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 February 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Freeling is around 2,853. This reflects an increase of 165 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,688. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,818 in June 2024, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 43 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 32 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Freeling has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%, outperforming the SA3 area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 75% 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 a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data, with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking ahead, population projections indicate above median growth for Australia's non-metropolitan areas, with Freeling expected to grow by 491 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 18.6% over the 17-year period.

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

Freeling has recorded approximately 8 residential properties granted approval per year. Over the past 5 financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 41 homes were approved, with an additional 2 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, for every home built over these years, there are about 5.3 new residents.

This high demand-to-supply ratio often leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $365,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, there have been $689,000 in commercial approvals, suggesting minimal commercial development activity compared to residential. When comparing Freeling's building activity to Rest of SA, it is notably lower, at 51.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, which is also under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and potential planning limitations.

All new construction in Freeling has been detached houses, maintaining its traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space, reflected by approximately 302 people per approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Freeling is forecasted to gain around 531 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Freeling has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 16thth percentile nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project expected to impact the region. Key projects include Freeling West Code Amendment, Barossa Growth and Infrastructure Investment Strategy, SA Public Housing Maintenance and Services Contracts, and SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts. Relevant details are provided below.

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.

Employment performance in Freeling has been broadly consistent with national averages

Freeling has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented, with an unemployment rate of 3.5% as of September 2025. The estimated employment growth over the past year was 1.2%.

This is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. There were 1,388 residents in work at this time, with an unemployment rate of 1.9%, which is below Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%. Workforce participation was higher than standard at 66.2% compared to Rest of SA's 58.5%. According to Census responses, only 6.8% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and construction. Freeling shows strong specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level, but agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 6.3% compared to Rest of SA's 14.5%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over a 12-month period, employment increased by 1.2%, labour force increased by 2.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.8 percentage points. This compares to Rest of SA where employment grew by 0.3%, labour force expanded by 2.3%, and unemployment rose by 1.9 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 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 weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

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

The suburb of Freeling has a lower income level compared to the national average, based on the latest Australian Taxation Office (ATO) data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year ended 30 June 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Freeling is $55,573, with an average income of $64,072. These figures contrast with those for the Rest of SA, which are $48,920 and $58,933 respectively. Considering a wage price index growth rate of 8.8% since financial year 2023, estimated median and average incomes in Freeling would be approximately $60,463 and $69,710 by September 2025. According to the Census conducted on 10 August 2021, household, family, and personal incomes in Freeling rank modestly, between the 47th and 50th percentiles. In terms of income distribution, the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket is dominant, with 41.5% of residents (1,183 people) falling within this range, mirroring the broader area where 27.5% occupy this bracket. After accounting for housing costs, 85.9% of income remains for other expenses.

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

In Freeling, as per the latest Census evaluation, 98.2% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 1.8% being other types such as semi-detached homes and apartments. This is in contrast to Non-Metro SA where 88.5% of dwellings are houses. Home ownership in Freeling stood at 23.9%, with mortgaged properties making up 61.9% and rented ones comprising 14.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Freeling was $1,400, higher than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,153. Weekly rent median figure in Freeling was recorded at $330, compared to Non-Metro SA's $220. Nationally, Freeling's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,400 versus Australia's average of $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 2.3.

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 the 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, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 14.8% in primary, 7.7% in secondary, 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 well below average with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Freeling faces significant health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence data from various health conditions impacting both younger and older age groups. The area has a private health cover rate of approximately 52% (~1,492 people), which is higher than the average SA2 area but lower than Rest of SA at 48.9%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (10.7%) and mental health issues (10.1%). A total of 65.6% of residents reported being free from any medical ailments, compared to 62.5% in Rest of SA. Working-age population health challenges include elevated chronic condition rates. Freeling has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 16.1% (459 people) than Rest of SA's 27.1%. Senior health outcomes, however, align with national rankings similar to the general 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 had a cultural diversity level 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 predominant religion in Freeling, comprising 39.7% of people. However, Judaism had no representation in Freeling, mirroring the 0.0% across Rest of SA.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (34.5%), English (34.0%), and German (9.5%). Notable differences existed for Welsh (0.7% vs regional 0.5%), Maltese (0.4% vs 0.2%), and Dutch (1.3% vs 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 16.3%, while the 75-84 age group is comparatively smaller at 4.5% compared to Rest of SA. Between 2021 and present, the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 8.7% to 10.2% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 3.0% to 4.5%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age cohort has declined from 11.6% to 9.8%. 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 139 people (32%) from 430 to 570. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 age cohort grows by a modest 5% (16 people).