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 ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the estimated population of Mount Compass as of February 2026 is around 1,834. This reflects an increase of 254 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,580. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 1,816 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 42 persons per square kilometer. Mount Compass's growth of 16.1% since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of SA (7.6%) and the SA4 region, making it a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 48.0% 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 based on 2021 data released in 2023 are adopted with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods. Demographic trends project an above median population growth for regional areas nationally, with Mount Compass expected to increase by 256 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 5.8% 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 14 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Around 71 homes were approved between FY21 and FY25, with an additional 6 approved in FY26. On average, 1.3 new residents per year have been arriving for each new home over the past five financial years.

This indicates a balanced supply and demand market supporting stable conditions. The average construction value of these homes was $367,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY26, $3.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating limited focus on commercial development compared to residential.

Mount Compass records about 67% of the building activity per person compared to Rest of SA and places among the 83rd percentile nationally based on 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 has approximately 124 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Population forecasts from AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate indicate Mount Compass will gain around 107 residents by 2041. With 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 emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 22ndth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly impact an area's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects likely to 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, SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch analysis indicates Mount Compass maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Mount Compass has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are strongly represented. The unemployment rate is 3.6%, with an estimated employment growth of 0.7% over the past year, according to AreaSearch data aggregation.

As of September 2025866 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.8% lower than Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%. Workforce participation stands at 61.7%, slightly higher than Rest of SA's 58.5%. Census responses indicate that a low 10.6% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The leading employment industries are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Construction is notably concentrated with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 8.7% of Mount Compass's workforce compared to Rest of SA's 14.5%. Local employment opportunities appear limited, as indicated by the working population count versus resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 0.7% while labour force rose by 1.9%, leading to a 1.2 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. This contrasts with Rest of SA where employment grew by 0.3%, labour force expanded by 2.3%, and unemployment rose by 1.9 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that over five years, national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% and by 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mount Compass's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Mount Compass' median income among taxpayers is $46,492. The average income is $57,989. This is lower than the national average. Comparing with Rest of SA, Mount Compass has a median income of $48,920 and an average income of $58,933. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Mount Compass would be approximately $50,583 (median) and $63,092 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household incomes in Mount Compass rank between the 33rd and 44th percentiles. The income distribution shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 39.2% of residents (718 people). After housing costs, 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 were entirely houses at the latest Census, unlike Non-Metro SA's mix of 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mount Compass was 28.7%, with mortgages at 60.0% and rentals at 11.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, higher than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,153. Median weekly rent in Mount Compass was $340, compared to Non-Metro SA's $220. Nationally, Mount Compass' mortgage repayments were lower at $1,863 and rents were less at $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, including 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%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Rest of SA average of 2.3.

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%, considerably lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the 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, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (10.8%), secondary education (10.3%), and tertiary education (2.8%).

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Mount Compass's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Mount Compass's health metrics align closely with national benchmarks. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are assessed as fairly standard across both young and old age cohorts.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (around 916 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are mental health issues affecting 8.9% of residents, and asthma impacting 8.5%. Approximately 67.4% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.5% across Rest of SA. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 18.6% of residents aged 65 and over (341 people), which is lower than the 27.1% in Rest of SA. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

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, as per the data, had a predominantly Australian-born population with 82.6% of residents born in Australia, and 90.2% being citizens. The language spoken primarily at home was English at 95.1%. Christianity was the most prevalent religion, accounting for 34.5% of the population.

Notably, Judaism had a representation of 0.0%, which was equal to that of the rest of South Australia. The top three ancestry groups were English at 35.6%, Australian at 31.7%, and Scottish at 6.9%. Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: French residents made up 0.9% compared to 0.3% regionally, Germans comprised 5.6% versus 8.2% regionally, and South Africans constituted 0.9% against a regional average of 0.2%.

Mount Compass's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Mount Compass has a median age of 39, which is younger than the Rest of SA figure of 47 and comparable to the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 5-14 years are particularly prominent at 14.8%, while the 75-84 group is smaller at 6.2% compared to the Rest of SA. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 75-84 age group has grown from 3.4% to 6.2%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 14.6% to 12.8%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Mount Compass's age structure. The 25-34 group is projected to grow by 21%, reaching 224 people from the current 185. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 55-64 and 15-24 cohorts.