Jamestown

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Jamestown's population is around 4905 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 309 people, a 6.7% rise since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 4596 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 4703 in June 2024 and an additional 110 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 exceeded that of the SA3 area, which was 4.5%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 are used, based on 2021 data and adjusted employing weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Projections indicate a decline in overall population by 63 persons by 2041. However, growth is anticipated for specific age cohorts, notably the 75 to 84 age group which is projected 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 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 49 homes. In FY26 so far, 8 approvals have been recorded. On average, each new dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25 accommodated around 1.2 new residents annually. However, this figure has decreased to 0.1 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, indicating increased supply availability. The average construction cost of new properties is $272,000.

This year has seen $7.0 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited focus on commercial development. Comparing Jamestown's construction rates with the Rest of SA shows similar figures, maintaining market balance within the broader area. However, both regions have lower construction rates than national averages, possibly due to market maturity and development constraints. All recent developments in Jamestown have been detached dwellings, preserving its low-density character and appealing to families seeking space.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 395 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. With a stable or declining population expected, housing pressure in Jamestown should remain relatively low, potentially presenting buying opportunities.

Jamestown has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 12thth 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 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 varied sector representation. Its unemployment rate in September 2025 was 4.8%.

Over the past year, employment stability has been relative. As of that month, 2,182 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate 0.5% lower than Rest of SA's 5.3%, and workforce participation at 56.9%, close to Rest of SA's 54.1%. Key sectors for Jamestown residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Notably, employment in agriculture, forestry & fishing is 1.9 times the regional average, while accommodation & food services has limited presence at 3.1% compared to the region's 7.0%.

Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census data comparison of working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 0.1%, labour force by 1.8%, leading to an unemployment rise of 1.6 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of SA saw employment grow by 0.3%, labour force expand by 2.3%, and unemployment rise by 1.9 percentage points. Future employment demand insights can be gained from Jobs and Skills Australia's national forecasts issued in May-25, which project overall national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Jamestown's current employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 5.2% over five years and 11.7% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

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

The Jamestown SA2's median income among taxpayers was $47,358 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $59,244 during the same period. These figures compare to the Rest of SA's median income of $46,889 and average income of $56,582 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income would be approximately $53,434 and the average income around $66,845, taking into account a Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022. According to Census 2021 data, incomes in Jamestown fall between the 9th and 17th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income analysis reveals that 28.3% of residents (1,388 people) earn within the $800 - 1,499 bracket, contrasting with the regional leading bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 at 27.5%. Housing costs are modest in Jamestown, with 92.2% of income retained. However, 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

The latest Census evaluated Jamestown's dwelling structure as 96.7% houses and 3.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Non-Metro SA had 89.8% houses and 10.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Jamestown was 52.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.4% and rented ones at 18.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $802, lower than Non-Metro SA's average of $888. The median weekly rent figure in Jamestown was $192, compared to Non-Metro SA's $182. Nationally, Jamestown's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Jamestown features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical 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 account for the remaining 35.8%, with lone person households at 32.8% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 2.2 people, aligning with the average in the Rest of South Africa.

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%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.9%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.0%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (29.5%). A total of 24.3% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising 11.5% in primary, 6.9% in secondary, and 1.6% in tertiary education.

A substantial 24.3% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 11.5% in primary education, 6.9% in secondary education, and 1.6% pursuing 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, with common conditions prevalent among both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49%, covering about 2,408 people, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common conditions are arthritis (10.8%) and mental health issues (8.8%). Notably, 61.7% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly higher than the Rest of SA's 59.4%. Jamestown has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 27.8%, or 1,363 people, compared to Rest of SA's 26.5%.

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 that was predominantly citizens, with 92.6% being citizens and 93.0% born in Australia. The majority spoke English only at home, totaling 97.8%. Christianity was the prevalent religion in Jamestown, accounting for 54.2%, compared to 49.1% across Rest of SA.

Ancestrally, Australian parents made up 35.3%, English 32.7%, and German 7.9% of the population. Notably, Welsh ancestry was higher at 0.7%, Australian Aboriginal at 2.3%, and Polish at 0.6%, compared to regional averages of 0.5%, 3.0%, and 0.4% respectively.

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

Jamestown's median age is 49, which is higher than the Rest of South Africa's figure of 47 and substantially exceeds the national norm of 38. Compared to Rest of SA, Jamestown has a higher concentration of residents aged 55-64 (16.4%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (7.9%). This 55-64 concentration is well above the national figure of 11.2%. Since the census in 2021, the age group 75 to 84 has grown from 8.3% to 9.9% of Jamestown's population, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.8% to 10.6%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Jamestown's age structure. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 114%, reaching 283 people from a current figure of 131. This growth is led by the aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above comprising all of the projected growth. Conversely, both the 45 to 54 and 25 to 34 age groups are projected to decrease in number.