McLaren Vale
Statistical Area - sa2

McLaren Vale lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

McLaren Vale's population was approximately 8,776 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 1,432 people, a rise of 19.5% since the 2021 Census which recorded a population of 7,344. The change is inferred from ABS estimates: 8,441 in June 2024 and an additional 378 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 73 persons per square kilometer. McLaren Vale's growth exceeded the SA3 area (4.9%) and the SA4 region, making it a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 81.4% to population gains during recent periods.

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 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Future trends project above median growth for McLaren Vale, with an expected increase of 2,068 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 19.8% over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in McLaren Vale was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

McLaren Vale granted approval for around 139 residential properties annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25698 homes were approved, with a further 31 approved in FY26 so far. On average, 2.5 people moved to the area per new home constructed over these five years, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average value of new homes was $209,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY26, commercial approvals totalled $11.5 million, reflecting balanced commercial development activity compared to Greater Adelaide, where McLaren Vale shows 290% higher development activity per person. Recent construction comprised 93% standalone homes and 7% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. The location had approximately 94 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Population forecasts predict McLaren Vale will gain 1,733 residents by 2041.

With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

McLaren Vale has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 27thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects that may impact this region. Notable ones include McLaren Vale Central Shopping Centre, Majors Road Interchange, Willunga Basin Water Infrastructure Expansion, and Old Coach Road Reconstruction at Maslin Beach. The following list highlights those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in McLaren Vale demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

McLaren Vale has a skilled workforce with strong manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.1%.

As of June 2025, 4369 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 1.5% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is at par with Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and manufacturing. Notably, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs 4.5 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance employs only 14.4% of local workers, below Greater Adelaide's 17.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the past year, employment increased by 2.1%, while labour force grew by 2.7%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Adelaide where employment and labour force growth were both 2.1% and unemployment rose marginally. National employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to McLaren Vale's employment mix, local growth is estimated at approximately 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

McLaren Vale's median income among taxpayers was $49,493 in financial year 2022, according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. The average income stood at $61,173 during the same period. These figures compare to Greater Adelaide's median and average incomes of $52,592 and $64,886 respectively in financial year 2022. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since then, current estimates suggest McLaren Vale's median income is approximately $55,843 and average income is around $69,021 as of September 2025. The 2021 Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in McLaren Vale rank modestly, between the 44th and 44th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominates with 32.7% of residents (2,869 people). After housing expenses, 85.7% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

In McLaren Vale, as per the latest Census evaluation, 90.5% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 9.5% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to Adelaide metro's 89.2% houses and 10.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in McLaren Vale stood at 39.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 44.8% and rented ones at 15.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,452. Median weekly rent in McLaren Vale was $350, compared to Adelaide metro's $314. Nationally, McLaren Vale's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

McLaren Vale has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 76.8% of all households, including 32.3% couples with children, 35.1% couples without children, and 8.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 23.2%, with lone person households at 21.9% and group households comprising 1.2%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the Greater Adelaide average.

McLaren Vale performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

Educational qualifications in McLaren Vale show that 22.2% of residents aged 15 and above have university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 40.1% of residents aged 15 and above holding them - advanced diplomas at 11.8% and certificates at 28.3%. Educational participation is high, with 26.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.6% in primary education, 7.0% in secondary education, and 3.8% pursuing tertiary education. McLaren Vale's three schools have a combined enrollment of 1,829 students. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1040) with balanced educational opportunities. It includes two primary schools and one K-12 school. Functioning as an education hub, it has 21.0 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 13.6, attracting students from surrounding communities.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Transport analysis shows 34 active transport stops in McLaren Vale, consisting of a mix of bus services. These stops are served by six individual routes, collectively offering 290 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 333 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 41 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately eight weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in McLaren Vale are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

McLaren Vale shows below-average health outcomes with common conditions slightly more prevalent across younger and older age groups compared to averages. Approximately 50% of its total population (~4,388 people) has private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.2%) and asthma (7.5%). 66.8% of residents report no medical ailments, higher than Greater Adelaide's 62.9%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 23.2% (2,032 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 21.0%. Health outcomes among McLaren Vale's seniors are above average, better than the general population in health metrics.

McLaren Vale ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

McLaren Vale, surveyed in 2016, had a population with 76.0% born in Australia, 90.8% being citizens, and 94.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 39.4%. Hinduism, however, was less prevalent than in Greater Adelaide (0.4% vs 0.6%).

Top ancestry groups were English (38.7%), Australian (26.3%), and Scottish (8.2%). Welsh (0.8%) and German (5.2%) showed notable overrepresentation compared to regional averages, while Dutch (1.5%) was slightly underrepresented.

McLaren Vale hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in McLaren Vale is 44 years, which is higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and the Australian median of 38. The 55-64 age cohort makes up 13.4% of McLaren Vale's population, compared to the Greater Adelaide average, indicating over-representation. Conversely, the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 11.3%. According to the 2021 Census, the 0-4 age group has increased from 5.1% to 6.0%, while the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 13.5% to 11.2%. By 2041, population forecasts suggest significant demographic changes in McLaren Vale, with the 85+ age group projected to grow by 400 people (133%), from 301 to 702 individuals.