Roxby Downs

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Roxby Downs's population is around 4,118 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 142 people (3.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,976 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,089 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 14 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 14.3 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Roxby Downs's 3.6% growth since the census positions it within 1.1 percentage points of the SA3 area (4.7%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 60.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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. Looking at population projections moving forward, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to shrink by 252 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 45 to 54 age group, which is projected to expand by 37 people. See the age section for more details.

The level of residential development activity in Roxby Downs is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Roxby Downs shows minimal construction activity with less than 1 new dwelling approved annually (3 approvals over five years). These low development levels reflect the rural nature of the area, where development is typically driven by specific local housing needs rather than broad market demand. Note: with such low approval numbers, yearly growth figures and relativities can vary considerably based on individual projects.

Roxby Downs has substantially lower development levels than the Rest of SA. Development levels are likewise under national averages.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, Roxby Downs may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Roxby Downs has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 9thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 3 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Roxby Downs Area School Refurbishment, Olympic Dam Underground Growth Projects, Olympic Dam Smelter Refinery Expansion Project, and the Woomera Redevelopment Program, 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.

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.

The exceptional employment performance in Roxby Downs places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Roxby Downs features a skilled workforce, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of just 1.4%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 2,681 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 4.3% below Regional SA's rate of 5.7%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (88.6% compared to Regional SA's 58.8%). Based on Census responses, a low 3.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are mining, construction, and accommodation & food. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in mining, with employment levels at 17.6 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.2% versus the regional average of 14.5%. With 1.6 workers for every resident, as at the Census, the area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 0.2% alongside the labour force increasing by 1.1%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.9 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional SA, where employment rose by 0.7%, the labour force grew 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 Roxby Downs. 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 Roxby Downs's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.1% over five years and 10.3% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

The Roxby Downs SA2's income level is exceptionally high nationally according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Roxby Downs SA2's median income among taxpayers is $103,714 and the average income stands at $113,009, which compares to figures for Regional SA's of $48,920 and $58,933 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $112,841 (median) and $122,954 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Roxby Downs, between the 97th and 99th percentiles nationally. The data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 35.1% of the community (1,445 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 27.5% in the same category. The substantial proportion of high earners (54.3% above $3,000/week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout the locality. After housing costs, residents retain 91.6% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Roxby Downs is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Roxby Downs, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 96.7% houses and 3.4% 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 Roxby Downs was lagging that of Regional SA, at 6.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (23.0%) or rented (70.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional SA average at $1,517, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $260, compared to Regional SA's $1,153 and $220. Nationally, Roxby Downs's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Roxby Downs features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 70.9% of all households, comprising 39.9% couples with children, 22.5% couples without children, and 7.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 29.1%, with lone person households at 24.3% and group households comprising 4.8% of the total. The median household size of 2.7 people is larger than the Regional SA average of 2.3.

Roxby Downs 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 (17.2%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 12.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 48.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (7.8%) and certificates (40.2%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 34.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 17.6% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Roxby Downs's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Roxby Downs, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts see low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 76% of the total population (3,133 people). This compares to 48.9% across Regional SA. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 6.9% and 5.8% of residents, respectively, while 81.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 62.5% across Regional SA. The area has 2.6% of residents aged 65 and over (107 people), which is lower than the 27.1% in Regional SA. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Roxby Downs was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 80.3% of its population being citizens, 84.5% born in Australia, and 90.0% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Roxby Downs is Christianity, which makes up 35.1% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 1.5% of the population, compared to 0.6% across Regional SA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Roxby Downs are Australian, comprising 32.4% of the population, English, comprising 28.8% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 6.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Filipino is notably overrepresented at 2.7% of Roxby Downs (vs 0.7% regionally), Maori at 1.1% (vs 0.2%) and Welsh at 0.7% (vs 0.5%).

Roxby Downs hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

With a median age of 30, Roxby Downs is considerably lower than the Regional SA figure of 47 and similarly significantly lower than Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Regional SA average, the 25 - 34 cohort is notably over-represented (21.5% locally), while 65 - 74 year-olds are under-represented (2.1%). This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. In the period since 2021, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 18.7% to 21.2% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.8% to 11.2%. Demographic modeling suggests Roxby Downs's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to see notable expansion, increasing by 62 people (13%) from 462 to 525. Conversely, both 0 to 4 and 65 to 74 age groups will see reduced numbers.