Clare (SA)

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Clare's population is estimated at around 3,343 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 105 people (3.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,238 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,295, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 40 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 283 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Clare's 3.2% growth since census positions it within 1.3 percentage points of the SA3 area (4.5%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 82.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Moving forward with demographic trends, lower quartile growth of national regional areas is anticipated, with the suburb expected to expand by 74 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting recording a gain of 1.0% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, Clare has averaged approximately 9 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 45 homes. So far in FY26, 1 approval has been recorded. On average, 0.3 people have moved to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand. The average expected construction cost of new properties is $360,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

In FY26, there have been $9.9 million in commercial approvals, showing balanced commercial development activity. Comparatively, Clare shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person when measured against Rest of SA. Nationally, it places among the 43rd percentile of areas assessed, indicating somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established properties. This activity is below the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations.

Recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, preserving Clare's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 390 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Clare will gain 32 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Clare has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 14thth percentile nationally

No infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified zero projects impacting this region. Notable initiatives include Barrier Highway Safety Upgrades, Robertstown Solar Project, Mid North South Australia REZ Expansion, and SA Public Housing Maintenance and Services Contracts.

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Employment performance in Clare has been broadly consistent with national averages

Clare has a skilled workforce with manufacturing and industrial sectors well-represented. Its unemployment rate was 3.3% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.0%. As of September 2025, Clare's unemployment rate is 2.0% lower than Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%, and its workforce participation rate is 60.7%, compared to Rest of SA's 58.5%.

According to Census responses, 5.9% of residents work from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food, with a particular specialization in the latter at 1.6 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 6.8% of local workers, below Rest of SA's 14.5%. The area may offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by Census data on working population vs resident population.

Over the 12 months to September 2025, Clare's employment increased by 1.0%, while labour force grew by 1.8%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of SA saw employment grow by 0.3%, labour force by 2.3%, and unemployment rose by 1.9 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia suggest Clare's employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Clare's employment mix.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows median income in Clare suburb was $47,856 with average at $60,753. This is below national averages of $48,920 and $58,933 respectively in Rest of SA. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, estimated median income as of September 2025 would be approximately $52,067 with average around $66,099. Census data indicates household, family and personal incomes in Clare rank modestly between 20th and 33rd percentiles. Income distribution shows 30.6% (1,022 individuals) earn $1,500 - 2,999 annually, consistent with broader regional trends of 27.5%. Despite modest housing costs allowing retention of 87.0% of income, total disposable income ranks at just the 24th percentile nationally.

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

As of the latest Census evaluation in Clare, 92.0% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 8.0% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This is compared to Non-Metro SA's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Clare stood at 37.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.2% and rented ones at 30.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,256, higher than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,153. Weekly rent in Clare averaged $250 compared to Non-Metro SA's $220. Nationally, Clare's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,256 against the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $250 versus the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 63.1% of all households, including 20.4% couples with children, 32.6% couples without children, and 9.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 36.9%, with lone person households at 34.1% and group households comprising 2.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of SA average of 2.3.

Educational outcomes in Clare fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 19.8%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 3.0% and graduate diplomas at 2.2%. Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 36.0% of residents aged 15 and above holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.5%) and certificates (26.5%). A total of 24.2% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising 9.2% in primary, 7.9% in secondary, and 2.0% in tertiary education.

A substantial 24.2% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 9.2% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Clare faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population, which is around 1,705 people. This compares to 48.9% across the rest of South Australia (SA). The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.4% and 10.2% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 61.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.5% across the rest of SA. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 26.0% of residents aged 65 and over, which is around 869 people, lower than the 27.1% in the rest of SA. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Clare is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Clare's population showed low cultural diversity, with 90.3% born in Australia, 91.8% being citizens, and 95.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 52.0%. The 'Other' religious category was overrepresented at 1.3%, compared to 0.8% regionally.

In ancestry, English (33.4%), Australian (31.4%), and German (8.4%) were the top groups. Notably, Scottish (7.9%) and Polish (0.6%) were overrepresented, while Samoan was underrepresented at 0.1%.

Clare hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Clare has a median age of 45, which is slightly below the Rest of South Australia's figure of 47 but notably higher than Australia's median age of 38 years. Comparing Clare's demographics with the Rest of South Australia average, individuals aged 25-34 are disproportionately represented in Clare at 13.0%, while those aged 65-74 are under-represented at 12.4%. Between 2021 and present, the population share of those aged 35 to 44 has increased from 10.4% to 12.6%, while the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 8.6% to 9.9%. Conversely, the percentage of individuals aged 45 to 54 has decreased from 11.7% to 10.4%, and those aged 15 to 24 have dropped from 10.3% to 9.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Clare's age structure. The number of individuals aged 85 and above is projected to increase markedly by 119 people (96%), rising from 123 to 243. Residents aged 65 and above will contribute significantly to population growth, accounting for 82% of the total increase. In contrast, population declines are projected for those aged 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 years old.