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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Eyre Peninsula's population is around 7,688 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 864 people (12.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,824 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,178 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 177 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1.1 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Eyre Peninsula's 12.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (5.7%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 64.1% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including overseas migration and natural growth, were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of regional areas nationally is expected, with the area expected to grow by 402 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a reduction of 1.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

Eyre Peninsula has experienced around 48 dwellings receiving development approval annually, totalling 240 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 22 approvals have been recorded. At an average of 1.6 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), the market shows a good balance between supply and demand, supporting stable conditions, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $286,000. There have also been $9.3 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

Compared to the Rest of SA, Eyre Peninsula shows 117.0% higher development activity (per person), creating greater choice for buyers. Recent construction comprises 97.0% detached dwellings and 3.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 167 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Eyre Peninsula should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Eyre Peninsula has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 19thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 20 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Green Iron Magnetite Project, CH4 Global Asparagopsis Seaweed EcoPark, and Point Boston Peninsula Community Development, 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.

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

Eyre Peninsula has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of only 3.6%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 3,515 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.2% below Regional SA's rate of 5.7%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (61.5% compared to Regional SA's 58.8%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 16.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area shows particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 2.0 times the regional level. On the other hand, manufacturing is under-represented, with only 2.8% of Eyre Peninsula's workforce compared to 9.3% in Regional SA. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force increase by 1.8% combined with employment decreasing by 0.5%, resulting in the unemployment rate rising by 2.2 percentage points. In contrast, Regional SA experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 3.1%, with a 2.2 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Eyre Peninsula. 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 Eyre Peninsula's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.3% over five years and 11.6% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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 FY-23, the Eyre Peninsula SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $50,527 with the average level standing at $63,258. This is below the national average and compares to levels of $48,920 and $58,933 across Regional SA respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $54,973 (median) and $68,825 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Eyre Peninsula, between the 20th and 31st percentiles. Distribution data shows 29.5% of the population (2,267 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring regional levels where 27.5% occupy this bracket. While housing costs are modest with 90.6% of income retained, the 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

Dwelling structure within Eyre Peninsula, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 93.7% houses and 6.3% 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 Eyre Peninsula was well beyond that of Regional SA, at 51.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (29.5%) or rented (19.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Regional SA average at $1,192, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $220, compared to Regional SA's $1,153 and $220. Nationally, Eyre Peninsula's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 68.2% of all households, comprising 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% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people matches the Regional SA average.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (14.3%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 10.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 38.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.4%) and certificates (29.4%).

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

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Eyre Peninsula residents, with AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions showing results broadly in line with national benchmarks. A fairly standard level of common health conditions is seen across both young and old age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~3,882 people). The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.4% and 7.7% of residents, respectively, while 66.5% 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 27.9% of residents aged 65 and over (2,146 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than those of 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 93.4% of its population born in Australia, 93.0% being citizens, and 98.1% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Eyre Peninsula is Christianity, which makes up 48.5% of the population. This compares to 45.2% across Regional SA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Eyre Peninsula are Australian, comprising 34.8% of the population, English, comprising 33.5% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 7.9% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 7.1% of Eyre Peninsula (vs 8.2% regionally) and Australian Aboriginal at 1.9% (vs 3.3%).

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

With a median age of 49, Eyre Peninsula is somewhat higher than the Regional SA figure of 47 and substantially exceeds the national norm of 38. Relative to Regional SA, Eyre Peninsula has a higher concentration of 5 - 14 residents (12.4%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (7.2%). Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 7.8% to 9.6% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 7.9% to 9.4%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 9.0% to 7.2% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 13.0% to 11.8%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Eyre Peninsula's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 85+ group will grow by 98% (220 people), reaching 447 from 226. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 93% of projected growth. Conversely, both 0 to 4 and 15 to 24 age groups will see reduced numbers.