Murray Bridge Surrounds

Murray Bridge Surrounds has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Murray Bridge Surrounds' population is around 4,053 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 321 people (8.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,732 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,936 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 96 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2.1 persons per square kilometer. Murray Bridge Surrounds' growth rate of 8.6% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's (6.5%) and the non-metro area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 47.5% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and for areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. As we examine future population trends, an above median population growth is projected for national non-metropolitan areas, with Murray Bridge Surrounds expected to expand by 654 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 13.2% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Murray Bridge Surrounds recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Murray Bridge Surrounds has granted approximately 25 residential property approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 128 homes have been approved, with an additional 13 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, about 0.9 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five years, indicating that supply is meeting or exceeding demand and providing greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth above projections.

The average construction cost value of new properties is approximately $280,000. In FY-26 alone, around $73.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting strong commercial development momentum in the area. Compared to the rest of South Australia (SA), Murray Bridge Surrounds has shown slightly more development activity, with 14.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years.

This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. The majority of new building activity consists of detached houses at 95.0%, with townhouses or apartments making up the remaining 5.0%. This preserves the area's low-density nature and attracts space-seeking buyers. With approximately 169 people per dwelling approval, Murray Bridge Surrounds exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Murray Bridge Surrounds is expected to grow by around 537 residents through to 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Murray Bridge Surrounds has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 0thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include Sturt Reserve Master Plan, Murray Bridge Residential Growth Areas, Murray Bridge Soldiers Memorial Hospital Emergency Department Redevelopment, and Old Murray Bridge Refurbishment Project. 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 in Murray Bridge Surrounds demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Murray Bridge Surrounds has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. As of September 2025, it has an unemployment rate of 3.0%.

Employment is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing (1.5 times the regional level), health care & social assistance (11.7%), and construction. Between Sep-24 and Sep-25, employment increased by 0.4% while labour force grew by 1.6%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Murray Bridge Surrounds' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.2% over five years and 11.5% over ten years.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 0.4% alongside labour force increasing by 1.6%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.2 percentage points. This compares to Rest of SA, where employment grew by 0.3%, labour force expanded by 2.3%, and unemployment rose 1.9 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Murray Bridge Surrounds. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Murray Bridge Surrounds's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.2% over five years and 11.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that median income in Murray Bridge Surrounds SA2 is $43,888 and average income is $49,939. This contrasts with Rest of SA's median income of $46,889 and average income of $56,582. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 are approximately $49,519 (median) and $56,346 (average). Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Murray Bridge Surrounds fall between the 18th and 19th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 31.3% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999, aligning with metropolitan regions where this cohort represents 27.5%. Housing costs are modest, with 88.7% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at the 26th percentile nationally.

Murray Bridge Surrounds is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Murray Bridge Surrounds' dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 97.5% houses and 2.5% other dwellings (including semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). Non-Metro SA had 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Murray Bridge Surrounds was 44.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.7% and rented ones at 13.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,250, higher than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,083. Median weekly rent in Murray Bridge Surrounds was $200, compared to Non-Metro SA's $220. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Murray Bridge Surrounds has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 73.4% of all households, including 29.0% couples with children, 34.1% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 26.6%, with lone person households making up 24.4% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Rest of SA average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 11.8%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.4%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 42.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 8.3% and certificates for 33.7%.

A total of 24.9% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 11.5% in primary, 7.7% in secondary, and 1.8% in tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Murray Bridge Surrounds is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Murray Bridge Surrounds faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~1,868 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.7% and 8.4% of residents respectively. 66.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 61.8% across Rest of SA. As of 2021, 22.6% of residents are aged 65 and over (917 people), which is lower than the 26.2% in Rest of SA. Health outcomes among seniors in Murray Bridge Surrounds are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

The latest Census data sees Murray Bridge Surrounds placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Murray Bridge Surrounds had a cultural diversity index below average, with 91.6% of its population being citizens, 91.1% born in Australia, and 96.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 41.8% of people in Murray Bridge Surrounds. The most notable overrepresentation was in the 'Other' category, which constituted 0.6% of the population compared to 1.5% across Rest of SA.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English at 33.2%, Australian at 32.1%, and German at 10.6%. There were notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Welsh was overrepresented at 0.6% (vs regional 0.4%), Australian Aboriginal at 2.3% (vs 3.0%), and Dutch at 1.2% (vs 1.1%).

Murray Bridge Surrounds hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Murray Bridge Surrounds has a median age of 47 years, matching the Rest of SA average but older than the Australian median of 38. The 55-64 cohort is notably over-represented at 18.6% locally compared to the Rest of SA's average, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 8.3%. This concentration of the 55-64 age group is well above the national average of 11.2%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.7% to 7.3%, and the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 10.4% to 11.9%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 14.7% to 12.1%, and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 9.9% to 8.3%. By 2041, Murray Bridge Surrounds is expected to see significant shifts in its age composition. The 75 to 84 group will grow by 51%, reaching 450 people from 297. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 63% of projected growth. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group is expected to contract by 26 residents.