Murray Bridge

Population growth drivers in Murray Bridge are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Murray Bridge's population was approximately 20,475 as of November 2025. This figure represents a rise of 2,232 people, an increase of 12.2% since the 2021 Census which recorded a population of 18,243. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 19,710 in June 2024 and an additional 574 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 209 persons per square kilometer. Murray Bridge's growth of 12.2% since the 2021 census exceeded that of the SA3 area (6.5%) and the non-metro area, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 90.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 adopted, based on 2021 data and adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Demographic trends forecast a significant population increase in Murray Bridge, with an expected expansion of 4,922 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 20.3% over the 17-year period based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Murray Bridge among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Murray Bridge has received approximately 134 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years. This totals 674 homes from FY-20 to FY-25. As of FY-26, 96 approvals have been recorded. On average, each new dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25 has accommodated 1.6 new residents per year.

The market demonstrates a balanced supply and demand, supporting stable conditions with an average construction value of $265,000 per dwelling. In the current financial year, commercial approvals have reached $361.8 million, indicating high local commercial activity. Compared to the rest of South Australia, Murray Bridge exhibits moderately higher development activity, being 22.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period.

New building activity comprises 93.0% detached dwellings and 7.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low-density nature while attracting space-seeking buyers with an average of around 150 people per dwelling approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Murray Bridge is projected to grow by 4,157 residents by 2041. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though increased competition among buyers is expected as the population grows.

Murray Bridge has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 20thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 12 projects likely influencing the region. Notable ones include Sturt Reserve Master Plan, Murray Bridge Residential Growth Areas, Pathways Estate in Murray Bridge, and Murray Bridge South Primary School Infrastructure Upgrade. 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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The labour market performance in Murray Bridge lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Murray Bridge has a diverse workforce with both white and blue-collar jobs, prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors, and an unemployment rate of 5.9%. The employment stability over the past year is relative.

As of September 2025, 8,394 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.6% higher than Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%. Workforce participation is lower at 50.0%, compared to Rest of SA's 54.1%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Manufacturing stands out with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence, with 8.4% employment against a regional figure of 14.5%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census data comparisons. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force levels increased by 1.9%, while employment decreased by 0.5%, leading to a 2.2 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of SA saw employment grow by 0.3% and labour force expand by 2.3%, with unemployment rising by 1.9 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, May-25, project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Murray Bridge's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.3% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The median income among taxpayers in Murray Bridge SA2 was $44,171 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $49,033. This is lower than the figures for Rest of SA, which were $46,889 and $56,582 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth of 12.83%, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $49,838 (median) and $55,324 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Murray Bridge fall between the 6th and 11th percentiles nationally. The earnings band of $800 - $1,499 captures 29.5% of the community, while the $1,500 - $2,999 category predominates regionally at 27.5%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Murray Bridge, with only 84.5% of income remaining, ranking at the 8th percentile nationally.

Murray Bridge is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Murray Bridge, as per the latest Census evaluation, 87.6% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 12.4% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. This is compared to Non-Metro SA's figures of 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Murray Bridge stood at 32.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.9% and rented ones at 36.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,100, surpassing Non-Metro SA's average of $1,083. The median weekly rent in Murray Bridge was recorded at $240, compared to Non-Metro SA's $220. Nationally, Murray Bridge's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Murray Bridge features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 64.2% of all households, including 22.1% couples with children, 28.0% couples without children, and 13.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 35.8%, with lone person households making up 32.6% and group households comprising 3.1%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the average in the Rest of South Africa.

Murray Bridge faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 10.2%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 7.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are held by 37.4% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 7.4% and certificates at 30.0%. Educational participation is high, with 28.0% currently enrolled in formal education: 12.0% in primary, 7.6% in secondary, and 2.4% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.0% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 2.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates two operational public transport stops in Murray Bridge. These consist of a combination of train and bus services. Eight unique routes serve these stops, offering 45 weekly passenger trips collectively.

Residential accessibility to public transport is rated as limited, with residents typically situated 2027 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages six trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately twenty-two weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Murray Bridge is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Murray Bridge faces significant health challenges, with common conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 46%, covering around 9,398 people, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.5%) and mental health issues (10.1%). About 60.4% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of SA's 61.8%. Approximately 23.8%, or 4,875 people, are aged 65 and over, lower than the Rest of SA's 26.2%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Murray Bridge perform better than the general population.

Murray Bridge ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Murray Bridge's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 86.1% of its population being citizens, 85.6% born in Australia, and 90.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Murray Bridge, comprising 44.1% of people. Judaism was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to 0.1% across Rest of SA.

The top three ancestry groups were English (31.2%), Australian (29.1%), and German (9.9%). Notably, Filipino (2.3%) and Australian Aboriginal (4.2%) populations were higher than regional averages of 1.0% and 3.0%, respectively. Maori population was also notably higher at 0.4%.

Murray Bridge's median age exceeds the national pattern

Murray Bridge has a median age of 42, which is younger than the Rest of SA figure of 47 and higher than the national norm of 38. The age group of 25-34 shows strong representation at 14.1%, compared to Rest of SA, while the 65-74 cohort is less prevalent at 11.9%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 12.7% to 14.1% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.0% to 10.7%. By 2041, Murray Bridge is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading this demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 46%, reaching 2,584 people from 1,775. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 cohort grows by a modest 3% (73 people).