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 approximately 4,086 as of Feb 2026. This figure represents an increase of 354 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,732. The growth is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 3,936 in June 2024 and 104 validated new addresses after the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2.1 persons per square kilometer. Murray Bridge Surrounds' 9.5% growth since the 2021 census is higher than the SA3 area's 7.4% and the Rest of SA, indicating it as a region with notable population growth. Interstate migration contributed approximately 47.5% to this growth 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 are adopted, based on 2021 data and adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population trends project an above median growth for national non-metropolitan areas, with Murray Bridge Surrounds expected to expand by 654 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain of 12.3% 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 recorded approximately 25 residential properties granted approval annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, a total of 128 homes were approved, with an additional 15 approved in FY-26 to date. Over these five financial years, the average number of people moving to the area per dwelling built was approximately 0.9.

This suggests that supply has been meeting or exceeding demand, providing greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth above projections. The average construction value for new properties during this period was $280,000. In FY-26 alone, commercial approvals totaling $73.9 million have been registered, indicating strong commercial development momentum in the area.

Compared to the rest of South Australia (SA), Murray Bridge Surrounds has seen slightly more development, with 14.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. This has maintained good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. The new building activity in Murray Bridge Surrounds is predominantly detached houses, accounting for 95.0% of approvals, 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. Looking ahead, AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Murray Bridge Surrounds to grow by 504 residents through to 2041. Given the current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good 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 representation from various sectors. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 3.0%. The area has experienced employment stability over the past year.

There are 2,132 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 2.4% lower than Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%. Workforce participation is higher at 65.6%, compared to Rest of SA's 58.5%. According to Census responses, 15.1% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction.

The area has a particular specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance has limited presence at 11.7% compared to the regional level of 13.9%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 0.4%, labour force grew by 1.6%, and unemployment rose by 1.2 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of SA saw employment grow by 0.3%, labour force expand by 2.3%, and unemployment rise by 1.9 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these 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.

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 2023 shows that Murray Bridge Surrounds SA has a median income of $45,327 and an average income of $52,916. This is lower than the national averages of $48,920 (median) and $58,933 (average) for Rest of SA. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $49,316 (median) and $57,573 (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 annually, which is similar to the metropolitan region's 27.5%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 88.7% income retention, total disposable income ranks at just 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 had 97.5% houses and 2.5% other dwellings at the latest Census, compared to Non-Metro SA's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Murray Bridge Surrounds was 44.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 41.7% and rented dwellings at 13.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,250, above Non-Metro SA's average of $1,153. 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 and rents 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 26.6%, with lone person households at 24.4% and group households making up 2.1%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is 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 the Australian 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 prevalent among residents aged 15+, with 42.0% holding such qualifications; 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.

Murray Bridge 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

Murray Bridge Surrounds residents have relatively positive health outcomes, according to AreaSearch's analysis conducted on 8th March 2023. Mortality rates and health conditions were broadly in line with national benchmarks as of this date. Common health conditions were seen across both young and old age cohorts at a fairly standard level.

Private health cover was found to be extremely low, at approximately 46% of the total population (~1,891 people) as of 8th March 2023, compared to 48.9% across Rest of SA and the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area were arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.7 and 8.4% of residents respectively, as of this date. 66.0% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.5% across Rest of SA as of 8th March 2023. Working-age residents showed above average prevalence of chronic health conditions as of this date. The area had 23.7% of residents aged 65 and over (967 people) as of 8th March 2023, which was lower than the 27.1% in Rest of SA. Health outcomes among seniors were particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population as of this date.

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 the average, with 91.6% of its population being citizens born in Australia who spoke English exclusively at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 41.8% of the population. The most notable overrepresentation was in the 'Other' category, which constituted 0.6% compared to 0.8% across Rest of SA.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (33.2%), Australian (32.1%), and German (10.6%). Notable divergences included Welsh at 0.6%, Australian Aboriginal at 2.3%, and Dutch at 1.2%.

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 considerably older than the Australian median of 38. The 55 - 64 cohort is notably over-represented in Murray Bridge Surrounds at 18.4%, compared to the Rest of SA average, while the 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented at 8.4%. This concentration of the 55 - 64 age group is well above the national average of 11.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.7% to 7.7% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 10.4% to 12.2%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 14.7% to 11.8%, and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 9.9% to 8.4%. By 2041, Murray Bridge Surrounds is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading this demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 44%, reaching 450 people from 312. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 58% of projected growth. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group is expected to contract by 22 residents.