Tanunda
Statistical Area - sa2

An assessment of population growth drivers in Tanunda reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Tanunda's population was 4,666 as of 2021 Census. By Nov 2025, it is around 4,977, reflecting a 311 person increase (6.7%). This growth is inferred from ABS estimated resident population of 4,743 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 287 persons per square kilometer. Tanunda's 6.7% growth since census is comparable to non-metro areas' 6.8%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 65.8% 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 and years post-2032, SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data and adjusted using weighted aggregation method. Projected demographic trends indicate Australia's regional areas will have above median population growth. Tanunda is expected to grow by 745 persons to 2041, recording a total gain of 10.3% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Tanunda recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Tanunda averaged approximately 31 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 159 homes. As of FY26, 19 approvals have been recorded. The population has declined in recent years, yet housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $322,000.

This financial year, $8.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating the area's residential character. Compared to the Rest of SA, Tanunda has similar development levels per person, supporting market stability aligned with regional patterns. Recent development has consisted entirely of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

The location currently has approximately 166 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. By 2041, Tanunda is projected to grow by 511 residents. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Tanunda has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 26thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include the Barossa Growth and Infrastructure Investment Strategy, La Vida Homes' Gembrook Estate Tanunda development, the New Water Infrastructure to Barossa project (Barossa New Water), and Sovereign Estate.

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

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Tanunda ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Tanunda's workforce is skilled with manufacturing and industrial sectors well-represented. Its unemployment rate was 1.7% in June 2024.

Over the past year, employment remained stable. As of June 2025, 2,314 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.7%, lower than Rest of SA's 4.6%. Workforce participation is 57.6%, slightly higher than Rest of SA's 54.1%. Leading industries for employment include manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

Manufacturing stands out with employment levels at 2.5 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 5.3% compared to the regional average of 14.5%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data analysis. In the year ending June 2025, Tanunda's labour force increased by 0.2%, while employment declined by 0.4%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. Nationally, employment is forecast to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Tanunda's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 4.9% over five years and 11.5% over ten years.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022. Tanunda's median income among taxpayers was $53,007 with an average of $64,241. National averages were similar. Rest of SA had a median of $46,889 and an average of $56,582. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 are approximately $59,808 (median) and $72,483 (average). The 2021 Census ranked Tanunda's household, family, and personal incomes modestly between the 32nd and 43rd percentiles. Income brackets showed 30.1% of Tanunda's population earned between $1,500 and $2,999. Housing costs were manageable with 87.3% retained. However, disposable income was below average at the 37th percentile, and SEIFA income ranking placed Tanunda in the 5th decile.

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

Tanunda's dwelling structures, according to its latest Census evaluation, consisted of 90.2% houses and 9.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares with Non-Metro SA's 94.6% houses and 5.4% other dwellings. Tanunda's home ownership rate was higher than Non-Metro SA's at 42.7%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (35.5%) or rented (21.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Tanunda was $1,452, exceeding Non-Metro SA's average of $1,400. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure in Tanunda was recorded at $300, compared to Non-Metro SA's $285. Nationally, Tanunda's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Tanunda has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 69.6% of all households, including 25.9% couples with children, 34.9% couples without children, and 8.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 30.4%, with lone person households at 28.9% and group households making up 1.6%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of SA average of 2.5.

Educational attainment in Tanunda aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Tanunda's residents aged 15+ have a university degree attainment rate of 21.6%, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 36.6% of residents holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (24.9%). A significant 23.7% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including primary (9.9%), secondary (6.1%), and tertiary (2.9%) levels.

Tanunda's three schools have a combined enrollment of 1,233 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1044) offering balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes two primary schools and one K-12 school. Tanunda functions as an education hub, with 25.0 school places per 100 residents - significantly higher than the regional average of 13.1 - attracting students from surrounding communities. Note: for schools showing 'n/a' in enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Tanunda, with high prevalence of common conditions across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover rate in Tanunda is approximately 52%, slightly higher than the average SA2 area's 49.8%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.8%) and mental health issues (8.2%). A total of 63% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 64.6% in Rest of SA. Tanunda has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 29.9% (1,488 people), compared to Rest of SA's 22.8%. Health outcomes among seniors in Tanunda are above average, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

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

Tanunda was found to have a below average level of cultural diversity, with 88.3% of its population born in Australia, 93.1% being citizens, and 96.6% speaking English only at home. The dominant religion in Tanunda is Christianity, comprising 56.6% of the population, compared to 47.1% across the Rest of SA. Regarding ancestry, the top three represented groups are Australian (28.9%), English (28.1%), and German (20.9%), which is significantly higher than the regional average of 14.2%.

Notably, Welsh (0.6%) and Dutch (1.4%) are overrepresented in Tanunda compared to the regional averages of 0.5% and 1.3%, respectively. Serbian ethnicity is also slightly more prevalent at 0.2% versus the regional average of 0.1%.

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

The median age in Tanunda is 48 years, similar to the Rest of South Australia's average of 47 years, which is notably higher than the national norm of 38 years. Comparing Tanunda with the Rest of SA, the 35-44 age cohort is over-represented at 12.8%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 6.7%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 8.7% to 10.5% of Tanunda's population, and the 15-24 cohort has risen from 8.1% to 9.3%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has decreased from 9.3% to 6.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic shifts in Tanunda. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 47%, adding 248 residents to reach 772. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 83% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Conversely, both the 35-44 and 25-34 age groups are expected to decrease in number.