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 Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Clare's population is estimated at around 3,335 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 97 people (3.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,238 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,286 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest Estimated Resident Population data release by ABS on June 2024 and an additional 37 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 282 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development in the suburb of Clare (SA). Clare's 3.0% growth since census positions it within 2.7 percentage points of the SA3 area (5.7%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area 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 area expected to expand by 67 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting recording a gain of 1.1% 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, allocated from statistical area data, Clare has averaged approximately 8 new dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 41 homes. So far in FY-26, no approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.3 people per year moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating that new construction has matched or outpaced demand, offering buyers more options while enabling population growth that could exceed current expectations. The average construction value of new properties is $360,000.

In this financial year, $6.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to Rest of SA, Clare shows approximately 69% of the construction activity per person, placing it among the 30th percentile of areas assessed nationally, indicating somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established properties. This activity is also under 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 and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated count of 553 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Clare will gain 38 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 emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 38thth percentile nationally

No changes can influence a region's performance more than alterations to its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could potentially impact this area. Notable projects include Barrier Highway Safety Upgrades, Robertstown Solar Project, Mid North South Australia REZ Expansion, and SA Public Housing Maintenance and Services Contracts, with the following list detailing those likely to be 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.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.0%, Clare has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Clare has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.0%.

Over the past year, it has shown relative employment stability. As of June 2025, 1,624 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.6% lower than Rest of SA's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation in Clare is 57.3%, compared to Rest of SA's 54.1%. The dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food.

Notably, the area has a concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average. However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 6.8% of Clare's workforce compared to 14.5% in Rest of SA. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population and resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.3%, while employment declined by 0.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of SA recorded an employment decline of 1.2%, labour force growth of 0.1%, and a rise in unemployment of 1.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Clare. Over five years, national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6%, and over ten years, it is projected to increase by 13.7%. Applying these projections to Clare's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.6% over ten years.

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

Clare's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $47,856. The average income stood at $60,753 during this period. For comparison, Rest of SA had median and average incomes of $46,889 and $56,582 respectively in the same year. By September 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth suggest Clare's median income would be approximately $53,996 and the average income around $68,548. According to Census 2021 data, incomes in Clare rank modestly nationally, between the 20th and 33rd percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. In Clare, 30.6% of the population (1,020 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the surrounding region where 27.5% occupy this bracket. Housing costs are modest in Clare, with 87.0% of income retained, but 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

Clare's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 92.0% houses and 8.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro SA had 94.2% houses and 5.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Clare was at 37.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.2% and rented ones at 30.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,256, higher than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,081. The median weekly rent figure in Clare was $250, compared to Non-Metro SA's $220. Nationally, Clare's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,256 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for 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 the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 14.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 36.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 9.5% and certificates at 26.5%.

A total of 24.2% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 9.2% in primary, 7.9% in secondary, and 2.0% in tertiary education. Clare's 5 schools have a combined enrollment of 1,035 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1014) offering balanced educational opportunities. The area functions as an education hub with 31.0 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 14.8, attracting students from surrounding communities. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Clare is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Clare faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 51% (~1,701 people) have private health cover, compared to 48.0% in the rest of South Australia (SA).

The most frequent medical conditions are arthritis (10.4%) and mental health issues (10.2%). About 61.9% report no medical ailments, slightly higher than the 60.9% across the rest of SA. Around 25.8% (~860 people) are aged 65 or over, lower than the 27.7% in the rest of SA. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors show some challenges but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

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 lower 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, comprising 52.0%. The most notable overrepresentation was in the 'Other' category, at 1.3%, compared to 0.5% regionally.

Top ancestry groups were English (33.4%), Australian (31.4%), and German (8.4%). Scottish (7.9%) was notably overrepresented compared to the regional average of 7.1%. Samoan (0.1%) and Polish (0.6%) also showed higher representation than regionally, with 0.0% and 0.5%, respectively.

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

Clare has a median age of 45, which is slightly lower than the Rest of South Australia's figure of 47 but higher than Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the Rest of South Australia average, Clare has a notably higher proportion of individuals aged 25-34 (13.0%) and a lower proportion of those aged 55-64 (12.2%). Between 2021 and present, the population share of those aged 35 to 44 has increased from 10.4% to 12.4%, while the share of those aged 45 to 54 has decreased from 11.7% to 10.7%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Clare's age structure. The number of individuals aged 85 and above is projected to increase by 118 people (96%), from 123 to 242. Those aged 65 and above will contribute to 87% of the population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Conversely, population declines are projected for those aged 0 to 4 and 5 to 14.