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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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Sales Activity
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Population
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 4,038 as of May 2026. This figure shows an increase of 306 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,732. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,993 in June 2025 and an additional 111 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2.1 persons per square kilometer. Murray Bridge Surrounds' population grew by 8.2% from 2021 to May 2026, exceeding the SA3 area's growth rate of 5.9%. Interstate migration contributed approximately 56.4% 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 are adopted with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods. Future population trends project an above median growth for national non-metropolitan areas, with Murray Bridge Surrounds expected to expand by 653 persons to 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total gain of 15.1% over the 16-year period.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
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 recorded approximately 25 residential properties granted approval per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 128 homes were approved, with an additional 20 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, around 0.9 people moved to the area annually for each dwelling built during these years.
This indicates that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing greater buyer choice and supporting potential population growth above projections. The average construction cost value of new properties was $280,000. In FY-26, commercial approvals totaled $73.9 million, demonstrating strong commercial development momentum in the area.
Compared to the Rest of SA, Murray Bridge Surrounds had 14.0% more development per person over the five-year period, maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. The new building activity showed a composition of 95.0% detached houses and 5.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low-density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With approximately 169 people per dwelling approval, Murray Bridge Surrounds exhibits characteristics of a growth area. Looking ahead, Murray Bridge Surrounds is projected to grow by 608 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Murray Bridge Surrounds
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
Murray Bridge Surrounds has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 0thth percentile nationally
Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects that could impact the region. Notable projects 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 likely to be relevant.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
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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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Gifford Hill
Gifford Hill is a 1,860-hectare masterplanned community on rural land south of Murray Bridge, positioned as South Australia's second city. The $7.5 billion precinct will deliver 17,100 dwellings ranging from detached homes to medium density, housing around 44,000 residents over a 30-40 year build-out. The joint venture between Grange Development and Costa Property Group controls 909 hectares (about 81 percent of developable land), expected to yield 9,969 lots. Plans include a new town centre, a mixed-use high street, six neighbourhood activity centres, seven schools (four primary, two high, potentially one private), 285 hectares of conservation space and 119 hectares of active open space. The development emphasises sustainable design including mass timber construction, biophilic principles, carbon capture, environmental regeneration and water-sensitive urban design. The first stage, on the west side of Brinkley Road between the South Eastern Freeway and the racecourse, is expected to deliver about 1,000 residential blocks for sale in the second half of 2026, pending a code amendment to rezone the land. South Australia's parliament rolled back Environment and Food Production Area boundaries in May 2025 to enable the development.
Murray Bridge Soldiers Memorial Hospital Emergency Department Redevelopment
A comprehensive 5-stage redevelopment of the Murray Bridge Soldiers Memorial Hospital. The project delivered a state-of-the-art Emergency Department featuring two resuscitation bays, seven treatment and paediatric bays, specialized procedure and consulting rooms, triage areas, and quiet rooms. Significant infrastructure upgrades were also made to the Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD), operating theatres, medical imaging, and administration wings, complemented by new drive-through ambulance access and a community plaza acknowledging traditional owners.
Gifford Hill
Gifford Hill is South Australia's largest masterplanned community, planned across 1,860 hectares at Murray Bridge. The precinct is intended to become a second city for South Australia, with about 17,100 dwellings for more than 44,000 residents over a 30 to 40 year buildout. Key elements include a major town centre, mixed-use high street, six neighbourhood activity centres, seven schools, a sports and entertainment precinct around the Murray Bridge Racing Club, digital infrastructure, and about 21 percent of the precinct dedicated to active and passive open space. The official project site states commencement in Q4 2025, while a related Gifford Hill North-East Code Amendment is progressing through PlanSA.
Sturt Reserve Master Plan
A long term riverfront transformation of Sturt Reserve in Murray Bridge into a premier regional destination on Ngarrindjeri Country. The master plan, prepared by ASPECT Studios with TERROIR and Mulloway Studio, divides the reserve into four precincts: Recreation, History and Tourism, Play, and Accommodation. Completed stages include the Murray Bridge Regional Rowing Centre, war memorial relocation, wharf shelter, trail head, and the Lower Timber Wharf replacement. The 4.85 million dollar Ngarrindjeri inspired Pondi Play Space, funded by the federal government with a 1.4 million dollar council contribution, will replace the flood damaged playground and feature a sensory Pondi the Murray Cod sculpture, outdoor classroom, water and sand play areas. A new BMX and dirt jump park, approved by council in December 2025 with a 230,000 dollar budget and contractor Spry Civil Construction, is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026. Future stages include a visitor information centre with cafe, river swimming pool, dog park, and accommodation precinct on the former landfill site.
Murray Bridge Community Dental Clinic
Public dental clinic providing services to eligible children and adults in the Murray Bridge region, funded through a federal health infrastructure agreement to enhance regional healthcare access.
Murray Bridge Racing Club at Gifford Hill
State-of-the-art racecourse facility at Gifford Hill, now known as Thomas Farms Racecourse Murray Bridge, featuring a main grass track, two inner training tracks, underground tunnel access, a $20 million function centre (Bridges Event Centre), and luxury hospitality venues. Opened in 2019, it hosts premier events like the Carlton Draught Murray Bridge Gold Cup and offers family-friendly activities, gourmet experiences, and event hosting capabilities. Joint venture between Burke Urban Gifford Hill Pty Ltd, Murray Bridge Racing Club, and Thoroughbred Racing SA.
Old Murray Bridge Refurbishment Project
The $46 million refurbishment of the historic 1879 Old Murray Bridge includes repainting for corrosion protection, stone abutment repairs, LED lighting upgrades, structural strengthening of piers, heritage preservation, and improved pedestrian access. The project extends the bridge's lifespan by 30 years and was completed with two-way traffic reinstated in September 2023, with minor finishing works in early 2024.
Regional North-South Freight Route Upgrade
$12 million upgrade of the freight route between Sedan and Murray Bridge, including 39km of shoulder sealing, bridge widening and strengthening at three locations (Reedy Creek Bridge, Marne River Bridge, Saunders Creek Bridge), barrier upgrades at additional sites, improved road safety, and enhanced heavy vehicle access for agricultural and industrial transport.
Employment
The employment environment in Murray Bridge Surrounds shows above-average strength when compared nationally
Murray Bridge Surrounds has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate is 3.0%. Over the past year, there has been an estimated employment growth of 2.5%.
In Murray Bridge Surrounds, 2,155 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.7%, lower than Regional SA's rate of 5.7%. Workforce participation is at 65.4%, higher than Regional SA's 58.3%. According to Census responses, 15.1% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction.
Murray Bridge Surrounds has a particular employment specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level. Health care & social assistance has limited presence at 11.7% compared to Regional SA's 13.9%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the 12-month period ending December 2025, employment increased by 2.5%, labour force increased by 3.5%, and unemployment rose by 1.0 percentage points. This compares to Regional SA where employment grew by 0.7%, labour force expanded by 3.1%, and unemployment rose by 2.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Murray Bridge Surrounds' employment should increase by 5.2% over five years and 11.5% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections against the local employment mix.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
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 below the national averages of $48,920 (median) and $58,933 (average). By March 2026, with a Wage Price Index growth of 10.17%, estimated incomes would be approximately $49,937 (median) and $58,298 (average). Census data indicates that Murray Bridge Surrounds' household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 18th and 19th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 31.3% of individuals in Murray Bridge Surrounds earn between $1,500 - 2,999 annually, similar to metropolitan regions where this cohort represents 27.5%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 88.7% income retention, total disposable income ranks at the 26th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Murray Bridge Surrounds is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
Dwelling structure in Murray Bridge Surrounds, as per the latest Census, consisted of 97.5% houses and 2.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional SA's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Murray Bridge Surrounds was higher than Regional SA at 44.9%, with the rest being mortgaged (41.7%) or rented (13.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,250, above the Regional SA average of $1,153. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $200, compared to Regional SA's $220. Nationally, Murray Bridge Surrounds' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Murray Bridge Surrounds has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size
Family households account for 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 make up the remaining 26.6%, consisting of 24.4% lone person households and 2.1% group households. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Regional SA average of 2.3.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
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 challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 8.4%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.6%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 42.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (8.3%) and certificates (33.7%).
A total of 24.9% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 11.5% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 1.8% in tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
No public transport data available for this catchment area.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
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' health data shows positive outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks for mortality rates and health conditions. Common health conditions are seen across both young and old age cohorts at a standard level. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~1,869 people), compared to 48.9% in Regional SA and the national average of 55.7%.
The most common medical conditions are arthritis (9.7%) and mental health issues (8.4%), with 66.0% declaring no medical ailments, compared to 62.5% across Regional SA. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. As of 23rd June 2021, the area has 23.9% of residents aged 65 and over (967 people), lower than Regional SA's 27.1%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, ranking higher than the general population nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
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, 91.1% born in Australia, and 96.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 41.8%. The category 'Other' made up 0.6%, compared to 0.8% regionally.
In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (33.2%), Australian (32.1%), and German (10.6%). Some ethnicities showed notable differences: Welsh was overrepresented at 0.6% (vs regional 0.5%), Australian Aboriginal at 2.3% (vs 3.3%), and Dutch at 1.2% (vs 1.3%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Murray Bridge Surrounds hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide
Murray Bridge Surrounds has a median age of 47 years, which matches the Regional SA average but is considerably older than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Regional SA average, the cohort aged 55-64 is notably over-represented at 18.2% locally, while those aged 85+ are under-represented at 1.3%. This concentration in 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 11.7%, 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 48%, adding 148 people and reaching 461 from 312. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65+ comprising 55% of projected growth. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group is expected to contract by 5 residents.