Ceduna

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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the estimated population of Ceduna as of Feb 2026 is around 2,093 people. This reflects an increase of 138 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,955. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 2,071 residents following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release (June 2024), along with an additional 15 validated new addresses since the Census date. This equates to a density ratio of 5.2 persons per square kilometer. Ceduna's population growth of 7.1% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (5.7%) and SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 56.99999999999999% 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 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 released in 2023. Looking ahead, population projections expect an increase just below the median for locations outside capital cities, with Ceduna expected to expand by 172 persons to reach a total of 2,265 by 2041, reflecting a gain of 7.5% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Ceduna recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Ceduna shows approximately five new homes approved annually over the past five financial years from FY21 to FY25. This totals an estimated 25 homes. As of FY26, one approval has been recorded. On average, each dwelling constructed brings in around 3.6 new residents per year.

This demand outpaces supply, potentially putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers. The average construction cost for new properties is $413,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY26, commercial development approvals totalled $61,000, suggesting minimal commercial development activity in Ceduna compared to other areas. While Ceduna records about three-quarters of the building activity per person compared to the rest of South Australia, it ranks at the 56th percentile nationally for development activity.

Recent periods have seen an increase in activity, but overall, it remains below average nationally due to the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. All recent building activity consists of detached houses, preserving Ceduna's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers with approximately 276 people per dwelling approval. Population forecasts indicate Ceduna will gain around 158 residents by 2041. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, but as the population grows, buyers may face heightened competition for available properties.

Ceduna has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 4thth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are expected to impact this area. Notable projects include South Australian Road Network Maintenance, South Australia High Productivity Vehicle Network Access, Gawler Craton Rail Access, and Bulk Water Supply Security, with the following list providing more detail on those most relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment conditions in Ceduna face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Ceduna has a mixed workforce consisting of both white and blue-collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate in September 2025 was 10.4%. Over the past year, employment stability has been relative.

As of that date, 934 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 5.0% higher than Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation in Ceduna was 63.7%, compared to Rest of SA's 58.5%. According to Census responses, only 5.1% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The primary industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.

Ceduna has a particular specialization in education & training, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level. Conversely, manufacturing shows lower representation at 1.6% compared to the regional average of 9.3%. The ratio of workers to residents, as at the Census, was 0.7, indicating local employment opportunities above the norm. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels increased by 4.5%, while employment declined by 0.2%, causing unemployment to rise by 4.1 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of SA recorded employment growth of 0.3%, labour force growth of 2.3%, with unemployment rising 1.9 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Ceduna's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.9% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Ceduna had a median income among taxpayers of $50,344. The average income stood at $59,373 in this period. This was below the national average and compared to levels of $48,920 and $58,933 across Rest of SA respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, current estimates for median income are approximately $54,774 as of September 2025. For average income, the estimate is around $64,598 by this date. Census 2021 data shows household, family and personal incomes in Ceduna rank modestly, between the 26th and 41st percentiles. Income distribution data indicates that 28.9% of individuals (604 people) earn between $1,500 - 2,999, similar to metropolitan regions where 27.5% fall into this bracket. Housing costs are manageable with 88.5% retained, but disposable income ranks below average at the 32nd percentile.

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

In Ceduna, as per the latest Census, 90.1% of dwellings were houses while 9.9% were other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Non-Metro SA's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Ceduna stood at 30.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.8% and rented ones at 44.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,200, higher than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,153. The median weekly rent in Ceduna was $200, compared to Non-Metro SA's $220. Nationally, Ceduna's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,200 vs Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $200 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 67.2% of all households, including 25.7% couples with children, 26.8% couples without children, and 13.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 32.8%, with lone person households at 30.2% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is larger than the Rest of SA average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 14.9%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 37.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.4%) and certificates (28.0%).

Educational participation is high, with 29.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.9% in primary education, 6.5% in secondary education, and 3.0% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Ceduna is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Ceduna faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were high, with common health conditions prevalent across younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover was relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~1,056 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions were asthma (7.7%) and arthritis (7.5%). 69.0% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, higher than the Rest of SA's 62.5%. Health outcomes among the working-age population were broadly typical. The area had 20.8% of residents aged 65 and over (435 people), lower than Rest of SA's 27.1%. Health outcomes among seniors were particularly strong, with national rankings higher than those for the general population.

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

Ceduna's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.5% of its population being citizens born in Australia who speak English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 48.4% of Ceduna's population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented in Ceduna at 0.2%, compared to 0% across the rest of South Australia.

In terms of ancestry, Australian and English groups are represented at 27.0% and 26.9% respectively, lower than regional averages of 32.5% and 8.2%. However, Australian Aboriginal ancestry is substantially higher at 20.4%, compared to a regional average of 3.3%. Other ethnic groups with notable representation in Ceduna include German (5.8%), Greek (1.3%), and Polish (0.7%).

Ceduna's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Ceduna's median age is 37 years, which is considerably lower than the Rest of SA average of 47 and very close to the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group represents 14.2% of Ceduna's population, higher than the Rest of SA figure. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort makes up 10.7%, lower than the Rest of SA percentage. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35 to 44 age group grew from 10.6% to 12.4%, while the 55 to 64 cohort increased from 11.2% to 12.8%. However, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 12.6% to 9.2%, and the 15 to 24 group dropped from 10.9% to 9.7%. Demographic modeling suggests that Ceduna's age profile will significantly change by 2041. The 75 to 84 cohort is projected to grow strongly at 44%, adding 72 residents to reach 238. Senior residents (65+) are expected to drive 84% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 cohorts.