Nairne
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Nairne are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Nairne's population is approximately 5,777 as of Aug 2025. This figure represents an increase of 450 people, equating to an 8.4% rise since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 5,327. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,697 in June 2024 and the addition of 64 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 232 persons per square kilometer, offering significant space per person and potential room for further development. Nairne's growth rate of 8.4% since the 2021 census exceeds both the state average (6.7%) and metropolitan area growth, positioning it as a regional growth leader. Natural growth contributed approximately 45.8% to overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and overseas migration remained positive factors.

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 by age category are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data, with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Demographic trends project an above median population growth for the area, with an expected increase of 1,013 persons by 2041 based on latest numbers, representing a total gain of 16.1% over the 17-year period.

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

Nairne has seen approximately 30 new homes approved each year. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis. There were a total of 154 approvals across the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, and 6 have been recorded so far in FY-26. On average, over these five years, there were about 3.1 new residents arriving per dwelling constructed each year.

This demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $382,000. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totalling $4.5 million have been recorded, suggesting the area's residential character.

Compared to Greater Adelaide, Nairne shows about half the construction activity per person while it ranks among the 80th percentile of areas assessed nationally. Building activity has accelerated in recent years. All recent development has been comprised of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character and appealing to those seeking family homes with space. There are approximately 160 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Future projections show Nairne adding 933 residents by 2041. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

Nairne has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 25thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects that could impact this region: Larkview Mount Barker, Springlake Communities, Amblemead Estate, and the Onkaparinga Valley Road Intersection Upgrade. The following details these key projects, focusing on those most relevant.

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

Employment performance in Nairne has been broadly consistent with national averages

Nairne's workforce is skilled with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate in Nairne was 3.9% as of June 2021.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.4%. As of June 2025, there were 3,280 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.8%, which is 0.1% below Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Nairne was 71.2%, higher than Greater Adelaide's 61.7%.

Dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. However, healthcare & social assistance is under-represented at 15.2% compared to Greater Adelaide's 17.7%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.4%, labour force grew by 1.7%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 2.1% with marginal unemployment increase. State-level data from Sep-25 shows SA employment grew by 1.06% year-on-year, adding 9,370 jobs, and the state unemployment rate was at 4.5%, broadly in line with the national rate of 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest potential future demand within Nairne. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Nairne's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.3%% over five years and 13.2% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022, Nairne had a median income among taxpayers of $52,393. The average income stood at $60,499. This is below the national average of $67,184 and compares to levels of $52,592 and $64,886 across Greater Adelaide respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $58,067 (median) and $67,051 (average) as of March 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Nairne cluster around the 56th percentile nationally. Looking at income distribution, the largest segment comprises 40.6% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (2,345 residents), aligning with regional levels where this cohort likewise represents 31.8%. After housing, 85.3% of income remains for other expenses and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Nairne is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Nairne, as per the latest Census, 98.5% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 1.5% comprising semi-detached properties, apartments, and other types. Compared to Adelaide metro's figures of 95.2% houses and 4.8% other dwellings, Nairne had a higher proportion of houses. Home ownership in Nairne stood at 25.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 54.1% and rented ones at 20.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, lower than Adelaide metro's average of $1,733. Weekly rent in Nairne was $350, matching Adelaide metro's figure but lower than the national average of $375. Nationally, Nairne's median monthly mortgage repayments were significantly below Australia's average of $1,863.

Nairne features high concentrations of family households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 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 constitute 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, which aligns with the Greater Adelaide average.

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 prevalent 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, 6.9% in secondary, and 4.3% in tertiary education. Nairne School - Preschool and Primary serves the local area, enrolling 407 students as of its current status. The school demonstrates typical Australian conditions (ICSEA: 1018) with balanced educational opportunities. It focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. School places per 100 residents are lower than the regional average at 7.0 compared to 14.1, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

Transport analysis shows 18 active stops operating in Nairne, consisting of buses only. These stops are served by 6 unique routes, offering a total of 230 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents located an average of 303 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 32 trips per day across all routes, resulting in about 12 weekly trips per individual stop.

Nairne's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Nairne's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks, showing a typical range of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 50% (~2,888 people) have private health cover, lower than Greater Adelaide's 55.2%. Nationally, the average is 55.3%.

Mental health issues impact 10.2% of residents, while asthma affects 9.2%. Around 68.8% claim to be free from medical ailments, similar to Greater Adelaide's 68.5%. The area has 14.0% (807 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Adelaide's 19.9%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Nairne are above average, generally matching the overall population's health profile.

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

Nairne's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 87.0% of its population born in Australia, 92.5% being citizens, and 96.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Nairne, comprising 34.7% of people. Judaism was overrepresented, making up 0.1% of the population compared to 0.1% across Greater Adelaide.

The top three ancestry groups were English (32.6%), Australian (31.7%), and German (7.7%). Notable divergences included Dutch being overrepresented at 2.6% in Nairne versus 1.8% regionally, Hungarian at 0.4% versus 0.3%, and Welsh at 0.6% versus 0.7%.

Nairne's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Nairne is 36, which is slightly lower than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Nairne has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (14.3%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (4.3%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 55-64 has increased from 11.7% to 13.1%, while the 75-84 age group has grown from 3.2% to 4.3%. Meanwhile, the 45-54 age group has decreased from 14.0% to 11.9%. By 2041, Nairne's population is expected to see significant shifts in its age composition. Notably, the 65-74 age group is projected to grow by 42%, adding 214 people and reaching a total of 725 from 510 previously. The 0-4 age group, however, is expected to grow at a more modest rate of 4%, adding only 17 residents.