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

As of November 2025, Freeling's population is estimated at around 2,915. This reflects an increase of 227 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,688. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of resident population at 2,884 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 42 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 32 persons per square kilometer. Freeling's growth of 8.4% since the 2021 census exceeded both the non-metro area's 6.8% and the state's growth rate, marking it as a regional growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 75.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

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. According to demographic trends, above median population growth is projected for Australia's non-metropolitan areas. Freeling is expected to expand by 514 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 16.6% in total over the 17 years.

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

Freeling averaged around 10 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY21 and FY25, approximately 52 homes were approved, with an additional 2 approved in FY26. Each home built resulted in an average of 4.2 new residents over the past five financial years.

This demand significantly exceeded new supply, leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction value for new homes was $365,000. In FY26, $2.5 million in commercial approvals were registered, indicating limited commercial development focus.

Compared to Rest of SA, Freeling had approximately 61% of the construction activity per person and ranked among the 57th percentile nationally. All recent development consisted of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature. There were approximately 273 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth. Future projections estimate Freeling will add 485 residents by 2041. Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, but buyers may face growing competition as population increases.

Freeling has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 37thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project expected to impact this region: Freeling West Code Amendment, Barossa Growth and Infrastructure Investment Strategy, SA Public Housing Maintenance and Services Contracts, and SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts are key projects, with the following list highlighting those most relevant.

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The employment landscape in Freeling presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 3.3%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Freeling has a balanced workforce with equal representation of white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well-represented in the area.

The unemployment rate as of June 2025 is 3.3%. This is based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. In Freeling, 1,363 residents are employed with an unemployment rate that is 1.3% lower than Rest of SA's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation in Freeling is high at 65.0%, compared to Rest of SA's 54.1%.

The leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and construction. Manufacturing stands out with an employment share that is 1.4 times the regional level. However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented in Freeling, with only 6.3% of its workforce compared to Rest of SA's 14.5%. The area appears to have limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.2%, while employment decreased by 0.7% in Freeling, causing unemployment to rise by 1.0 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of SA recorded an employment decline of 1.2% and a labour force growth of 0.1%, with unemployment rising by 1.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Freeling. These projections estimate national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Freeling's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.4% over ten years.

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

Freeling's median taxpayer income was $55,573 and average income was $64,072 in the financial year 2022, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of postcode level ATO data. This is slightly below the national average. In comparison, Rest of SA had a median income of $46,889 and an average income of $56,582 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, estimated median income for Freeling as of September 2025 would be approximately $62,703 and average income would be around $72,292. Census 2021 data ranks household, family, and personal incomes in Freeling modestly, between the 47th and 50th percentiles. The predominant income cohort spans 41.5% of locals (1,209 people), falling within the $1,500 - 2,999 category. This aligns with broader regional trends, where 27.5% of individuals are in the same category. After housing expenses, 85.9% of income remains for other expenditures.

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

The dwelling structure in Freeling, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 98.2% houses and 1.8% other dwellings such as semi-detached properties, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compared to Non-Metro SA's 94.6% houses and 5.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Freeling stood at 23.9%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (61.9%) or rented (14.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,400, aligning with Non-Metro SA's average, while the median weekly rent figure was $330 compared to Non-Metro SA's $285. Nationally, Freeling's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below 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 make up the remaining 18.5%, comprising 16.0% lone person households and 1.8% group households. 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 - advanced diplomas at 8.0% and certificates at 34.2%. Educational participation is high, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 14.8% in primary, 7.7% in secondary, and 2.5% in tertiary education.

Freeling Primary School serves the local area, enrolling 237 students. The school caters to typical Australian conditions (ICSEA: 975) with balanced educational opportunities. It focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. School places per 100 residents stand at 8.1, below the regional average of 13.0, suggesting some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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 prevalent across the area, particularly among older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover in Freeling is approximately 52%, impacting around 1,525 people, compared to the average SA2 area rate of 49.8%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 10.7% and 10.1% of residents respectively. Conversely, 65.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, slightly higher than the Rest of SA average of 64.6%. Freeling has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 15.2%, impacting 443 people, compared to the Rest of SA's 22.8%. Health outcomes among seniors in Freeling require more attention due to these challenges.

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 population was found to be predominantly Australian-born, with 90.0% having been born in Australia, and 94.0% being citizens. English was the language spoken exclusively at home by 97.9% of residents. Christianity was the most prevalent religion, comprising 39.7% of Freeling's population.

However, Judaism was not represented among Freeling's population, mirroring the regional percentage of 0.0%. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (34.5%), English (34.0%), and German (9.5%). Notable differences in representation included Welsh (0.7% vs regionally 0.5%), Maltese (0.4% vs regionally 0.2%), and Dutch (1.3% vs regionally 1.3%).

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

The median age in Freeling is 33 years, which is considerably lower than Rest of SA's average of 47 and substantially under the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 5-14 are particularly prominent at 16.6%, while the 75-84 group is comparatively smaller at 3.9% than in Rest of SA. Between 2021 and present, the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 8.7% to 9.9%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.6% to 10.4%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Freeling's age structure. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to increase solidly by 134 people (31%), from 440 to 575. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 cohort grows by a modest 2% (6 people).