McCracken

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, McCracken's population is estimated at around 2,334 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 258 people (12.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,076 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,242 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 8 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,028 persons per square kilometer. McCracken's 12.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area (6.8%) and the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 86.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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, released in 2023 based on 2021 data, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth of regional areas across the nation is projected for McCracken, with the suburb expected to increase by 300 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 8.7% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows McCracken recorded around 23 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 115 homes. So far in FY26, 17 approvals have been recorded. On average, between FY21 and FY25, 2 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 value of $391,000. Compared to Rest of SA, McCracken has 18.0% less new development per person but ranks among the 92nd percentile nationally. Recent periods show increased development activity.

Ninety-six percent of new developments consist of detached dwellings, preserving the area's suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 69 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Future projections estimate McCracken adding 203 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

McCracken has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 23rdth percentile nationally

No changes can affect a region's performance more than alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. As of AreaSearch's identification, zero projects are projected to significantly impact this area. Notable ventures comprise Victor Retail Depot, Flinders Parade Townhouse Development, The Precinct Victor Harbor, and Best Life Canterbury Victor Harbor, with the following list outlining those deemed most relevant.

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Employment drivers in McCracken are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

McCracken's workforce comprises an equal mix of white and blue-collar jobs, with key services well-represented. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 5.1%.

Residents' employment stands at 694, with a rate 0.5% higher than Rest of SA's 4.6%. Workforce participation lags at 35.3%, compared to Rest of SA's 54.1%. Health care & social assistance (1.4 times regional average) and retail trade dominate jobs. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is underrepresented at 2.5% versus the regional average of 14.5%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities. From Jun-24 to Jul-25, labour force decreased by 2.3%, employment by 3.6%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of SA's 1.2% employment fall and 0.1% labour force expansion. Jobs and Skills Australia projects national employment growth: 6.6% over five years (Sep-22 to Sep-27) and 13.7% over ten years (Sep-22 to Sep-32). Applying these projections to McCracken's employment mix suggests local growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, assuming constant population.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows McCracken had a median taxpayer income of $38,692 and an average income of $49,433. Nationally, the averages were $46,889 and $56,582 respectively. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $43,656 (median) and $55,775 (average), based on a 12.83% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, McCracken's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 3rd and 6th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals 34.1% of McCracken's population (795 individuals) have incomes ranging from $800 to $1,499, contrasting with the regional leading bracket of $1,500 to $2,999 at 27.5%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 86.8% income retention, total disposable income ranks at the 6th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in McCracken, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 87.9% houses and 12.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro SA had 92.1% houses and 7.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in McCracken was at 54.9%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (24.5%) or rented (20.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in McCracken was $1,250, below Non-Metro SA's average of $1,300 and significantly lower than the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in McCracken was recorded at $300, compared to Non-Metro SA's $280 and 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% of the total. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Rest of SA average of 2.2.

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 disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 11.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 36.7% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 11.4% and certificates at 25.3%.

School and university attendance makes up 17.9% of the community, comprising 7.9% in primary education, 4.9% in secondary education, and 2.3% pursuing tertiary education. Educational facilities seem to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, necessitating families to access schools in neighboring areas.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

McCracken faces significant health challenges with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately 47% (~1,087 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 15.4% of residents) and mental health issues (8.9%), while 51.1% report having no medical ailments compared to 58.3% in the rest of South Australia. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 50.0% (1,167 people), higher than the 37.0% in Rest of SA.

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 42.7% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were English (38.2%), Australian (28.4%), and Scottish (8.6%).

Notably, German (7.0%) and Korean (0.3%) groups were overrepresented in McCracken compared to regional averages of 6.7% and 0.0%, respectively.

McCracken ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

McCracken's median age is 64, notably higher than Rest of SA's figure of 47 and Australia's median of 38. The age profile reveals a prominent 75-84 year-old group (21.5%), while the 25-34 group is smaller at 4.2% compared to Rest of SA. This concentration of 75-84 year-olds exceeds the national figure of 6%. Post-2021 Census, the 75-84 age group grew from 18.3% to 21.5%, while the 65-74 cohort declined from 24.2% to 22.1%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic shifts in McCracken. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 121%, adding 180 residents to reach 330. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 96% of population growth, highlighting aging trends. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 35-44 and 15-24 age groups.