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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Murray Bridge Surrounds's population is around 4,086 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 354 people (9.5%) 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 104 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2.1 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Murray Bridge Surrounds's 9.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (7.4%) and the Rest of SA, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 47.5% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including natural growth and overseas migration, were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, 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 for national non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the area expected to expand by 654 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 12.3% 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 recorded around 25 residential properties granted approval per year, with 128 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 16 so far in FY-26. With an average of only 0.9 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is meeting or surpassing demand, providing greater buyer choice and supporting potential for population growth above projections, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $280,000. Additionally, $73.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating strong commercial development momentum.

Relative to the Rest of SA, Murray Bridge Surrounds has slightly more development (14.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. New building activity consists 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 around 169 people per dwelling approval, Murray Bridge Surrounds shows characteristics of a growth area.

Looking ahead, Murray Bridge Surrounds is expected to grow by 504 residents through to 2041 (from 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.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 15 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Sturt Reserve Master Plan, Murray Bridge Residential Growth Areas, Murray Bridge Soldiers Memorial Hospital Emergency Department Redevelopment, and the Old Murray Bridge Refurbishment Project, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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.

The employment environment in Murray Bridge Surrounds shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Murray Bridge Surrounds has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of only 3.0%, and 2.5% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 2,155 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.7% below Regional SA's rate of 5.7%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (66.4% compared to Regional SA's 58.8%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 15.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. The area has a particular employment specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. Meanwhile, health care & social assistance has a limited presence with 11.7% employment compared to 13.9% regionally. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 2.5% alongside the labour force increasing by 3.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.0 percentage points. This compares to Regional SA, where employment grew by 0.7%, the labour force expanded by 3.1%, and unemployment rose 2.2 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 FY-23 reveals that income in the Murray Bridge Surrounds SA2 is below the national average, with the median assessed at $45,327 while the average income stands at $52,916. This contrasts with Regional SA's figures of a median income of $48,920 and an average income of $58,933. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $49,316 (median) and $57,573 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Murray Bridge Surrounds all fall between the 18th and 19th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 31.3% of the community (1,278 individuals), aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 27.5%. While housing costs are modest with 88.7% of income retained, the 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

Dwelling structure within Murray Bridge Surrounds, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 97.5% houses and 2.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional SA's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Murray Bridge Surrounds was higher than that of Regional SA, at 44.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (41.7%) or rented (13.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Regional SA average at $1,250, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $200, compared to Regional SA's $1,153 and $220. Nationally, Murray Bridge Surrounds's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 73.4% of all households, comprising 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%, with lone person households at 24.4% and group households comprising 2.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people is larger than the Regional 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (11.8%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.4%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 42.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.3%) and certificates (33.7%).

A substantial 24.9% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 11.5% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 1.8% pursuing 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

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Murray Bridge Surrounds residents, with AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions showing results broadly in line with national benchmarks. A fairly standard level of common health conditions is seen across both young and old age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~1,891 people). This compares to 48.9% across Regional SA. The national average is 55.7%.

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% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 62.5% across Regional SA. Working-age residents show an above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 23.7% of residents aged 65 and over (967 people), which is lower than the 27.1% in Regional SA. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.

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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 91.6% of its population being citizens, 91.1% born in Australia, and 96.7% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Murray Bridge Surrounds is Christianity, which makes up 41.8% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 0.6% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Regional SA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Murray Bridge Surrounds are English, comprising 33.2% of the population, Australian, comprising 32.1% of the population, and German, comprising 10.6% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Welsh is notably overrepresented at 0.6% of Murray Bridge Surrounds (vs 0.5% regionally), Australian Aboriginal at 2.3% (vs 3.3%) and Dutch at 1.2% (vs 1.3%).

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

At 47 years, Murray Bridge Surrounds's median age matches the Regional SA average of 47, though it is considerably older than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Regional SA average, the 55 - 64 cohort is notably over-represented (18.4% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (8.4%). This 55 - 64 concentration is well above the national 11.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows 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 the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 44% (137 people), reaching 450 from 312. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 58% of projected growth. Conversely, the 55 to 64 group will contract by 22 residents.