Mount Gambier - West

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. This figure represents a growth of 878 people, an increase of 6.1% since the 2021 Census which reported 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 density ratio of 121 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential room for further development. Mount Gambier - West's growth rate 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 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, with adjustments made using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering projected demographic shifts, Mount Gambier - West is expected to grow by just below the median rate for regional areas nationally, with an increase of 1,725 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total gain of 9.9% over the 17 years.

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 FY21 to FY25. A total of 452 homes were approved during this period, with an additional 48 approved in FY26 so far. On average, around 1.3 new residents have arrived per new home each year between FY21 and FY25.

The average construction value for these new homes was $281,000. This financial year has seen $80.5 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to the rest of South Australia, Mount Gambier West has shown slightly more development activity, with 23.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period.

This balance between supply and demand preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. 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 strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The location has approximately 217 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Mount Gambier West is projected to 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 limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 8thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 22 projects likely affecting this region. Key initiatives include Limestone Estate Residential Development, CBD Master Planning and Activation, Road Infrastructure Reconstruction Program, Mount Gambier Hospital Redevelopment. The following list details those deemed 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 Gambier - West has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Mount Gambier - West has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, an unemployment rate of 4.4%, and stable employment over the past year. As of September 2025, 7,597 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.3% compared to Rest of SA's 5.3%.

Workforce participation is high at 59.3%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. The area specializes in health care & social assistance, with employment share 1.2 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, at 7.4% compared to Rest of SA's 14.5%.

Some residents commute for work. Between September 2024 and 2025, labour force increased by 1.6%, employment declined by 0.3%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.8 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Mount Gambier - West's employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2022 shows that Mount Gambier - West SA2 had a median income of $48,904 and an average income of $58,261. This is lower than the national averages of $53,789 (median) and $72,033 (average). In comparison, Rest of SA had a median income of $46,889 and an average income of $56,582 for the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth from June 2022 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $55,178 (median) and $65,736 (average). Census data reveals that household, family, and personal incomes in Mount Gambier - West fall between the 14th and 26th percentiles nationally. Specifically, 29.7% of the population (4,566 individuals) have incomes ranging from $1,500 to $2,999, similar to metropolitan regions where 27.5% fall within this range. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 86.8% income retention, 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

Dwelling structure in Mount Gambier - West, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 75.0% houses and 25.0% other dwellings including semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro SA's figures of 87.6% houses and 12.5% other dwellings at the same Census date. Home ownership in Mount Gambier - West stood at 32.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.1% and rented dwellings at 33.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,109 as of June 2018, exceeding Non-Metro SA's average of $1,083. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure for Mount Gambier - West was recorded at $220 in March 2019, compared to Non-Metro SA's $205. Nationally, mortgage repayments in Mount Gambier - West were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863 as of December 2018, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375 recorded in June 2019.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 37.1%, with lone person households at 35.1% and group households making up 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's university qualification rate is 13.8%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 7.8% and certificates at 30.5%. Educational participation is high, with 26.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.0% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 2.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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 across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~7,519 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 9.5% and 9.4% of residents respectively. 63.1% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.5% across Rest of SA. The area has a high proportion of seniors, with 22.8% of residents aged 65 and over (3,498 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, performing even 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 showed lower cultural diversity, with 90.2% citizens, 87.9% born in Australia, and 92.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, at 41.9%. The 'Other' religious category had a higher representation than average, at 0.9%, compared to Rest of SA's 0.5%.

In terms of ancestry, Australian was highest at 32.1%, followed by English at 31.1% and Scottish at 7.7%. Notably, German ancestry was overrepresented at 6.0%, Dutch at 2.0%, and Australian Aboriginal also at 2.0%, compared to regional averages of 6.4%, 1.7%, and 1.7% respectively.

Mount Gambier - West's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Mount Gambier West has a median age of 41 years, which is lower than Rest of SA's 47 but higher than Australia's national norm of 38. The 25-34 age cohort is notably over-represented in Mount Gambier West at 12.4%, compared to the Rest of SA average. Conversely, the 65-74 year-olds are under-represented at 11.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 11.1% to 12.2%, while the 45-54 cohort 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. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 55-64 cohorts.