Mount Gambier - West
Statistical Area - sa2

An assessment of population growth drivers in Mount Gambier - West reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Mount Gambier - West's population was approximately 15,377 as of November 2025, based on AreaSearch's analysis. This figure represents a growth of 878 people, an increase of 6.1% since the 2021 Census which recorded a population of 14,499. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 15,237 in June 2024 and an additional 238 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 121 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential for further development. Mount Gambier - West's growth of 6.1% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 5.4%, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 65.2% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary population growth for the area.

AreaSearch adopts 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 by age category are used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering projected demographic shifts, Mount Gambier - West is expected to experience a population increase just below the median of regional areas across the nation. By 2041, the area is projected to grow by 1,725 persons, recording a gain of 9.9% in total over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Mount Gambier - West when compared nationally

Mount Gambier - West has seen approximately 90 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with a total of 452 homes approved during this period. As of FY-26, 37 homes have been approved so far. On average, 1.3 new residents have arrived per new home each year over the past five financial years.

This balance between supply and demand has resulted in stable market conditions for residential property development. The average construction cost value of these new homes is $281,000. In FY-26 alone, $80.5 million worth of commercial approvals have been registered, indicating high levels of local commercial activity in Mount Gambier - West.

Compared to the rest of South Australia, Mount Gambier - West has seen slightly more development activity over the past five years, with a 23.0% increase per person above the regional average. This has preserved reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. Recent construction in the area comprises 97.0% detached dwellings and 3.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving its low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers who prefer detached housing. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (75.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The location has approximately 217 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density market with ample space for future development. Future projections estimate that Mount Gambier - West will add 1,521 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Mount Gambier - West has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 22ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 22 projects potentially impacting the area. Notable ones are Road Infrastructure Reconstruction Program, Limestone Estate Residential Development, CBD Master Planning and Activation, and Berrin Meadows Estate. The following list details those likely 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.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.8%, Mount Gambier - West has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Mount Gambier - West has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing.

Health care is particularly prominent, employing 1.2 times the regional average. However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 7.4% of workers compared to 14.5% in Rest of SA. As of June 2025, 7,474 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.8%, 0.8% lower than Rest of SA's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation is high at 59.3%, compared to Rest of SA's 54.1%.

Between June 2024 and June 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.2% and employment declined by 3.4%, leading to a 1.2 percentage point rise in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May 2025, project growth of approximately 5.9% over five years and 12.7% over ten years for Mount Gambier - West, based on its current employment mix.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ended June 2022 shows median income in Mount Gambier - West at $48,904 and average income at $58,261. This is lower than the national averages of $53,178 (median) and $67,855 (average). In comparison, Rest of SA had median and average incomes of $46,889 and $56,582 respectively in the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% from financial year ended June 2022 to September 2025, estimated current incomes would be approximately $55,178 (median) and $65,736 (average) for Mount Gambier - West. Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Mount Gambier - West are between the 14th and 26th percentiles nationally. Specifically, 29.7% of the population (4,566 individuals) falls within the $1,500 to $2,999 income range, similar to metropolitan regions where 27.5% occupy this range. Despite modest housing costs with 86.8% of income retained, total disposable income ranks at just the 17th percentile nationally.

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

Mount Gambier - West's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 75.0% houses and 25.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro SA had 87.6% houses and 12.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mount Gambier - West stood at 32.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.1% and rented ones at 33.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,109, exceeding Non-Metro SA's average of $1,083. The median weekly rent was $220, compared to Non-Metro SA's $205. Nationally, Mount Gambier - West's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Mount Gambier - West features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 62.9% of all households, including 23.4% couples with children, 27.2% couples without children, and 11.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 37.1%, with lone person households at 35.1% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of SA average of 2.3.

Mount Gambier - West faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area has lower university qualification rates at 13.8%, significantly below Australia's average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 38.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.8%) and certificates (30.5%).

Educational participation is high at 26.6%, comprising 11.0% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 2.4% pursuing tertiary education. Mount Gambier - West operates a robust network of 8 schools educating approximately 3,369 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 962) indicating balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 5 primary, 1 secondary, and 2 K-12 schools. School capacity exceeds residential needs at 21.9 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 14.9, suggesting the area serves as an educational center for the broader region.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Mount Gambier - West is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Mount Gambier - West faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent among both younger and older age groups. Approximately 49% (~7,519 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues affect 9.5% of residents, while arthritis impacts 9.4%. About 63.1% report no medical ailments, compared to 65.5% in the rest of South Australia. The area has 22.8% (3,498 people) aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, despite performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Mount Gambier-West had a cultural diversity below average, with 90.2% citizens, 87.9% born in Australia, and 92.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 41.9%. Other religions were overrepresented at 0.9%, compared to 0.5% regionally.

Ancestry-wise, Australian (32.1%), English (31.1%), and Scottish (7.7%) were the top groups. Notably, German was overrepresented at 6.0% (vs regional 6.4%), Dutch at 2.0% (vs 1.7%), and Australian Aboriginal at 2.0% (vs 1.7%).

Mount Gambier - West's median age exceeds the national pattern

Mount Gambier-West has a median age of 41 years, which is lower than Rest of South Australia's median age of 47 but higher than the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 12.4% of the population in Mount Gambier-West, compared to the Rest of SA average, while the 65-74 year-olds make up only 11.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 11.1% to 12.2%, while the 45-54 age group has decreased from 11.9% to 11.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Mount Gambier-West's age profile. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to expand by 616 people (49%), from 1,263 to 1,880. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 74% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 55-64 cohorts.