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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Penola has an estimated 3,196 residents, up from 3,107 at the 2021 Census — a change of 89 people, or 2.9%. Fewer than ten people live on each square kilometre, across a boundary that takes in surrounding rural land. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to investigations by AreaSearch, the population of Penola is calculated to be approximately 3,196 as of May 2026. This indicates an expansion of 89 residents (2.9%) from the 2021 Census, which documented 3,107 individuals. This adjustment is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 3,192 combined with 24 validated new addresses registered after the Census. Such a population size results in a density of 2.1 persons per square kilometer, which suggests a spacious living environment. The 2.9% rise in the local population since the census lags by 2.0 percentage points behind the broader SA3 region (4.9%), yet still displays sound growth characteristics.
The population expansion was mostly driven by natural increase, which accounted for roughly 50.0% of the total population gains in recent times. AreaSearch utilizes the ABS/Geoscience Australia population projections for each SA2 unit, which were published in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. In cases where SA2 units lack this data, or for projections extending past 2032, regional and LGA projections by age bracket from the SA State Government (published in 2023 using 2021 data) are applied, adjusted via a weighted aggregation method transitioning LGA trends to SA2 boundaries. Looking ahead at regional demographic patterns, growth is projected to align with the lower quartile of regional Australia, with an estimated addition of 65 residents by 2041 based on recent annual ERP counts, representing a total increase of 1.9% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
33 new dwellings have been approved in Penola over the past five years, an average of 6 a year. That is 2.1 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 6, broadly in line with that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
An average of 33 building approvals for new dwellings has been registered in Penola over the last 5 financial years, translating to about 6 homes annually. In the current FY-26 period, 6 approvals have been documented so far. With a ratio of 1.2 residents moving to the locality for every new dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, the local residential sector exhibits a healthy equilibrium between supply and demand, fostering steady market conditions while new builds average a construction cost of $285,000. Furthermore, $5.4 million in commercial building approvals have been authorized during this financial year, which underscores the primarily residential character of the locality.
Compared against the Rest of SA benchmark, Penola displays a low volume of construction activity, sitting 58.0% below the regional per capita average. This minimal level of building construction tends to sustain demand and support values for the existing housing stock. A similar low trend is visible relative to the national average, reflecting an established locality that may face planning constraints. Meanwhile, developers have focused entirely on detached houses, maintaining the low-density profile of the neighborhood and appealing to buyers seeking extra space. The ratio of 585 people for every single dwelling approval highlights a quiet development sector with low levels of activity. Long-term forecasts indicate that Penola will add 61 residents by 2041, according to the most recent quarterly estimates from AreaSearch. Under the current pace of construction, the supply of new housing is projected to easily satisfy demand, creating favorable buying opportunities and potentially facilitating growth above current projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Penola
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 68 current infrastructure and development projects close to Penola, worth an estimated $11.7 billion. 12 are already under construction and 22 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans transport & logistics, energy and communities, precincts & urban renewal. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure updates, planning policy alterations, and major developments can significantly influence the performance of a region. AreaSearch has identified 1 project expected to have a local impact. Relevant initiatives include the Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan, Limestone Coast Energy Park, Wattle Range Council General Code Amendment, and Melbourne To Adelaide Freight Rail Improvements, with details provided below for those most relevant.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan
A water allocation plan setting rules for groundwater management in the Lower Limestone Coast, ensuring long-term sustainability and security of the water resource for environmental, social, cultural, and economic needs.
Mount Gambier Regional Airport Master Plan 2025-2035
Endorsed District Council of Grant master plan guiding Mount Gambier Regional Airport improvements from 2025 to 2035. Short-term actions include a small playground, renewable energy systems, carpark extension and an investment prospectus. Longer-term actions include runway extensions and resurfacing, an onsite commercial precinct and public toilet refurbishment, with advocacy for a flying school, airport history display and tourism growth across the Limestone Coast.
Limestone Coast Energy Park
The Limestone Coast Energy Park includes two co-located batteries totaling 500 MW / 1,500 MWh in South Australia's Limestone Coast area.
The Meadows Estate
A multi-stage residential estate development in Worrolong, currently progressing through Stage 8. The development offers various allotment sizes ranging from 420m2 to 878m2, with comprehensive services including natural gas, sewerage, SA Water, power and NBN FTTP. Located a short drive from Mount Gambier schools, Marketplace Shopping Centre and Attamurra Golf Course. The estate features level allotments with fencing on three boundary sides and retaining walls included.
Mount Gambier Marketplace Large Format Retail Expansion
Axiom Properties is developing a 17,000 square metre Large Format Retail precinct on a 6.12-hectare site adjacent to the existing Mount Gambier Marketplace. The project involves two separate lots intended to consolidate the area as the region's primary retail hub. As of mid-2026, the developer is progressing through the planning phase and securing pre-commitments from national tenants, with construction expected to follow the satisfaction of leasing thresholds.
Rail Trail Extension to O'Leary Road
4.2km extension of existing rail trail connecting to O'Leary Road, featuring sealed pathway, rest areas, interpretive signage, and native vegetation restoration. Part of broader cycling and walking network development.
Limestone Coast Hydrogen Hub (LCH2)
The Limestone Coast Hydrogen Hub (LCH2) is a first-of-its-kind industrial decarbonisation project co-located at Kimberly-Clark Australia's Millicent Mill in South Australia's South-East. The hub will produce green hydrogen via electrolysis powered by renewable wind energy from the South Australian Renewable Energy Zone, with KCA secured as the Tier 1 anchor offtake customer from day one. The project is planned in two stages: Stage 1 will blend 20 percent green hydrogen by volume into the existing natural gas supply feeding the mill's co-generation turbine, with first hydrogen production targeted for Q3 2027; Stage 2 will see the mill transition to 100 percent green hydrogen for all process heat by 2029.A 60MW electrolyser is planned, with feasibility study completed in August 2024 by WGA and Linde Engineering. energy south Pty Limited acquired the operating rights from entX in April 2025; project partners include DGA (a Mitsubishi Corporation subsidiary), with binding offtake agreement and FEED commencement expected to follow. Long-term plans include expansion into hydrogen export and derivative products such as green methanol and ammonia.
Lot 1 Riddoch Highway Development Potential (Worrolong)
4.99 acres of land in Worrolong with 'Employment' zoning, offering prime development potential for large scale business or future subdivision (STCA). Located on a main arterial road directly opposite Sturm Road, which is under commercial development.
1,768 residents of Penola are employed, from a labour force of 1,819. Unemployment sits at 2.8%, with participation at 67.3%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 4.0% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local workforce is evenly distributed between white-collar and blue-collar occupations, with manufacturing and industrial sectors displaying a strong presence. The unemployment rate is low at 2.8%, and estimated employment growth reached 3.5% over the past year. In March 2026, there were 1,768 employed residents, and the unemployment rate was 2.7% lower than the Regional SA average of 5.5%. The labor force participation rate is high at 67.3%, compared to 58.4% across Regional SA. Based on Census data, a modest 12.8% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure may have been influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns.
Local employment is largely concentrated within agriculture, forestry & fishing, manufacturing, and health care & social assistance. The region shows a high level of specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, which employs 2.2 times the proportion of workers compared to the regional average. Conversely, health care & social assistance accounts for only 8.1% of local jobs, compared to 13.9% across Regional SA. Although local jobs are available, a comparison of the Census working population against the resident population suggests a significant number of people travel outside the area for their jobs. Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics, employment rose by 3.5% and the labor force expanded by 3.8% during the year ending March 2026, leading to a 0.3 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. In comparison, Regional SA experienced a 1.2% rise in employment, a 2.6% expansion in the labor force, and a 1.4 percentage point increase in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia released in May-25 provide context for future trends. These five-year and ten-year forecasts have been compared to the local workforce structure to model future growth. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though rates vary by industry. Projecting these industry trends onto the local workforce mix suggests employment in Penola could grow by 4.0% over five years and 10.0% over ten years, based on a simple weighted extrapolation that does not account for local population changes.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Penola is $1,314 a week (about $68,000 a year), with median personal income at $737 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $49,259 a year against an average of $57,877. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
According to the latest postcode-level ATO data released for the financial year 2023, tax-paying residents in the Penola SA2 earn a median income of $49,259 and an average income of $57,877. These figures sit below the national averages, and compare to a median of $48,920 and an average of $58,933 for Regional SA. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since the financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be roughly $54,269 for the median and $63,763 for the average. Census statistics show that household, family, and individual incomes in Penola are modest, placing between the 21st and 35th percentiles.
The largest income cohort comprises 30.1% of the local population (961 people) earning in the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which aligns with the regional trend of 27.5% in this bracket. Housing expenses are manageable, with residents retaining 91.6% of their income, though disposable income is below average at the 31st percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Penola had 1,224 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 95% detached houses and 1% apartments. 34% are owned with a mortgage, 23% rented and 44% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $181 a week and the median mortgage repayment $896 a month. Rent absorbs 13.8% of household income here and mortgage repayments 15.7%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
The housing stock in Penola at the time of the latest Census consisted of 94.8% standalone houses and 5.2% alternative structures like semi-detached homes, apartments, or other dwellings, compared to 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings in Regional SA. The home ownership rate in Penola was higher than the Regional SA average at 44.0%, with remaining properties held under a mortgage (33.5%) or rented (22.5%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was lower than the regional average at $896, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $181, compared to Regional SA averages of $1,153 and $220.
Locally, mortgage payments are lower than the Australian median of $1,863, and rents are below the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Penola counted 1,224 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.3 people each. 24% are couples with children, against 33% couples without children. 31% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.0 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families represent the majority of households at 66.2%, consisting of couples with children at 24.1%, couples without children at 32.5%, and single parents at 9.4%. The remaining 33.8% are non-family households, which consist of single-person households at 31.3% and group housing at 2.3%. The median household occupancy is 2.3 persons, matching the Regional SA average.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
15.4% of adults in Penola hold a university qualification, including 11.2% with a bachelor degree and 1.9% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 88% of areas nationally. A further 26.9% hold a vocational qualification. 5 schools serve the area, with 375 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 954 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational attainment levels show some challenges, with the proportion of residents holding university qualifications (15.4%) sitting below the national average of 30.4%. This highlights a clear opportunity for targeted educational support. Bachelor degrees are held by 11.2% of the population, followed by graduate diplomas at 2.3% and postgraduate degrees at 1.9%. Vocational and technical training is common, with 34.9% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications, including advanced diplomas (8.0%) and certificates (26.9%). Enrolment rates in education are high, with 27.1% of the local population engaged in formal study. This cohort includes 13.8% in primary schools, 6.7% in secondary schools, and 1.9% undertaking tertiary courses.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Penola means driving: households keep an average of 1.7 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
64.7% of residents in Penola report no long-term health condition. 6.2% need daily assistance with core activities, and 48.2% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.6 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Public health metrics indicate favorable trends for residents of Penola. According to AreaSearch evaluations of mortality and medical histories, the population aligns with national standards, showing typical patterns of common illnesses across youth and older cohorts. Private health insurance participation is low, covering approximately 48% of the local population (~1,540 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent health issues in the area, affecting 10.1% and 8.5% of residents respectively. Conversely, 64.7% of the population reported no chronic medical conditions, compared to 62.5% across Regional SA.
The working-age cohort exhibits some challenges with higher rates of chronic illness. Residents aged 65 and over make up 25.4% of the population (811 people), which is lower than the Regional SA average of 27.1%. Senior health outcomes are positive, with national indicators exceeding those of the wider local population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Penola is largely Australian-born, at 90.2% of residents, with 3.3% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (34.5%) and English (31.3%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity metrics in Penola are below national averages, with citizenship at 88.8%, Australian-born residents at 90.2%, and monolingual English speakers at 96.7%. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 44.7% of residents, which is close to the 45.2% recorded across Regional SA. Regarding ancestral backgrounds, the three most common heritages reported in Penola are Australian at 34.5%, English at 31.3%, and Scottish at 9.6%. Some demographic variations exist, with German ancestry represented at 6.1% (compared to 8.2% regionally) and Dutch heritage at 1.3% (matching the 1.3% regional average).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Penola is 47, older than 84% of areas nationally. 19.0% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
Penola's median age is 47 years, matching the Regional SA average of 47 but exceeding the national median of 38. Compared to the Regional SA benchmark, the 55 - 64 age bracket is overrepresented at 16.5%, while the 25 - 34 bracket is underrepresented at 8.3%. The concentration of residents aged 55 - 64 is higher than the national figure of 11.2%. Post-2021 Census data indicates the 75 to 84 cohort expanded from 6.9% to 8.9% of the population, and the 15 to 24 group grew from 9.2% to 10.7%.
Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort decreased from 13.0% to 10.8%, and the 45 to 54 group fell from 14.5% to 13.1%. By 2041, demographic shifts are expected, with the 85+ cohort projected to grow by 109% (79 people) to reach 152 from 72. This aging trend is evident, with those aged 65+ making up 96% of the projected population growth, while the 25 to 34 and 15 to 24 age groups are expected to contract.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Penola
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 24 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (3,107 at the 2021 Census → 3,196 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (407021156). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.