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, according to AreaSearch's analysis, is approximately 8,656 as of August 2025. This figure represents a growth of 785 individuals (10.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,871 people. The increase was inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,496 in June 2024 and an additional 262 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a population density of 55 persons per square kilometer. Strathalbyn's growth rate exceeded both the non-metro area (6.0%) and its SA4 region, indicating it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 80.3% of recent population gains.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data and adjusted using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population projections show an above-median growth for Australia's non-metropolitan areas, with Strathalbyn expected to expand by 1,522 persons to 2041, marking a 15.7% 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. Development approval data from the ABS shows 533 dwellings approved over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, with 31 approved so far in FY26. On average, 1.6 people have moved to the area per dwelling built during these years. This indicates a balanced supply and demand, creating stable market conditions.

The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $342,000, aligning with regional trends. In terms of commercial development, $21.0 million in approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating moderate levels. Compared to the Rest of SA, Strathalbyn has similar development levels per person, maintaining market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas, which is significantly above the national average. 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 area has approximately 62 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. By 2041, Strathalbyn is projected to grow by 1,362 residents. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good 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

AreaSearch has identified seven projects that are likely to impact the area due to changes in local infrastructure. Key projects 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.

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 stands at 2.2%.

In comparison, Rest of SA has an unemployment rate of 4.6%, which Strathalbyn exceeds by 2.4 percentage points. Workforce participation in Strathalbyn is at par with Rest of SA's 54.1%. Leading industries for residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Notably, health care & social assistance employs 1.2 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has a limited presence, employing only 7.2% compared to the regional average of 14.5%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over the year to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.2%, and employment declined by 2.5%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of SA saw an employment decline of 1.2% with a 0.1% increase in labour force and a 1.2 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's forecasts from May 2025 suggest national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Strathalbyn's employment mix indicates potential local growth of approximately 6.0% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ended June 30, 2022 indicates that income in Strathalbyn is below the national average. The median assessed income was $46,187, while the average income stood at $57,667. This contrasts with Rest of SA's figures where the median income was $46,889 and the average income was $56,582. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.83% since financial year ended June 30, 2022, current estimates would be approximately $51,189 (median) and $63,912 (average) as of March 2025. Census data from 2021 shows that household, family and personal incomes in Strathalbyn all fall between the 19th and 19th percentiles nationally. Distribution data indicates that the predominant cohort spans 29.3% of locals (2,536 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, mirroring the surrounding region where 27.5% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 20th percentile nationally.

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, with the remaining 5.7% consisting of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is compared to Non-Metro SA's 92.1% houses and 7.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Strathalbyn stood at 40.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.7% and rented properties at 19.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, above 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 median monthly mortgage repayment was lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and median weekly rent was substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 make up 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, which is 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 Strathalbyn 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

Transport analysis indicates four operational public transit stops within Strathalbyn. These comprise a mix of bus services, with two distinct routes serving these stops collectively offering sixty weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically situated 868 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages eight trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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% (around 4,232 people), lower than the Rest of SA's 46.8%, and below the national average of 55.3%. The most frequent medical issues are arthritis (10.9%) and mental health problems (10.0%).

About 62.2% claim to be free from ailments, compared to 58.3% in Rest of SA. Around 27.1% of residents are aged 65 and over (2,344 people), lower than the 37.0% in Rest of SA. Health outcomes among seniors present some difficulties 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 census conducted on Tuesday 28 June 2016, showed lower than average cultural diversity, with 87.1% of its residents born in Australia, 92.1% being citizens, and 97.5% speaking English exclusively at home. Christianity emerged as the predominant religion, comprising 42.3% of Strathalbyn's population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented in Strathalbyn, accounting for 0.1% compared to nil across the Rest of SA.

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups were English (36.1%), Australian (29.9%), and Scottish (8.7%). Other ethnicities with notable representation included German at 7.7%, Dutch at 1.9%, 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 SA average but older than Australia's median of 38. The 15-24 cohort is over-represented locally at 10.9%, compared to the Rest of SA average, while the 55-64 group is under-represented at 13.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75 to 84 age group grew from 8.9% to 10.0%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 12.4% to 11.1%. By 2041, Strathalbyn's 85+ group is expected to grow by 121%, reaching 591 people from 267. Meanwhile, the 15-24 age range is projected to decrease by 12%.