Mount Barker
Statistical Area - sa2

Mount Barker lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Mount Barker's population is around 27,558 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 5,445 people (24.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 22,113 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 25,703 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 1,948 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 509 persons per square kilometer. Mount Barker's 24.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the state (7.1%) and the metropolitan area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 67.9% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, 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 significant population increase in the top quartile of statistical areas across the nation is forecast, with the area expected to increase by 9,331 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, with an increase of 27.1% in total over the 17 years.

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

Mount Barker has seen approximately 591 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 2,957 homes. As of FY-26193 approvals have been recorded. The average number of new residents arriving per year for each new home is around 1.9, indicating a balanced supply and demand market that supports stable conditions. The average expected construction cost value for new dwellings over the past five financial years (FY-21 to FY-25) is $247,000.

In FY-26, there have been $69.6 million in commercial approvals, reflecting high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Mount Barker shows 151.0% higher building activity per person, offering buyers greater choice, although construction activity has eased recently. This level is notably above the national average, suggesting strong developer confidence in the area. New building activity comprises approximately 92.0% detached dwellings and 8.0% medium to high-density housing, maintaining Mount Barker's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes. With around 51 people per approval, Mount Barker reflects an area experiencing development growth.

Looking ahead, projections indicate that Mount Barker is expected to grow by 7,476 residents through to 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand readily, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Mount Barker has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 18thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 24 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include New Mount Barker Hospital, Clover Park, Mount Barker Interchange Upgrade, and Adelaide Hills Rail Extension (Mount Barker) Planning Study. The following list details those expected to have the most relevance.

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 performance in Mount Barker has been broadly consistent with national averages

Mount Barker has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 4.0% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 2.2% over the past year.

In June 2025, 13,609 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate in line with Greater Adelaide's at 4.0%. Workforce participation was 66.0%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key industries of employment among residents were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training.

However, health care & social assistance was under-represented in Mount Barker with only 16.2% of the workforce compared to 17.7% in Greater Adelaide. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census data analysis. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.2%, labour force increased by 1.7%, resulting in a 0.4 percentage point decrease in unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Adelaide experienced employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mount Barker's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

Mount Barker had a median taxpayer income of $53,509 and an average of $64,622 in financial year 2022. This was roughly the national average, differing from Greater Adelaide's median of $52,592 and average of $64,886. By September 2025, estimates suggest a median income of approximately $60,374 and an average of $72,913, based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83%. Mount Barker's incomes cluster around the national median according to census data. Income distribution shows that 35.5% (9,783 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, similar to surrounding regions at 31.8%. Housing affordability is severe with only 84.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 48th percentile. Mount Barker's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

Mount Barker is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Mount Barker's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 92.3% houses and 7.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Adelaide metro's 92.4% houses and 7.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mount Barker stood at 26.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 46.1% and rented ones at 27.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,647, below Adelaide metro's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Mount Barker was $350, matching the Adelaide metro figure. Nationally, Mount Barker's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Mount Barker has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 73.6% of all households, including 32.1% couples with children, 28.0% couples without children, and 12.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 26.4%, with lone person households at 23.9% and group households comprising 2.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Mount Barker exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 24.6%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 42.2%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 17.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are held by 38.9% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.9% and certificates at 27.0%. Educational participation is high, with 28.8% currently enrolled in formal education: 11.0% in primary, 7.5% in secondary, and 4.9% in tertiary education.

Mount Barker has a network of 9 schools educating approximately 4,399 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1048) and balanced educational opportunities. This includes 4 primary, 2 secondary, and 3 K-12 schools. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Mount Barker has 79 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 36 different routes that together facilitate 1,517 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as moderate, with residents on average being located 417 meters from the nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 216 trips across all routes, which works out to approximately 19 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Mount Barker are marginally below the national average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Mount Barker's health indicators show below-average results, with common health conditions being somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age groups. The area has a private health cover rate of approximately 52%, which is slightly higher than the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Adelaide's 55.2%.

Mental health issues affect 9.6% of residents, while asthma impacts 8.9%. A total of 67.1% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 68.5% in Greater Adelaide. The area has 17.8% of residents aged 65 and over (4,902 people), which is lower than Greater Adelaide's 19.9%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

Mount Barker's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 82.9% of its population born in Australia, 91.8% being citizens, and 93.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Mount Barker, comprising 41.3% of people. The most notable overrepresentation was in Other religions, which make up 0.8% of the population compared to Greater Adelaide's 0.6%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are English (33.2%), Australian (27.6%), and German (8.3%). Dutch ancestry is notably overrepresented at 1.9%, South African at 0.6%, and Welsh at 0.6% compared to regional percentages.

Mount Barker's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Mount Barker is 37 years, which is lower than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and close to the national average of 38 years. The 5-14 age cohort is over-represented in Mount Barker at 13.2%, compared to Greater Adelaide's average, while the 55-64 age group is under-represented at 10.1%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 5.4% to 6.6%, and the 35 to 44 cohort has risen from 13.3% to 14.4%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 age group has declined from 9.8% to 9.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Mount Barker, with the 45 to 54 age group expected to grow by 45%, reaching 4,840 people from 3,348.