Encounter Bay

Encounter Bay lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of Encounter Bay is around 5,898, reflecting an increase of 593 people since the 2021 Census. The 2021 Census reported a population of 5,305 in the suburb. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of resident population at 5,667 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release (June 2024), along with an additional 73 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,371 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's population growth of 11.2% since the 2021 census exceeded both the non-metro area (6.8%) and state averages, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 86.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking ahead, aggregated SA2-level projections indicate an above median population growth for national regional areas, with the suburb expected to grow by 807 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 10.2% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Encounter Bay among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Encounter Bay has experienced around 66 dwellings receiving development approval annually. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 332 homes were approved, with a further 48 approved so far in FY-26. On average, over these years, each new dwelling constructed has led to an increase of about 1.7 residents per year. However, this figure has eased to around 1 person per dwelling over the past 2 financial years.

The average construction value of development projects is $391,000. This financial year, commercial approvals registered totalled $6.1 million, indicating Encounter Bay's primarily residential nature. Compared to the Rest of SA, Encounter Bay has similar development levels per person, maintaining market balance consistent with the broader area. However, recent periods have seen increased development activity.

Nationally, Encounter Bay's development level is well above average, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. New building activity comprises 96.0% standalone homes and 4.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 66 people per approval, Encounter Bay reflects a developing area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, by 2041, Encounter Bay is projected to add 604 residents. Given current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects likely to impact the area: Best Life Canterbury Victor Harbor, Yilki Coastal Protection Stage 1b, Southern Fleurieu Health Service Redevelopment, and Oakford Estate. The following details those most relevant.

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

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Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.3%, Encounter Bay has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Encounter Bay has a skilled workforce with an unemployment rate of 3.3% as of June 2025, according to AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. This rate is 1.3% lower than the Rest of SA's rate of 4.6%.

The workforce participation in Encounter Bay is significantly lower at 31.6%, compared to Rest of SA's 54.1%. Key employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. Health care & social assistance stands out with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average. However, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence in Encounter Bay with only 3.1% of employment compared to the regional average of 14.5%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.4%, while employment decreased by 3.2% in Encounter Bay, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of SA recorded an employment decline of 1.2%, labour force growth of 0.1%, and a 1.2 percentage point increase in unemployment during the same period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in Sep-22, project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Encounter Bay's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 ending June 2022 shows median income in Encounter Bay was $36,966, with average income at $47,228. This is lower than national averages of median $51,287 and average $62,686. In Rest of SA, median income was $46,889 and average was $56,582. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% from July 2022 to September 2025, estimated incomes for Encounter Bay would be approximately $41,709 (median) and $53,287 (average). The 2021 Census reports household, family, and personal incomes in Encounter Bay fell between the 1st and 4th percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows that 35.1% of locals (2,070 people) earn between $400 - $799 per week, contrasting with surrounding regions where earnings of $1,500 - $2,999 are most common at 27.5%. This indicates a significant proportion (42.2%) earning below $800/week. Despite modest housing costs allowing retention of 88.6% of income, total disposable income ranks at just the 4th percentile nationally.

Encounter Bay is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Encounter Bay's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was 97.3% houses and 2.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Non-Metro SA had a higher proportion of other dwellings at 7.9%. Home ownership in Encounter Bay stood at 63.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 18.8% and rented ones at 18.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,170, lower than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,300 and the national average of $1,863. Weekly rent in Encounter Bay was $305, below Non-Metro SA's figure of $280 and the national average of $375.

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

Family households constitute 64.7% of all households, including 12.5% couples with children, 44.3% couples without children, and 7.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 35.3%, with lone person households at 33.1% and group households comprising 2.0%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Rest of South Africa average of 2.2.

The educational profile of Encounter Bay exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 19.0%, 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 12.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 37.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 11.7% and certificates for 26.0%.

School and university attendance totals 16.6%, comprising 6.6% in primary education, 4.4% in secondary education, and 2.4% pursuing tertiary education. Educational facilities seem to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, necessitating families to access schools in neighboring areas.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Encounter Bay faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low, at approximately 46% (around 2,697 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (15.2%) and mental health issues (8.7%), while 49.1% report no medical ailments, lower than the 58.3% in Rest of SA. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 53.7% (around 3,167 people), compared to 37.0% in Rest of SA. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges despite performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Encounter Bay had a below average level of cultural diversity, with 74.9% of its population born in Australia, 91.7% being citizens, and 96.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Encounter Bay, comprising 52.5% of its population. Notably, Judaism had a higher representation in Encounter Bay with 0.1%, compared to none across Rest of SA.

The top three ancestry groups were English (41.0%), Australian (24.4%), and Scottish (9.1%). There were also notable differences in the representation of German (6.7% vs regional 6.7%), Welsh (0.7% vs 0.6%), and Dutch (1.5% vs 1.6%) ethnic groups.

Encounter Bay ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Encounter Bay has a median age of 66, which is notably higher than the Rest of SA figure of 47 and well above the national average of 38 years. The 75-84 age group is strongly represented at 22.3% in Encounter Bay compared to Rest of SA, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 4.3%. This concentration of the 75-84 age group is significantly higher than the national figure of 6.0%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the percentage of people aged 75 to 84 has increased from 19.5% to 22.3%, while the 65 to 74 cohort has decreased from 26.9% to 24.7%, and the 55 to 64 group has dropped from 13.4% to 12.1%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Encounter Bay's age structure. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 116%, reaching 853 people from the current figure of 395. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 94% of population growth, emphasizing trends towards demographic aging. Meanwhile, both the 35 to 44 age group and the 0 to 4 age group are projected to decrease in numbers.