Naracoorte

An assessment of population growth drivers in Naracoorte reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Naracoorte's population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, is approximately 6474 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 181 people, a growth rate of 2.9%, since the 2021 Census which recorded a population of 6293. The change is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 6455 in June 2025 and an additional 79 validated new addresses post-Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 56 persons per square kilometer. Naracoorte's growth rate since the Census, at 2.9%, is within 2 percentage points of the SA3 area's rate of 4.9%. The primary driver for this growth was overseas migration contributing approximately 97.7% of overall population gains.

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, based on 2021 data and released in 2023. Future population trends indicate an overall decline of 18 persons by 2041, with specific age cohorts expected to grow, notably the 85 and over group projected to increase by 193 people.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Naracoorte according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Naracoorte has seen approximately 21 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 109 homes. As of FY-26, 8 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.6 new residents per year per dwelling constructed were recorded between FY-21 and FY-25. This suggests supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth above projections.

The average construction value of new properties was $242,000. In FY-26, $16.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of SA, Naracoorte records about 69% of building activity per person and ranks among the 47th percentile nationally, suggesting limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established dwellings. This is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

All new construction has been detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 475 people, indicating a quiet, low activity development environment. With stable or declining population expected, Naracoorte should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Naracoorte has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 4thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified six projects that could affect this region. Major initiatives include Moyhall Road Reconstruction, North Parklands Development, NRLE Sheep eID Infrastructure Upgrade, and Naracoorte Workers' Accommodation Facility. The following list details those most relevant:.

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AreaSearch assessment positions Naracoorte ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Naracoorte's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent. The unemployment rate was 3.1% in December 2025, lower than Regional SA's 5.7%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.8%. As of December 2025, 3,465 residents were employed, with a workforce participation rate of 67.2%, higher than Regional SA's 58.3%. Census data showed that 4.9% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in manufacturing, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and retail trade, particularly manufacturing which is at 1.9 times the regional average.

Health care & social assistance employment stands at 10.5%, lower than Regional SA's 13.9%. Many Naracoorte residents commute elsewhere for work. Over a 12-month period ending in December 2025, employment increased by 1.8% while unemployment rose by 1.4 percentage points. In comparison, Regional SA saw employment grow by 0.7%, with unemployment rising by 2.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Naracoorte's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.8% over five years and 11.2% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023 shows Naracoorte SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $47,639 and an average income of $59,453. These figures are lower than the national averages of $48,920 (median) and $58,933 (average). Considering Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year ending June 2023, estimated incomes for March 2026 would be approximately $52,484 (median) and $65,499 (average). Census 2021 data ranks Naracoorte's household, family, and personal incomes modestly, between the 26th and 40th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 33.3% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 per year. Housing costs are manageable with 89.0% retained, but disposable income is below average at the 33rd percentile.

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

In Naracoorte, as per the latest Census, 94.5% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 5.5% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Regional SA's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Naracoorte stood at 37.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.3% and rented ones at 27.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, below Regional SA's average of $1,153. Median weekly rent in Naracoorte was $230, compared to Regional SA's $220. Nationally, Naracoorte's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Naracoorte features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households compose 65.9% of all households, including 26.5% couples with children, 31.1% couples without children, and 7.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 34.1%, with lone person households at 29.7% and group households comprising 4.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, larger than the Regional SA average of 2.3.

Naracoorte faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 13.8%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.1%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 35.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 8.3% and certificates at 26.7%. Educational participation is high, with 26.0% currently enrolled in formal education, including 12.7% in primary, 6.7% in secondary, and 1.6% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.7% in primary education, 6.7% in secondary education, and 1.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Naracoorte has one active public transport stop operating within the area. This stop is serviced by one route, collectively providing ten weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility in Naracoorte is rated as limited, with residents typically located 1209 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. The car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 94%, with 4% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 4.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages one trip per day across all routes, equating to approximately ten weekly trips per individual stop.

Naracoorte's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Naracoorte residents' health data shows favourable outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks. Common health conditions have low prevalence across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is lower than average at 49%, compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (8.4%) and asthma (7.7%), while 70.4% report no medical ailments, higher than Regional SA's 62.5%. Under-65 residents have better health outcomes than average. Naracoorte has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 22.1%, compared to Regional SA's 27.1%. Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, ranking higher than the general population nationally.

In terms of cultural diversity, Naracoorte records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Naracoorte's cultural diversity is above average, with 19.9% born overseas and 14.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 45.1%. Islam is overrepresented compared to Regional SA, making up 5.3% versus 0.5%.

Top ancestry groups are Australian (30.7%), English (30.5%), and Other (8.3%). Notably, German (5.6%) and Maori (1.2%) are overrepresented in Naracoorte compared to Regional SA figures of 8.2% and 0.2%, respectively. Filipino representation is also higher at 1.9%.

Naracoorte's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Naracoorte's median age is 40 years, which is significantly lower than Regional SA's 47 years but slightly higher than the national average of 38 years. Compared to Regional SA, Naracoorte has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (14.1%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (10.7%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the proportion of residents aged 15-24 has increased from 10.2% to 11.2%, while the proportion of those aged 55-64 has decreased from 11.5% to 10.7%. By 2041, Naracoorte's age composition is expected to shift significantly. The number of residents aged 85 and above is projected to grow by 83%, reaching 414 from 225. This demographic aging will result in residents aged 65 and older representing 91% of the anticipated growth. Conversely, both the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups are expected to decrease in number.