Kingscote

Population growth drivers in Kingscote are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of Feb 2026 the estimated population of Kingscote is around 2,154. This reflects an increase of 192 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,962 people in the suburb of Kingscote. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,039 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 43 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 122 persons per square kilometer in Kingscote. Kingscote's growth rate of 9.8% since the 2021 census exceeded that of Rest of SA (7.6%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 43.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in Kingscote, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth 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 are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population trends project an above median growth for Australia's non-metropolitan areas, with Kingscote expected to increase by 344 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 13.2% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Kingscote has seen approximately 16 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 83 homes were approved, with a further 8 approved in FY-26 to date. On average, 1.6 new residents have arrived per new home over the past five financial years.

This suggests a balanced supply and demand market, supporting stable conditions. The average construction cost value of new homes is $431,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. This year has seen $3.3 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential character.

Compared to Rest of SA, Kingscote records about 63% of building activity per person and ranks among the 80th percentile nationally. All new construction consists of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 139 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Population forecasts estimate Kingscote will gain 284 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Kingscote has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 13thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified five projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Seaview Motel Renovation and Expansion, Kingscote Town Centre Project, Kangaroo Island Wool Mill Retail and Commercial Buildings, and Cajetan Amadio Mixed Use Development (Dauncey Street, Kingscote). The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Kingscote demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Kingscote has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 1.4% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.2%. As of September 2025, 1,058 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 3.9% lower than Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%.

Workforce participation stands at 63.2%, compared to Rest of SA's 58.5%. According to Census responses, 6.6% of residents work from home. The dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. Notably, professional & technical services have employment levels at 2.1 times the regional average.

Manufacturing employs just 3.7% of local workers, below Rest of SA's 9.3%. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 1.2%, while labour force grew by 1.8%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of SA saw employment rise by 0.3%, labour force grow by 2.3%, and unemployment increase by 1.9 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a 6.6% growth over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kingscote's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023 indicates Kingscote's median income among taxpayers is $41,804. The average income for the suburb was $50,365 in this period. This is lower than national averages. In comparison, Rest of SA had a median income of $48,920 and an average of $58,933 during the same financial year. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year ended June 2023, estimated incomes for Kingscote as of September 2025 would be approximately $45,483 (median) and $54,797 (average). Census data from 2021 shows personal income ranks at the 23rd percentile ($673 weekly), while household income sits at the 7th percentile. The majority of residents (29.8%, or 641 people) fall into the $400 - 799 income bracket, which differs from surrounding regions where the $1500 - 2999 bracket dominates with 27.5%. Housing costs in Kingscote are modest, with residents retaining 87.6% of their income after housing expenses. However, total disposable income ranks at just the 11th percentile nationally.

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

Kingscote's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 92.0% houses and 8.0% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro SA had 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kingscote was 40.8%, similar to Non-Metro SA's figure. Mortgaged dwellings were 27.7% and rented ones were 31.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, lower than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,153. Median weekly rent in Kingscote was $214, compared to Non-Metro SA's $220. Nationally, Kingscote's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,083 versus Australia's average of $1,863. Rents in Kingscote were substantially below the national figure of $375 at $214.

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

Family households account for 59.2% of all households, including 17.6% couples with children, 33.7% couples without children, and 6.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 40.8%, with lone person households at 37.5% and group households making up 3.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of SA average of 2.3.

Educational outcomes in Kingscote fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 19.5%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 14.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (29.1%). Educational participation is high at 25.4%, comprising primary education (11.7%), secondary education (6.6%), and tertiary education (1.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.7% in primary education, 6.6% in secondary education, and 1.5% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Kingscote's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data for Kingscote indicates positive outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks. Common health conditions are low across all age groups.

Private health cover stands at approximately 47%, lower than the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 9.8% and 8.2% respectively. Around 63.7% report no medical ailments, slightly higher than Rest of SA's 62.5%. Working-age residents show a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions. Kingscote has 32.9% residents aged 65 and over, compared to Rest of SA's 27.1%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

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

Kingscote, as per the census conducted on 9 August 2016, showed a low level of cultural diversity with 86.5% of its population being Australian citizens and 84.9% born in Australia. The majority of residents, 95.2%, spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 36.8% of Kingscote's population.

However, Judaism had no representation, similar to the rest of South Australia (SA). Regarding ancestry, the top three groups were English (35.1%), Australian (30.9%), and Scottish (7.5%). Notably, German ethnicity was overrepresented in Kingscote at 7.1% compared to 8.2% regionally, Maori at 0.8% versus 0.2%, and Dutch at 1.4% compared to 1.3%.

Kingscote ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Kingscote's median age is 51 years, which is higher than the Rest of SA average of 47 and significantly older than the national norm of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 75-84 are particularly prominent, making up 12.5% of the population, while those aged 15-24 are relatively smaller at 7.4%. This concentration of 75-84 year-olds is well above the national average of 6.1%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 10.1% to 12.5%, while the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 16.8% to 13.7% and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 10.9% to 9.1%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Kingscote's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow exceptionally, increasing by 151 people (163%) from 92 to 244. Demographic aging continues as residents aged 65 and older represent 73% of anticipated growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for those aged 5-14 and 35-44.