The Coorong

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, The Coorong's population is around 5684 as of February 2026. This reflects an increase of 211 people (3.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5473 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5618 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 40 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 0.70 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 66.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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, released in 2023 based on 2021 data, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Projections indicate a decline in overall population over this period, with the area's population expected to shrink by 97 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. Growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, 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, 16 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. This indicates that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings in the area is $237,000. In terms of commercial development, there have been $7.8 million in approvals this financial year, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to the Rest of SA, The Coorong has similar development levels per person, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas.

All new construction in the area has consisted of detached houses, maintaining 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, the area may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

The Coorong has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 14thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects likely impacting the region. Key projects include Summerfield Battery, Gifford Hill, Murray Bridge Residential Growth Areas, and Murray Bridge Soldiers Memorial Hospital Emergency Department Redevelopment. The following list details those most relevant:.

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.

Employment performance in The Coorong has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

The Coorong's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs across various sectors. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 4.0%. Compared to Rest of SA's 5.3%, this rate is 1.3% lower.

Workforce participation stands at 60.7%, slightly higher than Rest of SA's 58.5%. According to Census data, 18.8% of residents work from home. Key industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs 2.7 times the regional average.

Manufacturing, however, employs only 5.0%, below Rest of SA's 9.3%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, labour force increased by 1.3% while employment declined by 0.2%, raising the unemployment rate by 1.5 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to The Coorong's industry mix suggests local employment could increase by 4.6% over five years and 10.7% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation and does not account for population projections.

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

The Coorong SA2's median income among taxpayers was $44,164 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $56,271 during the same period. These figures are lower than those for Rest of SA, which were $48,920 and $58,933 respectively. By September 2025, estimates based on an 8.8% growth in wages since financial year 2023 suggest median income will be approximately $48,050 and average income around $61,223. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in The Coorong fall between the 6th and 12th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The earnings profile shows that 31.0% of the community falls within the $800 - 1,499 earnings band, compared to metropolitan regions where 27.5% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Housing costs are modest, with 90.5% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 12th 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 contrast, Non-Metro SA had 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in The Coorong was at 47.4%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (27.3%) or rented (25.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $879, lower than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,153 and significantly below the Australian average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in The Coorong was $190, compared to Non-Metro SA's $220 and 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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 36.4%, with lone person households at 33.8% and group households making up 2.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of South Africa average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 11.9%, 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 8.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent among residents aged 15+, with 39.6% holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (30.8%).

Educational participation is high, with 26.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.5% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 1.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The Coorong has six active public transport stops. These are served by two different routes offering a total of twenty-four weekly passenger trips. Transport access is limited, with residents typically residing 14663 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Car usage dominates at 87%, while 10% walk. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 18.8% of residents work from home, a figure potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages three trips per day, equating to roughly four weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in The Coorong is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

The Coorong faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is found to be very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~2,699 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 11.4 and 8.4% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 61.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.5% across Rest of SA. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 28.7% of residents aged 65 and over (1,630 people), which is higher than the 27.1% in Rest of SA. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 makes up 0.9%, slightly higher than the Rest of SA's 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Australian (32.8%), English (32.4%), and German (9.4%). Divergences include Dutch being overrepresented at 1.7% compared to 1.3% regionally, Australian Aboriginal at 4.3% vs 3.3%, and Filipino at 0.8% vs 0.7%.

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

The median age in The Coorong is 48 years, similar to the 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 cohort is notably over-represented at 10.6% locally, while the 15-24 year-olds are under-represented at 8.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 8.9% to 10.6%, and the 65-74 cohort has risen from 13.6% to 14.9%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has declined from 16.8% to 14.8%, and the 45-54 group has dropped from 11.6% to 10.6%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in The Coorong, with the 85+ cohort projected to grow by 93%, adding 170 residents to reach 353. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive all population growth, reinforcing demographic aging trends. Conversely, both the 45-54 and 65-74 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.