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 is around 5,227 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 333 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,894 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,212 from the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 136 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1.2 persons per square kilometer. Kangaroo Island's growth rate of 6.8% since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of SA (5.9%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 63.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Moving forward with demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of regional areas across the nation is expected. The area is expected to expand by 601 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 11.2% in total over the 16 years.

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

Kangaroo Island has seen approximately 52 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 263 dwellings. As of FY26, 37 approvals have been recorded. On average, one person has moved to the area per dwelling built yearly between FY21 and FY25, indicating supply meeting or exceeding demand. The average construction cost for new dwellings is $298,000.

In FY26, commercial development approvals totalled $13.6 million. Compared to the rest of South Australia, Kangaroo Island has 19.0% lower construction activity per person but ranks in the 88th percentile nationally for new building activity. Detached houses comprise 98.0% and attached dwellings 2.0%, maintaining the area's low-density character.

There are approximately 90 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. By 2041, Kangaroo Island is projected to grow by 586 residents. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Kangaroo Island has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 23rdth 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 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Kangaroo Island significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Kangaroo Island has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of 2.0% as of December 2025, and estimated employment growth of 2.7% over the past year. In December 2025, 2,774 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 3.7%, lower than Regional SA's rate of 5.7%. Workforce participation on the island was 64.6%, higher than Regional SA's 58.3%.

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 Regional SA's 9.6%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data.

In the 12 months ending December 2025, employment increased by 2.7%, labour force grew by 3.6%, and unemployment rose by 0.9 percentage points. By comparison, Regional SA had employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 3.1%, and an unemployment rate increase of 2.2 percentage points. 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 Kangaroo Island's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.4% over five years and 11.6% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation 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 from financial year 2023 shows Kangaroo Island SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $41,897 and an average income of $50,726. Both figures are below the national averages of $48,920 and $58,933 respectively for Regional SA. With a 10.17% growth in wages since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $46,158 (median) and $55,885 (average). Census figures from 2021 indicate that household, family, and personal incomes in Kangaroo Island fall between the 8th and 23rd percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 27.3% of locals (1,426 people) earn between $400 - $799, differing from broader area trends where the $1,500 - $2,999 category is predominant at 27.5%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 89.4% income retention, 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

Dwelling structure in Kangaroo Island, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 95.5% houses and 4.4% other dwellings. In comparison, Regional SA had 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership on Kangaroo Island was 46.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.0% and rented ones at 23.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,023, below Regional SA's average of $1,153. Median weekly rent on Kangaroo Island was $208, compared to Regional SA's $220. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,863 and rents 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 comprise 63.8% of all households, including 20.3% couples with children, 36.3% couples without children, and 6.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 36.2%, with lone person households at 33.7% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Regional SA 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 degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 15.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are held by 37.7%, with advanced diplomas at 9.6% and certificates at 28.1%. A total of 24.3% actively pursue formal education, including 12.1% in primary, 6.2% in secondary, and 1.4% in tertiary education.

A substantial 24.3% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 12.1% in primary education, 6.2% in secondary education, and 1.4% pursuing 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

Health data for Kangaroo Island shows positive outcomes, with mortality rates and health conditions largely matching national benchmarks. Common health conditions are low across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is extremely low at 46% (~2,399 people), compared to 48.9% in Regional SA and a national average of 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 62.5% across Regional SA. Working-age residents have above-average chronic health conditions. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 30.6% of the population (1,601 people), higher than Regional SA's 27.1%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, ranking even better than the general population nationally.

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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 86.2% of its population being citizens, 84.1% born in Australia, and 95.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion on Kangaroo Island, comprising 35.3% of people. Notably, Judaism, which represents 0.1% of Kangaroo Island's population, is overrepresented compared to Regional SA where it comprises 0%.

The top three ancestry groups in Kangaroo Island are English (34.1%), Australian (31.0%), and Scottish (8.2%). There are also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: German is overrepresented at 6.8% compared to Regional SA's 8.2%, Dutch at 1.6% versus 1.3%, and Maori at 0.8% compared to 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 Regional South Australia's average of 47 years and significantly older than the national average of 38 years. Compared to Regional SA, the 65-74 age group is notably over-represented on Kangaroo Island at 16.6%, while the 15-24 age group is under-represented at 7.3%. The concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 8.2% to 11.1% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group has declined from 17.4% to 14.9%, and the 45 to 54 age group has dropped from 12.3% to 11.1%. By 2041, Kangaroo Island is projected to see significant shifts in its age composition. The 85+ age cohort is expected to expand substantially, increasing by 237 people (154%) from 154 to 392. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 61% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. However, both the 35-44 and 65-74 age groups are projected to have reduced numbers.