Kadina

An assessment of population growth drivers in Kadina reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of May 2026, Kadina's population is approximately 5,851, reflecting an increase of 437 people since the 2021 Census. The population was recorded as 5,414 in the Census and has grown by 8.1% to reach the current figure. This growth can be inferred from the ABS's estimated resident population of 5,776 in June 2025 and an additional 56 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is around 14.8 persons per square kilometer. Kadina's growth rate of 8.1% since the 2021 census exceeded both the Rest of SA (5.9%) and the SA4 region, indicating it as a growth leader in the area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 87.9% to Kadina's population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted. These projections were released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, with adjustments made using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on projected demographic shifts, Kadina is expected to have a population increase just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally by 2041. The latest annual ERP population numbers indicate an expected increase of 537 persons by that year, reflecting a total increase of 7.9% over the 16-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Kadina recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Kadina has recorded approximately 25 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25129 homes were approved, and by FY-26, 11 more have been approved. On average, over these five years, 1.8 new residents per dwelling constructed were recorded annually.

This balance between supply and demand supports stable market conditions. The average construction value of new properties is $253,000. In the current financial year, there have been $3.1 million in commercial approvals, indicating limited focus on commercial development. Compared to the rest of South Australia, Kadina records significantly lower building activity, at 57.0% below the regional average per person.

This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. Recent construction comprises 95.0% detached dwellings and 5.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 254 people per dwelling approval, indicating potential room for growth. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Kadina is expected to grow by 462 residents through to 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Kadina has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 7thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 12 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Kadina Central Expansion, Daddow Court and Abbott Drive Residential Development, Kadina Town Hall Restoration, and Kadina Town Centre Redevelopment (Kadina Hub). The following list details those most relevant.

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.

Employment drivers in Kadina are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Kadina has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, spanning various sectors. The unemployment rate in December 2025 was 7.8%, with an estimated employment growth of 2.2% over the past year. As of that date, 2,455 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 2.1% higher than Regional SA's rate of 5.7%.

Workforce participation in Kadina was lower at 55.2%, compared to Regional SA's 58.3%. Only 7.2% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Retail trade had a particularly high representation with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing showed lower representation at 8.1% compared to Regional SA's average of 14.5%.

Many residents commuted elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 2.2%, and labour force grew by 3.3%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.0 percentage points. In contrast, Regional SA saw employment rise by 0.7%, labour force grow by 3.1%, and unemployment increase by 2.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kadina's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.8% over ten years.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Kadina SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $48,709 and an average income of $58,812. These figures are lower than the national averages of $48,920 and $58,933 in Regional SA. Considering Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $53,663 (median) and $64,793 (average). Census data indicates Kadina's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 10th and 11th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 29.3% of Kadina residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, similar to the broader area where 27.5% fall into this bracket. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 87.2% income retention, total disposable income ranks at just the 14th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Kadina, as evaluated at the latest Census on 28 August 2016, comprised 93.9% houses and 6.1% other dwellings. In Regional SA, this was 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kadina was 42.2%, similar to Regional SA's figure. Dwellings were either mortgaged (32.8%) or rented (25.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Kadina was $1,127, below the Regional SA average of $1,153. Median weekly rent was $250, compared to Regional SA's $220. Nationally, Kadina's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Kadina has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 68.0% of all households, including 23.0% couples with children, 32.0% couples without children, and 12.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 32.0%, with lone person households at 29.6% and group households comprising 2.6%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the Regional SA average.

Kadina faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 10.9%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.2%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (0.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.2%) and certificates (31.6%).

Educational participation is high, with 26.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.2% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 1.5% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Kadina is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Kadina faces significant health challenges as assessed by AreaSearch. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is low at approximately 48% of the total population (~2,831 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (impacting 10.5% of residents) and asthma (10.0%), while 59.4% declare themselves 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. Kadina has 27.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,603 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Kadina's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 92.5% of its population being citizens, 92.6% born in Australia, and 98.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Kadina, comprising 41.7% of people, compared to 45.2% across Regional SA. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (37.5%, substantially higher than the regional average of 31.3%), English (34.2%), and German (6.5%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal is overrepresented at 3.2% in Kadina compared to 3.3% regionally, and Dutch is also slightly overrepresented at 1.4%.

Kadina hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Kadina's median age is 45, which is slightly lower than Regional South Australia's figure of 47 but higher than Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the regional average, Kadina has a notably higher proportion of residents aged 85 and above (4.3%) but a lower percentage of those aged 25-34 (9.6%). Between 2021 and now, the population share of those aged 65-74 has increased from 12.9% to 14.0%, while the proportion of those aged 45-54 has decreased from 12.1% to 10.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Kadina's age structure. The number of residents aged 85 and above is projected to increase by 224 people (an 89% rise) from 251 to 476. Residents aged 65 and above will contribute to 65% of the population growth, highlighting trends towards an aging demographic. Conversely, population declines are projected for those aged 0-4 and 5-14.