Kapunda

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

As of November 2025, the Kapunda statistical area's population is estimated at around 3,262. This reflects an increase of 315 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,947. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population as 3,204 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 81 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 39 persons per square kilometer. The Kapunda (SA2) experienced a growth rate of 10.7% since the 2021 census, exceeding the SA4 region's 7.1%. Interstate migration contributed approximately 75.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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. Demographic trends project an above median population growth for regional areas nationally, with the Kapunda (SA2) expected to increase by 732 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 20.2% over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Kapunda when compared nationally

Kapunda saw around 31 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 158 homes. As of FY-26, 5 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling attracted 2 new residents per year between FY-21 and FY-25. The average construction cost value was $365,000, indicating a focus on the premium market.

In FY-26, $22.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered. Kapunda's construction activity is 75.0% higher than the rest of South Australia when measured per person. Recent development has consisted entirely of detached houses, maintaining the area's low density nature with approximately 147 people per dwelling approval. AreaSearch projects Kapunda to grow by 658 residents by 2041.

Current development patterns suggest new housing supply will meet demand, potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Kapunda has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 21stth percentile nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. One major project identified by AreaSearch may impact the region: Kidman Rise, Barossa Growth and Infrastructure Investment Strategy, Robertstown Solar Project, and SA Public Housing Maintenance and Services Contracts are key initiatives, with specific details below.

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Employment conditions in Kapunda remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Kapunda has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The unemployment rate is 4.1%.

Over the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 0.9%. As of September 2025, 1,417 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.1% compared to Rest of SA's 5.3%. The dominant sectors include manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Manufacturing is particularly prominent, with a share of employment 1.7 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 6.6% compared to Rest of SA's 14.5%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 0.9%, while labour force grew by 1.9%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.9 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of SA's employment growth of 0.3% and labour force growth of 2.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kapunda's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.2% over five years and 11.8% 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

Kapunda's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2023 was $43,966, with an average of $50,690. This is below the national average. The median income for Rest of SA during this period was $48,920, with an average of $58,933. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, estimates suggest Kapunda's median income would be approximately $47,835 and the average around $55,151 by September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, incomes in Kapunda fall between the 9th and 15th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 29.0% of residents (945 people) earn within the $400 - $799 range. In contrast, metropolitan regions have a higher percentage of residents earning within the $1,500 - $2,999 range at 27.5%. Housing costs in Kapunda are modest, with 86.8% of income retained. However, total disposable income ranks at just the 13th percentile nationally.

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

Kapunda's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census data, were 94.5% houses and 5.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro SA's 94.6% houses and 5.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kapunda stood at 41.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.5% and rented ones at 19.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,127, lower than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,400. Median weekly rent in Kapunda was $246, compared to Non-Metro SA's $285. Nationally, Kapunda's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,127 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 65.5% of all households, including 21.7% couples with children, 31.2% couples without children, and 11.5% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 34.5%, with lone person households at 32.5% and group households comprising 2.4% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of SA average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 12.8%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives in the region. Bachelor degrees are the most common university qualifications, held by 9.5% of residents, followed by graduate diplomas (1.7%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent among residents aged 15 and above, with 41.0% holding such qualifications.

Advanced diplomas account for 9.2%, while certificates make up 31.8%. A total of 23.7% of the population is actively engaged in formal education. This includes 10.2% in primary education, 6.4% in secondary education, and 2.6% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Kapunda faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately 47% (~1,536 people) have private health cover, lower than the Rest of SA's 50.6% and the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.9%) and mental health issues (10.3%).

Conversely, 57.9% report no medical ailments, compared to 64.6% in Rest of SA. Kapunda has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 28.0% (913 people), compared to the Rest of SA's 22.8%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are challenging but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

Kapunda is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Kapunda's population showed low cultural diversity, with 86.5% born in Australia and 92.8% being citizens. English was the language spoken at home by 98.0%. Christianity was the predominant religion at 44.1%, while Judaism was not present (0.0%), similar to Rest of SA (0.0%).

The top three ancestral groups were English (33.0%), Australian (30.7%), and German (10.4%). Some ethnicities had notable differences: Welsh were overrepresented at 0.6% compared to the regional average of 0.5%, as were Polish at 0.6% versus 0.5%. Scottish ancestry was also higher than the regional average, at 7.7% in Kapunda versus 6.7%.

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

Kapunda'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, Kapunda has a higher proportion of 55-64 residents (15.5%) but fewer 35-44 year-olds (9.7%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the 25-34 age group has grown from 9.8% to 10.8%, while the 45-54 cohort has declined from 11.6% to 10.2%. The 55-64 group has also decreased, from 16.7% to 15.5%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Kapunda's age structure. Notably, the 75-84 group is projected to grow by 77%, reaching 578 people from 326. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 65% of projected growth. Conversely, the 55-64 age group is expected to contract by 0 residents.