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 2,102 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 26 people (1.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,076 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,080 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 10 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 926 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 86.0% 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 any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for 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, with McCracken expected to increase by 302 persons to reach 2,404 by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 13.3% over the 16 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates McCracken recorded approximately 23 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 115 homes. As of FY-26, 27 approvals have been recorded. Based on an average of 1.6 new residents per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, supply and demand appear balanced, maintaining stable market conditions. The average construction value of new homes is $391,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

In FY-26, $6.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating the area's residential character. Compared to Rest of SA, McCracken shows 15.0% lower construction activity per person while ranking among the 91st percentile nationally, though recent construction activity has intensified, reflecting strong developer confidence in the location. New development consists predominantly of detached houses (97.0%) and townhouses or apartments (3.0%), preserving McCracken's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers with around 70 people per dwelling approval. Future projections estimate McCracken will add approximately 280 residents by 2041, suggesting current construction levels should adequately meet demand and create favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth exceeding current forecasts.

Future projections show McCracken adding 280 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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 significantly affect a region's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are likely to impact this area. Notable projects include Victor Retail Depot, Flinders Parade Townhouse Development, The Precinct Victor Harbor, and Best Life Canterbury Victor Harbor. Below is a list detailing those most relevant.

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The labour market performance in McCracken lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

McCracken has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue-collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate is 6.0%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025645 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 0.2% above Regional SA's rate of 5.7%.

Workforce participation in McCracken lags significantly at 36.1%, compared to Regional SA's 58.3%. Census responses show that only 13.3% of residents work from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food sectors. McCracken specializes in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level, but agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 2.5% compared to Regional SA's 14.5%.

The predominantly residential area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the ratio of Census working population to resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in December 2025, McCracken's labour force increased by 1.5%, while employment declined by 0.6%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 2.0 percentage points. In comparison, Regional SA recorded employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 3.1%, with an unemployment increase of 2.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that over five years, total employment is projected to expand by 6.6%, and over ten years by 13.7%. Applying these projections to McCracken's employment mix indicates potential local employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

The suburb of McCracken had an income level below the national average according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in McCracken was $38,692 and the average income stood at $49,433. These figures compared to Regional SA's median of $48,920 and average of $58,933 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, current estimates for McCracken would be approximately $42,627 (median) and $54,460 (average) as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in McCracken all fell between the 3rd and 6th percentiles nationally. The income distribution showed that the $800 - 1,499 bracket dominated with 34.1% of residents (716 people), contrasting with regional levels where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket led at 27.5%. Housing costs were modest with 86.8% of income retained, but total disposable income ranked at just the 6th percentile nationally.

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

In McCracken, as per the latest Census evaluation, 87.9% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 12.1% being other types such as semi-detached properties, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Regional SA's figures of 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, higher than Regional SA's average of $1,153. The median weekly rent in McCracken was $300, lower than Regional SA's figure of $220. Nationally, McCracken's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 comprise 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 make up 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 Regional SA average of 2.3.

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

The area has university qualification rates of 17.7%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This 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%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 36.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (11.4%) and certificates (25.3%).

School and university attendance encompasses 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, based on AreaSearch's assessment. Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 47% of the total population (~979 people), compared to 48.9% in Regional SA and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (15.4%) and mental health issues (8.9%). A total of 51.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.5% across Regional SA. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 52.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,097 people), which is higher than the 27.1% in Regional SA. National rankings 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 was found to be less diverse culturally, with 80.9% born in Australia, 91.6% being citizens, and 97.2% speaking English only at home. The dominant religion was Christianity, practiced by 53.0%, compared to the Regional SA average of 45.2%. The top three ancestral 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 at 0.6% vs 0.5%, and Korean at 0.3% vs 0%.

McCracken ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

McCracken's median age is 64, significantly higher than Regional SA's figure of 47 and substantially exceeding Australia's median of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 75-84 are particularly prominent, making up 22.4% of the population, while those aged 25-34 make up only 4.2%. This concentration of the 75-84 age group is well above the national figure of 6.1%. According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of McCracken's population in the 75-84 age group has grown from 18.3% to 22.4%, while the proportion of those aged 65-74 has declined from 24.2% to 22.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in McCracken, with the strongest projected growth in the 85+ cohort, which is expected to increase by 113%, adding 173 residents to reach a total of 327. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 88% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 35-44 and 5-14 age cohorts.