Strathalbyn Surrounds

Population growth drivers in Strathalbyn Surrounds are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Strathalbyn Surrounds' population is approximately 8,610 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 641 people, or 8.0%, since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 7,969. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,503 in June 2024 and an additional 122 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 5.7 persons per square kilometer. Strathalbyn Surrounds' growth rate exceeded that of non-metro areas (6.8%) and the state, indicating it as a region with significant population growth. Interstate migration contributed approximately 48.2% to overall population gains during recent periods, although all factors including natural growth and overseas migration were positive contributors.

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, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data and adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. According to projected demographic shifts, locations outside capital cities are expected to have above median population growth, with Strathalbyn Surrounds projected to expand by 1,420 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 15.2% over the 17-year period.

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

Strathalbyn Surrounds averaged approximately 52 new dwelling approvals annually. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, a total of 260 homes were approved, with an additional 14 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 2.4 people moved to the area per new home constructed over these past five financial years, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $279,000. This year has seen $13.9 million in commercial approvals, reflecting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the rest of South Australia, Strathalbyn Surrounds shows significantly reduced construction levels, with 51.0% fewer approvals per person, generally supporting stronger demand and values for established homes. Recent building activity consists solely of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character and appealing to those seeking space in family homes.

With around 148 people moving to the area per dwelling approval, Strathalbyn Surrounds exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is projected to gain 1,313 residents by 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favorable conditions for buyers while potentially allowing for population growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Strathalbyn Surrounds has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 9thth percentile nationally

"Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 39 projects potentially affecting this region. Notable ones are Lot 5 Hampden Way Local Activity Centre, Aurora Strathalbyn, Aspen Lifestyle Strathalbyn, and Air at Strathalbyn. The following list details those most relevant.".

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The labour market in Strathalbyn Surrounds shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Strathalbyn Surrounds has a skilled workforce with strong manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.3% as of September 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.1%. There are 4630 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, below Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%. Workforce participation is high at 60.9% compared to Rest of SA's 54.1%. Leading employment industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction.

Construction has a particularly strong presence with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Retail trade shows lower representation at 7.9% versus the regional average of 9.9%. Employment opportunities may be limited locally as indicated by Census data on working population vs resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.1%, labour force grew by 1.8%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of SA recorded employment growth of 0.3%, labour force growth of 2.3%, with unemployment rising 1.9 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Strathalbyn Surrounds. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 12.2% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Strathalbyn Surrounds's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.2% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Strathalbyn Surrounds SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $44,761 and an average income of $55,830. These figures are lower than national averages of $46,889 and $56,582 respectively for Rest of SA. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $50,504 (median) and $62,993 (average). Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly in Strathalbyn Surrounds, between the 27th and 34th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 32.1% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999, similar to the broader area at 27.5%. Housing costs allow for retention of 86.9%, but disposable income is below average at the 38th percentile, with the area's SEIFA income ranking placing it in the 5th decile.

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

In Strathalbyn Surrounds, as per the latest Census, 98.5% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 1.5% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This contrasts with Non-Metro SA's figures of 92.1% houses and 7.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Strathalbyn Surrounds stood at 41.9%, with mortgaged properties at 47.3% and rented ones at 10.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, higher than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,300. The median weekly rent in Strathalbyn Surrounds was $268, compared to Non-Metro SA's $280. Nationally, mortgage repayments were lower at $1,863 and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 75.6% of all households, including 32.9% couples with children, 35.1% couples without children, and 7.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 24.4%, with lone person households at 22.2% and group households making up 2.1%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Rest of South Africa average of 2.2.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 17.5%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 44.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (33.1%).

Educational participation is high, with 26.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 10.7% in primary, 8.8% in secondary, and 2.8% in tertiary education.

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

The public transport analysis indicates two active transport stops operating within Strathalbyn Surrounds. These stops serve a mix of buses, with one individual route providing service collectively resulting in five weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 15097 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages zero trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately two weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health indicators in Strathalbyn Surrounds suggest below-average outcomes with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population, which is around 4,098 people.

This is lower than the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 9.2 and 8.5% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 67.2% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 58.3% across Rest of SA. The area has 23.3% of residents aged 65 and over, which is around 2,004 people, lower than the 37.0% in Rest of SA. Health outcomes among seniors in Strathalbyn Surrounds are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Strathalbyn Surrounds had a low cultural diversity level, with 84.3% of its population born in Australia, 89.5% being citizens, and 97.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 38.1% of people in Strathalbyn Surrounds. The 'Other' category showed a slight overrepresentation with 0.5%, compared to 0.5% across Rest of SA.

The top three ancestry groups were English (35.7%), Australian (30.8%), and Scottish (7.8%). Notably, German (6.5%) was slightly overrepresented compared to the regional average of 6.7%. Dutch (1.7%) and Welsh (0.6%) also showed similar levels of representation to the regional averages.

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

Strathalbyn Surrounds has a median age of 47 years, matching the Rest of South Australia's average but considerably older than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Rest of SA average, the 45-54 cohort is notably over-represented at 13.8% locally, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 8.0%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.4% to 7.4% of the population between 2016 and 2021. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 15.2% to 13.8%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 17.2% to 16.2%. By 2041, Strathalbyn Surrounds is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading this demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 36%, reaching 866 people from 637. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 cohort grows by a modest 4%, adding 36 people.