Tanunda

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Tanunda's population is around 5,005 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 339 people (7.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,666 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,743 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 148 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 288 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Tanunda's 7.3% growth since the census positions it within 0.1 percentage points of the SA4 region (7.4%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 65.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Regarding demographic trends, an above-median population growth for Australia's regional areas is projected, with the area expected to grow by 745 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 9.7% in total 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 has averaged around 31 new dwelling approvals each year, totalling 159 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 44 approvals have been recorded. With population declining over recent years, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice, while new homes are being built at an average value of $322,000. Additionally, $8.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, supporting the area's residential character.

Compared to the rest of SA, Tanunda has similar development levels (per person), supporting market stability in line with regional patterns. Furthermore, recent development has been entirely comprised of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 166 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

Looking ahead, Tanunda is expected to grow by 483 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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 limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 5thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 8 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Barossa Growth and Infrastructure Investment Strategy, La Vida Homes - Gembrook Estate Tanunda, New Water Infrastructure to Barossa (Barossa New Water), and Sovereign Estate, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Tanunda performing better than 85% of local markets assessed across Australia

Tanunda features a skilled workforce, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of just 1.8%, and 2.7% estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 2,335 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 3.9% below Regional SA's rate of 5.7%, and workforce participation is on par with Regional SA's 58.8%. Based on Census responses, a low 10.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area shows particularly strong specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share 2.5 times the regional level. Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing has a limited presence with 5.3% employment compared to 14.5% regionally. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increase by 2.7% alongside a labour force increase of 3.2%, resulting in unemployment rising by 0.5 percentage points. This compares to Regional SA, where employment grew by 0.7%, the labour force expanded by 3.1%, and unemployment rose 2.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Tanunda. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Tanunda's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.9% over five years and 11.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Tanunda SA2 is slightly above average nationally, with the median assessed at $54,950 while the average income stands at $69,990. This contrasts with Regional SA's figures of a median income of $48,920 and an average income of $58,933. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $59,786 (median) and $76,149 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Tanunda, between the 32nd and 43rd percentiles. Income brackets indicate 30.1% of the population (1,506 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 27.5%. Housing costs are manageable with 87.3% retained, though disposable income sits below average at the 36th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Tanunda, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 90.2% houses and 9.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional SA's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Tanunda was in line with that of Regional SA, at 42.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (35.5%) or rented (21.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional SA average at $1,452, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $300, compared to Regional SA's $1,153 and $220. Nationally, Tanunda's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Tanunda has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households dominate at 69.6% of all households, comprising 25.9% couples with children, 34.9% couples without children, and 8.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 30.4%, with lone person households at 28.9% and group households comprising 1.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people matches the Regional SA average.

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

Educational qualifications in Tanunda trail regional benchmarks, with 21.6% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 30.4% in Australia. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 14.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 36.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (24.9%).

A substantial 23.7% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 9.9% in primary education, 6.1% in secondary education, and 2.9% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Tanunda's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Tanunda residents. AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions shows results broadly in line with national benchmarks, with a standard level of common health conditions across both young and old age cohorts. The rate of private health cover slightly leads the average SA2 area at approximately 54% of the total population (~2,697 people), compared to 48.9% across Regional SA.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.8% and 8.2% of residents, respectively, while 63.0% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 62.5% across Regional SA. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 30.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,542 people), which is higher than the 27.1% in Regional SA. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 be below average in terms 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 main religion in Tanunda is Christianity, which makes up 56.6% of people in Tanunda, compared to 45.2% across Regional SA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Tanunda are Australian, comprising 28.9% of the population, English, comprising 28.1% of the population, and German, comprising 20.9% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 8.2%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Welsh is notably overrepresented at 0.6% of Tanunda (vs 0.5% regionally), Dutch at 1.4% (vs 1.3%) and Serbian at 0.2% (vs 0.1%).

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

The 48-year median age in Tanunda is similar to Regional SA's average of 47, and similarly well above the national norm of 38. Compared to the Regional SA average, the 35 - 44 cohort is notably over-represented (13.0% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (6.5%). In the period since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 8.7% to 11.2% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 8.1% to 9.3%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 9.3% to 6.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Tanunda. The 85+ cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 106%, adding 241 residents to reach 468. Senior residents (65+) will drive 80% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. Conversely, both the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 age groups will see reduced numbers.