Naracoorte

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Naracoorte's population is around 6,550 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 257 people (4.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,293 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,447 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 78 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 56 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Naracoorte's 4.1% growth since the census positions it within 2.8 percentage points of the SA3 area (6.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 86.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to decline by 27 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to grow by 201 people.

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

Naracoorte has seen around 21 new homes approved per year, totalling 109 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 7 approvals have been recorded. Given an average of only 0.6 new residents per year per dwelling constructed 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 $242,000. Additionally, $16.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

When measured against the Rest of SA, Naracoorte records about 69% of the building activity per person and places in the 47th percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning somewhat limited buyer options and strengthening demand for established dwellings. This is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. Meanwhile, new construction has been completely comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 475 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

With the population expected to remain stable or decline, 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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 6 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Moyhall Road Reconstruction, North Parklands Development, NRLE Sheep eID Infrastructure Upgrade, and Naracoorte Workers' Accommodation Facility, 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.

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

Naracoorte has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of only 3.1%, and 1.8% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 3,465 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.6% below Regional SA's rate of 5.7%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (67.6% compared to Regional SA's 58.8%). Based on Census responses, a low 4.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in manufacturing, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and retail trade. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in manufacturing, with employment levels at 1.9 times the regional average. Meanwhile, health care & social assistance has a limited presence with 10.5% 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 1.8% alongside the labour force increasing by 3.3%, resulting in unemployment rising by 1.4 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 Naracoorte. 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 Naracoorte's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.8% over five years and 11.2% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Naracoorte SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $47,639 with the average level standing at $59,453. This is lower than average on a national basis and compares to levels of $48,920 and $58,933 across Regional SA respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $51,831 (median) and $64,685 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Naracoorte, between the 26th and 40th percentiles. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 33.3% of the community (2,181 individuals), reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 27.5% similarly occupy this range. Housing costs are manageable with 89.0% retained, though disposable income sits 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

Dwelling structure within Naracoorte, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 94.5% houses and 5.5% 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 Naracoorte lagged that of Regional SA, at 37.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (35.3%) or rented (27.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional SA average at $1,083, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $230, compared to Regional SA's $1,153 and $220. Nationally, Naracoorte's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 65.9% of all households, comprising 26.5% couples with children, 31.1% couples without children, and 7.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 34.1%, with lone person households at 29.7% and group households comprising 4.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people is 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (13.8%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 11.1%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.3%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 35.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.3%) and certificates (26.7%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 1 active transport stop operating within Naracoorte. These stops are serviced by 1 individual route, collectively providing 10 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility 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 at 94%, with 4% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. A relatively low 4.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 1 trip per day across all routes, equating to approximately 10 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

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Naracoorte residents, with AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions showing results broadly in line with national benchmarks. The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 49% of the total population (~3,202 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.4% and 7.7% of residents, respectively, while 70.4% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 62.5% across Regional SA. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 22.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,447 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.

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 is above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 19.9% of its population born overseas and 14.8% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Naracoorte is Christianity, which makes up 45.1% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Islam, which comprises 5.3% of the population, compared to 0.5% across Regional SA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Naracoorte are Australian, comprising 30.7% of the population, English, comprising 30.5% of the population, and Other, comprising 8.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is represented at 5.6% of Naracoorte (vs 8.2% regionally), Maori at 1.2% (vs 0.2%) and Filipino at 1.9% (vs 0.7%).

Naracoorte's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Naracoorte's median age of 40 years stands significantly below Regional SA's 47 while slightly above the 38-year national average. Relative to Regional SA, Naracoorte has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (13.8%) but fewer 65 - 74 year-olds (10.4%). Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 10.2% to 11.1% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 11.5% to 10.7%. By 2041, Naracoorte is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 85+ group will grow by 80% (187 people), reaching 422 from 234. Demographic aging continues as residents 65 and older represent 94% of anticipated growth. Conversely, both 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 age groups will see reduced numbers.