McLaren Vale

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

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of McLaren Vale is around 4,711, reflecting a 16.0% increase since the 2021 Census which reported 4,061 people. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 4,521 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 27 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 80 persons per square kilometer. McLaren Vale's growth exceeded that of its SA3 area (4.9%) and SA4 region, marking it as 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 each SA2 area released in 2024 using 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, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national areas is forecast for McLaren Vale. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to increase by 1,309 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 26.4% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions McLaren Vale among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows McLaren Vale has experienced around 43 dwellings receiving development approval each year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 218 homes. As of FY-26, 11 approvals have been recorded. Over the same period, an average of 4.2 new residents per year arrived per dwelling constructed.

Demand has outpaced supply, potentially putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $302,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. This financial year, $946,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating the area's residential nature. Relative to Greater Adelaide, McLaren Vale records 118.0% more building activity per person, offering buyers greater choice.

However, building activity has slowed in recent years. New building activity shows 94.0% detached dwellings and 6.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. McLaren Vale reflects a developing area, with around 121 people per approval. Future projections show McLaren Vale adding 1,246 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Present construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects are McLaren Vale Central Shopping Centre, Willunga Basin Water Infrastructure Expansion, Old Coach Road Reconstruction, Maslin Beach, and Majors Road Interchange. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

The employment landscape in McLaren Vale shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

McLaren Vale has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate was 3.5% as of June 2021, with an estimated employment growth of 1.6% over the past year.

As of June 2025, 2,178 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.5% below Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in McLaren Vale lags at 52.7%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and construction. The area specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share 4.8 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance has limited presence at 13.0% compared to the regional average of 17.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 1.6%, while labour force grew by 2.4%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment growth of 2.1% and marginal labour force growth. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in Sep-22, project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to McLaren Vale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.5% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

McLaren Vale had median taxpayer income of $43,816 and average income of $54,157 in financial year 2022. These figures are lower than national averages. Greater Adelaide's median income was $52,592 and average was $64,886 in the same period. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $49,438 (median) and $61,105 (average), considering a 12.83% growth since financial year 2022. Census 2021 data shows McLaren Vale's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 22nd and 25th percentiles nationally. In this area, 27.0% of individuals earn within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. After housing costs, 86.5% of income remains, ranking at the 26th percentile nationally. McLaren Vale's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

In McLaren Vale, as per the latest Census, 85.4% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 14.6% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types. This compared to Adelaide metro's 89.2% houses and 10.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in McLaren Vale stood at 48.7%, with mortgaged properties at 34.9% and rented ones at 16.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,560, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,452. Median weekly rent in McLaren Vale was $328, compared to Adelaide metro's $314. Nationally, McLaren Vale's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,560 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $328 against the national figure of $375.

McLaren Vale has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 71.4% of all households, including 25.2% couples with children, 36.8% couples without children, and 8.9% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 28.6%, with lone person households at 27.2% and group households making up 1.3%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

Educational attainment in McLaren Vale aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

McLaren Vale's educational qualifications lag behind regional benchmarks. As of 2021, 21.7% of residents aged 15+ held university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees were the most common at 15.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials were prominent, with 38.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas (12.7%) and certificates (26.1%).

In total, 23.3% of the population was actively pursuing formal education in 2021, including 9.0% in primary, 6.6% in secondary, and 3.5% in tertiary education. McLaren Vale Primary School served the local community with an enrollment of 539 students as of 2021. The school had an ICSEA score of 1022, indicating typical Australian school conditions with balanced educational opportunities. It offered primary education exclusively, with secondary options available in surrounding areas.

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

Transport analysis shows 26 active stops operating in McLaren Vale as of September 2018. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totaling six individual lines that collectively facilitate 250 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 280 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 35 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately nine weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in McLaren Vale is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

McLaren Vale faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 48% of its total population (~2,282 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (12.6%) and asthma (7.3%). While 60.9% of residents report no medical ailments, this is lower than Greater Adelaide's 62.9%. McLaren Vale has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 32.4% (1,526 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 21.0%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in McLaren Vale are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

McLaren Vale ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

McLaren Vale has a lower than average cultural diversity. As of the 2016 census, 72.8% of its population was born in Australia, with 90.5% being citizens and 95.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, practiced by 42.8%.

Judaism, however, is underrepresented compared to Greater Adelaide, comprising 0.0% versus 0.1%. The top three ancestry groups are English (40.1%), Australian (24.4%), and Scottish (9.1%). Some ethnicities show notable differences: Welsh (0.8%) is equally represented, German (5.7%) is slightly overrepresented compared to the regional average of 5.4%, and Dutch (1.5%) is underrepresented relative to the region's 1.7%.

McLaren Vale ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

McLaren Vale has a median age of 53, which is higher than Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 and Australia's national average of 38. The 75-84 age cohort is notably over-represented in McLaren Vale at 12.2%, compared to the Greater Adelaide average, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 7.7%. This concentration of the 75-84 age group is significantly higher than the national figure of 6.0%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of residents aged 15 to 24 has increased from 8.7% to 9.5%, while the 45 to 54 age cohort has declined from 12.6% to 10.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate that the number of McLaren Vale residents aged 85 and above will more than double, expanding from 254 to 621 people (a growth of 366 individuals or 144%). Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 56% of population growth in the region.