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 November 2025, is approximately 6,478. This figure represents an increase of 185 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,293. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,450 in June 2024 and an additional 72 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density 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 (5.4%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 86.8% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary population growth in the area.

AreaSearch adopts 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, SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data and adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population trends indicate an overall decline in the area's population. According to this methodology, the population is expected to decrease by 27 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are projected to grow, notably the 85 and over age group, which is anticipated to increase by 201 people during this period.

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, four approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.6 new residents per year have been associated with each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. This suggests that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering greater buyer choice and supporting potential population growth above projections.

The average expected construction cost of these new properties has been $242,000. In the current financial year, Naracoorte has recorded approximately $16.4 million in commercial development approvals, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of SA, Naracoorte records around 69% of the building activity per person. Nationally, it places among the 48th percentile of areas assessed, suggesting somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established dwellings.

All new construction in Naracoorte has been 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 population per dwelling approval is 475 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. With population expected to remain stable or decline, Naracoorte should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects likely impacting the region. Notable ones are NRLE Sheep eID Infrastructure Upgrade, North Parklands Development, Moyhall Road Reconstruction, 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 dominate, with an unemployment rate of 2.4% as of June 2025.

There are 3,401 employed residents, below the Rest of SA's rate of 4.6%, but above its participation rate of 54.1%. Key industries include manufacturing, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and retail trade. Manufacturing stands out with employment levels at 1.9 times the regional average. However, health care & social assistance has a lower presence at 10.5% compared to the region's 13.9%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data analysis. In the year ending June 2025, Naracoorte's labour force decreased by 2.3%, employment declined by 3.2%, leading to a rise in unemployment of 1.0 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of SA's 1.2% employment fall and 1.2% unemployment increase. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but local projections suggest Naracoorte may grow at approximately 4.8% over five years and 11.2% over ten years based on its current employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2022 shows Naracoorte had median taxpayer income of $48,610 and average income of $59,423. These figures are lower than national averages of $57,075 and $64,244 respectively. In Rest of SA, median and average incomes were $46,889 and $56,582. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% from financial year ended June 2022 to September 2025, estimated median income in Naracoorte is approximately $54,847 and average income is $67,047. According to Census 2021 data, incomes in Naracoorte rank modestly, between 26th and 40th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. Income brackets indicate that 33.3% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 27.5% fall within this range. Housing costs take up 89.0% of income, with disposable income ranking 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

Dwelling structure in Naracoorte, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 29 August 2016, comprised 94.5% houses and 5.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro SA's 87.6% houses and 12.5% 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, aligning with Non-Metro SA's 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 account for 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%. The median household size is 2.4 people, 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'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, including advanced diplomas (8.3%) and certificates (26.7%). Educational participation is high at 26.0%, comprising primary education (12.7%), secondary education (6.7%), and tertiary education (1.6%).

Naracoorte's four schools have a combined enrollment of 1,123 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions with an ICSEA score of 975. The educational mix includes two primary schools, one secondary school, 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 stop operating, serving a mix of bus routes. This stop is serviced by one route, providing ten weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically located 1209 meters from the nearest transport stop.

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 shows Naracoorte residents have relatively positive health outcomes. The prevalence of common health conditions is low across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 50% (~3,206 people) of the total population has private health cover, slightly lower than the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 8.4% of residents) and asthma (7.7%). A majority, 70.4%, report being completely clear of medical ailments, higher than the Rest of SA's 65.5%. In Naracoorte, 21.7% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,403 people), lower than the Rest of SA's 23.3%. Seniors in Naracoorte perform 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 showed above-average cultural diversity with 19.9% born overseas and 14.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Naracoorte, accounting for 45.1%. Islam, however, was significantly overrepresented at 5.3%, compared to the regional average of 1.1%.

In terms of ancestry, Australian (30.7%), English (30.5%), and Other (8.3%) were the top three groups. Notable divergences included German at 5.6% (vs regional 6.4%), Maori at 1.2% (vs regional 0.4%), and Filipino at 1.9% (vs regional 0.8%).

Naracoorte's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Naracoorte's median age is 40 years, which is significantly below Rest of SA's 47 and slightly above the national average of 38. Compared to Rest of SA, Naracoorte has a higher concentration 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 45-54 age group has declined from 11.6% to 11.0%. By 2041, Naracoorte's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 86%, reaching 422 people from the current 227. 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.