Jamestown

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Jamestown's population is around 4,854 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 258 people (5.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,596 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,703 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 112 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1.6 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Jamestown's 5.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (4.4%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to decline by 63 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by 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 experienced around 9 dwellings receiving development approval each year, totalling 49 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 9 approvals have been recorded. Given an average of 1.2 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, with recent figures indicating this has eased to 0.1 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years, reflecting better supply availability. New properties are constructed at an average value of $272,000. There have also been $7.0 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating limited commercial development focus.

When measured against the Rest of SA, Jamestown maintains similar construction rates (per person), maintaining a market balance consistent with the broader area. This is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. Further, recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 395 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

With the 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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 3 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Silver to Sea Way, Mid North South Australia REZ Expansion, Wapma Thura-Southern Flinders Ranges National Park, and Barrier Highway Safety Upgrades, 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Jamestown recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Jamestown has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of 4.9%, and 1.6% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 2,199 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.8% below Regional SA's rate of 5.7%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional SA's 58.8%. Based on Census responses, a moderate 16.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with employment levels at 1.9 times the regional average. Meanwhile, accommodation & food has a limited presence with 3.1% employment compared to 7.0% regionally. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 1.6% alongside the labour force increasing by 3.1%, resulting in unemployment rising by 1.4 percentage points. This compares to Regional SA, where employment grew by 0.7%, the labour force expanded by 3.1%, and unemployment rose 2.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Jamestown. 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 Jamestown's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.2% over five years and 11.7% 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

The Jamestown SA2's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Jamestown SA2's median income among taxpayers is $49,549 and the average income stands at $61,412, which compares to figures for Regional SA's of $48,920 and $58,933 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $53,909 (median) and $66,816 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Jamestown all fall between the 9th and 17th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals the $800 - 1,499 bracket dominates with 28.3% of residents (1,373 people), contrasting with the region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 27.5%. While housing costs are modest with 92.2% of income retained, the 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

Dwelling structure within Jamestown, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 96.7% houses and 3.3% 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 Jamestown was well beyond that of Regional SA, at 52.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (29.4%) or rented (18.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional SA average at $802, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $192, compared to Regional SA's $1,153 and $220. Nationally, Jamestown's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 64.2% of all households, comprising 22.8% couples with children, 33.4% couples without children, and 7.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 35.8%, with lone person households at 32.8% and group households comprising 3.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Regional SA average of 2.3.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (14.6%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 10.9%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.0%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 38.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (29.5%).

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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Jamestown, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of 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 in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.8% and 8.8% of residents, respectively, while 61.7% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 62.5% across Regional SA. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 29.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,407 people), which is higher than the 27.1% in Regional SA, with national rankings even higher than the general 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 92.6% of its population being citizens, 93.0% born in Australia, and 97.8% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Jamestown is Christianity, which makes up 54.2% of people in Jamestown, compared to 45.2% across Regional SA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Jamestown are Australian, comprising 35.3% of the population, English, comprising 32.7% of the population, and German, comprising 7.9% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Welsh is notably overrepresented at 0.7% of Jamestown (vs 0.5% regionally), 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

With a median age of 49, Jamestown is somewhat higher than the Regional SA figure of 47 and substantially exceeds the national norm of 38. Relative to Regional SA, Jamestown has a higher concentration of 5 - 14 residents (13.1%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (7.8%). Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 8.3% to 10.4% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.8% to 10.4%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Jamestown's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 85+ group will grow by 102% (142 people), reaching 283 from 140. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 99% of projected growth. Conversely, both 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 age groups will see reduced numbers.