Barmera

Barmera is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

The population of the suburb of Barmera is estimated at around 3,029 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 145 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 2,884 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population being 3,013 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 22 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 39 persons per square kilometer. Barmera's growth rate of 5.0% since census positions it within 2.4 percentage points of the SA3 area (7.4%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 85.0% 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 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Moving forward with demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the suburb projected to expand by 257 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections reflecting an overall increase of 7.5% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Barmera, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Barmera has received around 6 dwelling approvals annually over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 33 homes. In FY26 so far, 2 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.2 new residents per year arrived for each new home between FY21 and FY25, indicating balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. However, this ratio has intensified to 4.4 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply. New properties are constructed at an average value of $330,000, higher than regional norms due to quality-focused development.

This year, $1.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered, predominantly for residential projects. Compared to Rest of SA, Barmera shows reduced construction activity (62.0% below the regional average per person), supporting stronger demand and values for established dwellings. Recent development has been entirely standalone homes, preserving low density nature with 84.0% detached housing, attracting space-seeking buyers despite increasing density pressures. The estimated population count is 598 people per dwelling approval, reflecting quiet development activity. Population forecasts indicate Barmera will gain 226 residents by 2041, with development keeping reasonable pace with projected growth, though competition among buyers may increase as the population expands.

Population forecasts indicate Barmera will gain 226 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Development is keeping reasonable pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

Barmera has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 30thth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major undertakings, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has pinpointed 0 projects that could potentially impact the area. Notable projects include Billiatt Road Reconstruction - Final Stage, Project EnergyConnect, SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts, and SA Public Housing Maintenance and Services Contracts. The following list outlines those considered most pertinent.

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

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AreaSearch assessment indicates Barmera faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Barmera has a balanced workforce with representation across white and blue collar jobs. The unemployment rate was 5.0% as of September 2024. Employment stability has been relatively consistent over the past year according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of September 2025, 1,302 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.4% lower than Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%. Workforce participation in Barmera is lower at 53.1%, compared to Rest of SA's 58.5%. Census responses show that only 7.8% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and agriculture, forestry & fishing.

Barmera has a particular specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. However, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 12.0% of local workers, below Rest of SA's 14.5%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population numbers. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.2%, while labour force grew by 1.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.5 percentage points in Barmera. In comparison, Rest of SA saw employment grow by 0.3%, labour force expand by 2.3%, and unemployment rise by 1.9 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Barmera's employment mix indicates local employment could grow by 5.5% over five years and 12.4% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released on June 30, 2023, Barmera had a median income among taxpayers of $40,493 with the average at $44,863. This is below national averages of $51,787 for median and $63,099 for average incomes as of June 2023. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $44,056 (median) and $48,811 (average). Census 2021 income data shows Barmera's household, family, and personal incomes all fall between the 4th and 9th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 30.3% of Barmera's population falls within the $400 - $799 range, contrasting with the region where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 27.5%. Housing costs are modest in Barmera, with 87.3% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 7th percentile nationally.

Barmera is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Barmera's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, comprised 84.3% houses and 15.7% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro SA had 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Barmera was at 39.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.1% and rented ones at 30.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,028, below Non-Metro SA's average of $1,153. Median weekly rent in Barmera was $200, compared to Non-Metro SA's $220. Nationally, Barmera's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households compose 61.9% of all households, including 18.6% couples with children, 29.9% couples without children, and 12.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for 38.1%, with lone person households at 36.5% and group households making up 2.0%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Rest of SA average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 12.6%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 9.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (0.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 36.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 7.8% and certificates at 28.6%. A total of 23.6% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 11.1% in primary, 6.3% in secondary, and 1.7% in tertiary education.

A substantial 23.6% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 11.1% in primary education, 6.3% in secondary education, and 1.7% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Barmera faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Several health conditions affect both younger and older age groups, with private health cover at approximately 45% of the total population (around 1,356 people), compared to 48.9% in the rest of South Australia and a national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 13.4% of residents) and mental health issues (9.8%), while 55.4% report being free from medical ailments, compared to 62.5% in the rest of South Australia.

Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 33.2% (1,005 people), than the rest of South Australia at 27.1%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings generally in line with the general population.

Barmera ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Barmera's population showed low cultural diversity, with 86.0% born in Australia and 91.2% being citizens. English was spoken at home by 90.2%. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 44.8%.

The 'Other' religious category was overrepresented at 1.7%, compared to 0.8% regionally. In terms of ancestry, English (31.6%), Australian (29.5%), and German (8.2%) were the top groups. Notably, Greeks were overrepresented at 4.7% (vs regional 0.6%), Hungarians at 0.4% (vs 0.1%), and Australian Aboriginals at 4.2% (vs 3.3%).

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

Barmera's median age is 49, higher than Rest of SA's figure of 47 and significantly exceeding the national norm of 38. Compared to Rest of SA, Barmera has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (17.0%), but fewer residents aged 55-64 (11.5%). This 65-74 concentration is well above the national figure of 9.5%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 9.2% to 11.7%, while the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 15.5% to 17.0%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group declined from 11.7% to 9.5%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 13.2% to 11.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Barmera's age structure. Notably, the 85+ group is projected to grow by 111% (adding 150 people), reaching 287 from its current figure of 136. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 85% of projected growth. Conversely, both the 35 to 44 and 65 to 74 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.