June 2025 and an additional 181 validated new addresses since then. The population density stands at 1.0 persons per square kilometer. Eyre Peninsula's growth rate surpassed both SA4 (4.2%) and SA3 regions between the 2021 Census and May 2026, driven primarily by interstate migration contributing around 76.1% of overall gains. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered or 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 from LGA to SA2 levels.

By 2041, Eyre Peninsula is projected to gain approximately 393 persons, reflecting a total growth of 5.2% over the 16-year period, in line with the median population increase expected for regional areas nationally.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Eyre Peninsula when compared nationally

Eyre Peninsula has received around 48 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 240 homes. As of FY-26, 28 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.6 new residents arrive per year for each new home built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a balanced supply-demand market with stable conditions. The average construction value of new properties is $286,000.

This financial year has seen $9.3 million in commercial approvals, showing moderate levels of commercial development compared to the rest of South Australia. Eyre Peninsula exhibits 115.0% higher development activity per person than the Rest of SA. Recent construction comprises 97.0% detached dwellings and 3.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers with an average of 167 people per dwelling approval. Population forecasts suggest Eyre Peninsula will gain 380 residents by 2041, with current development patterns expected to meet demand readily, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond projections.

Population forecasts indicate Eyre Peninsula will gain 380 residents through to 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.

Eyre Peninsula has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 17thth percentile nationally

The performance of a region is significantly influenced by alterations in local infrastructure, major undertakings, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 19 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include the Green Iron Magnetite Project, CH4 Global Asparagopsis Seaweed EcoPark, Point Boston Peninsula Community Development, and Marina Footbridge Safety Upgrade. The following list details those projects deemed most relevant.

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

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While Eyre Peninsula retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.6%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Eyre Peninsula had a balanced workforce in December 2025, with an unemployment rate of 3.6%. It had 3,515 residents employed, lower than Regional SA's rate of 5.7%, but with similar workforce participation at 61.0%. Home working was moderate at 16.0%.

Key industries were agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Agriculture, forestry & fishing had a high employment share of 2.0 times the regional level, while manufacturing was under-represented at 2.8% compared to Regional SA's 9.3%. Over twelve months, labour force increased by 1.8%, but employment decreased by 0.5%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 2.2 percentage points. In contrast, Regional SA had employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 3.1%.

National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in May-25, projected a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Eyre Peninsula's industry mix suggested local employment could increase by 5.3% over five years and 11.6% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Eyre Peninsula SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $50,527 and an average level of $63,258. These figures are below the national average. In comparison, Regional SA had levels of $48,920 and $58,933 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year ended June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $55,666 for median income and $69,691 for average income as of March 2026. According to the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family and personal incomes in Eyre Peninsula rank modestly, between the 20th and 31st percentiles. Income distribution data shows that 29.5% of the population (2,137 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, which mirrors regional levels where 27.5% occupy this bracket. Housing costs are modest with 90.6% of income retained. However, total disposable income ranks at just the 29th percentile nationally and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Eyre Peninsula is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Eyre Peninsula, as per the latest Census, consisted of 93.7% houses and 6.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Regional SA had 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Eyre Peninsula was at 51.5%, with the rest being mortgaged (29.5%) or rented (19.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,192, higher than Regional SA's average of $1,153. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $220, matching Regional SA's figure. Nationally, Eyre Peninsula's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Eyre Peninsula has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 68.2% of all households, including 24.3% couples with children, 36.7% couples without children, and 6.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 31.8%, with lone person households at 29.6% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 2.3 people, matching the Regional SA average.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 14.3%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 10.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are common, with 38.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.4%) and certificates (29.4%). Currently, 24.2% of the population is engaged in formal education, with 11.5% in primary, 7.5% in secondary, and 1.5% in tertiary education.

A substantial 24.2% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 11.5% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 1.5% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Eyre Peninsula'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

Eyre Peninsula residents have relatively positive health outcomes, according to AreaSearch's analysis. Mortality rates and health conditions align broadly with national benchmarks.

Common health conditions are seen across both young and old age cohorts at a fairly standard level. Approximately 50% of the total population (~3,658 people) has private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (9.4%) and asthma (7.7%). A majority, 66.5%, report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.5% across Regional SA. Working-age residents show a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions than average. The area has 27.8% of residents aged 65 and over (2,014 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

The latest Census data sees Eyre Peninsula placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Eyre Peninsula's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 93.4% of its population born in Australia and 93.0% being citizens. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.1%. Christianity is the predominant religion, practiced by 48.5%, compared to 45.2% across Regional SA.

The top three ancestral groups are Australian (34.8%), English (33.5%), and Scottish (7.9%). Notably, German ancestry is overrepresented at 7.1% in Eyre Peninsula versus 8.2% regionally, while Australian Aboriginal ancestry is underrepresented at 1.9% compared to 3.3%.

Eyre Peninsula hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Eyre Peninsula's median age is 49, higher than Regional SA's figure of 47 and substantially exceeding the national norm of 38. Compared to Regional SA, Eyre Peninsula has a higher concentration of residents aged 5-14 (12.3%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (7.2%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 15-24 grew from 7.8% to 9.9%, while those aged 75-84 increased from 7.9% to 9.7%. Conversely, the population aged 25-34 declined from 9.0% to 7.2%, and those aged 45-54 dropped from 13.0% to 11.5%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Eyre Peninsula's age structure. The 75-84 group is projected to grow by 34% (238 people), reaching 938 from 699. Those aged 65 and above will comprise 84% of the projected growth, while both the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are expected to decrease in number.