Hahndorf - Echunga
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Hahndorf - Echunga are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Hahndorf - Echunga's population was around 4,721 as of Aug 2025. This reflected a decrease of 5 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,726 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,714 in June 2024 and an additional 18 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population resulted in a density ratio of 42 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 76.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category were used, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation methods. Based on demographic trends, an above median population growth was projected for statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch. The area was expected to increase by 614 persons to 2041, with a total increase of 12.8% over the 17 years.

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

Hahndorf-Echunga has seen approximately 13 new homes approved annually. Development approval data, produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, totals 66 approvals across the past five financial years from FY2021 to FY2025, with 3 approvals so far in FY2026. On average, 0.5 new residents arrived per new home over the past five financial years. This matches or outpaces demand, offering buyers more options and enabling population growth that may exceed current expectations.

New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $425,000. In FY2026, $5.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Hahndorf-Echunga records significantly lower building activity, 74.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. The area's development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining its traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

The estimated count of 383 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, Hahndorf-Echunga is expected to grow by 605 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Hahndorf - Echunga has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 15thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 21 projects that could affect this region. Notable ones include Bluestone Mt Barker, Aston Hills Master Planned Community, Totness Retail Depot (Mount Barker), and Newenham Adelaide Hills Estate. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

The labour market in Hahndorf - Echunga shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Hahndorf-Echunga has a well-educated workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 2.6% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.8%.

As of June 2025, 2,569 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.4%, below Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Adelaide's at 61.7%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. The area has a notable concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with employment levels at 3.5 times the regional average.

However, health care & social assistance has limited presence with 13.2% employment compared to 17.7% regionally. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 1.8%, labour force by 1.7%, and unemployment remained unchanged. Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 2.1%. State-level data to Sep-25 shows SA employment grew by 1.06% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.5%, broadly in line with the national rate of 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Hahndorf-Echunga's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.3% over five years and 13.1% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022. Hahndorf - Echunga had a median income among taxpayers of $51,311 and an average of $73,697. Nationally, these figures are high compared to Greater Adelaide's median of $52,592 and average of $64,886. By March 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.83%, estimated incomes would be approximately $56,868 (median) and $81,678 (average). According to 2021 Census figures, Hahndorf - Echunga's household, family, and personal incomes cluster around the 55th percentile nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 30.3% of residents (1,430 people), similar to the metropolitan region at 31.8%. After housing costs, residents retain 88.1% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking in the 7th decile.

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

Hahndorf-Echunga's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 91.7% houses and 8.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Adelaide metro had 95.2% houses and 4.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Hahndorf-Echunga was 44.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.2% and rented ones at 14.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,900, higher than Adelaide metro's $1,733. Median weekly rent in Hahndorf-Echunga was $345, compared to Adelaide metro's $350. Nationally, Hahndorf-Echunga's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,900 versus Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $345 compared to the national figure of $375.

Hahndorf - Echunga has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households compose 76.5% of all households, including 35.2% couples with children, 33.4% couples without children, and 7.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up 23.5%, with lone person households at 21.1% and group households comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which matches the Greater Adelaide average.

The educational profile of Hahndorf - Echunga exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 30.0% significantly below the SA4 region average of 42.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 20.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 36.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (12.5%) and certificates (23.6%).

Educational participation is notably high at 27.3%, including 9.3% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 5.5% pursuing tertiary education. The three schools in Hahndorf - Echunga have a combined enrollment of 495 students, while the area demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1073). These schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. School places per 100 residents are at 10.5, below the regional average of 14.1, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Hahndorf-Echunga region has 32 active public transport stops. These are served by buses along 21 different routes, offering a total of 411 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated good, with residents on average 235 meters from the nearest stop.

Services run an average of 58 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 12 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health data shows significant health challenges in Hahndorf - Echunga, with common conditions prevalent across younger and older age groups.

Approximately 56% (~2,667 people) have private health cover, a notably high rate. The most frequent medical conditions are arthritis (9.3%) and mental health issues (8.4%). Around 64.6% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 68.5% in Greater Adelaide. Residents aged 65 and over make up 26.3% (1,239 people) of the population, higher than Greater Adelaide's 19.9%. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly aligned with general population health profiles.

Hahndorf - Echunga ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Hahndorf-Echunga had a cultural diversity score below average, with 83.1% of its population born in Australia, 91.2% being citizens, and 95.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, making up 47.8%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to 0.1% across Greater Adelaide.

The top three ancestry groups were English (34.0%), Australian (26.3%), and German (10.7%). There were notable differences in other ethnic groups: Welsh was overrepresented at 0.8% (vs regional 0.7%), French at 0.6% (vs 0.5%), and Dutch at 1.4% (vs 1.8%).

Hahndorf - Echunga hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Hahndorf-Echunga's median age was 48 years in the 2021 Census, which is significantly higher than Greater Adelaide's 39 years and the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Hahndorf-Echunga had a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (13.7%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (6.6%). Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the proportion of residents aged 75-84 increased from 7.9% to 9.3%, while those aged 85+ decreased from 4.5% to 3.3%. By 2041, Hahndorf-Echunga's population is projected to see significant shifts in age composition. The 85+ group is expected to grow by 134% (from 155 to 365 people), while residents aged 65 and older will represent 52% of the total growth. Conversely, both the 65-74 and 35-44 age groups are projected to decrease in number.