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 2,487 as of February 2026. This figure indicates a rise of 92 individuals (3.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,395 people. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,454 in June 2024 and an additional 39 validated new addresses post-Census date. This results in a density ratio of 0.60 persons per square kilometer. Natural growth contributed approximately 80.0% of overall population gains recently.

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 after 2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted, based on 2021 data and adjusted using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population growth is expected to be around the lower quartile of national regional areas, with an anticipated increase of 113 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 3.2% over the 17 years based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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 5 financial years, totalling 24 homes. In FY-26 so far, 2 approvals have been recorded. On average, 2.3 people moved to the area per new home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, reflecting robust demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $316,000.

This financial year, $19.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of SA, Naracoorte Surrounds records markedly 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, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated count of 655 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show Naracoorte Surrounds adding 80 residents by 2041, according to 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives 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 1.0% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 0.7%. As of September 2025, 1,525 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 4.3% lower than Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%.

Workforce participation is high at 76.9%, compared to Rest of SA's 58.5%. According to Census responses, 28.1% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing. The area specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share 3.8 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance has a limited presence at 6.3% compared to the regional average of 13.9%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 0.7%, labour force grew by 1.2%, and unemployment rose by 0.5 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of SA recorded employment growth of 0.3%, labour force growth of 2.3%, and an increase in unemployment rate of 1.9 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that over five years, national employment is expected to expand by 6.6% and by 13.7% over ten years. 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 the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This was lower than national averages, contrasting with Rest of SA's median income of $48,920 and average income of $58,933. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $54,041 (median) and $68,706 (average). According to the 2021 Census, personal income ranked at the 63rd percentile ($874 weekly), while household income was at the 43rd percentile. Income brackets showed that 35.2% of the population (875 individuals) fell within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 27.5% similarly occupied this range. After housing costs, residents retained 95.0% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power and placing the area's SEIFA income ranking in the 6th decile.

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

Naracoorte Surrounds' dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 98.0% houses and 2.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro SA's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Naracoorte Surrounds stood at 55.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.7% and rented ones at 18.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $900, below Non-Metro SA's average of $1,153. Median weekly rent was $150, compared to Non-Metro SA's $220. Nationally, Naracoorte Surrounds' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents 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 constitute 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 Rest of 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%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.6%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 37.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (26.6%).

Educational participation is high, with 27.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 13.0% in primary, 8.4% in secondary, and 1.6% in tertiary education.

Transport servicing is very low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Naracoorte Surrounds has one active public transport stop operating within its boundaries. This stop is serviced by one route, offering a total of ten weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility in the area is limited, with residents typically located 29583 meters from the nearest transport stop. The majority of residents commute outward from this primarily residential area. Car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 85%, while 10% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 2.3 per dwelling, which is above the regional average.

A high proportion of residents, 28.1%, work from home (as reported in the 2021 Census; this 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 exceptional results across Naracoorte Surrounds. AreaSearch's assessment indicates 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 (around 1,255 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. A significant majority, 73.4%, report being completely clear of medical ailments, higher than the 62.5% across Rest of SA. The under-65 population exhibits better than average health outcomes. The area has 22.3% of residents aged 65 and over (554 people), lower than the 27.1% in Rest of 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 level 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, making up 46.2% of people in Naracoorte Surrounds, compared to 45.2% across Rest of SA. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (35.0%), English (34.2%), and Scottish (10.3%).

Notably, German ancestry was overrepresented at 7.9%, Sri Lankan at 0.2%, and Samoan at 0.1%.

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 the Rest of SA's 47 but significantly higher than Australia's median age of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 45-54 are particularly prominent, making up 13.5% of the population, while the 75-84 age group is comparatively smaller at 6.5%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75-84 age group has grown from 4.7% to 6.5%, and the 65-74 cohort has increased from 12.9% to 14.0%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has declined from 9.1% to 7.4%, and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 13.6% to 12.5%. Demographic modeling suggests that Naracoorte Surrounds' age profile will evolve significantly by 2041, with the 75-84 age cohort projected to expand considerably, growing by 103 people (64%) from 161 to 265. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 74% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, both the 5-14 and 25-34 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.