Mount Barker Surrounds

Population growth drivers in Mount Barker Surrounds are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Mount Barker Surrounds' population is around 7,299 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 474 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,825 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,232 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 95 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 18.4 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Mount Barker Surrounds has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%, outpacing the SA4 region. Population growth was primarily driven by natural growth contributing approximately 48.2% during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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, SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for the area, expected to expand by 1,072 persons to 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 13.8% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Mount Barker Surrounds among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Mount Barker Surrounds averaged approximately 48 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 240 homes. As of FY-26, 19 approvals have been recorded. Each dwelling has attracted an average of 2.7 new residents annually between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating strong demand. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $254,000.

In FY-26, there have been $4.0 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited focus on commercial development. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Mount Barker Surrounds records around 66% of the building activity per person and ranks among the 75th percentile nationally for assessed areas. Recent building activity consists solely of detached houses, maintaining the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers with an average of 159 people per approval.

By 2041, Mount Barker Surrounds is projected to grow by 1,005 residents. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Mount Barker Surrounds has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 34thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 31 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Glenlea Mount Barker Estate, River Road Junction Improvements, New Mount Barker Hospital, and Cedar Woods Mount Barker Masterplanned Community in South Australia. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Mount Barker Surrounds has been broadly consistent with national averages

Mount Barker Surrounds has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 4.0%, and it experienced an estimated employment growth of 2.2% in the past year.

As of September 2025, 4,156 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation stands at 66.5%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Notably, agriculture, forestry & fishing has employment levels at 6.1 times the regional average, while health care & social assistance has limited presence with 14.7% employment compared to 17.7% regionally.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by Census data. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 2.2%, labour force by 3.3%, raising the unemployment rate by 1.1 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Adelaide had employment growth of 3.0% and unemployment fell by 0.1%. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, outperforming the national average of 0.14%. Jobs and Skills Australia's projections from May-25 suggest national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mount Barker Surrounds' employment mix, local employment is estimated to increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022 indicates that Mount Barker Surrounds SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $51,207 and an average income of $64,638. These figures are comparable to national averages and similar to those in Greater Adelaide ($52,592 median and $64,886 average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $57,777 (median) and $72,931 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Mount Barker Surrounds are around the 52nd percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that 37.3% of locals (2,722 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to surrounding regions where 31.8% occupy this range. After housing costs, residents retain 87.7% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Mount Barker Surrounds is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Mount Barker Surrounds' dwellings were 99.3% houses and 0.7% other types in the latest Census. Adelaide metro had 95.2% houses and 4.8% others. Home ownership was 36.3%, similar to Adelaide's 36.2%. Mortgaged dwellings made up 53.6% and rented ones were 10.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,522, below Adelaide's $1,733 average. Median weekly rent was $305, compared to Adelaide's $350. Nationally, repayments averaged $1,863 and rents were $375.

Mount Barker Surrounds features high concentrations of family households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 79.0% of all households, including 35.5% couples with children, 34.1% couples without children, and 8.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 21.0%, with lone person households at 19.8% and group households making up 1.6%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which matches the Greater Adelaide average.

Educational attainment in Mount Barker Surrounds aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 22.4%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 42.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 15.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.6% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 11.4% and certificates at 30.2%. Educational participation is high, with 27.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.5% in primary, 7.6% in secondary, and 3.5% in tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Mount Barker Surrounds shows that there are currently eight active transport stops operating, all of which serve buses. These stops are served by three different routes combined, offering a total of 45 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these services is rated as limited, with residents on average being located approximately 4147 meters away from the nearest transport stop.

Across all routes, service frequency averages six trips per day, which equates to roughly five weekly trips per individual stop.

Mount Barker Surrounds's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Mount Barker Surrounds residents show relatively positive health outcomes, with common conditions similar across both young and old age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 52% of the total population (~3,788 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 55.2%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent, affecting 8.9 and 8.3% respectively. About 68.6% report no medical ailments, similar to Greater Adelaide's 68.5%. The area has 19.6% residents aged 65 and over (1,433 people). Seniors' health outcomes are strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

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

Mount Barker Surrounds had a cultural diversity index below average, with 87.1% of its population born in Australia, 92.1% being citizens, and 97.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 35.6% of people in Mount Barker Surrounds. Judaism showed an overrepresentation compared to Greater Adelaide, with 0.1% of the population versus 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (34.9%), Australian (31.5%), and Scottish (8.0%). Notably, German ancestry was overrepresented at 7.6%, Welsh at 0.8%, and Dutch at 1.9%, compared to regional percentages of 8.2%, 0.7%, and 1.8% respectively.

Mount Barker Surrounds's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Mount Barker Surrounds is 43 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Mount Barker Surrounds has a higher proportion of residents aged 55-64 (15.9%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (9.2%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 75-84 grew from 4.2% to 5.7%, while the 35-44 age group increased from 12.2% to 13.3%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group decreased from 15.3% to 13.5%, and the 25-34 age group dropped from 10.2% to 9.2%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Mount Barker Surrounds' age structure. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 63% (261 people), reaching a total of 675 from the current 413. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 56% of the total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0-4 age group is projected to decrease by 13 residents.