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 8,618 as of Nov 2025. This figure represents an increase of 649 people, an 8.1% rise since the 2021 Census which recorded a population of 7,969. The change is inferred from ABS estimates: 8,503 in June 2024 and an additional 122 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 5.7 persons per square kilometer. Strathalbyn Surrounds' growth of 8.1% since the 2021 census exceeds Rest of SA's 7.3%, positioning it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 48.2% of overall population gains, with other factors such as natural growth and overseas migration also 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 based on 2021 data are adopted. Projected demographic shifts indicate an above median population growth for locations outside capital cities. The area is expected to expand by 1,420 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 15.1% over the 17 years.

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-25260 homes were approved, with an additional 18 approved so far in FY-26. Over these five years, an average of 2.4 people moved to the area per new home constructed, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average construction cost value of $279,000. This financial year has seen $13.9 million in commercial approvals, reflecting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the rest of SA, Strathalbyn Surrounds shows reduced construction, with 51.0% fewer approvals per person, which generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. Recent building activity consists solely of standalone homes, maintaining the area's low-density character focused on family homes.

With around 148 people per dwelling approval, Strathalbyn Surrounds exhibits characteristics of a growth area. Population forecasts estimate an increase of 1,305 residents by 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Strathalbyn Surrounds has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 8thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 39 projects that could affect the region. Notable initiatives include Lot 5 Hampden Way Local Activity Centre, Aurora Strathalbyn, Aspen Lifestyle Strathalbyn, and Air at Strathalbyn. The following list details those projects most likely to be relevant.

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

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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 prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.3% in September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.1% over the past year. As of this date, 4630 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 3.0%, lower than Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%.

Workforce participation was 66.5%, higher than Rest of SA's 58.5%. According to Census responses, 16.6% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries were agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. The area had a particular specialization in construction with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level, while retail trade showed lower representation at 7.9% compared to the regional average of 9.9%.

Employment opportunities appeared limited locally based on Census data. 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 by 1.9 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Strathalbyn Surrounds' 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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released on June 30, 2023, Strathalbyn Surrounds SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $46,318 with an average level of $56,605. This is lower than the national average and compares to levels of $48,920 and $58,933 across Rest of SA respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $50,394 (median) and $61,586 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Strathalbyn Surrounds, between the 27th and 34th percentiles. Income analysis shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 32.1% of the community (2,766 individuals), similar to the broader area where 27.5% occupy this bracket. Housing costs are manageable with 86.9% retained, but disposable income sits below average at the 38th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

In Strathalbyn Surrounds, as per the latest Census, 98.5% of dwellings were houses, with 1.5% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Non-Metro SA's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Strathalbyn Surrounds stood at 41.9%, similar to Non-Metro SA. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (47.3%) or rented (10.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, higher than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,153. Median weekly rent in the area was $268, compared to Non-Metro SA's $220. Nationally, Strathalbyn Surrounds' mortgage repayments were lower at $1,517 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $268 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 75.6% of all households, consisting of 32.9% couples with children, 35.1% couples without children, and 7.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 24.4%, with lone person households at 22.2% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Rest of SA average of 2.3.

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 Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 44.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 11.0%, while certificates make up 33.1%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 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

Public transport analysis shows two active transport stops operating within Strathalbyn Surrounds. These stops serve a mix of buses, with one individual route collectively providing five weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 15097 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode at 91%, with 4% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 2.1 per dwelling, above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, some 16.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages zero trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately two weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Strathalbyn Surrounds is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Strathalbyn Surrounds exhibits better-than-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence across both young and elderly age groups. The prevalence of common health conditions is low in this area.

Approximately 48% (~4,093 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 9.2% of residents) and mental health issues (impacting 8.5%). A total of 67.2% declare themselves completely free from medical ailments, compared to 62.5% across the Rest of SA. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 23.3% of residents aged 65 and over (2,006 people), lower than the 26.5% in the Rest of SA. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, ranking higher than those of the general population nationally.

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, as per the data, shows low cultural diversity with 84.3% of its population born in Australia and 97.0% speaking English only at home. The majority religion is Christianity at 38.1%. The category 'Other' appears underrepresented at 0.5%, compared to Rest of SA's 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are English (35.7%), Australian (30.8%), and Scottish (7.8%). Some ethnicities show notable differences: German is overrepresented at 6.5% versus regional 8.2%, Dutch at 1.7% versus 1.3%, and Welsh at 0.6% versus 0.5%.

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 SA average but considerably higher 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%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75-84 age group has grown from 5.4% to 7.4% of the population. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 15.2% to 13.8%, and the 55-64 group has dropped from 17.2% to 16.2%. By 2041, Strathalbyn Surrounds is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 75-84 group will grow by 36%, adding 228 people to reach 866 from 637. Meanwhile, the 15-24 cohort grows by a modest 4%, with an increase of 35 people.