Yorke Peninsula - South
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Yorke Peninsula - South's population is approximately 4,511 as of August 2025. From the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 4,142 people, this represents an increase of 369 individuals (8.9%). This growth is inferred from ABS estimated resident population figures for June 2024 (4,433) and the addition of 21 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 2.0 persons per square kilometer. Yorke Peninsula - South's population growth rate exceeded that of the SA4 region (5.8%) and non-metro areas between the 2021 Census and August 2025, making it a leader in regional growth. Interstate migration contributed approximately 89.9% to overall population gains during this period.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data 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 methods from LGA to SA2 levels. By 2041, Yorke Peninsula - South is expected to increase its population by 363 persons, representing a total growth of 6.3% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Yorke Peninsula - South among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Yorke Peninsula - South has recorded approximately 55 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 279 homes were approved, with an additional 7 approved so far in FY-26. On average, around 1.2 new residents per year have arrived for each new home over these five financial years, indicating a balanced market between supply and demand that supports stable conditions.

The average value of new dwellings developed is $390,000. This year, $4.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting limited focus on commercial development. Compared to the rest of South Australia, Yorke Peninsula - South has slightly more development, with 21.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. This reflects strong developer confidence in the area and offers good buyer choice while supporting current property values.

Recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 80 people per dwelling approval, Yorke Peninsula - South shows characteristics of a growth area. Future projections indicate that by 2041, Yorke Peninsula - South is expected to add 285 residents. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Yorke Peninsula - South has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 41stth percentile nationally

No factors influence a region's performance more than modifications to local infrastructure, major undertakings, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has recognized zero projects that may significantly impact this area. Notable projects encompass SA Public Housing Maintenance and Services Contracts, SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts, South Australian Regional Bulk Port Development, and South Australian Road Network Maintenance. The following details those most pertinent:.

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Employment conditions in Yorke Peninsula - South face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Yorke Peninsula - South has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Its unemployment rate is 7.3%.

As of June 2025, 1,603 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is higher at 7.4% compared to Rest of SA's 4.6%. Workforce participation is lower at 42.1%, compared to Rest of SA's 54.1%. Employment is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing (28%), accommodation & food (19%), and health care & social assistance (13%). Agriculture, forestry & fishing has a higher share than the regional average, while manufacturing shows lower representation at 3.9% versus 9.3%.

The area may have limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, the labour force increased by 0.1%, but employment decreased by 2.5%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 2.5 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of SA saw employment decrease by 1.2% and unemployment rise by 1.2%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project growth rates for Yorke Peninsula - South's industries over five and ten-year periods. Assuming these projections apply locally, job growth is estimated at approximately 5.2% over five years and 11.5% over ten years.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2022, Yorke Peninsula - South had a median income among taxpayers of $39,821 with an average level standing at $49,918. This is lower than national averages which stood at $56,582 and $46,889 for Rest of SA respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.83% since financial year ended June 2022, current estimates would be approximately $44,134 (median) and $55,324 (average) as of March 2025. Census data from 2021 shows household, family and personal incomes in Yorke Peninsula - South all fall between the 1st and 5th percentiles nationally. Income distribution data indicates that 33.5% of the population (1,511 individuals) falls within the $400-$799 income range, differing from patterns across regional levels where $1,500-$2,999 dominates with 27.5%. The concentration of 45.7% in sub-$800 weekly brackets highlights economic challenges facing a significant portion of the community. While housing costs are modest with 90.0% of income retained, total disposable income ranks at just the 4th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Yorke Peninsula - South, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.1% houses and 3.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro SA's 93.3% houses and 6.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Yorke Peninsula - South stood at 58.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.3% and rented dwellings at 17.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $986, lower than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,083. The median weekly rent figure was $200, compared to Non-Metro SA's $230. Nationally, Yorke Peninsula - South's median monthly mortgage repayment was significantly lower at $986 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, and its median weekly rent figure of $200 was substantially below the national figure of $375.

Yorke Peninsula - South features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 59.7% of all households, including 15.4% couples with children, 37.8% couples without children, and 6.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 40.3%, with lone person households at 38.2% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Rest of SA average of 2.1.

Yorke Peninsula - South faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 9.8%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 7.1%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.5%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.2%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 41.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (32.3%).

A substantial 20.2% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 9.2% in primary, 6.0% in secondary, and 1.5% in tertiary education. Yorke Peninsula - South's 4 schools have a combined enrollment of 366 students as of 2021, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 956) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 3 primary and 1 K-12 school. School places per 100 residents stand at 8.1, below the regional average of 12.2, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Yorke Peninsula - South is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Yorke Peninsula - South faces significant health challenges with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. The rate of private health cover is notably low at approximately 46% (~2,079 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

Arthritis and mental health issues are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, impacting 14.9 and 8.3% of residents respectively. A total of 55.8% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, comparable to the 56.0% figure for Rest of SA. The region has a significant senior population with 37.0% (1,668 people) aged 65 and over. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

The latest Census data sees Yorke Peninsula - South placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Yorke Peninsula - South had a cultural diversity below average, with 90.5% of its population being citizens, 88.5% born in Australia, and 98.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 49.6% of people in Yorke Peninsula - South, compared to 48.3% across Rest of SA. The top three ancestry groups were English (36.0%), Australian (32.3%), and German (7.7%).

Notable divergences included Welsh at 0.7% (vs regional 0.4%), French at 0.6% (vs 0.3%), and Croatian at 0.5% (vs 0.2%).

Yorke Peninsula - South ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Yorke Peninsula - South's median age is 57 years, which is older than Rest of SA's 47 years and significantly higher than Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of SA average, the 65-74 age group is notably over-represented at 21.0% locally, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 6.8%. This concentration in the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 7.4% to 9.4%, and the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 11.2% to 12.8%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has declined from 11.2% to 9.0%, and the 55 to 64 age group dropped from 19.8% to 18.5%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Yorke Peninsula - South's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow significantly, increasing by 137 people (94%) from 146 to 284. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 53% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Conversely, the 15-24 and 55-64 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.