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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
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Sales Detail
Population
Population growth drivers in McLaren Vale are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends
McLaren Vale's population is estimated at around 4,258 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 197 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,061. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 4,143 residents following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2025 and validation of additional 30 new addresses since the Census date. This equates to a density ratio of 72 persons per square kilometer. McLaren Vale's 4.9% growth since census is within 0.9 percentage points of its SA3 area (5.8%). Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 81.0% of overall gains.
AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods. Population projections indicate an above median growth, with McLaren Vale expected to expand by 895 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 18.3% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions McLaren Vale among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide
AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in McLaren Vale shows around 50 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 250 homes. As of FY-26, 30 approvals have been recorded. Each dwelling built has attracted an average of 2.8 new residents per year between FY-21 and FY-25, reflecting strong demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value for new homes is $302,000.
In FY-26, there have been $8.5 million in commercial approvals, indicating the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Adelaide, McLaren Vale has 150.0% higher development activity per person. Building activity has slowed in recent years, with 93.0% of recent construction comprising detached houses and 7.0% medium and high-density housing. The location has approximately 135 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects McLaren Vale to grow by 780 residents through to 2041, with current construction levels expected to adequately meet demand.
Looking ahead, McLaren Vale is expected to grow by 780 residents through to 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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around McLaren Vale
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
McLaren Vale has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 27thth percentile nationally
Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 17 projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones include McLaren Vale Central Shopping Centre, Willunga Basin Water Infrastructure Expansion, Old Coach Road Reconstruction, Maslin Beach project, 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.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Aldinga - A New Community
A 45-hectare net-zero carbon masterplanned community in Adelaide's outer south delivering more than 800 homes, with at least 25 percent classed as affordable housing. The project comprises a mix of townhouses, detached and semi-detached homes (up to three storeys) and includes an over-55s lifestyle village on the site's western parcel with a clubhouse, pool, spa, gym, cinema and co-working space. Central amenities include a residents club with pool, gym, cafe, sports courts and play spaces. The all-electric development uses solar PV, heat pumps, batteries and a microgrid to reduce energy costs, and includes light-coloured roofing and mandated sustainable building materials. Extensive open space, parks, reserves and chain-of-ponds corridors are complemented by an extensive green canopy, with more than 40 hectares of land to be donated for biodiversity offsets and conservation. A 60-metre-wide rail corridor running north-south through the site has been preserved by the State Government for a future extension of the Seaford rail line, and will be landscaped and used as a shared-use path and open space until the line is extended. Community engagement on the draft masterplan is complete and approvals are underway, with sales launch and civil construction anticipated in late 2026.
Fleurieu Connections - Main South Road Duplication
Duplication of Main South Road between Sellicks Beach and Victor Harbor, improving safety and reducing travel times to the Fleurieu Peninsula. The project includes new overtaking lanes, intersection upgrades and safety improvements.
Majors Road Interchange
$120 million jointly funded project by Australian and South Australian governments creating new grade-separated interchange providing access to Southern Expressway from Majors Road. Features new on/off ramps, widening of Majors Road bridge from two lanes to six lanes with dedicated right turn lanes, signalised intersection improvements, new bike lanes and shared user paths, new underpasses for Patrick Jonker Veloway, upgraded traffic signals, widening of Majors Road from Southern Expressway to Lonsdale Highway/Ocean Boulevard to provide two through lanes in both directions, underground power lines, tree planting for 50% shade coverage, and realignment of the Patrick Jonker Veloway. Expected to support 245 full-time jobs during construction and provide improved access to Glenthorne National Park, Sam Willoughby International BMX Facility and Southern Soccer Facility. Construction by Acciona Construction Australia, completion expected end of 2025.
Noarlunga Master Planning Housing Project
A 22-hectare master-planned residential development delivering 626 new homes with a diverse mix of dwelling types including detached homes, townhouses and apartments. The project features a minimum of 28% affordable and social housing (including 80 social housing dwellings), and 12.5% new public open space. Designed by Holmes Dyer, the development targets a 5-Star Green Star Communities rating and emphasizes sustainability, extensive tree canopy coverage, and enhanced connectivity to nearby amenities including Colonnades Shopping Centre, Noarlunga TAFE, Noarlunga Hospital and Noarlunga Railway Station. Civil works by Winslow Constructors are underway with the first sales releases now on market. The community will become home to approximately 1,200 residents over a 7-10 year delivery period.
Main South Road Duplication Stage 1 - Aldinga Project
Part of Fleurieu Connections providing safer, faster journeys from Seaford to Aldinga. Supporting local tourism and communities. Aldinga Interchange construction underway with piling works, 12 x 40-tonne girders supporting bridge deck 26m long x 27m wide. 62 architectural panels and 86m anti-throw screens.
Main South Road Duplication Project (Stage 2) - Aldinga to Sellicks Beach
Stage 2 of the Main South Road duplication between Aldinga Beach Road and Sellicks Beach, delivered as part of the approximately $810 million Fleurieu Connections project jointly funded by the Australian and South Australian governments. Works include the new Aldinga Interchange with bridge and underpass, realignment of Aldinga Beach Road and Sellicks Beach Road, intersection upgrades on key local roads, new U-turn facilities, installation of wire rope safety barriers and wide centre medians, and a shared use path along the western side of Main South Road. Construction is well advanced and is expected to be completed in 2026, supporting around 405 full time equivalent jobs during delivery and improving safety, capacity and travel times for motorists accessing southern Adelaide and the Fleurieu region.
McLaren Vale Central Shopping Centre
Dual supermarket anchored neighbourhood shopping centre with Coles and Romeo's Foodland, supported by 19 specialty retailers. Serves the McLaren Vale wine region and surrounding residential areas.
Willunga Basin Water Infrastructure Expansion
Water infrastructure expansion project increasing annual supply capacity from 7,250ML to 8,100ML of recycled water for McLaren Vale region. Critical for supporting wine industry and sustainable water security in face of climate impacts and groundwater depletion.
Employment
Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.4%, McLaren Vale has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally
McLaren Vale has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate was 3.4% as of AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 1,872 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.4% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%.
Workforce participation in McLaren Vale was at 53.5%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.0%. According to Census responses, 15.0% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and construction. The area has a notable concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with employment levels at 4.8 times the regional average.
Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 13.0% versus the regional average of 17.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data comparing working population to local population. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.8%, employment decreased by 0.5%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.2 percentage points in McLaren Vale. In Greater Adelaide, employment grew by 4.2%, labour force expanded by 3.9%, and unemployment fell by 0.3 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 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, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch
AreaSearch aggregated latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023. McLaren Vale's median taxpayer income was $43,816, with an average of $54,157. These figures were lower than the national averages of $54,808 and $66,852 in Greater Adelaide respectively. As of March 2026, estimated incomes are approximately $48,272 (median) and $59,665 (average), based on a 10.17% Wage Price Index growth since financial year ending June 2023. The 2021 Census reported McLaren Vale's household, family, and personal incomes between the 22nd and 25th percentiles nationally. Income analysis showed 27.0% of residents (1,149 individuals) earned within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to the region where 31.8% fall into this bracket. After housing costs, 86.5% of income remained, ranking at the 26th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 5th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
McLaren Vale is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
McLaren Vale's dwellings, as per the latest Census, comprised 85.4% houses and 14.6% other dwellings. In comparison, Adelaide metro had 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in McLaren Vale was 48.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.9% and rented ones at 16.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,560, below Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. Median weekly rent in McLaren Vale was $328, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, McLaren Vale's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Educational attainment in McLaren Vale aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics
In McLaren Vale, the percentage of residents aged 15 and above with university degrees is 21.7%, compared to Australia's 30.4%. This indicates a gap suggesting potential for educational development. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 38.8% of residents aged 15 and above holding them.
Advanced diplomas account for 12.7% while certificates make up 26.1%. A significant portion of the population is actively engaged in formal education, with 23.3% pursuing it. This includes 9.0% in primary education, 6.6% in secondary education, and 3.5% in 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 reveals 26 active transport stops operating within McLaren Vale. These comprise a mix of buses serviced by 6 individual routes, collectively providing 250 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 280 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode at 88%, with 5% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling.
According to the 2021 Census, some 15.0% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 35 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 9 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
McLaren Vale's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts
McLaren Vale's health data shows positive outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks for mortality rates and health conditions. Common health conditions are seen across all age groups. Private health cover is low at 48%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 52.7% and the national average of 55.7%.
The most common conditions are arthritis (12.6%) and asthma (7.3%), with 60.9% reporting no medical ailments, compared to 67.9% in Greater Adelaide. Working-age residents have a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions. Seniors aged 65 and over make up 34.6% of the population (1,473 people), higher than Greater Adelaide's 19.2%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, matching national rankings for the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
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, surveyed in 2016, had a culturally diverse population that was below average. 72.8% were born in Australia, 90.5% were citizens, and 95.7% spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 42.8%.
Judaism, however, was underrepresented at 0.0%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 0.1%. The top ancestry groups were English (40.1%), Australian (24.4%), and Scottish (9.1%). Notably, Welsh (0.8%) and German (5.7%) populations were higher than regional averages of 0.6% and 5.1%, respectively. Dutch ancestry was also slightly overrepresented at 1.5%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
McLaren Vale ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide
McLaren Vale has a median age of 54, which is higher than Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 and also above the national average of 38. The 75-84 age group makes up 13.1% of McLaren Vale's population, compared to Greater Adelaide's figure and the national average of 6.1%. Meanwhile, the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 6.2%. According to the 2021 Census, the 85+ age group has grown from 4.8% to 5.9% of McLaren Vale's population, while the 45-54 cohort has declined from 12.6% to 10.0%. Demographic modeling suggests that by 2041, the 85+ age group will more than double, expanding by 298 people (119%) from 251 to 550. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 69% of total population growth, reflecting McLaren Vale's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0-4 cohort is expected to grow by a modest 3%, adding just 5 people.