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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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Renmark Surrounds has an estimated 5,566 residents, up from 5,080 at the 2021 Census — a change of 486 people, or 9.6%. Growth has averaged 1.4% a year over five years. Overseas migration accounts for 75.6% of that increase. 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 the analysis by AreaSearch, the resident population of Renmark Surrounds stands at approximately 5,566 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 486 individuals (9.6%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented 5,080 people. This population shift is calculated utilizing the ABS estimated resident population of 5,541 from June 2025 alongside 91 validated new addresses identified since the Census. With these figures, the density of the area is 6.2 persons per square kilometer, indicating a low density environment. The population expansion of 9.6% since the 2021 census outpaced the SA3 region (5.9%) and the Rest of SA, establishing the area as a regional growth leader.
The gains were primarily powered by overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 75.6% of the population increase, though positive contributions were also recorded from natural growth and interstate migration. For each SA2 locality, AreaSearch utilizes projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia published in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. Where these datasets are unavailable, and for periods beyond 2032, regional and LGA projections by age bracket issued by the SA State Government in 2023 based on 2021 figures are implemented, utilizing weighted aggregation to convert LGA trends to SA2 levels. Looking forward, the population is projected to expand at a rate slightly below the median for regional Australia, with an estimated rise of 416 residents by 2041 relative to the most recent annual ERP statistics, representing a total growth of 7.0% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
83 new dwellings have been approved in Renmark Surrounds over the past five years, an average of 16 a year. That places the area in the 55th percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 3 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 33, running ahead of 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
Renmark Surrounds has registered an average of approximately 16 new residential approvals annually, amounting to 83 dwellings over the last 5 financial years. In the current FY-26 period, 31 approvals have been logged. Because 4.5 residents have moved to the locality for every new home constructed over the past 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25), construction is failing to keep pace with demand, which typically intensifies buyer competition and drives up prices, with new homes averaging a building cost of $307,000. Furthermore, commercial building approvals have reached $13.4 million during this financial year, pointing to steady development in the commercial sector.
In comparison to the Rest of SA, the rate of residential approvals per capita in Renmark Surrounds is roughly half, positioning it in the 43rd percentile of evaluated areas nationwide, which restricts options for prospective buyers and channels interest toward established homes. This rate also sits below the national benchmark, reflecting the mature character of the area and pointing to possible planning constraints. Furthermore, all new residential construction has consisted of detached houses, maintaining the low-density profile of the neighborhood and appealing to buyers seeking space. The ratio of 441 people per residential approval highlights a quiet development landscape with low construction activity. Long-term forecasts indicate that Renmark Surrounds will add 391 residents by 2041, based on the most recent quarterly estimates from AreaSearch. If current construction volumes persist, the supply of new housing should easily satisfy demand, creating favorable buying conditions and potentially facilitating growth that surpasses current demographic forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Renmark Surrounds
Loading development applications…
| 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 2 current infrastructure and development projects inside Renmark Surrounds, worth an estimated $4 million. A further 47 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $932 million. 13 are already under construction and 14 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans communities, precincts & urban renewal, residential development and transport & logistics. 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 projects, planning choices, and development works represent major drivers of regional economic performance. AreaSearch has identified 6 projects that are expected to influence the local area. The primary developments include the Jane Eliza Waterfront Estate, the Big Orange Redevelopment, the Barmera Jetty Redevelopment, and the Berri Energy Project, with details of the most significant works provided below.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Paringa Town Centre Revitalisation
Beautification and upgrade of the main street in Paringa, including new public toilets with improved accessibility, lighting, and security measures. Aims to create a welcoming and inclusive space for residents and visitors.
Taylor Riverfront Precinct
Transformation of Renmark's riverfront open space to create a high-quality regional destination. Includes a new visitor information centre, 'eat street' on Murray Avenue, feature lighting, water play, BBQs, and family recreation areas.
Revive Renmark
A continuation of the Urban Design Framework, which includes upgrades to Murray Avenue and the Murray Avenue, Renmark Avenue and Ral Ral intersection. Aims to bring life and activity to the town centre and revive its economy.
Renmark High School Redevelopment
A multi-stage redevelopment project including a new administration building, library and student services upgrade, FLO creative teaching refurbishment, and Home Economics area upgrade. Also included major services and air conditioning and lighting upgrades to all buildings.
Jane Eliza Waterfront Estate
A river-based master-planned development on the banks of the River Murray in Renmark, featuring about 780 homes, townhouses and apartments, an expanded marina with 100 moorings, restaurants, shops, cafes, commercial tenancies, and residential and commercial precincts. It aims to boost Renmark's reputation as the State's most popular and iconic houseboat destination.
Renmark Riverfront Wharf Upgrade
The project involved a major upgrade of the Renmark Riverfront Wharf, including a new 3-metre wide walkway, improved access for houseboats, revitalised wharf area with improved lighting and accessible ramps. The new wharf is designed to withstand high river flow and flooding. It aims to revitalize and enhance the amenity and liveability by repairing damage, ensuring flood resilience, accessibility, and asset longevity for 30-50 years.
Twentyfirst Street Bridge Replacement
Replacement of the Twentyfirst Street Bridge to improve connectivity, road safety and ensure flood resilience. The project includes demolition of the old bridge, new bridge abutments, installation of five bridge girders, wingwalls and culvert works, and road formation.
Barmera Jetty Redevelopment
Redevelopment of the Barmera foreshore jetty at Lake Bonney, focused on creating a safe, accessible and durable jetty reflecting the unique character of the lake. Following two rounds of community consultation in 2023 and concept design refinement, Council resolved in February 2026 to proceed with detailed design of the preferred U-shape design, which received 52.61% of community votes. Detailed design is 100% externally funded through a $175,000 grant from the South Australia Constraints Measures project (part of the Australian Government Basin Plan).Construction is subject to securing further external funding, with no confirmed timeline.
3,159 residents of Renmark Surrounds are employed, from a labour force of 3,235. Unemployment sits at 2.3%, with participation at 69.3%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.0% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 4,946, about 89% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. 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 labor market in Renmark Surrounds is balanced between white and blue collar jobs across multiple industries, featuring a very low unemployment rate of 2.3% and an estimated job growth rate of 3.3% over the prior year. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 3,159, with the local unemployment rate sitting 3.1% below the Regional SA level of 5.5%, while workforce participation was exceptionally high at 69.3% compared to 58.4% for Regional SA. Census records indicate that a modest 9.0% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure may reflect the influence of pandemic lockdowns.
Local employment is heavily weighted toward agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The region shows a strong concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with its share of employment reaching 1.7 times the regional average. Conversely, health care & social assistance accounts for only 11.1% of local workers, which is below the Regional SA average of 13.9%. The ratio of the working population at the Census relative to resident workers indicates that local employment opportunities are somewhat restricted. An analysis of SALM and ABS statistics by AreaSearch shows that in the year leading up to March 2026, employment grew by 3.3% and the total labor force grew by 3.7%, resulting in a 0.3 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. Over the same period in Regional SA, employment rose by 1.2%, the labor force grew by 2.6%, and the unemployment rate increased by 1.4 percentage points. Additional guidance on future labor demand is provided by national employment projections released by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25. These five and ten-year forecasts have been aligned with local employment sectors to project future growth. Nationally, employment is predicted to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with performance varying widely by sector. Applying these industry projections to the employment structure of Renmark Surrounds suggests that local employment would grow by 5.0% over five years and 11.3% over ten years, noting that this is a basic weighted extrapolation that does not account for local population dynamics.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Renmark Surrounds is $1,459 a week (about $76,000 a year), with median personal income at $749 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $47,545 a year against an average of $53,213. 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
Based on the most recent postcode level ATO statistics released for financial year 2023, taxpayers in the Renmark Surrounds SA2 recorded a median income of $47,545 and an average income of $53,213. This represents a level below the national benchmark, and compares 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 financial year 2023, estimates for March 2026 stand at roughly $52,380 for the median and $58,625 for the average. Census data indicates that household, family, and individual incomes are all relatively low in Renmark Surrounds, falling between the 33rd and 38th percentiles.
The largest cohort contains 35.1% of residents (1,953 people) earning in the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which aligns with regional patterns where 27.5% of the population falls into this bracket. Housing costs are manageable, with residents keeping 90.2% of their income, although disposable income ranks below average at the 40th percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Renmark Surrounds had 1,846 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 93% detached houses and 1% apartments. 41% are owned with a mortgage, 16% rented and 43% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $200 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,178 a month. Rent absorbs 13.7% of household income here and mortgage repayments 18.6%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census, the housing stock in Renmark Surrounds was composed of 92.6% separate houses and 7.5% alternative dwelling types like semi-detached properties, apartments, or other residences, compared to 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings in Regional SA. The level of home ownership in Renmark Surrounds matched Regional SA at 42.8%, while the remaining homes were either mortgaged (41.0%) or occupied by tenants (16.1%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the locality was higher than the Regional SA average at $1,178, whereas the median weekly rent stood at $200, compared to regional figures of $1,153 and $220.
On a national scale, mortgage payments in Renmark Surrounds are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rent levels are also significantly below the national average of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Renmark Surrounds counted 1,846 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 2,023 today, averaging 2.5 people each. 31% are couples with children, against 34% couples without children. 23% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.9 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family households constitute the majority of residences at 74.8%, which includes couples with children at 31.1%, couples without children at 34.3%, and single parent households at 8.3%. Non-family households account for 25.2% of the total, with single person households representing 23.1% and group houses making up 2.3%. The median household size is 2.5 residents, which is larger than the Regional SA average of 2.3.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
10.9% of adults in Renmark Surrounds hold a university qualification, including 8.5% with a bachelor degree and 1.1% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 93% of areas nationally. A further 31.5% hold a vocational qualification. 2 schools serve the area, with 259 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 949 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
The locality exhibits low rates of tertiary education, with university qualification levels at 10.9%, which is well below the national rate of 30.4%. This represents an area for potential educational development. Among these qualifications, bachelor degrees represent 8.5%, graduate diplomas account for 1.3%, and postgraduate degrees make up 1.1%. Vocational education is prominent, with 40.1% of residents aged 15+ holding trade or technical credentials, divided between advanced diplomas at 8.6% and certificates at 31.5%. Enrollment rates in education are high, with 25.8% of the local population engaged in formal study.
This student cohort is distributed across primary school (12.0%), secondary school (7.9%), and tertiary institutions (1.7%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Renmark Surrounds means driving: households keep an average of 2.0 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
68.2% of residents in Renmark Surrounds report no long-term health condition. 5.3% need daily assistance with core activities, and 46.3% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 3.7 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health indicators in Renmark Surrounds show favorable outcomes, with low rates of common health issues observed across both younger and older demographics. However, the proportion of residents with private health insurance is very low at roughly 46% of the population (~2,577 people). This compares to a rate of 48.9% in Regional SA and a national average of 55.7%. Arthritis and asthma are the most prevalent health issues in the area, affecting 9.2% and 7.4% of the population respectively, while 68.2% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 62.5% in Regional SA.
Working-age individuals experience higher than average rates of chronic health issues. Seniors aged 65 and over constitute 21.6% of the population (1,202 people), which is lower than the 27.1% seen in Regional SA. Health standards among this older cohort are strong, aligning well with broader national trends.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Renmark Surrounds is largely Australian-born, at 88.1% of residents, with 12.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (32.2%) and English (29.0%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
The population of Renmark Surrounds exhibits lower levels of cultural diversity, with citizens making up 88.9% of the population, Australian-born residents accounting for 88.1%, and English-only speakers at home representing 87.6%. Christianity is the primary religion, practiced by 45.2% of the population. The most prominent statistical divergence is in the Other category, which represents 1.4% of the population compared to 0.8% across Regional SA. Regarding parental ancestry, the three largest groups in Renmark Surrounds are Australian (32.2%), English (29.0%), and German (10.1%). Significant differences are visible in other ethnic backgrounds: Greek ancestry is highly represented at 4.2% of the population compared to 0.6% regionally, Croatian is at 0.9% compared to 0.3%, and Vietnamese is at 0.7% compared to 0.1%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Renmark Surrounds is 43. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 26.0% 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
The median age of 43 years in Renmark Surrounds is lower than the Regional SA average of 47, yet higher than the national median of 38 years. The demographic profile is notable for a high proportion of 25 - 34 year-olds (13.9%), while the 75 - 84 cohort is smaller (7.2%) than in Regional SA. Since 2021, the 25 to 34 age bracket has increased from 11.8% to 13.9% of the population, and the 75 to 84 bracket has risen from 5.2% to 7.2%. In contrast, the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 14.1% to 11.1%, and the 55 to 64 group declined from 15.7% to 13.8%.
By 2041, demographic shifts will alter the age structure, led by a 129% growth in the 85+ cohort, which will increase from 110 to 252 residents (an increase of 141 people). The aging trend is apparent as individuals aged 65+ represent 54% of the projected population growth, while the number of residents aged 55 to 64 is expected to decrease by 122.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Renmark Surrounds
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, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Jun 2026 2 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 Jun 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 — 91 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (5,080 at the 2021 Census → 5,566 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 (407031168). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.