Nairne

Population growth drivers in Nairne are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Nairne's population was around 5,872 as of May 2026. This reflected an increase of 545 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,327 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,787 in June 2025 and an additional 101 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population resulted in a density ratio of 236 persons per square kilometer. Nairne's growth of 10.2% since the 2021 census exceeded the state average of 7.5%, making it a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 52.7% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including interstate migration and overseas migration being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopted 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 by age category were adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, with adjustments made using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on demographic trends and the latest annual ERP population numbers, Nairne is projected to grow by 974 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain of 15.1% over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Nairne among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Nairne has seen approximately 30 new home approvals each year over the past five financial years, totalling 154 homes. As of FY-26, 37 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.1 new residents per year were associated with every home built between FY-21 and FY-25. The average construction value of these new homes was $296,000.

This financial year has seen $4.5 million in commercial approvals, indicating limited commercial development focus compared to residential growth. In Greater Adelaide, Nairne shows about half the construction activity per person but ranks among the 79th percentile nationally for building activity, which has accelerated recently. All recent developments have been detached houses, maintaining the area's low-density character and appealing to families seeking space.

There are approximately 160 people per dwelling approval in Nairne, indicating an expanding market. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Nairne will add 889 residents by 2041, with building activity keeping pace with these growth projections despite potential buyer competition as the population grows.

Nairne has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 29thth percentile nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch identified five projects likely impacting the region. Notable ones are Larkview Mount Barker, Springlake Communities, Amblemead Estate, and Onkaparinga Valley Road Intersection Upgrade. The following details these projects in order of relevance.

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

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Employment conditions in Nairne demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Nairne has a skilled workforce with an unemployment rate of 3.7% as of December 2025. This is slightly lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%. The employment growth in Nairne over the past year was estimated at 5.1%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 4.2%.

As of December 2025, 3,364 residents are employed in Nairne. The workforce participation rate is 76.5%, higher than Greater Adelaide's 66.0%. According to Census responses, 12.9% of residents work from home.

Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. However, health care & social assistance is under-represented in Nairne compared to Greater Adelaide, with only 15.2% of the workforce in this sector. Employment levels increased by 5.1% and labour force increased by 5.4% during the year to December 2025, leading to a slight rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Nairne's employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, with variations across industry sectors.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023. Nairne SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $54,374 and an average level of $62,529. Both figures were below the national averages of $54,808 and $66,852 respectively for Greater Adelaide. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, current estimates as of March 2026 would be approximately $59,904 (median) and $68,888 (average). Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Nairne cluster around the 55th percentile nationally. Income distribution reveals that the largest segment comprises 40.6% earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, with 2,384 residents falling into this category. This aligns with regional levels where this cohort also represents 31.8%. After housing expenses, 85.3% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Nairne is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In Nairne, as per the latest Census evaluation, 98.5% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 1.5% being semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is in contrast to Adelaide metro's figures of 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Nairne stood at 25.0%, with mortgaged properties making up 54.1% and rented dwellings accounting for 20.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,500, lower than Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. The median weekly rent in Nairne was recorded at $350, compared to Adelaide metro's figure of $320. Nationally, Nairne's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Nairne features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 77.4% of all households, including 36.3% couples with children, 27.4% couples without children, and 12.9% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 22.6%, with lone person households at 20.7% and group households comprising 2.0%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

Nairne performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

The area's university qualification rate is 23.6%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 42.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 17.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are held by 40.8% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.8% and certificates at 29.0%. Educational participation is high, with 29.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 12.4% in primary education, 6.9% in secondary education, and 4.3% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Nairne has 18 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are serviced by six different routes that together provide 230 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these stops is rated as good, with residents typically located 303 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Nairne's primarily residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport, used by 92% of residents. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling in Nairne, which is above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 12.9% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 32 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 12 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Nairne are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Nairne shows below-average health indicators based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are higher than average. Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% (2,959 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 52.7%. Nationally, the average is 55.7%. Mental health issues impact 10.2%, while asthma affects 9.2% of residents. 68.8% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Adelaide's 67.9%. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 15.0% (882 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Adelaide's 19.2%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings higher than the general population.

Nairne is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Nairne, as per the census conducted on 9 August 2016, exhibited a cultural diversity below average. The population born in Australia constituted 87.0%, with 92.5% being citizens, and 96.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 34.7% of Nairne's population.

While Judaism was overrepresented, it still made up only 0.1% compared to Greater Adelaide's 0.1%. Regarding ancestry, the top groups were English (32.6%), Australian (31.7%), and German (7.7%). Notably, Dutch (2.6%) and Hungarian (0.4%) groups were overrepresented in Nairne compared to regional averages of 1.2% and 0.3%, respectively. Welsh representation was equal at 0.6%.

Nairne's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Nairne is 36, which is slightly below Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and also slightly under the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Nairne has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (14.5%) but fewer people aged 75-84 (4.8%). Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the percentage of Nairne's population aged 75 to 84 increased from 3.2% to 4.8%, while the 35 to 44 age group rose from 13.0% to 14.0%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort decreased from 14.0% to 11.7% and the 0 to 4 age group fell from 7.6% to 6.5%. By 2041, Nairne's population is projected to experience significant shifts in its age structure. The 65 to 74 age group is expected to grow by 35%, increasing from 538 to 728 residents. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 age group is forecast to grow at a more modest pace of 6%, adding just 23 residents.