Penola

Penola has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Penola's population is around 3,231 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 124 people (4.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,107 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,192 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 24 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2.1 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Penola's 4.0% growth since the census positions it within 2.9 percentage points of the SA3 area (6.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 57.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Regarding demographic trends, lower quartile growth of Australia's regional areas is anticipated, with the area expected to increase by 68 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 0.9% in total over the 17 years.

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 around 6 new dwelling approvals per year, totalling 33 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 4 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 1.1 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), the market shows a good balance between supply and demand, supporting stable conditions, while new homes are being built at an average value of $285,000. Additionally, $5.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting the area's residential character.

Relative to the Rest of SA, Penola has significantly less development activity (58.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. This is similarly below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Meanwhile, new construction has been completely comprised of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 583 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Future projections show Penola adding 29 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.

Penola has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 10thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 1 single project has been identified by AreaSearch that is likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan, the Limestone Coast Energy Park, the Wattle Range Council General Code Amendment, and the Melbourne To Adelaide Freight Rail Improvements, 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.

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AreaSearch assessment positions Penola ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Penola possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of only 3.1%, and 2.4% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 1,749 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.6% below Regional SA's rate of 5.7%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (66.6% compared to Regional SA's 58.8%). Based on Census responses, a low 12.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, manufacturing, and health care & social assistance. The area has particular employment specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 2.2 times the regional level. In contrast, health care & social assistance employs just 8.1% of local workers, below Regional SA's 13.9%. 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, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 2.4% and labour force increased by 3.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.9 percentage points. This compares to Regional SA, where employment grew by 0.7%, labour force expanded by 3.1%, and unemployment rose 2.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Penola. 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 Penola's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.0% over five years and 10.0% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Penola SA2's median income among taxpayers is $49,259, with an average of $57,877. This is lower than average on a national basis, and compares to Regional SA's median of $48,920 and average of $58,933. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $53,594 (median) and $62,970 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Penola, between the 21st and 35th percentiles. Income analysis reveals the predominant cohort spans 30.1% of locals (972 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, consistent with broader trends across the region showing 27.5% in the same category. Housing costs are manageable with 91.6% retained, though disposable income sits below average at the 31st percentile.

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

Dwelling structure within Penola, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 94.8% houses and 5.2% 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 Penola was higher than that of Regional SA, at 44.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (33.5%) or rented (22.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional SA average at $896, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $181, compared to Regional SA's $1,153 and $220. Nationally, Penola's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

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

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (15.4%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 11.2%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.3%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.9%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 34.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.0%) and certificates (26.9%).

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 indicates relatively positive outcomes for Penola residents, with AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions showing results broadly in line with national benchmarks. A fairly standard level of common health conditions is seen across both young and old age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~1,557 people). The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.1 and 8.5% of residents, respectively, while 64.7% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 62.5% across Regional SA. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 25.6% of residents aged 65 and over (825 people), which is lower than the 27.1% in Regional SA. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Penola was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 88.8% of its population being citizens, 90.2% born in Australia, and 96.7% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Penola is Christianity, which makes up 44.7% of people in Penola, compared to 45.2% across Regional SA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Penola are Australian, comprising 34.5% of the population, English, comprising 31.3% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 9.6% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 6.1% of Penola (vs 8.2% regionally) and Dutch at 1.3% (vs 1.3%).

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

The 48-year median age in Penola is similar to Regional SA's average of 47 and similarly well above the national norm of 38. Compared to the Regional SA average, the 55 - 64 cohort is notably over-represented (16.5% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (8.4%). This 55 - 64 concentration is well above the national 11.2%. Since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.9% to 8.7% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 9.2% to 10.3%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 13.0% to 10.8% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 14.5% to 13.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Penola. The 85+ cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 105%, adding 80 residents to reach 157. Senior residents (65+) will drive 99% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. Conversely, both the 35 to 44 and 25 to 34 age groups will see reduced numbers.