Kadina

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Kadina's population is around 5,801 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 387 people (7.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,414 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,721 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 50 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 14.7 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Kadina's 7.1% growth since the census positions it within 0.3 percentage points of the SA4 region (7.4%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 71.6% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including natural growth and overseas migration, were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting 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, a population increase just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally is expected, with the area expected to increase by 549 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 8.1% in total over the 17 years.

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 around 25 residential properties granted approval each year, with 129 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 5 so far in FY-26. Given an average of 1.8 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), the market shows a good balance between supply and demand, supporting stable conditions, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $253,000. There have also been $3.1 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating a limited commercial development focus.

Compared to the Rest of SA, Kadina records markedly lower building activity (57.0% below 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 room for growth.

Looking ahead, Kadina is expected to grow by 469 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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 6thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 12 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Kadina Central Expansion, Daddow Court and Abbott Drive Residential Development, Kadina Town Hall Restoration, and Kadina Town Centre Redevelopment (Kadina Hub), 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.

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

Kadina features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of 7.8%, and 2.2% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 2,455 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.1% above Regional SA's rate of 5.7%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (55.7% compared to Regional SA's 58.8%). Based on Census responses, a low 7.2% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The area has particular employment specialization in retail trade, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 8.1% versus the regional average of 14.5%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 2.2% while labour force increased by 3.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.0 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional SA, where employment rose by 0.7%, the labour force grew 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 Kadina. 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 Kadina's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Kadina SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $48,709 with the average level standing at $58,812. This is lower than average on a national basis and compares to levels of $48,920 and $58,933 across Regional SA respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $52,995 (median) and $63,987 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Kadina all fall between the 10th and 11th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 29.3% of the community (1,699 individuals), mirroring the broader area where 27.5% occupy this bracket. While housing costs are modest with 87.2% of income retained, the 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 within Kadina, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 93.9% houses and 6.1% 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 Kadina was in line with that of Regional SA, at 42.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (32.8%) or rented (25.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional SA average at $1,127, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $250, compared to Regional SA's $1,153 and $220. Nationally, Kadina's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 68.0% of all households, comprising 23.0% couples with children, 32.0% couples without children, and 12.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.0%, with lone person households at 29.6% and group households comprising 2.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people matches the Regional SA average.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (10.9%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.2%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (0.9%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 39.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.2%) and certificates (31.6%).

Educational participation is notably 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 outcomes in Kadina are marginally below the national average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Kadina, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~2,807 people). The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 10.5 and 10.0% of residents, respectively, while 59.4% 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 27.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,614 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 92.5% of its population being citizens, 92.6% born in Australia, and 98.1% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Kadina is Christianity, which makes up 41.7% of people in Kadina, compared to 45.2% across Regional SA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Kadina are Australian, comprising 37.5% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 31.3%, English, comprising 34.2% of the population, and German, comprising 6.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 3.2% of Kadina (vs 3.3% regionally) and Dutch at 1.4% (vs 1.3%).

Kadina hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

With a median age of 45, Kadina is modestly under the Regional SA figure of 47 but well above Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Regional SA average, the 85+ cohort is notably over-represented (4.3% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (9.3%). In the period since 2021, the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 12.9% to 14.2% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 8.1% to 9.3%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.1% to 10.4% and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 10.5% to 9.3%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Kadina's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to increase markedly, expanding by 223 people (89%) from 251 to 475. Senior residents (65+) will drive 66% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 cohorts.