Mount Barker Surrounds
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Mount Barker Surrounds' population, as of November 2025, is approximately 7,299. This figure represents an increase of 474 people, a rise of 6.9% since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 6,825. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,232 as of June 2024 and an additional 95 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 18.4 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Mount Barker Surrounds has shown resilient growth with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%, outperforming the SA4 region. Natural growth contributed approximately 48.2% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch's projections for each SA2 area are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data 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 by age category, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted with adjustments made using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for the area, with an expected expansion of 1,072 persons by 2041 based on the latest population numbers, indicating 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 has averaged approximately 48 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 240 homes. As of FY-26, 15 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling has accommodated around 2.7 new residents annually between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating strong demand for housing in the area. The average construction cost value of these dwellings is $254,000.

This financial year, there have been $4.0 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited focus on commercial development. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Mount Barker Surrounds records about 66% of the building activity per person and ranks among the 76th percentile of areas assessed nationally. The recent building activity consists solely of detached houses, maintaining the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

With approximately 159 people per approval, Mount Barker Surrounds reflects a developing area with an expected population growth of 1,045 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current projections.

Mount Barker Surrounds has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 24thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 31 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Glenlea Mount Barker Estate, River Road Junction Improvements, New Mount Barker Hospital, and Cedar Woods Mount Barker Masterplanned Community (SA). 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.

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. The unemployment rate in the area is 3.7%.

Over the past year, there has been an estimated employment growth of 1.2%. As of June 2025, 4,110 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.3% below Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Mount Barker Surrounds is 66.5%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training.

The area has a notably high concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with employment levels at 6.1 times the regional average. However, health care & social assistance has limited presence with 14.7% employment compared to 17.7% regionally. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in June 2025, employment increased by 1.2%, labour force increased by 1.7%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a marginal rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment expansion at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Mount Barker Surrounds' employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 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 shows Mount Barker Surrounds had a median income among taxpayers of $51,207 and an average level of $64,638. These figures align with national averages and compare to levels of $52,592 and $64,886 across Greater Adelaide respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $57,777 for median income and $72,931 for average income as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Mount Barker Surrounds cluster around the 52nd percentile nationally. Distribution data shows that 37.3% of locals (2,722 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 31.8% similarly occupy this range. After housing costs, residents retain 87.7% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power and placing the area's SEIFA income ranking 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, as per the latest Census, were 99.3% houses and 0.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). Adelaide metro had 95.2% houses and 4.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mount Barker Surrounds was 36.3%, similar to Adelaide metro's figure. Mortgaged dwellings were 53.6% and rented ones were 10.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,522, lower than Adelaide metro's $1,733. Median weekly rent was $305, compared to Adelaide metro's $350. Nationally, Mount Barker Surrounds' mortgage repayments ($1,522) were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents ($305) were substantially below the national figure of $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 comprising 1.6%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with 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 prevalent, with 41.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 11.4% and certificates at 30.2%. Educational participation is high, with 27.4% currently enrolled in formal education: 11.5% in primary, 7.6% in secondary, and 3.5% in tertiary education.

Mount Barker Surrounds' three schools have a combined enrollment of 352 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1007) with balanced educational opportunities. These schools focus exclusively on primary education; secondary options are available nearby. Local school capacity is limited at 4.8 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 14.1, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

Analysis shows eight active public transport stops in Mount Barker Surrounds, offering mixed bus services. These stops are served by three routes, collectively making 45 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically located 4147 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages six trips per day across all routes, equating to about 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 exhibit relatively positive health outcomes, with common conditions seen across both young and old age groups at a fairly standard level. Private health cover rate is approximately 52% of the total population (~3,788 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Adelaide's 55.2%.

Mental health issues affect 8.9% of residents, while arthritis impacts 8.3%. Around 68.6% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to Greater Adelaide's 68.5%. The area has 19.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,433 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly 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 lower than average cultural diversity, 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, accounting for 35.6% of people in Mount Barker Surrounds. While Judaism made up just 0.1% of the population, this figure was similar to the regional average of Greater Adelaide.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (34.9%), Australian (31.5%), and Scottish (8.0%). Notably, German ancestry was overrepresented at 7.6%, compared to 8.2% regionally, Dutch ancestry was slightly higher at 1.9% versus 1.8%, and Welsh ancestry was also marginally higher at 0.8% compared to 0.7%.

Mount Barker Surrounds hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

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 median age 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 projected to grow by 63%, adding 261 people and reaching a total of 675 from the previous count of 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 trend. In contrast, the 0-4 age group is projected to decrease by 13 residents.