Penola

Penola is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Penola's population was around 3,107 people as of May 2021, according to the Census. By June 2025, this had increased to an estimated resident population of 3,192, reflecting a growth of approximately 89 people (2.9%) since the Census date. This increase is attributed to natural growth contributing roughly 50% of overall population gains during recent periods and an additional 24 validated new addresses. As of May 2026, Penola's population is around 3,196, maintaining a density ratio of approximately 2.1 persons per square kilometer. This 2.9% growth since the Census positions Penola within 2.0 percentage points of its SA3 area (4.9%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. 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, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted, based on 2021 data and adjusted using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on demographic trends and latest annual ERP population numbers, Penola is anticipated to increase by approximately 65 persons to reach around 3,261 by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of about 1.9% over the 16-year period.

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

Penola has averaged approximately six new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 33 homes. As of FY-26, five approvals have been recorded. This results in an average of 1.1 people moving to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $285,000.

In FY-26, $5.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to the Rest of SA, Penola has significantly less development activity, 58.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties, which is also under the national average, suggesting an established nature with potential planning limitations. All new construction in Penola since FY-21 has been comprised of detached dwellings, preserving its low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 583 people.

Future projections indicate Penola adding 61 residents by 2041, with current development rates comfortably meeting demand and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Penola has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 11thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely to impact the region: Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan, Limestone Coast Energy Park, Wattle Range Council General Code Amendment, and Melbourne To Adelaide Freight Rail Improvements are key projects, with the following list highlighting 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 assessment positions Penola ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Penola has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent. The unemployment rate is 3.1%.

Employment growth over the past year is estimated at 2.4%. As of December 2025, 1,749 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.6%, lower than Regional SA's 5.7%. Workforce participation in Penola is 66.8%, higher than Regional SA's 58.3%. According to Census data, 12.8% of residents work from home.

Major industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, manufacturing, and health care & social assistance. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs a disproportionately high share at 2.2 times the regional level. Health care & social assistance employs 8.1% of local workers, below Regional SA's 13.9%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 2.4%, labour force grew by 3.4%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.9 percentage points. In comparison, Regional SA saw employment growth of 0.7%, labour force expansion of 3.1%, and an unemployment increase of 2.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Penola's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 4.0% over five years and 10.0% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Penola SA2's median income among taxpayers is $49,259. The average income in this area is $57,877. This is lower than the national average. Regional SA has a median income of $48,920 and an average of $58,933. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for March 2026 would be approximately $54,269 (median) and $63,763 (average). Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Penola rank modestly, between the 21st and 35th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 30.1% of locals (961 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category. This is consistent with broader regional trends showing 27.5% in the same category. Housing costs allow for retention of 91.6% of income, but disposable income ranks below average at the 31st percentile.

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

Penola's housing structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.8% houses and 5.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional SA's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Penola was at 44.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.5% and rented ones at 22.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $896, below Regional SA's average of $1,153. Median weekly rent in Penola was recorded at $181, compared to Regional SA's $220. Nationally, Penola's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

Penola features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 66.2% of all households, including 24.1% couples with children, 32.5% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 33.8%, with lone person households at 31.3% and group households comprising 2.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which matches the Regional SA average.

Penola faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 15.4%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.2%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.3%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 34.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.0%) and certificates (26.9%). Educational participation is high at 27.1%, with 13.8% in primary education, 6.7% in secondary education, and 1.9% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.8% in primary education, 6.7% in secondary education, and 1.9% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Penola's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health data for Penola shows positive outcomes overall. Mortality rates and health conditions align with national benchmarks.

Common health conditions affect both young and old age groups similarly. Private health cover is low at 48% (~1540 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common conditions are arthritis (10.1%) and mental health issues (8.5%), with 64.7% reporting no medical ailments, close to Regional SA's 62.5%. Working-age residents have higher chronic condition rates. Penola has 25.4% of residents aged 65 and over (811 people), lower than Regional SA's 27.1%. Senior health outcomes are above average, ranking high nationally.

Penola is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Penola has a low level of cultural diversity. It comprises 88.8% citizens, with 90.2% born in Australia and 96.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, practiced by 44.7% of Penola's population, compared to 45.2% across Regional SA.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (34.5%), English (31.3%), and Scottish (9.6%). Notably, German ancestry is higher at 6.1% in Penola than the regional average of 8.2%, while Dutch ancestry remains at 1.3%.

Penola hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Penola has a median age of 47 years, matching the Regional SA average but older than the Australian median of 38. The 55-64 cohort is notably over-represented in Penola at 16.5%, compared to the Regional SA average, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 8.3%. This concentration of the 55-64 age group is well above the national average of 11.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.9% to 8.9%, and the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 9.2% to 10.7%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 13.0% to 10.8%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 14.5% to 13.1%. By 2041, Penola is expected to see significant shifts in its age composition. The 85+ group will grow by 109%, reaching 152 people from 72. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 96% of projected growth. Both the 25-34 and 15-24 age groups are expected to have reduced numbers.