Kangaroo Island

Population growth drivers in Kangaroo Island are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Kangaroo Island's population was approximately 5,516 as of November 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 622 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,894. The change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population figures: 5,167 in June 2024 and an additional 124 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1.3 persons per square kilometer. Kangaroo Island's growth rate of 12.7% since the 2021 census exceeded that of Rest of SA (7.3%) and SA4 region, indicating it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 42.9% of overall population gains recently, with all drivers being positive factors.

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, SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Demographic trends indicate a population increase just below the median of regional areas nationally, with an expected expansion of 636 persons to reach approximately 6,152 by 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 5.2% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Kangaroo Island when compared nationally

Kangaroo Island has seen around 52 new homes approved per year over the past five financial years, totalling 263 homes. In FY-26 so far, 27 approvals have been recorded. On average, only 1 person per year moves to the area for each dwelling built during this period (FY-21 to FY-25), indicating that supply is meeting or exceeding demand and providing greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth above projections. The average expected construction cost of new dwellings is $298,000.

This financial year has also seen $13.6 million in commercial development approvals, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the rest of South Australia, Kangaroo Island shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 88th percentile of areas assessed nationally. New building activity consists of 98.0% detached houses and 2.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

The location has approximately 90 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Looking ahead, Kangaroo Island is expected to grow by 287 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Kangaroo Island has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 14thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include the Kingscote Airport Master Plan, Seaview Motel Renovation and Expansion, Kingscote Town Centre Project, and Kangaroo Island Wool Mill Retail and Commercial Buildings. The following list details those projects most relevant to the area.

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 places Kangaroo Island well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Kangaroo Island has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 1.9% as of September 2025, lower than the Rest of SA's 5.3%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 0.8%.

There were 2,747 residents in work by September 2025, with a workforce participation rate of 64.6%, higher than the Rest of SA's 58.5%. According to Census responses, 15.9% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing (1.5 times the regional level), accommodation & food services, and health care & social assistance. Manufacturing employs only 3.6% of local workers, below the Rest of SA's 9.3%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 0.8%, labour force by 1.7%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.8 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of SA had employment growth of 0.3%, labour force growth of 2.3%, and a 1.9 percentage point increase in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kangaroo Island's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.4% over five years and 11.6% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Kangaroo Island SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $41,897 and an average level of $50,726. This is below the national average. Rest of SA had levels of $48,920 and $58,933 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, current estimates are approximately $45,584 (median) and $55,190 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, incomes in Kangaroo Island fall between the 8th and 23rd percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 27.3% of locals (1,505 people) have incomes in the $400 - 799 category, differing from broader areas where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 27.5%. Housing costs are modest with 89.4% of income retained. However, total disposable income ranks at just the 14th percentile nationally.

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

As of the latest Census, dwelling structures in Kangaroo Island comprised 95.5% houses and 4.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro SA's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kangaroo Island stood at 46.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.0% and rented ones at 23.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,023, below Non-Metro SA's average of $1,153, while the median weekly rent figure was $208, compared to Non-Metro SA's $220. Nationally, Kangaroo Island's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Kangaroo Island features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 63.8 percent of all households, including 20.3 percent that are couples with children, 36.3 percent that are couples without children, and 6.4 percent that consist of single parents. Non-family households make up the remaining 36.2 percent, with lone person households at 33.7 percent and group households comprising 2.5 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of South Africa average of 2.3.

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

Kangaroo Island trail's residents aged 15+ have 21.4% university degree holders, compared to Australia's 30.4%. This indicates potential for educational development. Bachelor degrees are most common at 15.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are prominent with 37.7%, including advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (28.1%).

A significant 24.3% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, comprising 12.1% in primary, 6.2% in secondary, and 1.4% in tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Kangaroo Island's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Kangaroo Island's health data shows positive outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks for mortality rates and health conditions. Prevalence of common health issues is low across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 46% (~2531 people), compared to Rest of SA's 48.9%.

Nationally, it averages 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.0%) and mental health issues (7.6%), with 65.4% reporting no medical ailments, compared to Rest of SA's 62.5%. Working-age residents have a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 30.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1660 people), exceeding Rest of SA's 26.5%. Health outcomes among seniors rank high nationally, even better than the general population.

Kangaroo Island is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Kangaroo Island, surveyed in 2016, had a cultural diversity index of 74.5%, indicating below average diversity. Of its population, 86.2% were Australian citizens, 84.1% were born in Australia, and 95.5% spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 35.3% of the population.

Judaism, however, had a higher representation on Kangaroo Island with 0.1%, compared to none across Rest of SA. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (34.1%), Australian (31.0%), and Scottish (8.2%). Notable divergences included German (6.8% vs regional 8.2%), Dutch (1.6% vs 1.3%), and Maori (0.8% vs 0.2%).

Kangaroo Island ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Kangaroo Island is 50 years, which is slightly higher than the Rest of South Australia's average of 47 and significantly older than the national average of 38. Compared to the Rest of SA average, the 65-74 age group is notably overrepresented at 16.8% locally, while the 15-24 age group is underrepresented at 7.2%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 8.2% to 10.3% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group has decreased from 17.4% to 15.2%. By 2041, Kangaroo Island is projected to experience significant shifts in its age composition. The 85+ age cohort is expected to expand substantially, growing by 238 people (147%) from 162 to 401. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 76% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, both the 15-24 and 5-14 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.