McLaren Flat

Population growth drivers in McLaren Flat are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, McLaren Flat's population is estimated at around 1,730. This reflects an increase since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 1,625 people. The increase of 105 people (6.5%) is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 1,676 residents based on ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 62 persons per square kilometer. McLaren Flat's growth of 6.5% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA3 area (4.9%) and SA4 region, making it a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 81.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for McLaren Flat, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections 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 is projected for McLaren Flat, expected to increase by 355 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 27.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows McLaren Flat received around 5 dwelling approvals per year over the past 5 financial years, totalling approximately 27 homes. In FY-26 to date, 2 approvals have been recorded. On average, each new dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25 brought in 13.6 new residents. This demand outpaces supply, potentially driving up prices and increasing buyer competition.

The average construction cost of new properties is $302,000, reflecting more affordable housing options compared to regional norms. In FY-26, $95,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Adelaide, McLaren Flat has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 58th percentile nationally for development activity. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

As of approximately 260 people per approval, McLaren Flat reflects a transitioning market. AreaSearch forecasts indicate McLaren Flat will gain 483 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

McLaren Flat has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 42ndth percentile nationally

The performance of a region can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. A single project has been identified by AreaSearch that is expected to impact this area. Notable projects include Willunga Basin Water Infrastructure Expansion, Onkaparinga Heights, Adelaide Public Transport Capacity and Access, and Adelaide's Inner And Outer Ring Route Capacity Improvements. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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Employment conditions in McLaren Flat rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

McLaren Flat has a skilled workforce, with the construction sector prominently represented. Its unemployment rate was 1.4% in the past year, showing an estimated employment growth of 2.9%.

As of June 2025, 1,064 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.6%, lower than Greater Adelaide's 4.0%. Workforce participation is high at 70.7% compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and manufacturing. Notably, agriculture, forestry & fishing has a high concentration with levels at 5.2 times the regional average.

However, health care & social assistance has a lower presence at 13.9% compared to the regional average of 17.7%. Many residents commute outside McLaren Flat for work. In the year ending June 2025, employment increased by 2.9%, and the labour force grew by 3.2%, leading to a slight rise in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (Sep-22) project national employment growth of 6.6% 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.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that McLaren Flat has an income median of $53,702 and an average income of $66,375. These figures are higher than Greater Adelaide's median income of $52,592 and average income of $64,886. As of September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $60,592 (median) and $74,891 (average), based on a Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022. According to Census 2021 income data, household income ranks at the 74th percentile ($2,129 weekly) and personal income is at the 57th percentile. Income distribution shows that 37.0% of McLaren Flat's population (640 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, which is consistent with broader trends across the area showing 31.8% in the same category. After housing costs, residents retain 87.3% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

McLaren Flat's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted entirely of houses with no other dwellings recorded. This contrasts with Adelaide metro's composition of 89.2% houses and 10.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in McLaren Flat stood at 32.7%, mirroring Adelaide metro's figure. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 55.9%, while rented properties made up 11.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,786, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,452. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent in McLaren Flat was $350, compared to Adelaide metro's figure of $314. Nationally, McLaren Flat's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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, which is larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5 people.

McLaren Flat performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

Educational qualifications in McLaren Flat trail regional benchmarks, with 21.0% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 30.4% nationally (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2016). Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 41.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (30.6%). Educational participation is high, with 33.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of the 2016 Census.

This includes 14.6% in primary education, 9.4% in secondary education, and 4.1% pursuing tertiary education. McLaren Flat Primary School provides local educational services within McLaren Flat, with an enrollment of 199 students (Australian Government Department of Education, Schools Australia data, 2020). The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas such as Meadows and Mount Barker.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

The analysis shows six active public transport stops in McLaren Flat, serving a mix of bus routes. There is one route operating, offering 80 weekly passenger trips collectively. The accessibility rating for transport is excellent, with residents typically located 178 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 11 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 13 weekly trips per individual stop.

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 superior health outcomes for both young and elderly populations, with low prevalence of common conditions. Its private health cover rate stands at approximately 53%, or about 921 people, compared to Greater Adelaide's 48.6%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (8.4%) and arthritis (7.6%), while 71.9% report no medical ailments, higher than Greater Adelaide's 62.9%. The area has a lower proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 13.9% (240 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 21.0%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, mirroring the general population's health profile.

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 2016, had a predominantly Australian-born population with 83.6% born there, and 91.3% being citizens. English was the primary language spoken at home by 96.6%. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 36.1% of the population.

Judaism, however, was not present in McLaren Flat, compared to a regional average of 0.1%. The top three ancestral groups were English (39.0%), Australian (30.1%), and Scottish (8.3%). Notable differences existed for Welsh (0.9% vs regional 0.8%), Hungarian (0.4% vs 0.3%), and German (5.2% vs 5.4%) groups.

McLaren Flat's median age exceeds the national pattern

McLaren Flat has a median age of 39 years, aligning with Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and closely matching Australia's median of 38. The 5-14 age group is over-represented in McLaren Flat at 16.6%, compared to the Greater Adelaide average. Conversely, the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 8.1%. According to the 2021 Census, the 0-4 age group has increased from 5.7% to 7.1% of McLaren Flat's population, while the 45-54 age group has decreased from 16.7% to 14.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling indicates significant changes in McLaren Flat's age profile. The 35-44 cohort is projected to grow by 28%, adding 76 residents to reach a total of 352.