Strathalbyn Surrounds
Statistical Area - sa2

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 estimated at 8,578 as of Aug 2025. This reflects a growth of 609 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 7,969. The increase is inferred from ABS data: an estimated resident population of 8,503 in June 2024 and 109 new addresses validated since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 5.7 persons per square kilometer. Strathalbyn Surrounds' growth rate of 7.6% since the 2021 Census exceeds both the non-metro area (6.0%) and the SA4 region, indicating strong growth. Interstate migration contributed approximately 48.2% to 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 post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted, adjusted using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on projected demographic shifts, Strathalbyn Surrounds is expected to grow by 15.7% to a population of 10,049 by 2041, an increase of 1,420 persons 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. Development approval data from the ABS shows that between Financial Year 21 and Financial Year 25, there were a total of 260 dwellings approved. In Financial Year 26 up to now, 8 dwellings have been approved. On average, over these past five financial years, around 2.4 people moved to the area annually for each new home constructed.

This indicates strong demand, which typically supports property values. The average construction cost value of new homes was approximately $367,000. Commercial approvals this financial year amounted to $13.9 million, suggesting steady commercial investment activity in the area. Comparatively, Strathalbyn Surrounds shows significantly reduced construction levels relative to the rest of South Australia, with 51.0% fewer constructions per person than the regional average.

This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes in the area. Recent building activity has consisted entirely of standalone homes, maintaining Strathalbyn Surrounds' traditional low density character and appealing to those seeking spacious family homes. With approximately 148 people moving to the area per dwelling approval, Strathalbyn Surrounds exhibits characteristics of a growth area. Population forecasts indicate that the area is expected to gain around 1,345 residents by the year 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand in the area, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling population growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Strathalbyn Surrounds has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 27thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 42 projects that could impact the area. Notable projects include Lot 5 Hampden Way Local Activity Centre, Aurora Strathalbyn, Aspen Lifestyle Strathalbyn, and Air at Strathalbyn. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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 2.1%, as of June 2025.

There are 4,474 residents in work, with an unemployment rate 2.5% lower than the Rest of SA's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation stands at 60.9%, exceeding the Rest of SA's 54.1%. Key employment industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. The area specializes in construction, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, retail trade has lower representation at 7.9% versus the regional average of 9.9%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited, as indicated by Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.2%, while employment declined by 2.8%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of SA saw employment contract by 1.2%, with a labour force growth of 0.1% and an unemployment rate increase of 1.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific growth varies significantly. Applying these projections to Strathalbyn Surrounds' employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 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 reports that based on its aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022, Strathalbyn Surrounds had a median income among taxpayers of $44,761 with an average level of $55,830. These figures are lower than national averages which stood at $46,889 and $56,582 respectively for Rest of SA during the same period. Considering Wage Price Index growth of 10.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates suggest approximately $49,609 (median) and $61,876 (average) as of March 2025 for Strathalbyn Surrounds. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Strathalbyn Surrounds rank modestly, between the 28th and 35th percentiles. Income analysis shows that the $1,500 - $2,999 earnings band captures 32.1% of the community (2,753 individuals), which is 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. The area's SEIFA income ranking places 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 compares to Non-Metro SA's 92.1% houses and 7.9% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in Strathalbyn Surrounds was 41.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 47.3% and rented ones at 10.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,517, higher than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,300 but lower than the national figure of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Strathalbyn Surrounds was $268, compared to Non-Metro SA's $280 and the national average of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 account for the remaining 24.4%, with lone person households at 22.2% and group households comprising 2.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Rest of SA 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 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%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 44.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (33.1%).

Educational participation is high, with 26.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.7% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education. Strathalbyn Surrounds has 4 schools with a combined enrollment of 460 students. These schools offer integrated K-12 education for academic continuity. Local school capacity is limited at 5.4 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 11.2, leading many families to travel elsewhere for schooling.

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

Strathalbyn Surrounds has two operational public transport stops, both serving buses. There is one route that runs through these stops, offering five weekly passenger trips in total. The accessibility of the transport system is limited, with residents usually living 15097 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are no daily trips across all routes, resulting in about 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 suggest below-average outcomes in Strathalbyn Surrounds. Common health conditions are 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 4,083 people. This compares to a national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 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 totals 1,996 people, lower than the 37.0% in Rest of SA. Health outcomes among seniors 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, as per the census on 28th June 2016, had a population with 84.3% born in Australia, 89.5% being citizens, and 97.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 38.1%. The 'Other' category comprised 0.5%, similar to Rest of SA's 0.5%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (35.7%), Australian (30.8%), and Scottish (7.8%). Notably, German ethnicity was slightly overrepresented at 6.5% compared to 6.7% regionally, Dutch at 1.7% versus 1.6%, and Welsh at 0.6% matching regional levels.

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

Strathalbyn Surrounds has a median age of 47 years, which matches the Rest of SA average but is considerably older than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Rest of SA average, the 45-54 age cohort is notably over-represented at 13.8% locally, while the 25-34 age group is 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. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 15.2% to 13.8%, and the 55 to 64 age group has 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 age group is projected to grow by 36%, adding 231 people and reaching a total of 866 from 634. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 age cohort is expected to grow by a modest 4%, adding 39 people.