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

Barmera's population, as of November 2025, is estimated at around 3,018 people. This figure reflects an increase of 134 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,884. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,003 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 22 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 38 persons per square kilometer. Barmera's growth rate of 4.6% since the census positions it within 1.9 percentage points of the SA3 area (6.5%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 85.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary population growth for the suburb.

AreaSearch adopts 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, 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. Demographic trends suggest that the suburb is expected to grow by 254 persons to reach approximately 3,272 people by 2041, reflecting an overall gain of 7.9% over the 17-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Barmera has experienced around 6 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 31 homes were approved, with an additional 2 approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 1.3 new residents have arrived per new home over these past 5 financial years. However, recent figures show this has increased to 5.5 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years, suggesting growing demand and tightening supply.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $330,000, aligning with regional patterns. This year, $2.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Rest of SA, Barmera records notably lower building activity, 64.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. The area's development has been entirely comprised of standalone homes, maintaining its traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

New construction favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (84.0% at Census), indicating ongoing robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. The estimated count of 747 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Barmera will gain 239 residents through to 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

Barmera has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

No factors influence a region's performance more than alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has pinpointed 0 projects that could potentially impact this area. Key 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 details those likely to be most pertinent.

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

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The labour market performance in Barmera lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Barmera has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominently featuring manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate is 4.3%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, 1,279 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.3% lower than Rest of SA's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation stands at 48.0%, compared to Rest of SA's 54.1%. The dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. Manufacturing employs 1.5 times the regional average in Barmera.

Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs 12.0% of local workers, below Rest of SA's 14.5%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as suggested by the difference between Census working population and resident population figures. Between Jun-24 and Jul-25, Barmera's labour force decreased by 1.9%, while employment declined by 2.7%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of SA saw employment contraction of 1.2%, labour force growth of 0.1%, and an unemployment rate increase of 1.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's Sep-22 national employment forecasts project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Barmera's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.5% over five years and 12.4% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Barmera had a median income among taxpayers of $40,493 and an average level of $44,863. These figures are below the national averages of $51,733 (median) and $65,327 (average). Compared to other regions in South Australia, Barmera's median income is lower than Rest of SA's $46,889, and its average income is lower than Rest of SA's $56,582. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Barmera would be approximately $45,688 (median) and $50,619 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Barmera all fall between the 4th and 9th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 30.3% of Barmera's population (914 individuals) have incomes within the $400 - $799 range, contrasting with the region where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket is the highest at 27.5%. Housing costs in Barmera are modest, with 87.3% of income retained after housing expenses. However, 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

In Barmera, as per the latest Census evaluation, 84.3% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 15.7% being semi-detached, apartments, or other dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro SA's figures of 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Barmera stood at 39.5%, similar to Non-Metro SA's figure. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (30.1%) or rented (30.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,028, lower than the Non-Metro SA average of $1,083. The median weekly rent in Barmera was $200, compared to Non-Metro SA's $220. Nationally, Barmera's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,028 versus Australia's 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 constitute 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 the remaining 38.1%, with lone person households at 36.5% and group households comprising 2.0%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is 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%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 9.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (0.9%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 36.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (7.8%) and certificates (28.6%).

A substantial 23.6% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 11.1% in primary, 6.3% in secondary, and 1.7% in tertiary education. Educational provision includes St Joseph's School and Barmera Primary School, serving a total of 221 students. These two schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. The area has 7.3 school places per 100 residents, below the regional average of 13.5, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 45%, covering around 1,352 people, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 13.4% of residents) and mental health issues (9.8%). Conversely, 55.4% report being free from medical ailments, compared to 61.8% in the rest of South Australia. As of 2021, approximately 32.5% of Barmera's population is aged 65 and over, totaling around 980 people, which is higher than the state average of 26.2%. The health outcomes among seniors generally align with those of the broader 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 dominant religion, comprising 44.8%.

The 'Other' religious category was slightly overrepresented at 1.7%, compared to 1.5% regionally. In terms of ancestry, English (31.6%) and Australian (29.5%) were the most common, followed by German (8.2%). Notably, Greek (4.7%) and Hungarian (0.4%) groups were overrepresented, as was the Australian Aboriginal population at 4.2%.

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

Barmera's median age is 49, higher than the Rest of SA figure of 47 and substantially exceeding the national norm of 38. Compared to Rest of SA, Barmera has a higher concentration of residents aged 65-74 (16.9%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (11.8%). This 65-74 concentration is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 9.2% to 10.9%, while the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 15.5% to 16.9%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 11.7% to 9.8%, and the 5 to 14 age group dropped from 11.3% to 9.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Barmera's age structure. Notably, the 75 to 84 group is projected to grow by 49%, reaching 491 people from 328. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 90% of the projected growth. Conversely, both the 65 to 74 and the 5 to 14 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.