Freeling

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the Freeling statistical area (Lv2), and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the population is estimated at around 2,853 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 165 people (6.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,688 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,818, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 42 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 32 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Freeling has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 75.0% 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 are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is projected for the Freeling (SA2), expected to grow by 514 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 19.2% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Freeling when compared nationally

Freeling has recorded approximately 8 residential properties granted approval per year. Between FY21 and FY25, around 41 homes were approved, with an additional 2 approved in FY26 so far. On average, each new home built over the past five financial years accommodates about 5.3 new residents annually.

This demand significantly exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is around $365,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. There have been $689,000 in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting minimal commercial development activity compared to residential. Freeling records notably lower building activity than the Rest of SA, at 52.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new dwellings often strengthens demand and prices for existing properties.

The area's established nature is further indicated by its population density of around 302 people per approval, reflecting a low-density area with a focus on detached houses suitable for families seeking space. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Freeling is forecasted to gain approximately 547 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Freeling has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 22ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely impacting the area: Freeling West Code Amendment. Other key projects include Barossa Growth and Infrastructure Investment Strategy, SA Public Housing Maintenance and Services Contracts, and SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts. The following list details those most relevant to the area.

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

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Employment performance in Freeling has been broadly consistent with national averages

Freeling has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented in the area.

The unemployment rate is 3.5%, with an estimated employment growth of 1.4% over the past year. As of September 2025, 1,400 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 1.8% lower than Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%. Workforce participation in Freeling is at 65.0%, compared to Rest of SA's 54.1%. The dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and construction.

Manufacturing particularly shows strong specialization with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 6.3% of Freeling's workforce compared to 14.5% in Rest of SA. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 1.4%, labour force by 2.4%, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.8 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of SA saw employment grow by 0.3%, labour force expand by 2.3%, and unemployment rise by 1.9 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Freeling's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.4% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Freeling's median income among taxpayers was $55,573 in the financial year ending June 2023. The average income stood at $64,072 during this period. This compares to figures for Rest of SA which were $48,920 and $58,933 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since the financial year ending June 2023, estimates suggest the median income would be approximately $60,463 and average income around $69,710 by September 2025. According to figures from the Census conducted in August 2021, household incomes in Freeling ranked between the 47th and 50th percentiles nationally. Personal incomes also fell within this range. The income distribution showed that 41.5% of residents earned between $1,500 and $2,999 per week, with this bracket dominating overall. After accounting for housing expenses, 85.9% of income remained for other expenses.

Freeling is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

The latest Census showed that Freeling's dwelling structure was 98.2% houses and 1.8% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro SA had 94.6% houses and 5.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Freeling was 23.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 61.9% and rented ones at 14.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,400, similar to Non-Metro SA's average. The median weekly rent was $330, compared to Non-Metro SA's $285. Nationally, Freeling's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,400 versus Australia's $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $330 compared to the national figure of $375.

Freeling features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 81.5% of all households, including 38.2% couples with children, 29.5% couples without children, and 12.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 18.5%, with lone person households at 16.0% and group households comprising 1.8%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Rest of SA average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 12.0%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 9.3%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.0%) and certificates (34.2%). Educational participation is high at 30.3%, comprising 14.8% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 2.5% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.8% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 2.5% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Freeling is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Freeling faces significant health challenges with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, particularly among older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover in Freeling is approximately 52%, higher than the average for SA2 areas (~1,492 people). The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 10.7% and 10.1% of residents respectively. A total of 65.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 64.6% across Rest of SA. Freeling has a lower percentage of residents aged 65 and over at 15.2% (433 people), compared to 22.8% in Rest of SA. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population.

The latest Census data sees Freeling placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Freeling's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 90.0% of its population born in Australia, 94.0% being citizens, and 97.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Freeling, comprising 39.7% of people. There was no representation of Judaism in Freeling, compared to none across Rest of SA.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (34.5%), English (34.0%), and German (9.5%). Notably, Welsh were overrepresented at 0.7%, Maltese at 0.4%, and Dutch at 1.3% in Freeling compared to regional percentages of 0.5%, 0.2%, and 1.3% respectively.

Freeling's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

The median age in Freeling is 33 years, which is lower than Rest of SA's average of 47 and the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 5-14 make up 16.6%, while those aged 75-84 comprise 3.9%. Between 2021 and present, the 65 to 74 age group has increased from 8.7% to 9.9% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 11.6% to 10.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate that the 25 to 34 age group will increase by 141 people (33%), from 433 to 575. The 55 to 64 cohort is projected to grow by a modest 4%, adding 12 people.