Kadina

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

Kadina's population, as of February 2026, is approximately 5,801. This figure represents an increase of 387 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,414. The growth is inferred from ABS estimates: 5,721 in June 2024 and an additional 50 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 14.7 persons per square kilometer. Kadina's 7.1% population growth since the Census is comparable to its SA4 region (7.4%), indicating strong growth fundamentals. Interstate migration drove this growth, contributing approximately 71.6%.

All factors including natural growth and overseas migration were positive contributors. 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 are adopted, adjusted using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on projected demographic shifts, Kadina is expected to increase by 549 persons to 2041, reflecting an 8.1% total increase over 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 approximately 25 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25129 homes were approved, with a further 5 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 1.8 new residents per year have been associated with each dwelling constructed during this period.

This balance between supply and demand supports stable market conditions, with new properties constructed at an average expected cost of $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, 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 room for growth. Looking ahead, Kadina is expected to grow by 469 residents through to 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 12 projects likely impacting 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). 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 conditions in Kadina face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Kadina's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs with varied sector representation. The unemployment rate was 8.0% in September 2025, showing a 0.6% increase from the previous year. As of that date, 2,429 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.6% higher than Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%.

Workforce participation was lower at 55.2%, compared to Rest of SA's 58.5%. According to Census data, only 7.2% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Retail trade had a significant share of jobs at 1.4 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing showed lower representation at 8.1%.

Many residents commuted elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 0.6% while labour force grew by 2.1%, leading to a 1.4 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published 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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released in financial year 2023, 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 for Rest of SA. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, estimated median and average incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $52,995 and $63,987 respectively. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Kadina fall between the 10th and 11th percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows that 29.3% of individuals (1,699 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to the broader area where 27.5% are in this income bracket. Housing costs are modest, with 87.2% of income retained, but 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

In Kadina, as per the latest Census findings, 93.9% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 6.1% consisting of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to Non-Metro SA's figures of 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kadina stood at 42.2%, similar to Non-Metro SA's level, with mortgaged properties making up 32.8% and rented dwellings accounting for 25.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,127, lower than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,153. The median weekly rent figure in Kadina was recorded at $250, compared to Non-Metro 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 comprise 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 account for the remaining 32.0%, with lone person households at 29.6% and group households making up 2.6%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which matches the average for the Rest of South Africa.

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 Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity 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 among residents aged 15+, with 39.8% holding such qualifications, 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 primary education (11.2%), secondary education (8.6%), and tertiary education (1.5%).

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

Kadina's health indicators show below-average results based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are higher than average across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (around 2,807 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 10.5 and 10.0% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 59.4% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 62.5% in the rest of South Australia. Working-age residents face significant health challenges due to higher chronic condition rates. The area has a notable senior population, with 27.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,614 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but generally align with national rankings for 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. The predominant religion in Kadina is Christianity, comprising 41.7% of the population, compared to 45.2% across Rest of SA. In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are Australian (37.5%), English (34.2%), and German (6.5%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation in Kadina is higher at 3.2%, compared to the regional average of 3.3%. Dutch representation is also slightly higher at 1.4% versus 1.3% regionally.

Kadina hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Kadina's median age is 45, which is slightly below Rest of SA's figure of 47 but notably higher than Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the Rest of SA average, Kadina has a higher proportion of people aged 85 and above (4.3%) but fewer individuals aged 25-34 (9.3%). From 2021 to present, the population aged 65-74 increased from 12.9% to 14.2%, while those aged 75-84 rose from 8.1% to 9.3%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group decreased from 12.1% to 10.4%, and the 25-34 cohort fell from 10.5% to 9.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Kadina's age structure. The number of individuals aged 85 and above is projected to increase by 223 people (89%), rising from 251 to 475. Residents aged 65 and above will contribute significantly to population growth, accounting for 66% of the total increase, reflecting demographic aging trends. In contrast, populations aged 0-4 and 5-14 are projected to decline.