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, as of November 2025, is approximately 3,205. This figure represents an increase of 98 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,107. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,192 in June 2024 and an additional 20 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2.1 persons per square kilometer. Penola's growth rate of 3.2% since the census is within 2.2 percentage points of the SA3 area, indicating strong growth fundamentals. Natural growth contributed approximately 57.1% to 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 and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data and adjusted using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Future demographic trends suggest lower quartile growth for Australia's regional areas. Based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, Penola is expected to increase by 68 persons to reach a total of approximately 3,273 by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of about 1.7% over the 17-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 FY26, four approvals have been recorded. The area has seen an average of 1.1 people moving in per year for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. New homes are being constructed at an average cost of $285,000.

This financial year has seen $5.4 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to the rest of South Australia, 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 below the national average, suggesting an established area with potential planning limitations. All new construction in the area has been detached dwellings, preserving its low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 583 people.

Future projections estimate Penola to add 55 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 5thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely affecting this 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 detailing 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, particularly in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.9%, with an estimated employment growth of 0.6% over the past year.

As of September 2025, 1,733 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.4%, below Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%. Workforce participation is high at 60.4%, compared to Rest of SA's 54.1%. Key industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, manufacturing, and health care & social assistance. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs a significant share (2.2 times the regional level), while health care & social assistance is lower at 8.1% compared to Rest of SA's 13.9%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data analysis. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.6%, labour force grew by 1.5%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.9 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of SA saw employment grow by 0.3%, labour force expand by 2.3%, and unemployment rise by 1.9 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Penola's employment should increase by 4.0% over five years and 10.0% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Penola's employment mix.

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

Penola SA2's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $48,199, with an average of $61,003. This is lower than the national average. The Rest of SA had a median income of $46,889 and an average of $56,582 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $54,383 (median) and $68,830 (average). Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Penola rank modestly, between the 21st and 35th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 30.1% of locals (964 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, which is consistent with broader regional trends at 27.5%. Housing costs are manageable, with 91.6% retained, 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

In Penola, as per the latest Census evaluation, 94.8% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 5.2% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. This is compared to Non-Metro SA's figures of 87.6% houses and 12.5% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in Penola was 44.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.5% and rented dwellings at 22.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $896, lower than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,083. The median weekly rent figure in Penola was $181, compared to Non-Metro SA's $205. Nationally, Penola's median monthly mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $896 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, while median weekly rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 33.8%, with lone person households at 31.3% and group households making up 2.3%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the Rest of 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 the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are 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%, comprising 13.8% in primary education, 6.7% in secondary education, and 1.9% in 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.

Health performance in Penola is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Penola faces significant health challenges with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~1602 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis, impacting 10.1% of residents, and mental health issues, affecting 8.5%. A total of 64.7% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.5% across Rest of SA. The area has 24.9% of residents aged 65 and over (797 people), which is higher than the 23.3% in Rest of SA. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

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 cultural diversity index below average. Its population comprises 88.8% citizens, 90.2% born in Australia, and 96.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, with 44.7%, compared to 42.9% across Rest of SA.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (34.5%), English (31.3%), and Scottish (9.6%). Notably, German and Dutch ethnicities are overrepresented in Penola at 6.1% and 1.3%, respectively, compared to regional averages of 6.4% and 1.7%.

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

The median age in Penola is 48 years, comparable to the Rest of South Australia's average of 47 but higher than the national average of 38. The 45-54 age cohort is notably more prevalent in Penola at 13.9%, compared to the Rest of SA's average, while the 25-34 age group is underrepresented at 8.6%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 6.9% to 8.3% of Penola's population, and the 15-24 cohort has risen from 9.2% to 10.2%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has decreased from 13.0% to 10.8%. By 2041, projections indicate significant demographic shifts in Penola. The 75-84 cohort is expected to grow by 31%, adding 83 residents to reach 350. Residents aged 65 and above will contribute to 97% of population growth, highlighting the trend of demographic aging. Conversely, both the 0-4 and 25-34 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.