Jamestown

Jamestown has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Jamestown's population is around 4,854 as of February 2026. This reflects an increase of 258 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,596 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,703 in June 2024 and an additional 112 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1.6 persons per square kilometer. Jamestown's growth rate of 5.6% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 4.4%. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration.

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, SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections were used, adjusted employing weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Projections indicate an overall population decline of 63 persons by 2041, with the 75 to 84 age group expected to grow by 167 people.

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

Jamestown has seen approximately 9 dwellings receiving development approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling 49 homes. In FY-26 to date, 9 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.2 new residents per year per dwelling constructed were noted between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. This figure has since eased to 0.1 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, reflecting improved supply availability. New properties are constructed at an average value of $272,000.

In terms of commercial development, there have been $7.0 million in approvals this financial year, suggesting limited focus on commercial projects. When compared to Rest of SA, Jamestown maintains similar construction rates per person, maintaining market balance consistent with the broader area. However, these rates are lower than national averages, indicating market maturity and potential development constraints. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, preserving the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

The estimated population count per dwelling approval is 395 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. With population expected to remain stable or decline, Jamestown should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects likely to impact the area: Silver to Sea Way, Mid North South Australia REZ Expansion, Wapma Thura-Southern Flinders Ranges National Park, and Barrier Highway Safety Upgrades. 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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AreaSearch analysis reveals Jamestown recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Jamestown's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 4.8% as of September 2025. This is 0.5% lower than Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%, with similar workforce participation at 58.5%.

According to Census responses, 16.4% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employment is particularly notable, at 1.9 times the regional average. Accommodation & food services have limited presence with 3.1% employment compared to 7.0% regionally.

The area may offer limited local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, employment increased by 0.1%, labour force by 1.8%, and unemployment rose by 1.6 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of SA saw employment grow by 0.3%, labour force expand by 2.3%, and unemployment rise by 1.9 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, applying these projections to Jamestown's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.2% over five years and 11.7% over ten years.

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

Jamestown SA2's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2023 was $49,549. The average income stood at $61,412 during this period. For Rest of SA, the median income was $48,920 and the average income was $58,933. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Jamestown's median income would be approximately $53,909 as of September 2025, with an average income estimate of $66,816 during the same period. According to Census 2021 income data, incomes in Jamestown fall between the 9th and 17th percentiles nationally for households, families, and personal incomes. Income analysis shows that the $800 - 1,499 bracket dominates with 28.3% of residents (1,373 people). Housing costs are modest, with 92.2% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 18th percentile nationally.

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

In Jamestown, as per the latest Census evaluation, 96.7% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 3.3% being other types such as semi-detached homes and apartments. This is in contrast to Non-Metro SA's figures of 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Jamestown stood at 52.3%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 29.4% and rented dwellings making up 18.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $802, lower than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,153. Weekly rent figures were recorded at $192, compared to Non-Metro SA's $220. Nationally, Jamestown's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 64.2% of all households, including 22.8% couples with children, 33.4% couples without children, and 7.3% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 35.8%, with lone person households at 32.8% and group households making up 3.0%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of SA average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 14.6%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.9%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.0%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.7%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 38.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (29.5%).

A substantial 24.3% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 11.5% in primary education, 6.9% in secondary education, and 1.6% in tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Jamestown faces significant health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high among both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~2,417 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 10.8% of residents) and mental health issues (8.8%), while 61.7% claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of SA's 62.5%. Working-age population health challenges are notable with elevated chronic condition rates. Jamestown has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 29.0% (1,407 people), compared to Rest of SA's 27.1%, and national rankings indicate even higher percentages among the elderly population.

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

Jamestown, established in terms of cultural diversity, had a population where 92.6% were citizens, 93.0% born in Australia, and 97.8% spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Jamestown, making up 54.2% of its population, compared to 45.2% across Rest of SA. In terms of ancestry, Australian comprised 35.3%, English 32.7%, and German 7.9%.

Notable differences included Welsh at 0.7% (vs regional 0.5%), Australian Aboriginal at 2.3% (vs 3.3%), and Polish at 0.6% (vs 0.4%).

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

Jamestown has a median age of 49, which is higher than the Rest of South Africa's figure of 47 and significantly exceeds the national norm of 38. Compared to Rest of SA, Jamestown has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (13.1%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (7.8%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the proportion of Jamestown's population aged 75-84 has grown from 8.3% to 10.4%, while the proportion of those aged 45-54 has declined from 11.8% to 10.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Jamestown's age structure. Notably, the 85+ group is projected to grow by 102%, reaching 283 people from 140. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 99% of the projected growth. Conversely, both the 25-34 and 0-4 age groups are projected to decrease in number.