Kadina

An assessment of population growth drivers in Kadina reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Kadina is around 3,224. This figure represents an increase of 280 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,944. The latest estimate of 3,181 residents was derived from AreaSearch's analysis of the ABS' ERP data release in June 2025, with an additional 43 validated new addresses added post-Census. This results in a population density of 31 persons per square kilometer. Kadina's population growth of 9.5% since the 2021 Census exceeds both the Rest of SA (5.9%) and the SA4 region, indicating it as a growth leader in the area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 72.0% to overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and adopts SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections for areas not covered by this data or years post-2032. By 2041, the suburb is projected to increase its population by 378 persons, reflecting an overall increase of 10.4% over the 16-year period based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Kadina according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Kadina recorded approximately 18 residential properties granted approval each year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Around 90 homes were approved over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with an additional five approved in FY-26. On average, around 1.1 new residents per year per dwelling constructed have been recorded between FY-21 and FY-25.

This suggests a balance between supply and demand, fostering stable market dynamics. The average construction value of these dwellings was $389,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totalled $1.8 million, reflecting a predominantly residential focus in Kadina.

Compared to Rest of SA, Kadina records roughly half the building activity per person while it places among the 67th percentile of areas assessed nationally. Recent construction comprises 93.0% detached dwellings and 7.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 206 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Future projections show Kadina adding 335 residents by 2041, based on 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.

Kadina 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 12 projects that could impact the region. Key initiatives include Kadina Central Expansion, Daddow Court and Abbott Drive Residential Development, Kadina Town Hall Restoration, and Kadina Town Centre Redevelopment (Kadina Hub). The following list details those most likely to be 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.

AreaSearch assessment indicates Kadina faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Kadina has a balanced workforce comprising both white and blue-collar jobs. Key sectors include essential services, with an unemployment rate of 7.7%. Over the past year, employment grew by an estimated 2.5%.

As of December 2025, 1,278 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 9.7%, which is 4 percentage points higher than Regional SA's rate of 5.7%. Workforce participation in Kadina is lower at 50.9% compared to Regional SA's 58.3%. According to Census data, only 7.1% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training.

Health care & social assistance employs 1.3 times the regional level but agriculture, forestry & fishing is lower at 7.9% compared to Regional SA's 14.5%. Over a 12-month period ending in December 2025, employment increased by 2.5%, while labour force grew by 3.5%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Regional SA had employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 3.1%, with a 2.2 percentage point increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kadina's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Kadina's income level is below the national average according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Kadina is $46,020 and the average income stands at $54,618. These figures compare to Regional SA's of $48,920 and $58,933 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $50,700 (median) and $60,173 (average) as of March 2026. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Kadina all fall between the 6th and 11th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows the largest segment comprises 28.4% earning $400 - 799 weekly (915 residents). This diverges from the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 27.5%. While housing costs are modest with 86.8% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 10th percentile nationally.

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

Kadina's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 90.6% houses and 9.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional SA's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kadina was 43.0%, similar to Regional SA's figure. Dwellings were either mortgaged (27.7%) or rented (29.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Kadina was $1,083, below the Regional SA average of $1,153 and significantly lower than the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Kadina was $250, compared to Regional SA's $220 and substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 64.1% of all households, including 18.2% couples with children, 33.3% couples without children, and 11.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 35.9%, with lone person households at 32.6% and group households comprising 3.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Regional SA average of 2.3.

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

The area has university qualification rates of 12.5%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.0%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.2%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.3%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 38.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (29.4%).

A total of 23.9% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 10.8% in primary education, 7.2% in secondary education, and 1.6% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Kadina faces significant health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is low, with approximately 49% of Kadina's total population (~1,567 people) having it, compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.9%) and mental health issues (9.8%). Conversely, 57.3% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 62.5% in Regional SA. Working-age population health challenges are notable due to high chronic condition rates. Kadina has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 32.9% (1,060 people), compared to Regional SA's 27.1%. Senior health outcomes rank above average nationally.

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

Kadina, surveyed in June 2016, showed low cultural diversity: 92.4% were born in Australia, 92.7% were citizens, and 98.0% spoke English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 43.9%. However, Judaism's representation was similar to Regional SA's 0.0%.

Ancestry wise, Australian (36.4%) and English (34.5%) were prominent in Kadina, higher than regional averages of 31.3% and 27.8%, respectively. German ancestry stood at 6.4%. Notable differences existed for Dutch (1.5%), Australian Aboriginal (2.7%), and Korean (0.2%).

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

Kadina's median age is 49, which is higher than the Regional SA figure of 47 and substantially exceeds the national norm of 38. Compared to Regional SA, Kadina has a higher proportion of residents aged 85+ (6.0%) but fewer residents aged 45-54 (8.6%). Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the population aged 65-74 increased from 14.4% to 15.5%, while those aged 85+ rose from 4.9% to 6.0%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 45-54 decreased from 10.3% to 8.6%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Kadina's age structure. The 85+ group is expected to grow by 92%, reaching 372 people from 193. The population aged 65 and above will comprise 75% of the projected growth. Conversely, both the 5-14 and 65-74 age groups are projected to decrease in number.