Naracoorte Surrounds

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

Naracoorte Surrounds' population is approximately 2,485 as of May 2026. From the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,395 people, this reflects an increase of 90 individuals (3.8%). This growth can be inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,475 in June 2025 and an additional 43 validated new addresses since the Census date. The resulting population density is 0.60 persons per square kilometer. Naracoorte Surrounds' growth rate of 3.8% since the census places it within 1.1 percentage points of the SA3 area (4.9%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Natural growth contributed approximately 77.0% 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 by age category are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data, with adjustments made using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population dynamics anticipate a growth rate just below the median of regional areas nationally, with an expected increase of 133 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 5.0% over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Naracoorte Surrounds, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Naracoorte Surrounds has recorded approximately 4 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling 24 homes. As of FY-26, 2 approvals have been recorded. On average, 2.3 people per year have moved to the area for each new home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, reflecting strong demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $316,000.

In FY-26, $19.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the rest of South Australia, Naracoorte Surrounds records significantly lower building activity, 60.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. Development activity is also lower than the national average, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent development has consisted entirely of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated population count per dwelling approval is 655 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Naracoorte Surrounds is projected to add 123 residents by 2041. Development is keeping pace with projected growth, although increasing competition among buyers may arise as the population expands.

Naracoorte Surrounds has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 6thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Moyhall Road Reconstruction, North Parklands Development, Naracoorte High School Major Upgrades, and NRLE Sheep eID Infrastructure Upgrade. The following list details those most relevant:.

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 analysis of employment trends sees Naracoorte Surrounds performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Naracoorte Surrounds has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 1.2% as of December 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.6%.

There were 1,540 residents in work while the unemployment rate was 4.6% below Regional SA's rate of 5.7%. Workforce participation was 76.7%, compared to Regional SA's 58.3%. According to Census responses, 28.1% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries among residents were agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing.

The area had strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share of 3.8 times the regional level. Health care & social assistance had limited presence at 6.3% compared to Regional SA's 13.9%. Many residents commuted elsewhere for work based on Census working population counts. In the 12-month period ending December 2025, employment increased by 2.6% while labour force increased by 3.2%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.6 percentage points. Regional SA recorded employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 3.1%, with unemployment rising by 2.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Naracoorte Surrounds' employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 3.9% over five years and 9.6% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Naracoorte Surrounds SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $49,670 and an average income of $63,149 in financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than the national average, with Regional SA's median income being $48,920 and average income being $58,933. By March 2026, estimates suggest the median income would be approximately $54,721 and the average income $69,571, based on a 10.17% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. The 2021 Census places personal income at the 63rd percentile ($874 weekly) and household income at the 43rd percentile. Income brackets show that 35.2% of residents (874 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to the surrounding region where 27.5% occupy this range. After housing costs, residents retain 95.0% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Naracoorte Surrounds is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Naracoorte Surrounds, as recorded in the latest Census, 98.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 2.0% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This is compared to Regional SA's figures of 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in Naracoorte Surrounds was 55.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.7% and rented ones at 18.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $900, lower than Regional SA's average of $1,153. The median weekly rent in Naracoorte Surrounds was $150, compared to Regional SA's $220. Nationally, Naracoorte Surrounds' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Naracoorte Surrounds has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 75.9% of all households, including 34.0% couples with children, 37.3% couples without children, and 4.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 24.1%, with lone person households at 22.5% and group households comprising 1.3%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Regional SA average of 2.3.

Educational outcomes in Naracoorte Surrounds fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 17.0%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.6%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 37.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (26.6%). Educational participation is high at 27.3%, with 13.0% in primary education, 8.4% in secondary education, and 1.6% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.0% in primary education, 8.4% 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

The analysis of public transport in Naracoorte Surrounds indicates there is one active transport stop currently operating. This stop is serviced by one individual route, collectively offering ten weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 29583 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. The dominant mode of transport for these residents is car at 85%, with walking accounting for 10%. Vehicle ownership averages 2.3 per dwelling, which is above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 28.1% 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 Surrounds's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across Naracoorte Surrounds as per AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~1,254 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 7.1 and 7.1% of residents respectively, while 73.4% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, higher than the 62.5% across Regional SA. The under-65 population has better health outcomes than average. The area has 23.2% of residents aged 65 and over (577 people), 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.

The latest Census data sees Naracoorte Surrounds placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Naracoorte Surrounds had a cultural diversity score below average, with 89.4% of its population being citizens, 93.7% born in Australia, and 98.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 46.2% of people, compared to 45.2% across Regional SA. The top three ancestral groups were Australian (35.0%), English (34.2%), and Scottish (10.3%).

Notably, German ancestry was overrepresented at 7.9%, while Sri Lankan and Samoan ancestries were present but not significantly so at 0.2% and 0.1% respectively.

Naracoorte Surrounds hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Naracoorte Surrounds has a median age of 44 years, which is slightly younger than Regional SA's median of 47 but significantly higher than the Australian median of 38. The age profile shows that individuals aged 45-54 are particularly prominent, making up 13.3% of the population, while those aged 75-84 comprise a smaller proportion at 6.9%, compared to Regional SA. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 75-84 age group has grown from 4.7% to 6.9% of the population, and the 85+ cohort has increased from 0.9% to 2.3%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group has declined from 17.2% to 15.7%, and the 25-34 age group has dropped from 9.1% to 8.0%. Demographic modeling suggests that Naracoorte Surrounds' age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to expand considerably, with an increase of 111 people (65%) from 170 to 282. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 76% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, both the 25-34 and 0-4 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.