Kingscote

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

As of May 2026, the population of Kingscote is estimated at around 2,056. This reflects an increase of 94 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,962. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of a resident population of 2,050 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2025 and an additional 45 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 116 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Kingscote has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.9%, outpacing its SA4 region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 43.0% 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 and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. Moving forward, demographic trends project an above median population growth for regional areas across the nation, with Kingscote expected to increase by 314 persons to reach a total of 2,370 by 2041, reflecting a gain of 15.0% over the 16 years.

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

Kingscote has averaged around 16 dwelling approvals per year based on AreaSearch analysis. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 83 homes were approved, with a further 14 approved in FY-26. On average, each new home attracted about 1.1 new residents annually over the past five financial years, though this rate has moderated to 0.1 people per dwelling over the last two years. The average construction cost of new homes is $431,000, indicating a focus on premium market properties.

This year, there have been $3.3 million in commercial approvals. Compared to Rest of SA, Kingscote has about two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks in the 81st percentile nationally. All approved constructions since FY-21 have been standalone homes, maintaining the area's low-density character with around 136 people per dwelling approval.

By 2041, Kingscote is projected to gain approximately 308 residents. At current development rates, new housing supply should meet demand comfortably, supporting buyers and potentially exceeding population projections.

Kingscote has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 18thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects likely affecting this region. 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 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 performance in Kingscote ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

Kingscote has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 1.7% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.9%. As of December 2025, 1,066 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.1%, below Regional SA's 5.7%.

Workforce participation is 62.0%, compared to Regional SA's 58.3%. According to Census responses, 6.6% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. The area has a notable concentration in professional & technical services, with employment levels at 2.1 times the regional average.

Manufacturing employs only 3.7% of local workers, below Regional SA's 9.3%. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 2.9%, while labour force grew by 3.6%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Regional SA saw employment rise by 0.7% and unemployment increase by 2.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% 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 weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Kingscote's median income among taxpayers is $41,804 and average is $50,365. This is lower than national averages. Regional SA has a median of $48,920 and average of $58,933. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, estimates for March 2026 would be approximately $46,055 (median) and $55,487 (average). Census 2021 income data ranks personal income at the 23rd percentile ($673 weekly) and household income at the 7th percentile. The $400 - 799 income bracket dominates with 29.8% of residents (612 people), differing from surrounding regions where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is dominant at 27.5%. Housing costs are modest with 87.6% of income retained, but 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, Regional SA had 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Kingscote was 40.8%, similar to Regional SA's figure. Mortgaged dwellings made up 27.7% and rented dwellings were 31.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, lower than Regional SA's average of $1,153. Median weekly rent in Kingscote was $214, compared to Regional SA's $220. Nationally, Kingscote's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,083 versus the Australian average of $1,863. Rents in Kingscote were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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 make up the remaining 40.8%, with lone person households at 37.5% and group households comprising 3.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Regional 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 Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the 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 - advanced diplomas at 10.1% and certificates at 29.1%. Educational participation is high, with 25.4% currently enrolled in formal education: 11.7% in primary, 6.6% in secondary, and 1.5% in tertiary education.

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

Kingscote's health data shows positive results, closely aligned with national averages. 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 conditions are arthritis (9.8%) and mental health issues (8.2%), while 63.7% report no medical ailments, similar to Regional SA's 62.5%. Working-age residents have a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 33.4%, compared to Regional SA's 27.1%. Health outcomes for seniors rank favourably against national averages.

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

Kingscote's population showed lower diversity, with 86.5% being citizens and 84.9% born in Australia. English was the language spoken at home by 95.2%. Christianity dominated religiously, at 36.8%.

Judaism was equally represented as regionally (0.0%). Ancestry showed top groups as English (35.1%), Australian (30.9%), and Scottish (7.5%). Some ethnicities had notable differences: German was overrepresented at 7.1% compared to the regional 8.2%, Maori at 0.8% versus 0.2%, and Dutch at 1.4% versus 1.3%.

Kingscote ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Kingscote's median age is 51 years, which is considerably higher than the Regional SA average of 47 years and significantly older than the national norm of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 75-84 are particularly prominent, making up 13.1% of the population, compared to the regional average of 9.0%. This concentration is well above the national average of 6.1%. Since 2021, the 75-84 age group has grown from 10.1% to 13.1%, while the 55-64 cohort has declined from 16.8% to 13.9% and the 45-54 group has dropped from 10.9% to 9.1%. By 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Kingscote's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow exceptionally, expanding by 149 people (165%) from 90 to 240. Demographic aging continues as residents aged 65 and older represent 69% of anticipated growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 65-74 and 35-44 cohorts.