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 estimated population of Kapunda is around 3,273. This figure represents an increase of 326 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,947. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,222 based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 81 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 39 persons per square kilometer. Kapunda's growth rate of 11.1% since the 2021 census exceeds both the non-metro area (6.8%) and the state average, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 75.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. 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. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is forecasted to experience a significant population increase in the top quartile nationally, with an expected rise of 745 persons by 2041, reflecting a total gain of 20.2% over the 17-year period.

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

Kapunda has seen approximately 33 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 165 homes from FY-20 to FY-24. As of FY-26, four approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25 has accommodated approximately 1.9 new residents per year.

The average expected construction cost value for these dwellings is $365,000. In the current financial year, Kapunda has seen $13.9 million in commercial development approvals, indicating steady investment activity. Compared to the Rest of SA, Kapunda shows 82.0% higher construction activity per person as of FY-26. All new constructions since FY-20 have been detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character and appealing to those seeking family homes with space. As of FY-26, there are approximately 131 people per dwelling approval in Kapunda.

AreaSearch projects Kapunda will add around 660 residents by 2041 based on its latest quarterly estimate. At current development rates, new housing supply should meet demand comfortably, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Kapunda has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 37thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely affecting this region. Key projects include Kidman Rise, Barossa Growth and Infrastructure Investment Strategy, Robertstown Solar Project, and SA Public Housing Maintenance and Services Contracts. Relevant details are listed below.

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Employment performance in Kapunda has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Kapunda has an evenly distributed workforce across white and blue collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominently featured. Its unemployment rate is 4.0%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, 1,386 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate at 0.6% below Rest of SA's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation in Kapunda mirrors Rest of SA's 54.1%. Key employment sectors for residents are manufacturing, healthcare & social assistance, and retail trade. Manufacturing stands out with employment levels at 1.7 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 6.6% versus the regional average of 14.5%.

Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population data. Over the year to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.1%, alongside a 1.3% employment decline, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 1.1 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of SA saw a 1.2% employment decline and a 1.2 percentage point increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth at 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 these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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 on June 2022 for financial year 2022, Kapunda had a median income among taxpayers of $43,966. The average income level stood at $50,690. Both figures were below the national averages of $46,889 and $56,582 respectively for Rest of SA. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, estimated median income as of September 2025 would be approximately $49,607, while the average is projected to reach $57,194. Census data from 2021 shows that incomes in Kapunda fall between the 9th and 15th percentiles nationally for household, family, and personal incomes. In Kapunda, 29.0% of the population (949 individuals) have incomes ranging from $400 to $799, unlike metropolitan regions where the dominant income range is $1,500 to $2,999 with 27.5%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 86.8% income retention, total disposable income ranks at just the 13th percentile nationally in Kapunda.

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, consisted of 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 Australia's 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 constitute 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 account for 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, 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 has university qualification rates at 12.8%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.5%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.7%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.6%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 41.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (31.8%).

A substantial 23.7% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 10.2% in primary, 6.4% in secondary, and 2.6% in tertiary education. Educational provision includes Kapunda Primary School and Kapunda High School, serving a total of 900 students. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 984) with balanced educational opportunities. There is one primary and one secondary institution providing education in the conventional manner. As an education hub, the area offers 27.5 school places per 100 residents, notably higher than the regional average of 13.0, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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. Private health cover is low, at approximately 47% (1,541 people), compared to 49.8% across the Rest of South Australia and a national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 11.9% and 10.3% of residents respectively, while 57.9% report no medical ailments, compared to 64.6% in the Rest of South Australia.

Kapunda has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 28.0% (916 people), compared to 22.8% in the Rest of South Australia. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, performing 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 cultural diversity is below average, with 86.5% born in Australia, 92.8% being citizens, and 98.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion at 44.1%. Judaism is not represented in Kapunda or Rest of SA.

Top ancestry groups are English (33.0%), Australian (30.7%), and German (10.4%). Welsh, Polish, and Scottish groups are notably overrepresented compared to regional averages.

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 concentration 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%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 16.7% to 15.5%. By 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Kapunda's age structure. Notably, the 75-84 group is projected to grow by 78% (253 people), reaching 581 from 327. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 66% of projected growth. Conversely, the 55-64 age group is projected to contract by 0 residents.