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 November 2025, the estimated population for the Kadina statistical area is around 3,115. This figure reflects an increase of 171 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,944. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,096 as of June 2024, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS, along with an additional 17 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio for Kadina is approximately 30 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, from 2012 to 2022, Kadina has demonstrated a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%, outpacing its SA4 region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing around 72.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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, based on 2021 data and released in 2023. Looking ahead, future population dynamics anticipate an increase just below the median of national non-metropolitan areas. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, the Kadina area is expected to increase by 378 persons to reach a total population of approximately 3,493 by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of around 13.1% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Kadina recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Kadina has recorded approximately 17 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 85 homes were approved, with an additional two approved so far in FY-26. On average, these constructions have attracted about 1.9 new residents per year.

The average construction cost value of new homes is approximately $389,000, indicating a focus on premium properties. In the current financial year, $1.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Rest of SA, Kadina has roughly half the building activity per person and ranks among the 62nd percentile nationally for building activity.

All recent building activity consists of standalone homes, maintaining the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 241 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Future projections estimate Kadina to add 407 residents by 2041. 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 moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 40thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 12 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects 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 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.

Employment conditions in Kadina face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Kadina's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with prominent essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 7.9% in September 2025, showing a 0.6% employment growth over the past year.

Residents' unemployment rate was 2.5% higher than Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%, and workforce participation was lower at 48.8%. Dominant sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training, with a strong specialization in healthcare (1.3 times the regional level). Agriculture, forestry & fishing had lower representation at 7.9% versus the regional average of 14.5%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data comparison.

In the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.6%, labour force by 2.0%, resulting in a 1.3 percentage point unemployment rise. This contrasts with Rest of SA's 0.3% employment growth and 1.9 percentage point unemployment rise. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national employment growth at 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, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released on June 30, 2023, Kadina suburb had a median income among taxpayers of $46,020 with average at $54,618. This is below national average and compares to $48,920 (median) and $58,933 (average) across Rest of SA respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since June 30, 2023, current estimates would be approximately $50,070 (median) and $59,424 (average) as of September 2025. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics data from 2021 Census, household incomes in Kadina fall between 6th and 11th percentiles nationally. Family incomes also fall within this range, while personal incomes are at the 8th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that 28.4% of locals (884 people) earn $400-$799 annually, differing from regional patterns where $1,500-$2,999 dominates with 27.5%. Housing costs are modest, with 86.8% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 10th percentile nationally.

Kadina is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Kadina's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 90.6% houses and 9.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro SA had 93.3% houses and 6.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kadina was at 43.0%, with the rest being mortgaged (27.7%) or rented (29.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, aligning with Non-Metro SA's average, while the median weekly rent was $250, compared to Non-Metro SA's $1,083 and $230 respectively. Nationally, Kadina's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than Australia's average of $1,863, with rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for the remaining 35.9%, with lone person households at 32.6% and group households comprising 3.1%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is larger than the Rest of SA average of 2.1.

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 prevalent at 9.0%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.2%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.3%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 38.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (29.4%).

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

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Kadina faces significant health challenges across various age groups. The rate of private health cover stands at approximately 49%, with around 1,514 people covered (~67% lower than the national average of 55.7%).

Common medical conditions include arthritis (affecting 10.9%) and mental health issues (impacting 9.8%), while 57.3% report no medical ailments (compared to 56.0% in Rest of SA). As of 2021, 32.1% of residents are aged 65 and over (~400 fewer than the 36.2% in Rest of SA). Despite this, health outcomes among seniors exceed average levels, outperforming the general population in various health metrics.

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's population showed low cultural diversity, with 92.4% born in Australia, 92.7% being citizens, and 98.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 43.9%. Both Kadina and Rest of SA had no Judaism representation (0.0%).

Ancestry-wise, Australians made up 36.4%, English 34.5%, and German 6.4%. Dutch were slightly overrepresented at 1.5% compared to the regional average of 1.2%. Australian Aboriginals were similarly represented at 2.7% versus 2.6%. Korean ancestry, absent regionally, was present in Kadina at 0.2%.

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

Kadina's median age is 49, which is higher than the Rest of SA figure of 47 and substantially exceeds the national norm of 38. Compared to Rest of SA, Kadina has a higher concentration of residents aged 85+ (5.9%) but fewer individuals aged 45-54 (8.6%). Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the percentage of residents aged 85+ grew from 4.9% to 5.9%. Conversely, the proportion of those aged 45-54 decreased from 10.3% to 8.6%, and the 25-34 age group dropped from 10.8% to 9.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Kadina's age structure. The number of residents aged 85+ is projected to grow by 102% (187 people), reaching 371 from 183. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 77% of the projected growth. Conversely, both the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.