Berri

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

As per AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated within the suburb of Berri, the estimated population as of May 2026 is around 4,181. This figure represents an increase of 38 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,143. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 4,177 in June 2025, following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 32 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 346 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration 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 used, based on 2021 data and adjusted employing a method of weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. According to this methodology, projections indicate an overall population decline in Berri over this period, with an expected contraction of 50 persons by 2041. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, notably the 75 to 84 age group, projected to grow by 134 people.

The level of residential development activity in Berri is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Berri has averaged around 5 new dwelling approvals per year. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 29 homes were approved, with a further 7 approved so far in FY-26. The average expected construction cost value for these dwellings is $324,000, moderately above regional levels, indicating an emphasis on quality construction.

In FY-26, there have been $25.3 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of SA, Berri shows substantially reduced construction (77.0% below regional average per person), which usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. This level is also below national average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (78.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes amid densification trends.

The estimated count of 839 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. With population expected to remain stable or decline, Berri should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Berri has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 45thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects likely affecting the region: Berri Energy Project, McLean Street Residential Estate, Riverview Drive Reconstruction (Flood Recovery), and Project EnergyConnect.

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Employment drivers in Berri are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Berri has a diverse workforce with balanced white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include essential services. The unemployment rate was 6.7% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 0.9%.

As of December 2025, 1,920 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 6.8%, slightly higher than Regional SA's 5.7%. Workforce participation was similar to Regional SA at 58.3%. Only 4.7% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 impacts may have affected this figure. Major employment sectors were health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade.

Health care had particularly high concentration with levels at 1.3 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence at 6.4%, compared to 14.5% regionally. The worker-to-resident ratio was 0.7, indicating above-average local employment opportunities. In the year ending May-25, employment increased by 0.9% while labour force grew by 3.4%, raising unemployment by 2.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Berri's employment mix suggests local employment could grow by 5.7% in five years and 12.6% in ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates that Berri suburb has a median income among taxpayers of $46,367 and an average of $53,959. This is below the national average. In comparison, Regional SA has a median income of $48,920 and an average of $58,933. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Berri would be approximately $51,083 (median) and $59,447 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows that household, family and personal incomes in Berri fall between the 4th and 13th percentiles nationally. The largest segment comprises 29.7% earning $400 - $799 weekly (1,241 residents), unlike regional trends where 27.5% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. After housing costs, 85.3% of income remains in Berri, ranking at only the 6th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Berri, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 78.1% houses and 21.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Regional SA's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Berri was at 32.0%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (24.9%) or rented (43.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Berri was $1,040, below Regional SA's average of $1,153. Weekly rent was recorded at $215, compared to Regional SA's $220. Nationally, Berri's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 60.4% of all households, including 17.9% couples with children, 26.0% couples without children, and 15.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 39.6%, with lone person households at 36.2% and group households comprising 3.5%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Regional SA average of 2.3.

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

The area has university qualification rates of 14.3%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 35.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.4%) and certificates (28.2%). Educational participation is high, with 25.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising primary education (10.9%), secondary education (7.4%), and tertiary education (2.1%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.9% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Berri faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high across various health conditions that affect both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is low at approximately 48% of the total population (~2,022 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.6% and 9.9% of residents respectively. Conversely, 59.8% of residents declare themselves 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. As of the latest data (20XX), 23.6% of Berri's residents are aged 65 and over (986 people), which is lower than the 27.1% in Regional SA. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Berri's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.1% of its population being citizens born in Australia who speak English only at home as their primary language. Christianity is the predominant religion in Berri, comprising 45.7% of the population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category is overrepresented in Berri compared to Regional SA, with 2.6% versus 0.8%.

The top three ancestry groups based on parental country of birth are English (29.6%), Australian (28.7%), and German (8.8%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences: Hungarian (0.4%) is overrepresented in Berri compared to the regional average (0.1%), as are Greek (2.8% vs 0.6%) and Croatian (0.8% vs 0.3%).

Berri's median age exceeds the national pattern

Berri has a median age of 42, which is younger than the Regional South Australian figure of 47 but older than the national norm of 38. The age group of 25-34 shows strong representation at 14.6%, compared to Regional SA's percentage. Meanwhile, the 65-74 cohort is less prevalent in Berri at 11.8%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 25-34 age group has grown from 12.4% to 14.6%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 11.4% to 12.7%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has declined from 11.4% to 9.6%. By 2041, Berri's age composition is expected to shift notably. Leading this demographic shift, the 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 33%, reaching 462 people from a starting point of 347. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 80% of projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 55-64 age cohorts.