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 Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Kadina is around 3,135, reflecting an increase of 191 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 6.5% rise from the previous population count of 2,944. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,096 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 38 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 30 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Kadina has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%, outpacing its SA4 region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 72.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

However, all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration 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, based on 2021 data and released in 2023, with adjustments made using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking ahead, future population dynamics anticipate an increase just below the median of national non-metropolitan areas, with the suburb expected to increase by 363 persons to reach approximately 3,508 by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections. This reflects a total increase of 12.0% 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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows 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 have been approved, with an additional two approved so far in FY-26. On average, these new dwellings have attracted about 1.9 new residents per year.

This suggests a balance between supply and demand, maintaining stable market conditions. The average construction cost value of new homes is approximately $389,000, indicating a focus on premium properties. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totalled $1.8 million, reflecting a predominantly residential focus in Kadina.

Compared to the rest of South Australia, Kadina has roughly half the building activity per person and ranks at the 62nd percentile nationally when assessed areas are considered. Recent building activity consists solely of standalone homes, preserving the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. There are approximately 241 people per dwelling approval in Kadina, confirming its low-density market status. Future projections, based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, suggest Kadina will add around 376 residents by 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Kadina has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 33rdth percentile nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 12 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are 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.

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

Kadina has a balanced workforce across white and blue collar jobs, with prominent essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 7.8% as of September 2025. This rate is 2.5% higher than Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%.

Workforce participation in Kadina is lower at 51.7%, compared to Rest of SA's 58.5%. According to Census data, only 7.1% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Health care & social assistance has a strong presence, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 7.9% versus the regional average of 14.5%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the count of working population against resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.5%, while labour force grew by 1.8%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 1.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of SA saw employment rise by 0.3%, labour force grow by 2.3%, and unemployment rise by 1.9 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May 2025, project national 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.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023, Kadina had a median taxpayer income of $46,020 and an average income of $54,618. These figures are below the national averages of $48,920 (median) and $58,933 (average) for Rest of SA. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $50,070 (median) and $59,424 (average). Census figures from 2021 show household, family, and personal incomes in Kadina falling between the 6th and 11th percentiles nationally. The predominant income cohort in Kadina spans 28.4% of locals (890 people) with incomes between $400 and $799, differing from regional patterns where the $1,500 to $2,999 category dominates at 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Kadina, as evaluated at the latest Census conducted in 2016, consisted of 90.6% houses and 9.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Non-Metro SA's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings during the same period. Home ownership in Kadina stood at 43.0%, with mortgaged dwellings making up 27.7% and rented dwellings at 29.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Kadina was $1,083, lower than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,153. The median weekly rent figure for Kadina was recorded at $250, compared to Non-Metro SA's $220. Nationally, Kadina's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were 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 Rest of SA average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 12.5%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. 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, 7.2% in secondary, and 1.6% in tertiary education.

A substantial 23.9% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 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, as per AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is low at approximately 49% of the total population (~1,524 people), 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, lower than the Rest of SA's 62.5%. Working-age population health is notably challenging due to high chronic condition rates. Kadina has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 33.0% (1,034 people), compared to Rest of SA's 27.1%. Senior health outcomes are 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, as per data from 2016 Census, had a population with 92.4% born in Australia and 92.7% being citizens, indicating lower cultural diversity compared to the national average. English was spoken at home by 98.0%. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 43.9% of Kadina's population.

Judaism had no representation (0.0%) in Kadina, similar to the rest of South Australia (SA). Ancestry-wise, Australian (36.4%) and English (34.5%) were the most prevalent, followed by German at 6.4%. Dutch ancestry was slightly overrepresented at 1.5% compared to SA's 1.3%, while Australian Aboriginal was at 2.7% (vs regional average of 3.3%), and Korean at 0.2% (regionally unrepresented).

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

Kadina's median age is 49, higher than the Rest of SA figure of 47 and substantially exceeding the national norm of 38. Compared to Rest of SA, Kadina has a higher concentration of residents aged 85+ (6.0%) but fewer individuals aged 45 - 54 (8.4%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 65 to 74 grew from 14.4% to 15.6%, while those aged 85+ increased from 4.9% to 6.0%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group declined from 10.3% to 8.4%, and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 10.8% to 9.2%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Kadina's age structure. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 94%, reaching 364 from 188. Those aged 65 and above will comprise 73% of this growth. Conversely, both the 15 to 24 and 55 to 64 age groups are expected to decrease in number.