Mount Compass

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Mount Compass's population is estimated at around 1,697 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 117 people (7.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,580 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,681 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 26 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 39 persons per square kilometer. Mount Compass's 7.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area (6.8%), along with the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 48.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of regional areas nationally is projected, with the suburb expected to increase by 250 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 13.8% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Mount Compass recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Mount Compass has seen approximately 12 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 61 homes were approved, with an additional 2 approved so far in FY-26. On average, each new home brings about 1.6 new residents per year over the past five financial years, indicating a balanced supply and demand market supporting stable conditions.

The average construction cost of these new homes is around $367,000. In FY-26, $5.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting Mount Compass' primarily residential nature. Compared to the Rest of SA, Mount Compass shows approximately 58% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 82nd percentile nationally in terms of areas assessed.

Recent development has consisted entirely of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location currently has around 128 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. Population forecasts indicate Mount Compass will gain approximately 234 residents by 2041, according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Given current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Mount Compass has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly impact an area's performance like modifications to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that could potentially affect this area. Notable projects include Fleurieu Connections - Main South Road and Victor Harbor Road Duplication, Adelaide Public Transport Capacity and Access, Adelaide's Inner And Outer Ring Route Capacity Improvements, and SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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The employment landscape in Mount Compass presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 3.3%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Mount Compass has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are strongly represented, with an unemployment rate of 3.3% as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025830 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.3% lower than Rest of SA's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation in Mount Compass is higher at 63.3%, compared to Rest of SA's 54.1%. The dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction shows particularly strong representation with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 8.7% versus the regional average of 14.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.3% and employment declined by 3.4%, resulting in an unemployment rate rise by 1.0 percentage points. This compares to Rest of SA where employment fell by 1.2%, labour force expanded by 0.1%, and unemployment rose by 1.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer further insight into potential future demand within Mount Compass. These projections suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates varying significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Mount Compass's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Mount Compass had a median taxpayer income of $46,492 and an average income of $57,989 in the financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than the national average, with Rest of SA having a median income of $46,889 and an average income of $56,582 during the same period. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income would be approximately $52,457 and the average income around $65,429, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Mount Compass rank modestly, between the 33rd and 44th percentiles. Income analysis shows that the largest segment consists of 39.2% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (665 residents), which is consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region, where 27.5% fall into the same category. After housing expenses, 85.0% of income remains for other expenses.

Mount Compass is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Mount Compass' dwellings, as per the latest Census, were entirely houses (100.0%) with no other dwelling types present, contrasting with Non-Metro SA's 92.1% houses and 7.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mount Compass stood at 28.7%, lower than Non-Metro SA, with mortgaged dwellings at 60.0% and rented ones at 11.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, higher than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,300. Weekly rent median in Mount Compass was $340, compared to Non-Metro SA's $280. Nationally, Mount Compass' mortgage repayments were lower at $1,517 versus Australia's $1,863, and rents were also lower at $340 against the national figure of $375.

Mount Compass features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 82.0% of all households, consisting of 39.0% couples with children, 35.1% couples without children, and 7.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 18.0%, with lone person households at 14.8% and group households comprising 2.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Rest of South Africa average of 2.2.

Educational outcomes in Mount Compass fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 14.0%, substantially lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.5%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.7%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 46.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (11.4%) and certificates (34.7%).

Educational participation is high at 28.7%, including primary education (10.8%), secondary education (10.3%), and tertiary education (2.8%). Mount Compass Area School serves the local area, with an enrollment of 460 students. The school offers integrated K-12 education, providing continuity throughout students' academic journey. The area functions as an education hub with 27.1 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 11.1.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health outcomes in Mount Compass are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Mount Compass shows below-average health outcomes with common conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 50% (~847 people) have private health cover, lower than Rest of SA's 46.8% and national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues (8.9%) and asthma (8.5%) are the most common conditions.

67.4% report no medical ailments, higher than Rest of SA's 58.3%. The area has 18.1% residents aged 65 and over (307 people), lower than Rest of SA's 37.0%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Mount Compass, surveyed in 2016, had a population with 82.6% born in Australia, 90.2% being citizens, and 95.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 34.5%. Judaism's representation was negligible at 0%, compared to the Rest of SA's 0%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (35.6%), Australian (31.7%), and Scottish (6.9%). French ethnicity was overrepresented at 0.9% versus 0.4% regionally, German at 5.6% versus 6.7%, and South African at 0.9% versus 0.2%.

Mount Compass's median age exceeds the national pattern

Mount Compass's median age is 40 years, which is significantly below Rest of SA's 47 and slightly above the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of SA, Mount Compass has a higher concentration of residents aged 5-14 (14.8%) but fewer individuals aged 75-84 (5.6%). Between the 2021 Census and present day, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 3.4% to 5.6%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 14.6% to 13.2%. By 2041, Mount Compass is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Notably, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 32%, adding 52 people and reaching a total of 221 residents from the previous count of 168. The 15 to 24 group displays more modest growth at 4%, with an addition of only 9 residents.