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 is approximately 7,294 as of Aug 2025. From the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,825 people, there has been an increase of 469 people (6.9%). This change is estimated using ABS data from June 2024 showing an estimated resident population of 7,232 and validated new addresses since the Census date totalling 93. The population density ratio is 18.4 persons per square kilometer. Mount Barker Surrounds' growth rate of 6.9% since the 2021 census exceeds the state's growth rate of 6.7%. Natural growth contributed approximately 48.2% to overall population gains during recent periods, with other drivers like interstate and overseas migration also being positive factors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024, based on 2022 data. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods. Projected demographic shifts indicate above median population growth for national areas. By 2041, Mount Barker Surrounds is projected to expand by 1,072 persons, resulting in a total increase of 13.8% over the 17-year period.

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. Development approval data is produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis, with 240 dwellings approved over the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, and 10 approvals so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling has resulted in approximately 2.7 new residents per year over these five financial years, indicating healthy demand that should support property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $387,000.

There have also been $4.0 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating limited commercial development focus 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. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers with an emphasis on detached housing.

With around 159 people per approval, Mount Barker Surrounds reflects a developing area. Looking ahead, Mount Barker Surrounds is expected to grow by approximately 1,010 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

The performance of a region is significantly impacted by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 29 such projects that could potentially affect this area. Notable projects include Glenlea Mount Barker Estate, River Road Junction Improvements, New Mount Barker Hospital Development, and the Adelaide Hills Rail Extension (Mount Barker) Planning Study, with the following list highlighting those most likely to be relevant:.

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

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 was 3.7% as of June 2021, with an estimated employment growth of 1.2% over the past year.

As of June 2025, 4,110 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 0.3% below Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation 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 demonstrates notable concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with employment levels at 6.1 times the regional average.

Health care & social assistance has limited presence with 14.7% employment compared to 17.7% regionally. The 12-month period from June 2024 to June 2025 saw employment increasing by 1.2%, while 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 unemployment rising marginally. State-level data as of Sep-25 shows SA employment grew by 1.06% year-on-year (adding 9,370 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.5%, broadly in line with the national rate of 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest a potential future demand within Mount Barker Surrounds. These projections estimate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Mount Barker Surrounds's 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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022, Mount Barker Surrounds had a median income among taxpayers of $51,207. The average income stood at $64,638. These figures are in line with national averages and compare to levels of $52,592 and $64,886 across Greater Adelaide respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $56,753 (median) and $71,638 (average) as of March 2025. According to 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 (2,720 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category. After housing costs, residents retain 87.7% of their income. 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

In Mount Barker Surrounds, as per the latest Census data, 99.3% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 0.7% being semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is compared to Adelaide metro's 95.2% houses and 4.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mount Barker Surrounds was at 36.3%, similar to Adelaide metro, with mortgaged properties at 53.6% and rented ones at 10.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,522, lower than Adelaide metro's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure for Mount Barker Surrounds was $305, compared to Adelaide metro's $350. Nationally, Mount Barker Surrounds' mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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% of the total. 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, including advanced diplomas (11.4%) and certificates (30.2%). Educational participation is high at 27.4%, comprising primary education (11.5%), secondary education (7.6%), and tertiary education (3.5%).

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

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

Mount Barker Surrounds has eight active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with three individual routes in total providing 45 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is limited, with residents typically located 4147 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are six trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 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 seen across both young and old age groups. The area has approximately 52% private health cover (~3,785 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 55.2%.

Mental health issues (8.9%) and arthritis (8.3%) are the most common medical conditions. Around 68.6% of residents report no medical ailments, similar to Greater Adelaide's 68.5%. The area has 19.6% residents aged 65 and over (1,432 people), with seniors performing well in health metrics compared to the general population.

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' cultural diversity was below average, with 87.1% of its population born in Australia, 92.1% being citizens, and 97.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated Mount Barker Surrounds' religious landscape, comprising 35.6%. Judaism's representation was notable at 0.1%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (34.9%), Australian (31.5%), and Scottish (8.0%). Other ethnicities showed variations: German was overrepresented at 7.6% (vs regional 8.2%), Dutch at 1.9% (vs 1.8%), and Welsh at 0.8% (vs 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 older than 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 percentage of the population aged 75-84 increased from 4.2% to 5.7%, while the 35-44 age group rose 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 fell from 10.2% to 9.2%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Mount Barker Surrounds' age structure. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 64% (262 people), reaching a total of 675 from the previous count of 412. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 56% of the total population growth in the area. In contrast, the 0-4 age group is projected to decrease by 12 residents.