Naracoorte
Statistical Area - sa2

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 of August 2025, is approximately 6,475. This figure represents an increase of 182 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,293. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,447 in June 2024 and an additional 72 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 56 persons per square kilometer. Naracoorte's 2.9% growth since the census places it within 2.5 percentage points of the SA3 area, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 86.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 are adopted, based on 2021 data and adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Future trends indicate an overall population decline of 27 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 85 and over age group, projected to increase 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 approximately 21 new homes approved annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, totalling 109 approvals across the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, with one recorded so far in FY-26. On average, about 0.6 new residents have been arriving per new home each year over these five years, indicating supply meeting or surpassing demand and providing greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth above projections. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $398,000.

In the current financial year, $16.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the rest of South Australia, Naracoorte has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and places among the 48th percentile of areas assessed nationally, offering more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. This is below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, maintaining Naracoorte'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 population projections showing stability or decline, Naracoorte should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Naracoorte has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 23rdth percentile nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified six projects potentially impacting the region. Key initiatives are NRLE Sheep eID Infrastructure Upgrade, North Parklands Development, Moyhall Road Reconstruction, and Naracoorte Workers' Accommodation Facility, with the following list detailing those most relevant:.

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

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

Naracoorte has a balanced workforce with representation across white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are strongly represented.

As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 2.4%. In June 2025, 3,401 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.2% lower than Rest of SA's 4.6%. Workforce participation in Naracoorte stands at 61.1%, above Rest of SA's 54.1%. Key industries include manufacturing, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and retail trade.

Manufacturing employment is particularly high, at 1.9 times the regional average. Health care & social assistance employs 10.5% of local workers, below Rest of SA's 13.9%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Naracoorte's labour force decreased by 2.3%, employment fell by 3.2%, leading to a 1.0 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of SA had an employment decline of 1.2% and labour force growth of 0.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Naracoorte's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 4.8% over five years and 11.2% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Naracoorte's median taxpayer income was $48,610 and average income was $59,423 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than national averages. Rest of SA had a median income of $46,889 and an average of $56,582 in the same period. By March 2025, estimates suggest Naracoorte's median income could reach approximately $53,874 and average income $65,859, factoring a 10.83% growth based on Wage Price Index figures. Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Naracoorte rank modestly, between the 26th and 40th percentiles. The $1,500 - $2,999 earnings band includes 33.3% of Naracoorte residents (2,156 individuals), aligning with broader regional trends at 27.5%. Housing costs allow for 89.0% retention, yet disposable income ranks below average at the 34th percentile.

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

The dwelling structure in Naracoorte, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 94.5% houses and 5.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro SA's 87.6% houses and 12.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Naracoorte stood at 37.2%, similar to Non-Metro SA, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (35.3%) or rented (27.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, aligning with the Non-Metro SA average. The median weekly rent figure was $230, compared to Non-Metro SA's $205. Nationally, Naracoorte's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 constitute 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 account for 34.1%, with lone person households at 29.7% and group households comprising 4.1%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is larger than the Rest of 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 at 13.8%, substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 11.1%, followed by graduate diplomas at 1.4% and postgraduate qualifications at 1.3%. Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 35.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 8.3% and certificates at 26.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 12.7% in primary, 6.7% in secondary, and 1.6% in tertiary education. Naracoorte's four schools have a combined enrollment reaching 1,123 students as of the latest data. The schools demonstrate typical Australian school conditions with balanced educational opportunities, having an ICSEA score of 975. The educational mix includes two primary, one secondary, and one K-12 school.

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 service operating within its boundaries. This service is a mix of bus routes. There are ten weekly passenger trips provided by this single route.

Transport accessibility in Naracoorte is limited, with residents typically located 1209 meters from the nearest transport stop. The 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

Health data for Naracoorte shows relatively positive outcomes. The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 50% (~3,205 people) of the total population has private health cover, which is lower than the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (8.4%) and asthma (7.7%). Around 70.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.5% in the Rest of SA. As of 21st June 2021, 21.7% (1,402 people) of Naracoorte's residents are aged 65 and over, which is lower than the 23.3% in the Rest of SA. Health outcomes among seniors in Naracoorte are particularly strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Naracoorte was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Naracoorte's population, as per the 2016 Census, showed above-average cultural diversity with 19.9% born overseas and 14.8% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity dominated religious affiliations in Naracoorte at 45.1%. Islam was overrepresented compared to the rest of South Australia (SA), comprising 5.3% versus 1.1%.

Ancestry data showed Australian origin at 30.7%, English at 30.5%, and Other at 8.3%. Notable divergences included German ancestry, at 5.6% in Naracoorte compared to 6.4% regionally, Maori at 1.2% versus 0.4%, and Filipino at 1.9% against 0.8%.

Naracoorte's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Naracoorte's median age is 40 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of SA's 47 years but slightly higher than the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of SA, Naracoorte has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (13.7%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (10.1%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 10.2% to 11.0%, while the population aged 45-54 has decreased from 11.6% to 11.0%. By 2041, Naracoorte's age composition is expected to change significantly. The number of residents aged 85 and above is projected to grow by 86% (from 227 to 422), leading the demographic shift. Residents aged 65 and older will represent 95% of this growth. Conversely, both the 0-4 and 15-24 age groups are expected to decrease in number.