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 2,393 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 317 people (15.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,076 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,237 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 1,054 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. McCracken's 15.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area (7.3%), along with the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area 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 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 and based on 2021 data, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth of regional areas across the nation is projected, with the McCracken statistical area (Lv2) expected to increase by 300 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 6.0% over the 17 years.

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, indicates McCracken has recorded approximately 23 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 116 homes. In FY-26 so far, 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 figure 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. This year, $6.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered. Compared to Rest of SA, McCracken shows 17.0% lower construction activity per person but ranks among the 92nd percentile nationally.

Recent construction comprises 97.0% standalone homes and 3.0% townhouses or apartments. With around 69 people per dwelling approval, McCracken exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, McCracken is expected to grow by 144 residents through to 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

McCracken has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 21stth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly affect an area's performance like modifications to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are expected to impact this particular area. Notable projects include Victor Retail Depot, Flinders Parade Townhouse Development, The Precinct Victor Harbor, and Best Life Canterbury Victor Harbor, with the following list outlining those likely to be most pertinent.

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

McCracken has a diverse workforce with both white and blue-collar jobs, prominent in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 5.4%, stable over the past year according to AreaSearch data aggregation.

As of September 2025703 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate matching Rest of SA's 5.3%. Workforce participation lags at 35.3% compared to Rest of SA's 54.1%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance (1.4 times the regional level), retail trade, and accommodation & food services. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 2.5%, below Rest of SA's 14.5%.

Employment opportunities appear limited locally based on Census data comparison. Over the past year, employment increased by 0.1% while labour force rose by 1.8%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.5 percentage points. Nationally, employment is forecast to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, with variations across sectors. Applying these projections to McCracken's employment mix suggests local employment growth of 6.6% in five years and 13.9% in ten years.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, McCracken suburb had a median income among taxpayers of $38,692. The average income stood at $49,433. This is lower than national averages of $48,920 and $58,933 for Rest of SA respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, current estimates project median income to be approximately $42,097 and average income at $53,783 by September 2025. The 2021 Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in McCracken fall between the 3rd and 6th percentiles nationally. Among McCracken's population of 2400 (34.1%), 816 individuals have incomes ranging from $800 to $1,499, contrasting with the surrounding region where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 27.5%. Housing costs are modest, allowing for retention of 86.8% of income, yet total disposable income ranks at just the 6th percentile nationally.

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

The latest Census showed that McCracken had 87.9% houses and 12.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro SA's 92.1% houses and 7.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in McCracken was at 54.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.5% and rented ones at 20.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,250, below Non-Metro SA's average of $1,300. The median weekly rent in McCracken was $300, compared to Non-Metro SA's $280. 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 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 comprise the remaining 34.1%, with lone person households at 32.6% and group households at 1.4%. 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 in the region. 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+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.4%) and certificates (25.3%).

School and university attendance encompasses 17.9% of the community, comprising 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.

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% (~1,114 individuals) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (15.4%) and mental health issues (8.9%). Notably, 51.1% report having no medical ailments, compared to 58.3% in Rest of SA. McCracken has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 50.1% (1,198 people), compared to the Rest of SA's 37.0%.

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, born in Australia, is 80.9%. Citizenship stands at 91.6%, with 97.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominates as the main religion, at 53.0%, compared to Rest of SA's 42.7%.

Ancestry shows English at 38.2%, Australian at 28.4%, and Scottish at 8.6%. Notably, German ancestry is higher at 7.0% (regional: 6.7%), Welsh remains similar at 0.6% (regional: 0.6%), while Korean increases to 0.3% (regionally: 0%).

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 that those aged 75-84 are particularly prominent (21.5%), while the 25-34 group is relatively smaller at 4.2% compared to Rest of SA. This concentration of 75-84 year-olds is well above the national figure of 6.0%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 18.3% to 21.5%, while the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 24.2% to 22.2% and the 55 to 64 group has dropped from 12.4% to 11.3%. Population forecasts for McCracken in 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes, with the 85+ cohort projected to grow by 116%, adding 177 residents to reach 331. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 99% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 age cohorts.