Murray Bridge Surrounds
Statistical Area - sa2

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 was around 4053 as of Nov 2025, reflecting an increase of 321 people since the 2021 Census. The 2021 Census reported a population of 3732 people in Murray Bridge Surrounds. This increase is inferred from ABS estimated resident population of 3936 as of June 2024 and an additional 96 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population 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 growth rate of 6.5%, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 47.5% to overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections based on 2021 data are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth 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, recording 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 recorded approximately 25 residential properties granted approval per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25128 homes were approved, with an additional 10 approved in FY-26 so far. The average number of people moving to the area for each dwelling built over these five years was 0.9 per year.

This suggests that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing greater buyer choice and supporting potential population growth above projections. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost value of $280,000. In FY-26, $73.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating strong commercial development momentum.

Relative to the Rest of SA, Murray Bridge Surrounds has seen slightly more development, with 14.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. New building activity shows that 95.0% of dwellings approved are detached houses, and 5.0% are townhouses or apartments. 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, it is expected to grow by 537 residents through to 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.

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

Area infrastructure significantly impacts local performance. AreaSearch identified 15 projects potentially affecting the area. Notable ones are Sturt Reserve Master Plan, Murray Bridge Residential Growth Areas, Murray Bridge South Primary School Infrastructure Upgrade, and Murray Bridge Soldiers Memorial Hospital Emergency Department Redevelopment. The following list details those likely 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 both white and blue collar jobs across various sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.6%.

As of June 2025, 2,079 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.0% lower than the Rest of SA's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation in Murray Bridge Surrounds is 61.5%, compared to 54.1% in the Rest of SA. Employment is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. The area has a strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance has a limited presence with 11.7% employment compared to 13.9% regionally. While local employment opportunities exist, many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the 12-month period ending June 2025, Murray Bridge Surrounds' labour force decreased by 2.3%, while employment declined by 3.2%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.9 percentage points. This contrasts with the Rest of SA where employment fell by 1.2%, labour force expanded by 0.1%, and unemployment rose by 1.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Murray Bridge Surrounds' employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 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 2022 shows that Murray Bridge Surrounds has incomes below the national average. The median income is $43,888 and the average is $49,939. In contrast, Rest of SA has a median income of $46,889 and an average of $56,582. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Murray Bridge Surrounds would be approximately $49,519 (median) and $56,346 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that household, family, and personal incomes in Murray Bridge Surrounds all fall between the 18th and 20th percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 31.3% of the community (1,268 individuals), similar to the metropolitan region where this cohort represents 27.5%. Housing costs are modest with 88.7% of income retained, but 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

The latest Census evaluation showed that Murray Bridge Surrounds had 97.5% houses and 2.5% other dwellings (including semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, 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. The median weekly rent was $200, compared to Non-Metro SA's $220. Nationally, Murray Bridge Surrounds' mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,250 versus the Australian average of $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 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 constitute the remaining 26.6%, with lone person households at 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 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 prominent, with 42.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 8.3% and certificates at 33.7%.

A substantial 24.9% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 11.5% in primary, 7.7% in secondary, and 1.8% in tertiary education. The area has two primary schools - Mypolonga Primary School and Jervois Primary School, serving a total of 232 students. These schools provide balanced educational opportunities, typical of Australian schools (ICSEA: 963). Both focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. The area has limited school capacity, with only 5.7 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 13.6, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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, while 66.0% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 61.8% across Rest of SA. The area has 22.6% of residents aged 65 and over (917 people), which is lower than the 26.2% in Rest of SA. Health outcomes among seniors 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. The dominant religion was Christianity, comprising 41.8% of the population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category had a lower representation of 0.6%, compared to 1.5% across Rest of SA.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (33.2%), Australian (32.1%), and German (10.6%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Welsh was overrepresented at 0.6% (vs 0.4% regionally), 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 being considerably older than the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of SA average, the cohort aged 55-64 is notably over-represented in Murray Bridge Surrounds at 18.6%, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 8.3%. The 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 7.3% of the population, while 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 notable shifts in its age composition. Leading this demographic shift, the 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 51%, reaching 450 people from 297. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 63% of the projected growth. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group is expected to contract by 26 residents.