McCracken

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

The population of McCracken is estimated at around 2,427 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase from the 2021 Census figure of 2,076 people, representing a growth of 351 people (16.9%). The current resident population estimate by AreaSearch is 2,237, following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and validation of an additional 9 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,069 persons per square kilometer. McCracken's population growth rate exceeds that of Rest of SA (7.6%) and its SA4 region, indicating it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 86% to 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 with adjustments made using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is expected for regional areas nationally, with McCracken projected to increase by 313 persons to reach a total of 2,740 by 2041, reflecting a 4.9% increase over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows McCracken recorded around 23 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 116 homes. So far in FY-26, 24 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, an average of 1.9 people moved to the area for each dwelling built. However, this decreased to 1.1 people per dwelling over the past two financial years. New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $391,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

In FY-26, $6.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered. Compared to Rest of SA, McCracken shows 17.0% lower construction activity per person while it ranks among the 92nd percentile nationally. Recent construction comprises 97.0% standalone homes and 3.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character.

With around 69 people per dwelling approval, McCracken shows characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, McCracken is expected to grow by 120 residents through to 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

McCracken has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 16thth percentile nationally

No infrastructure changes or major projects have been identified by AreaSearch as likely to impact the area. Key projects include Victor Retail Depot, Flinders Parade Townhouse Development, The Precinct Victor Harbor, and Best Life Canterbury Victor Harbor.

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AreaSearch assessment indicates McCracken faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

McCracken has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include essential services, with an unemployment rate of 5.4% as of September 2025. In the past year, employment stability was relative.

The AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data shows 696 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate aligning with Rest of SA's 5.3%. However, workforce participation lags at 37.3%, compared to Rest of SA's 58.5%. Census responses indicate a low 13.3% of residents work from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance (1.4 times the regional level), retail trade, and accommodation & food services.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 2.5% of local workers, below Rest of SA's 14.5%. The predominantly residential area offers limited local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, labour force increased by 1.4%, while employment declined by 0.3%, raising the unemployment rate by 1.6 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of SA's 0.3% employment growth and 2.3% labour force increase, resulting in a 1.9 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to McCracken's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation 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 the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, McCracken had a median income among taxpayers of $38,692 and an average income of $49,433. These figures are lower than national averages, which stood at $48,920 (median) and $58,933 (average) for Rest of SA respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% from financial year ended June 2023 to September 2025, current estimates suggest median income in McCracken is approximately $42,097 and average income is around $53,783 as of September 2025. The 2021 Census data indicates that incomes in McCracken fall between the 3rd and 6th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. In McCracken, 34.1% of the population (827 individuals) have incomes ranging from $800 to $1,499, contrasting with the surrounding region where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket is most prevalent at 27.5%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 86.8% of income retention, total disposable income in McCracken ranks at just the 6th percentile nationally.

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

McCracken's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 87.9% houses and 12.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro SA's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in McCracken stood at 54.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.5% and rented ones at 20.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,250, above Non-Metro SA's average of $1,153. Median weekly rent in McCracken was $300, compared to Non-Metro SA's $220. Nationally, McCracken's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 65.9% of all households, including 15.1% couples with children, 41.9% couples without children, and 8.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 34.1%, with lone person households at 32.6% and group households comprising 1.4%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Rest of SA average of 2.3.

The educational profile of McCracken exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 17.7%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This difference presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 36.7% of residents aged 15 and above holding them - advanced diplomas make up 11.4% while certificates account for 25.3%.

School and university attendance covers 17.9% of the community, including 7.9% in primary education, 4.9% in secondary education, and 2.3% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

McCracken's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

McCracken's health metrics are close to national benchmarks. Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts, with arthritis impacting 15.4% and mental health issues affecting 8.9% of residents. Approximately 47% (~1,130 people) have private health cover, compared to 48.9% in Rest of SA and the national average of 55.7%.

51.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.5% across Rest of SA. The area has a higher proportion of older residents, with 50.9% aged 65 and over (1,235 people), compared to 27.1% in Rest of SA. National rankings for the area are broadly in line with the general population.

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

McCracken's population showed low cultural diversity, with 80.9% born in Australia, 91.6% being citizens, and 97.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 53.0%, compared to 45.2% across Rest of SA. The top three ancestry groups were English (38.2%), Australian (28.4%), and Scottish (8.6%).

Notably, German ancestry was higher in McCracken at 7.0% than regionally at 8.2%. Welsh ancestry was also slightly higher at 0.6%, compared to the regional average of 0.5%. Korean ancestry, however, was notable at 0.3% where it was not present regionally.

McCracken ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

McCracken's median age is 64, significantly higher than Rest of SA's figure of 47 and Australia's median of 38. The age profile shows a prominent 75-84 year-old group (22.0%), while the 25-34 group is smaller at 3.8%. This concentration of 75-84 year-olds exceeds the national figure of 6.1%. Post-2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group grew from 18.3% to 22.0%, while the 65 to 74 cohort declined from 24.2% to 22.1% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 8.7% to 7.4%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial changes in McCracken's demographics. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 101%, adding 165 residents to reach 331. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 90% of population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 15 to 24 age cohorts.