Strathalbyn
Statistical Area - sa2

Strathalbyn lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Strathalbyn's population is approximately 8,980 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 1,109 people, a 14.1% rise from the 7,871 recorded in the 2021 Census. The growth was inferred from the ABS's estimated resident population of 8,496 as of June 2024 and validated new addresses since then. This results in a population density of 57 persons per square kilometer. Strathalbyn's growth rate surpassed that of non-metro areas (6.8%) and the state, indicating strong regional leadership. Interstate migration contributed approximately 80.3% of 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 after 2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data and adjusted using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population projections indicate above median growth for Australia's non-metropolitan areas. By 2041, Strathalbyn is expected to expand by 1,522 persons, marking an 11.6% increase over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Strathalbyn among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Strathalbyn has seen approximately 106 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25533 homes were approved, and another 60 have been approved so far in FY26. On average, about 1.6 people moved to the area per dwelling built over these years.

This indicates a balance between supply and demand, contributing to stable market conditions. The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $267,000. In terms of commercial development, $21.0 million in approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting moderate levels of activity. Compared to the rest of South Australia, Strathalbyn has similar development levels per person, maintaining market equilibrium with surrounding areas and indicating robust developer interest.

Recent building activity consists solely of detached houses, preserving the area's traditional low-density character and appealing to those seeking family homes with space. The current population density is approximately 62 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. By 2041, Strathalbyn is projected to grow by 1,038 residents. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Strathalbyn has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 30thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified seven projects likely affecting this region. Key initiatives include Aurora Strathalbyn, Strathalbyn Town Centre Revitalisation, Air at Strathalbyn, and Lot 5 Hampden Way Local Activity Centre. The following list details 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 Strathalbyn ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Strathalbyn's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominent. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate was 2.2%.

In comparison to Rest of SA's rate of 4.6%, Strathalbyn's rate was 2.4% lower, while workforce participation matched Rest of SA's 54.1%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Health care & social assistance is particularly strong, with an employment share 1.2 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has a limited presence at 7.2%, compared to the regional average of 14.5%.

Over the year to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.2% and employment declined by 2.5%, leading to an unemployment rate increase of 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of SA saw an employment decline of 1.2%, labour force growth of 0.1%, with unemployment rising by 1.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest potential future demand in Strathalbyn. National employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Strathalbyn's employment mix indicates local growth of approximately 6.0%% over five years and 12.9% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that income in Strathalbyn is below the national average. The median income is $46,187 and the average income stands at $57,667. In contrast, Rest of SA has a median income of $46,889 and an average income of $56,582. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Strathalbyn would be approximately $52,113 (median) and $65,066 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data indicates that household, family and personal incomes in Strathalbyn all fall between the 19th and 19th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows that 29.3% of locals (2,631 people) have incomes in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, mirroring the surrounding region where 27.5% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Strathalbyn, with only 84.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 20th percentile.

Strathalbyn is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In Strathalbyn, as per the latest Census evaluation, 94.3% of dwellings were houses while 5.7% comprised semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasted with Non-Metro SA's figures of 92.1% houses and 7.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Strathalbyn stood at 40.6%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 39.7% and rented ones making up 19.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, higher than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,300. Median weekly rent in Strathalbyn was $300 compared to Non-Metro SA's $280. Nationally, Strathalbyn's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,500 versus Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 72.4% of all households, including 26.1% couples with children, 34.4% couples without children, and 11.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 27.6%, with lone person households at 25.8% and group households comprising 1.7%. The median household size is 2.4 people, larger than the Rest of SA average of 2.2.

Educational outcomes in Strathalbyn fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 16.2%, substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 11.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 2.4% and graduate diplomas at 1.9%. Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 42.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 11.5% and certificates at 31.1%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.8% in primary education, 8.4% in secondary education, and 3.0% pursuing tertiary education. Strathalbyn's 4 schools have combined enrollment reaching 1,713 students while the area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 995) with balanced educational opportunities. All 4 schools offer integrated K-12 education, providing continuity throughout students' academic journey. The area functions as an education hub with 19.8 school places per 100 residents – significantly above the regional average of 11.2 – attracting students from surrounding communities. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments please refer to parent campus.

Transport servicing is very low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Strathalbyn has four operational public transport stops, all serving buses. Two different routes operate here, offering a combined total of 60 weekly passenger trips. Residents' access to these services is limited, with an average distance of 868 meters to the nearest stop.

On average, there are eight daily trips across all routes, resulting in about fifteen weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Strathalbyn is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Strathalbyn faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 49%, covering around 4,391 people, compared to South Australia's average of 46.8% and a national average of 55.3%. The most frequent medical conditions are arthritis (10.9%) and mental health issues (10.0%).

Around 62.2% of residents report no medical ailments, higher than the Rest of South Australia's 58.3%. Approximately 27.1%, or 2,431 people, are aged 65 and over, lower than the Rest of South Australia's 37.0%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Strathalbyn, as per the findings, had a lower than average level of cultural diversity. The percentage of residents born in Australia was 87.1%, with 92.1% being citizens and 97.5% speaking English exclusively at home. Christianity emerged as the predominant religion in Strathalbyn, accounting for 42.3% of its population.

Notably, Judaism, which constitutes 0.1% of Strathalbyn's population, is overrepresented compared to the rest of South Australia where it is not present. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (36.1%), Australian (29.9%), and Scottish (8.7%). There were also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnicities: German was overrepresented at 7.7% compared to the regional average of 6.7%, Dutch at 1.9% versus 1.6%, and Welsh at 0.6%.

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

Strathalbyn's median age is 47 years, matching the Rest of South Australia average but significantly older than the Australian median of 38. The 15-24 cohort is notably over-represented in Strathalbyn compared to the Rest of SA average (10.9% locally), while the 55-64 age group is under-represented (13.2%). According to data from the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 8.9% to 10.0% of Strathalbyn's population. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 12.4% to 11.1%. By 2041, Strathalbyn is projected to experience significant shifts in its age composition. The 85+ group is expected to grow by 113%, reaching 591 people from the current 277. Meanwhile, population declines are anticipated for the 5-14 and 15-24 cohorts.