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 5,684 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 211 people (3.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,473 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,618 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 40 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 0.70 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 66.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Regarding demographic trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to shrink by 97 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to expand by 186 people. See the age section for more details.

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 around 29 new dwelling approvals annually, totalling 147 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 18 approvals have been recorded. With an average of only 0.4 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $237,000. There have also been $7.8 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating 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. Meanwhile, new construction has been completely comprised of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 225 people per dwelling approval, The Coorong shows characteristics of a low density area.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, The Coorong 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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 14 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Summerfield Battery, Gifford Hill, Murray Bridge Residential Growth Areas, and the Murray Bridge Soldiers Memorial Hospital Emergency Department Redevelopment, 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.

The Coorong has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

The Coorong possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of 4.3%, and 1.6% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 2,752 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.4% below Regional SA's rate of 5.7%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (61.4% compared to Regional SA's 58.8%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 18.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area has particular employment specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 2.7 times the regional level. On the other hand, manufacturing is under-represented, with only 5.0% of The Coorong's workforce compared to 9.3% in Regional SA. 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 increasing by 1.6% alongside labour force increasing by 3.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.5 percentage points. By comparison, Regional SA recorded employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 3.1%, with unemployment rising 2.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within The Coorong. 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 The Coorong's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.6% over five years and 10.7% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Coorong SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $44,164 and an average of $56,271 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is lower than average on a national basis, contrasting with Regional SA's median income of $48,920 and average income of $58,933. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $48,050 (median) and $61,223 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in The Coorong all fall between the 6th and 12th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals the largest segment comprises 31.0% earning $800 - 1,499 weekly (1,762 residents), differing from patterns across the metropolitan region where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 27.5%. While housing costs are modest with 90.5% of income retained, the 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

Dwelling structure within The Coorong, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 96.7% houses and 3.2% 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 The Coorong was well beyond that of Regional SA, at 47.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (27.3%) or rented (25.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional SA average at $879, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $190, compared to Regional SA's $1,153 and $220. Nationally, The Coorong's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 63.6% of all households, comprising 20.7% couples with children, 33.1% couples without children, and 8.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 36.4%, with lone person households at 33.8% and group households comprising 2.7% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Regional 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 (11.9%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 39.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (30.8%).

Educational participation is notably 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

Public transport analysis reveals 6 active transport stops operating within The Coorong. These stops are serviced by 2 individual routes, collectively providing 24 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 14663 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 87%, with 10% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 18.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 3 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 4 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, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~2,699 people). The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 11.4 and 8.4% of residents, respectively, while 61.7% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 62.5% across Regional SA. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with 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 Regional 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 86.9% of its population being citizens, 90.3% born in Australia, and 95.9% speaking English only at home. The main religion in The Coorong is Christianity, which makes up 46.4% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 0.9% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Regional SA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in The Coorong are Australian, comprising 32.8% of the population, English, comprising 32.4% of the population, and German, comprising 9.4% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Dutch is notably overrepresented at 1.7% of The Coorong (vs 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 48-year median age in The Coorong 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 75 - 84 cohort is notably over-represented (10.6% locally), while 15 - 24 year-olds are under-represented (8.5%). Since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 8.9% to 10.6% of the population, while the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 13.6% to 14.9%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 16.8% to 14.8% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 11.6% to 10.6%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for The Coorong. The 85+ cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 93%, adding 170 residents to reach 353. Senior residents (65+) will drive 100% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. Conversely, both 45 to 54 and 65 to 74 age groups will see reduced numbers.