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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Naracoorte Surrounds's population is around 2,487 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 92 people (3.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,395 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,454 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 39 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 0.60 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 80.0% 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 using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Anticipating future population dynamics, lower quartile growth of national regional areas is expected, with the area expected to increase by 113 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 3.2% in total over the 17 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 around 4 residential properties granted approval annually, totalling 24 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 2 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 2.3 people per year moving to the area per new home constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), reflecting robust demand that underpins property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $316,000. Additionally, $19.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting balanced commercial development activity.

Relative to the Rest of SA, Naracoorte Surrounds records markedly lower building activity (60.0% below regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. This activity is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. Furthermore, recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, preserving the area's low-density nature, with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 655 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low-activity development environment.

Future projections show Naracoorte Surrounds adding 80 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Naracoorte Surrounds has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 7thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 7 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, Naracoorte High School Major Upgrades, and NRLE Sheep eID Infrastructure Upgrade, 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 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, an unemployment rate of just 1.2%, and 2.6% estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 1,540 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 4.6% below Regional SA's rate of 5.7%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (77.7% compared to Regional SA's 58.8%). Based on Census responses, a high 28.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing. The area shows particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 3.8 times the regional level. Meanwhile, health care & social assistance has a limited presence with 6.3% 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 increase by 2.6% alongside a labour force increase of 3.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.6 percentage points. By comparison, Regional SA recorded employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 3.1%, and unemployment rising 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 Surrounds. 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 Surrounds's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 3.9% over five years and 9.6% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Naracoorte Surrounds SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $49,670 and an average of $63,149 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is lower than average on a national basis, contrasting with Regional SA's median income of $48,920 and average income of $58,933. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $54,041 (median) and $68,706 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, personal income ranks at the 63rd percentile ($874 weekly), while household income sits at the 43rd percentile. Income brackets indicate 35.2% of the population (875 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 27.5% similarly occupy this range. After housing costs, residents retain 95.0% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power, and 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

Dwelling structure within Naracoorte Surrounds, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 98.0% houses and 2.0% 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 Surrounds was well beyond that of Regional SA, at 55.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (25.7%) or rented (18.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional SA average at $900, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $150, compared to Regional SA's $1,153 and $220. Nationally, Naracoorte Surrounds's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 75.9% of all households, comprising 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% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people is 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (17.0%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 13.6%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 37.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (26.6%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 1 active transport stop operating within Naracoorte Surrounds. These stops are serviced by 1 individual route, collectively providing 10 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 car remains the dominant mode at 85%, with 10% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 2.3 per dwelling, above the regional average. A high 28.1% 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 Surrounds's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Naracoorte Surrounds, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~1,255 people). The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 7.1% and 7.1% of residents, respectively, while 73.4% 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 22.3% of residents aged 65 and over (554 people), which is lower than the 27.1% in Regional SA. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 89.4% of its population being citizens, 93.7% born in Australia, and 98.0% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Naracoorte Surrounds is Christianity, which makes up 46.2% of the population. This compares to 45.2% across Regional SA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Naracoorte Surrounds are Australian, comprising 35.0% of the population, English, comprising 34.2% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 10.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is represented at 7.9% of Naracoorte Surrounds (vs 8.2% regionally), Sri Lankan at 0.2% (vs 0.0%) and Samoan at 0.1% (vs 0.0%).

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

Naracoorte Surrounds's median age of 44 years is slightly younger than Regional SA's 47 but significantly higher than the Australian median of 38. The age profile shows 45 - 54 year-olds are particularly prominent (13.5%), while the 75 - 84 group is comparatively smaller (6.5%) than in Regional SA. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 4.7% to 6.5% of the population, while the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 12.9% to 14.0%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 9.1% to 7.4% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 13.6% to 12.5%. Demographic modeling suggests Naracoorte Surrounds's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to expand considerably, increasing by 103 people (64%) from 161 to 265. Senior residents (65+) will drive 74% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, both the 5 to 14 and 25 to 34 age groups will see reduced numbers.