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 is 5,739 as of Nov 2025. This is an increase of 325 people from the 2021 Census figure of 5,414. The growth is inferred from ABS' June 2024 estimated resident population of 5,721 and 28 new addresses since the Census date. The population density is 14.6 persons per square kilometer. Kadina's 6.0% growth since the census is close to the non-metro area's 6.8%. Interstate migration contributed approximately 71.6% of recent population gains.

AreaSearch uses 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 by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data and adjusted using weighted aggregation methods. Based on latest ERP population numbers, Kadina is projected to increase by 549 persons to reach a total of 6,287 by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 9.2% over the 17-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-25, a total of 129 homes were approved, with an additional 5 approved so far in FY-26. On average, over these five years, 1.8 new residents have been added per dwelling constructed annually.

This balance between supply and demand supports stable market conditions. The average construction value for 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 predominantly detached dwellings (95.0%) with a smaller proportion of townhouses or apartments (5.0%), maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. The location has approximately 254 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Kadina is expected to grow by 531 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 emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 12 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects are 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 has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of 8.0% as of September 2025, and estimated employment growth of 0.6% over the past year. The unemployment rate is 2.6% higher than Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%, with workforce participation similar to Rest of SA's 54.1%.

Leading industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Retail trade has a particularly high representation at 1.4 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing is lower at 8.1% compared to the regional average of 14.5%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 0.6%, labour force by 2.1%, raising unemployment by 1.4 percentage points.

In contrast, Rest of SA saw employment rise by 0.3%, labour force grow by 2.3%, and unemployment increase by 1.9 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across sectors. Applying these projections to Kadina's employment mix suggests local growth of 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 the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended 30 June 2022, Kadina SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $46,097. The average income stood at $54,710. This was lower than the national average and compared to levels of $46,889 and $56,582 across Rest of SA respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year ended 30 June 2022, current estimates would be approximately $52,011 (median) and $61,729 (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 shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 29.3% of the community (1,681 individuals), similar to the broader area where 27.5% occupy this 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Kadina, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 93.9% houses and 6.1% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro SA had 93.3% houses and 6.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kadina was 42.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.8% and rented dwellings at 25.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Kadina was $1,127, above Non-Metro SA's average of $1,083. Median weekly rent in Kadina was $250, compared to Non-Metro SA's $230. Nationally, Kadina's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Kadina has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average 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 making up 2.6%. The median household size is 2.3 people, larger than the Rest of SA average of 2.1.

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 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%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 39.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (8.2%) and certificates (31.6%).

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

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Kadina is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Kadina faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately 47% (~2,708 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.5%) and asthma (10.0%). Conversely, 59.4% report having no medical ailments, compared to 56.0% in Rest of SA. Around 26.8% (1,539 people) of residents are aged 65 and over, lower than the 36.2% in Rest of SA. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors present certain challenges but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

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 was the main religion in Kadina, comprising 41.7%, compared to 48.3% across Rest of SA. In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups were Australian (37.5%), English (34.2%), and German (6.5%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher at 3.2% in Kadina versus 2.6% regionally, and Dutch representation was also higher at 1.4% compared to the regional average of 1.2%.

Kadina hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Kadina's median age is 45, which is slightly below the Rest of South Australia figure of 47 but notably higher than Australia's median age of 38. Comparing Kadina with the Rest of SA average, the 85+ cohort is significantly over-represented at 4.2%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 9.5%. Between 2021 and present, the population share of those aged 65 to 74 has increased from 12.9% to 13.9%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 12.1% to 10.6%, and the 25 to 34 age group has dropped from 10.5% to 9.5%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Kadina's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to increase by 233 people (97%), growing from 241 to 475. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 68% of population growth, highlighting the trend towards an aging demographic. Conversely, populations in the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are projected to decrease.