The Coorong
Statistical Area - sa2

The Coorong has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

The Coorong's population is approximately 5,662 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 189 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,473. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,618 in June 2024 and an additional 33 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 0.70 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed approximately 66.7% 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 and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data and adjusted using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. By 2041, the population is projected to decrease by 97 persons. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 85 and over group which is projected to expand by 186 people.

Residential development activity is lower than average in The Coorong according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

The Coorong has averaged approximately 29 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 147 homes. As of FY-26 so far, 11 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.4 people per year have moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $237,000.

This financial year has also seen $7.8 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to the Rest of SA, The Coorong has similar development levels per person, maintaining market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. All new construction in The Coorong has been detached houses, preserving its traditional low density character and appealing to those seeking space, particularly families.

With around 225 people per dwelling approval, The Coorong exhibits characteristics of a low density area. Given stable or declining population forecasts, it may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers in the future.

The Coorong has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 21stth percentile nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified 14 projects impacting the area. Notable ones are Summerfield Battery, Gifford Hill, Murray Bridge Residential Growth Areas, and Murray Bridge Soldiers Memorial Hospital Emergency Department Redevelopment. The following details those most relevant:.

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

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Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.5%, The Coorong has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

The Coorong's workforce is balanced with both white and blue collar jobs, representing diverse sectors. As of June 2025, there are 2691 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.5%.

This rate is 1.1 percentage points lower than the Rest of SA's rate of 4.6%, while workforce participation is similar at 54.0%. Key industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Employment in agriculture, forestry & fishing is notably high, at 2.7 times the regional average. Manufacturing employs only 5.0% of local workers, below Rest of SA's 9.3%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population data. In the 12 months prior to June 2025, labour force decreased by 2.3%, employment declined by 3.3%, and unemployment rate rose by 1.0 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May 2025, project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to The Coorong's industry mix suggests local growth of approximately 4.6% over five years and 10.7% over ten years.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The Coorong's median income among taxpayers was $42,191 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $53,292 during the same period. These figures are lower than those for Rest of SA, which were $46,889 and $56,582 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, estimates suggest the median income would be approximately $47,604 and the average income around $60,129 by September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in The Coorong fall between the 7th and 12th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The earnings profile shows that 31.0% of the community (1,755 individuals) earn within the $800 - 1,499 range, unlike metropolitan regions where 27.5% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 band. Housing costs are modest with 90.5% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 13th percentile nationally.

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

The Coorong's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.7% houses and 3.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro SA had 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in The Coorong was at 47.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.3% and rented ones at 25.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $879, lower than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,083. The median weekly rent figure was $190, compared to Non-Metro SA's $220. Nationally, The Coorong's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $879 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

The Coorong features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 63.6% of all households, including 20.7% couples with children, 33.1% couples without children, and 8.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 36.4%, with lone person households at 33.8% and group households comprising 2.7%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of SA average of 2.3.

The Coorong faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 11.9%, significantly below the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common, at 8.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 39.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (30.8%).

Educational participation is high, with 26.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (12.5%), secondary education (7.5%), and tertiary education (1.9%). The Coorong's 5 schools have a combined enrollment of 534 students. The area has varied educational conditions, with 2 primary schools and 3 K-12 schools. School places per 100 residents are lower than the regional average at 9.4, with some students likely attending schools in adjacent areas.

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

The analysis of public transportation in The Coorong shows that there are seven active transport stops currently operating. These stops offer a mix of bus services. Six individual routes service these stops, collectively providing forty weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 14663 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages five trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately five weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health data indicates significant issues affecting The Coorong, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 47% (around 2,644 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

Arthritis and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 11.4% and 8.4% of residents respectively. Around 61.7% of residents claim to be free from medical ailments, similar to the 61.8% reported across Rest of SA. The Coorong has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 28.0%, with approximately 1,585 people falling into this age bracket compared to 26.2% in Rest of SA. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but perform better than the general population in certain health metrics.

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

The Coorong's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 86.9% of its population being citizens, 90.3% born in Australia, and 95.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in The Coorong, comprising 46.4% of its population. Notably, the 'Other' category comprises 0.9% of The Coorong's population compared to 1.5% across the rest of South Australia.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in The Coorong are Australian at 32.8%, English at 32.4%, and German at 9.4%. There are notable divergences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Dutch is overrepresented at 1.7% compared to 1.1% regionally, Australian Aboriginal at 4.3% versus 3.0%, and Filipino at 0.8% versus 1.0%.

The Coorong hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in The Coorong is 48 years, similar to Rest of SA's average of 47 years but well above the national norm of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of SA average, the 75-84 age cohort is notably over-represented at 10.5% in The Coorong, while the 15-24 age group is under-represented at 8.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 8.9% to 10.5% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age cohort has declined from 16.8% to 14.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in The Coorong. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 108%, adding 183 residents to reach 353. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive all population growth, underscoring trends towards demographic aging. Both the 35 to 44 and 45 to 54 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.