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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Sales Activity
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Sales Detail
Population
Population growth drivers in McLaren Flat are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends
The estimated population of McLaren Flat as of May 2026 is around 1,673 people. This figure reflects an increase of 48 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 1,625 residents. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, along with an additional 10 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 59 persons per square kilometer. McLaren Flat's growth rate of 3.0% since the last census is within 2.8 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 5.8%. The primary driver of this population growth was interstate migration, contributing around 81.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.
AreaSearch uses 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 are adopted, based on 2021 data and adjusted using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on these projected demographic shifts, McLaren Flat is expected to experience above median population growth, with an increase of 253 persons projected by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 13.4% over the 16-year period.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees McLaren Flat recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide
AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows McLaren Flat has received approximately 5 dwelling approvals per year over the past 5 financial years, totalling around 26 homes. In FY-26 so far, 4 approvals have been recorded. On average, about 2.4 people move to the area annually for each new home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. New homes are built at an estimated cost of $302,000 on average.
This financial year has seen $74,000 in commercial approvals, indicating a residential focus. Compared to Greater Adelaide, McLaren Flat shows around 65% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 62nd percentile nationally, with recent intensification in building activity. The area maintains low density, with detached dwellings making up all recent building activity and an average of approximately 233 people per approval. By 2041, McLaren Flat is projected to grow by around 225 residents.
Building activity aligns with growth projections, but increased competition among buyers may arise as the population expands.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around McLaren Flat
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
McLaren Flat has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 27thth percentile nationally
Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely impacting the region: Willunga Basin Water Infrastructure Expansion, Onkaparinga Heights. Other key projects include Adelaide Public Transport Capacity and Access improvements, and Adelaide's Inner And Outer Ring Route Capacity Enhancements. The following details projects most relevant to the area.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Enabling Infrastructure for Hydrogen Production
A national program to coordinate and deploy the enabling infrastructure required to support large-scale renewable hydrogen production across Australia. Building on the 2024 National Hydrogen Strategy and the National Hydrogen Infrastructure Assessment (NHIA), the program aligns electricity transmission, water supply, transport corridors, port and storage infrastructure with Renewable Energy Zones and prospective hydrogen hubs (Bell Bay, Darwin, Eyre Peninsula, Gladstone, Latrobe Valley, Hunter Valley, Pilbara). Two key federal mechanisms underpin delivery. The Hydrogen Headstart program provides up to 4 billion AUD in long-term revenue support via production credits, with Round 2 (2 billion AUD administered by ARENA) opening for Expressions of Interest in October 2025 with EOIs closing 8 December 2025. The Hydrogen Production Tax Incentive (HPTI), legislated through the Future Made in Australia (Production Tax Credits and Other Measures) Act 2025 which received Royal Assent on 14 February 2025, provides an uncapped refundable tax offset of 2 AUD per kilogram of eligible renewable hydrogen for up to 10 years between 1 July 2027 and 30 June 2040 for projects reaching final investment decision by 2030. The HPTI is jointly administered by the ATO and Clean Energy Regulator and requires certification under the Guarantee of Origin scheme. Round 1 of Hydrogen Headstart shortlisted six projects representing more than 3.5 GW of electrolyser capacity, with 814 million AUD ultimately awarded.
SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts 2024-28
SA Water's record $3.3 billion capital delivery program for the 2024-28 regulatory period, covering water and wastewater infrastructure across South Australia. The program targets water main replacements, sewerage network upgrades, dam upgrades, water tank refurbishments, and treatment process upgrades across metropolitan and regional areas. A central $1.5 billion component supports the South Australian Premier's Housing Roadmap, expanding network capacity to unlock up to 40,000 new allotments, with major focus on Adelaide's northern growth corridors including Angle Vale, Riverlea, and Roseworthy. Six major framework partners (Fulton Hogan Utilities, John Holland and Guidera O'Connor JV, McConnell Dowell and Diona JV, BMD, Diona, and Leed Engineering and Construction) are delivering works across approximately 120 projects. In Year 1 (to June 2025), $681.6 million in capital was invested. The program runs to June 2028.
Adelaide Public Transport Capacity and Access
State-led program work to increase public transport capacity and access to, through and within central Adelaide. Current work is focused on the City Access Strategy (20-year movement plan for the CBD and North Adelaide) and the State Transport Strategy program, which together will shape options such as bus priority, interchange upgrades, tram and rail enhancements, and better first/last mile access.
SA Housing Trust Maintenance Contracts Review and Service Program
Statewide maintenance and service contracts for SA Housing Trust public housing properties, covering reactive maintenance, vacancy restoration and minor works across metropolitan and regional South Australia. The program is delivered by Spotless Facility Services, RTC Facilities Maintenance and Torrens Facility Management. A 2024 SA Government review examined payment, timeliness, dispute resolution and contract performance issues, and the government provided additional funding to accelerate maintenance and upgrades on vacant public housing homes.
Bulk Water Supply Security
Nationwide program led by the National Water Grid Authority to improve bulk water security and reliability for non-potable and productive uses. Activities include strategic planning, science and business cases, and funding of state and territory projects such as storages, pipelines, dam upgrades, recycled water and efficiency upgrades to build drought resilience and support regional communities, industry and the environment.
National EV Charging Network (Highway Fast Charging)
Partnership between the Australian Government and NRMA to deliver a backbone EV fast charging network on national highways. Program funds and co-funds 117 DC fast charging sites at roughly 150 km intervals to connect all capital cities and regional routes, reducing range anxiety and supporting EV uptake.
Network Optimisation Program - Roads
A national program concept focused on improving congestion and reliability on urban road networks by using low-cost operational measures and technology (e.g., signal timing, intersection treatments, incident management) to optimise existing capacity across major city corridors.
High Productivity Vehicle Network (HPVN)
$525 million federal funding for High Productivity Vehicle Network. Duplication of Swanport Bridge and Murray Bridge Township Bypass in Monarto. Enables higher productivity vehicles to bypass Adelaide, reducing trips, carbon emissions, improving freight efficiency and safety. Affects southern corridor transport.
Employment
Employment conditions in McLaren Flat rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally
McLaren Flat has a skilled workforce with a prominent construction sector. Its unemployment rate was 1.4% as of December 2025. This rate is below Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%.
Workforce participation in McLaren Flat is high at 73.8%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.0%. A moderate 14.2% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and manufacturing. Notably, agriculture, forestry & fishing employment is high at 5.2 times the regional average.
However, health care & social assistance has limited presence with 13.9% employment compared to 17.7% regionally. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over a 12-month period ending December 2025, employment increased by 0.4%, labour force grew by 0.3%, and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points in McLaren Flat. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment rise by 4.2% over the same period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to McLaren Flat's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment
AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows median income in McLaren Flat is $53,702 and average income is $66,375. This compares to Greater Adelaide's median of $54,808 and average of $66,852. By March 2026, estimated incomes are approximately $59,163 (median) and $73,125 (average), based on a 10.17% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census 2021 data indicates household income ranks at the 74th percentile ($2,129 weekly) and personal income at the 57th percentile. Income distribution shows 37.0% of residents (619 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. After housing costs, residents retain 87.3% of their income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
McLaren Flat is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
In McLaren Flat, as per the latest Census evaluation, all dwellings were houses (100.0%) with none being semi-detached, apartments, or 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Adelaide metro's dwelling structure, which was 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in McLaren Flat stood at 32.7%, mirroring the Adelaide metro rate. Mortgaged dwellings made up 55.9% and rented ones accounted for 11.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,786, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. Median weekly rent in McLaren Flat was $350 compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, McLaren Flat's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,786 against the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $350 versus the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
McLaren Flat features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size
Family households account for 87.8% of all households, including 48.5% couples with children, 29.2% couples without children, and 9.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 12.2%, with lone person households at 11.2% and group households comprising 0.8%. The median household size is 3.0 people, larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
McLaren Flat performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes
McLaren Flat's educational qualifications trail Australian averages as of 2021 data. 21.0% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 14.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (30.6%).
Educational participation is high, with 33.8% of residents enrolled in formal education as of the latest statistics. This includes 14.6% in primary education, 9.4% in secondary education, and 4.1% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Public transport analysis shows six active stops operating within McLaren Flat, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by one route collectively providing eighty weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 178 meters from the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most commute outward; car remains dominant at 95%. Vehicle ownership averages 2.2 per dwelling, above regional average. Fourteen point two percent of residents work from home (2021 Census).
Service frequency averages eleven trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately thirteen weekly trips per stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
The level of general health in McLaren Flat is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions
McLaren Flat shows better-than-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.
Both younger and older age groups have low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is more prevalent than average at approximately 53% of the total population (~890 people). The most common medical conditions are asthma (8.4%) and arthritis (7.6%), while 71.9% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.9% in Greater Adelaide. Under-65s have better-than-average health outcomes. The area has 15.6% of residents aged 65 and over (260 people), lower than the 19.2% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, aligning with national rankings for the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
McLaren Flat is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics
McLaren Flat, surveyed in June 2021, showed low cultural diversity with 83.6% born in Australia, 91.3% being citizens, and 96.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 36.1%. Judaism was underrepresented at 0%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 0.1%.
Ancestry-wise, English (39.0%) and Australian (30.1%) were significantly higher than regional averages of 27.8% and 22.8% respectively. Scottish ancestry stood at 8.3%. Notable ethnic group differences included Welsh at 0.9% (vs regional 0.6%), Hungarian at 0.4% (vs 0.3%), and German at 5.2% (vs 5.1%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
McLaren Flat's population is slightly older than the national pattern
The median age in McLaren Flat is 40 years, comparable to Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years but slightly older than Australia's average of 38 years. The 5-14 age group comprises 16.1%, higher than Greater Adelaide's percentage. Conversely, the 25-34 age group constitutes 6.5%, which is less prevalent compared to Greater Adelaide. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 65-74 age group has increased from 8.9% to 9.9%. Meanwhile, the 45-54 age group has decreased from 16.7% to 14.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest significant demographic changes in McLaren Flat. Notably, the 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 20%, adding 48 people and reaching a total of 288 from 239. In contrast, the 0-4 age group shows minimal growth, increasing by just 6% with an addition of 6 people.