Renmark Surrounds
Statistical Area - sa2

An assessment of population growth drivers in Renmark Surrounds reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Renmark Surrounds' population is approximately 5,500 as of August 2025. This figure represents an increase of 420 people, equivalent to an 8.3% growth since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 5,080 people. The change is inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 5,450 in June 2024 and an additional 75 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 6.1 persons per square kilometer. Renmark Surrounds' growth rate exceeded both its SA3 area (5.7%) and non-metro areas, indicating it as a regional growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 73.0% to the overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses 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, SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted, based on 2021 data and adjusted using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Future demographic trends suggest a population increase just below Australia's regional median, with the area expected to grow by 453 persons to reach 6,087 by 2041, reflecting a total increase of approximately 7.3% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Renmark Surrounds when compared nationally

Renmark Surrounds has averaged approximately 16 new dwelling approvals per year. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis, with 83 dwellings approved over the past five financial years between FY-21 and FY-25, and an additional two recorded so far in FY-26. On average, 4.2 new residents have been added annually for every home built during these five years, indicating that supply has significantly lagged demand, which typically results in heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average construction value of new homes is $509,000, which is moderately higher than regional levels, suggesting a focus on quality construction.

This financial year has seen $13.4 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating steady commercial investment activity in the area. When compared to Rest of SA, Renmark Surrounds records roughly half the building activity per person and places among the 45th percentile of areas assessed nationally, suggesting more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. This level is also below average nationally, which reflects the area's maturity and potentially points to planning constraints. Recent development has been entirely comprised of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes that appeal to those seeking space.

The estimated population count per dwelling approval in Renmark Surrounds is 434 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate that Renmark Surrounds will gain approximately 403 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Renmark Surrounds has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 0thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects likely impacting the region. Notable ones are Jane Eliza Waterfront Estate, Big Orange Redevelopment, Barmera Jetty Redevelopment, and McLean Street Residential Estate. The following details those most relevant:.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

AreaSearch assessment positions Renmark Surrounds ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Renmark Surrounds has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, diverse industry representation, and an unemployment rate of 2.2% as of June 2025. There are 2,992 residents employed, with the unemployment rate being 2.4 percentage points lower than Rest of SA's rate of 4.6%.

Workforce participation is higher at 62.9%, compared to Rest of SA's 54.1%. Key industries for employment include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance employs only 11.1% of local workers, below Rest of SA's 13.9%.

The labour force decreased by 2.3% and employment decreased by 2.9% in Renmark Surrounds from June 2024 to June 2025, leading to an unemployment rate increase of 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of SA saw employment contract by 1.2%, labour force grow by 0.1%, and unemployment rise by 1.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industries. Applying these projections to Renmark Surrounds' employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.0% over five years and 11.3% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows Renmark Surrounds had a median taxpayer income of $46,086 and an average income of $51,692. Nationally, the median was $46,889 and the average was $56,582. By March 2025, estimates suggest these figures would be approximately $51,077 (median) and $57,290 (average), based on a 10.83% increase in wages since financial year 2022. Census data indicates Renmark Surrounds has modest household, family, and personal incomes, ranking between the 33rd and 39th percentiles. The largest income segment in Renmark Surrounds is 35.1%, earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,930 residents), similar to the broader area where 27.5% fall into this range. Housing costs are manageable with 90.2% retained, but disposable income is below average at the 40th percentile.

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

Renmark Surrounds had 92.6% houses and 7.5% other dwellings in the latest Census, compared to Non-Metro SA's 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Home ownership was 42.8%, with mortgages at 41.0% and rentals at 16.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,178, higher than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,083. Median weekly rent was $200 compared to Non-Metro SA's $220. Nationally, Renmark Surrounds' mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,178 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Renmark Surrounds has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 74.8% of all households, including 31.1% couples with children, 34.3% couples without children, and 8.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 25.2%, with lone person households at 23.1% and group households comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Rest of SA average of 2.3.

Renmark Surrounds 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 at 10.9%, significantly below the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.5%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.3%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.1%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 40.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (31.5%).

Educational participation is high at 25.8%, including 12.0% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 1.7% pursuing tertiary education. Renmark West Primary School and Renmark North School serve a total of 259 students, focusing exclusively on primary education with secondary options available in surrounding areas. Local school capacity is limited at 4.7 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 13.6, leading many families to travel for schooling.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health outcomes in Renmark Surrounds are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Renmark Surrounds' health indicators show below-average results. Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~2,541 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (9.2%) and asthma (7.4%). 68.2% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, higher than the Rest of SA's 61.8%. The area has 21.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,155 people), lower than the Rest of SA's 26.2%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

Renmark Surrounds ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Renmark Surrounds had a low cultural diversity level, with 88.9% of its population being citizens, 88.1% born in Australia, and 87.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 45.2%. The 'Other' category was slightly overrepresented at 1.4%, compared to 1.5% regionally.

For ancestry, Australian (32.2%), English (29.0%), and German (10.1%) were the top groups. Notably, Greek (4.2%), Croatian (0.9%), and Vietnamese (0.7%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 1.3%, 0.3%, and 0.2% respectively.

Renmark Surrounds hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Renmark Surrounds has a median age of 43 years, which is significantly lower than the Rest of SA average of 47 and substantially higher than the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 are particularly prominent at 13.9%, while those aged 75-84 comprise only 7.0%. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has grown from 11.8% to 13.9%, while the 75-84 cohort has increased from 5.2% to 7.0%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has declined from 14.1% to 11.6%, and the 55-64 group has dropped from 15.7% to 14.2%. By 2041, Renmark Surrounds is expected to see significant shifts in its age composition. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 38%, reaching 533 people from a base of 385. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 55% of the population growth, while numbers in the 55-64 age range are anticipated to fall by 128 individuals.