Bordertown

Bordertown has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

The population of Bordertown, as estimated by AreaSearch based on analysis of ABS updates and new addresses validated since the 2021 Census, is around 3,185 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 90 people from the previous count of 3,095 in the 2021 Census, representing a growth rate of approximately 2.9%. The latest estimated resident population (ERP) for Bordertown is 3,173, as calculated by AreaSearch following examination of ABS data released in June 2024 and an additional 13 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 22 persons per square kilometer. Comparing Bordertown's growth rate with other SA3 areas, it is positioned within 2.5 percentage points, demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. The primary driver for this population growth was overseas migration, contributing around 77% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For future projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. Beyond these projections and for areas not covered by this data, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data and released in 2023, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking ahead, the suburb is expected to experience a population increase just below the median for Australian non-metropolitan areas by 2041, based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall gain of approximately 6.1% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Bordertown recorded approximately 8 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 44 homes. In FY26 so far, 3 approvals have been recorded. The average population increase per year for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25 was 1.2 people, suggesting balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. New homes were constructed at an average value of $477,000 this year, higher than regional norms due to quality-focused development.

Commercial approvals totalled $6.8 million in FY26, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to Rest of SA, Bordertown has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks at the 41st percentile nationally, indicating limited buyer choices and supporting demand for existing properties. Recent building activity consists solely of standalone homes, preserving low-density nature with detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 397 people, reflecting quiet development.

Future projections estimate Bordertown will add 194 residents by 2041 based on current AreaSearch quarterly estimates. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Bordertown has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 23rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely affecting this region: Bordertown West Residential Development - Stage 1. Other key projects include Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan, SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts, and SA Public Housing Maintenance and Services Contracts. The following details those most relevant.

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

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Bordertown ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Bordertown's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominent. The unemployment rate was 1.2% as of June 2025, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

In that month, 1,776 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate 3.4% lower than Rest of SA's 4.6%. Workforce participation in Bordertown was 64.1%, exceeding Rest of SA's 54.1%. Key employment sectors include manufacturing, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and retail trade. Manufacturing stands out with employment levels at 3.2 times the regional average.

However, health care & social assistance is under-represented, comprising only 7.9% of Bordertown's workforce compared to Rest of SA's 13.9%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as suggested by the Census working population vs resident population count. Over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.2%, and employment declined by 2.8% in Bordertown, leading to a 0.6 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of SA saw an employment decline of 1.2%, labour force growth of 0.1%, and a 1.2 percentage point increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bordertown's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 3.9% over five years and 10.0% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Bordertown's median taxpayer income was $47,741 and average income was $55,103 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than the national average, with Rest of SA having a median income of $46,889 and an average income of $56,582. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, estimated current incomes are approximately $53,866 (median) and $62,173 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, personal income ranks at the 52nd percentile ($819 weekly), while household income sits at the 31st percentile. Income distribution shows 33.1% of Bordertown's population (1,054 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to the surrounding region where 27.5% occupy this bracket. Housing costs consume 9.4% of income on average, with disposable income below average at the 39th percentile.

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

In Bordertown, as per the latest Census, 92.6% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 7.4% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is compared to Non-Metro SA's figures of 87.6% houses and 12.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bordertown stood at 35.6%, with mortgaged properties making up 37.5% and rented dwellings accounting for 26.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $884, lower than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,083, and the median weekly rent was $220, compared to Non-Metro SA's figure of $205. Nationally, Bordertown's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $884 versus Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Bordertown features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 66.2% of all households, including 25.6% couples with children, 31.4% couples without children, and 8.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 33.8%, with lone person households at 28.8% and group households comprising 4.7%. The median household size is 2.4 people, larger than the Rest of SA average of 2.3.

Bordertown 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 at 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 the most common at 10.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 38.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 8.6% and certificates at 29.9%.

A substantial 24.7% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 11.6% in primary, 6.2% in secondary, and 1.3% in tertiary education. Educational provision includes Bordertown Primary School and Bordertown High School, serving a total of 596 students. The area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 970) with balanced educational opportunities. Educational provision follows conventional lines, split between one primary and one secondary institution. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs (18.7 places per 100 residents vs regional average of 14.9), indicating the area serves as an educational center for the broader region.

Transport servicing is very low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

The analysis of public transportation in Bordertown indicates that there are two operational transport stops. These stops offer a combination of train and bus services. In total, five individual routes serve these stops, providing 25 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport is considered limited, with residents on average located 1005 meters from the nearest stop. Across all routes, the service frequency averages three trips per day, which equates to approximately twelve weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Bordertown are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Bordertown's health indicators show below-average outcomes, with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average among both younger and older age groups. Approximately 49% (~1,554 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (8.4%) and asthma (6.8%), while 70.8% claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.5% in the rest of South Australia. Bordertown has 22.9% residents aged 65 and over (729 people), broadly aligning with the general population's health profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Bordertown was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Bordertown was found to have above average cultural diversity, with 21.5% of its population born overseas and 17.5% speaking a language other than English at home. The predominant religion in Bordertown is Christianity, comprising 44.4% of the population. However, Islam is notably overrepresented, making up 7.1%, substantially higher than the Rest of SA average of 1.1%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Australian (31.6%), English (28.5%), and Other (10.7%), which is significantly higher than the regional average of 4.3%. There are also notable divergences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: German is overrepresented at 7.3% compared to the regional average of 6.4%, Filipino at 3.1% versus 0.8%, and Maori at 0.9% against a regional average of 0.4%.

Bordertown's median age exceeds the national pattern

Bordertown's median age is 40 years, which is significantly below Rest of SA's 47 and slightly above the national average of 38. Compared to Rest of SA, Bordertown has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (15.7%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (10.6%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the age group 25-34 has grown from 14.1% to 15.7%, while the age groups 45-54 have declined from 11.6% to 9.4% and 5-14 have dropped from 11.4% to 9.7%. By 2041, Bordertown's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 85+ group will grow by 93%, reaching 240 people from the current 124. Residents aged 65 and older will represent 76% of this growth. Conversely, both the 45-54 and 5-14 age groups are expected to decrease in number.