Mount Gambier

Mount Gambier is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the Mount Gambier statistical area (Lv2), and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the population is estimated at around 27,288 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,697 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 25,591 people in the Mount Gambier (SA2). The change is inferred from the resident population of 26,593 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS on Jun 2024 and an additional 175 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,018 persons per square kilometer. Mount Gambier's 6.6% growth since census positions it within 0.7 percentage points of the non-metro area (7.3%). Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 71.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in Jun 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 are adopted, released in Dec 2023 and based on 2021 data, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. As we examine future population trends, a population increase just below the median of regional areas across the nation is expected for the Mount Gambier (SA2), with an expected growth of 2,412 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 6.7% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Mount Gambier when compared nationally

Mount Gambier has seen approximately 106 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling around 532 homes. In FY-26 so far, there have been 68 approvals. This equates to about 1.3 new residents per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, suggesting a balanced supply and demand in the market. The average construction cost of new properties is $409,000, indicating developers are targeting the premium market segment.

Mount Gambier has recorded around $148.7 million in commercial development approvals this financial year, reflecting high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Rest of SA, Mount Gambier has 18.0% less building activity per person but ranks among the 53rd percentile nationally. New developments consist primarily of detached dwellings (97.0%) and a smaller proportion of townhouses or apartments (3.0%), maintaining the area's suburban identity with a focus on family homes suited to buyers seeking space.

Notably, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests at Census (77.0%), suggesting strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The location has approximately 305 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density market. Future projections estimate Mount Gambier will add around 1,829 residents by 2041 based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Mount Gambier has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 20 projects that could impact the area. Key initiatives include Mount Gambier Technical College & Research Education Training Precinct, Forestry Centre of Excellence, CBD Master Planning and Activation, and Mount Gambier Hospital Redevelopment. The following list details those most likely to be 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.

Employment performance in Mount Gambier has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Mount Gambier has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs, with prominent essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 4.6%.

Over the past year, employment has remained relatively stable. As of September 2025, 13,178 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.7% lower than Rest of SA's 5.3%. Workforce participation stands at 58.2%, slightly higher than Rest of SA's 54.1%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing.

Notably, health care & social assistance employs 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 6.6% of local workers, below Rest of SA's 14.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force increased by 1.5%, while employment declined by 0.4%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 1.8 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of SA saw employment grow by 0.3%, labour force expand by 2.3%, and unemployment rise by 1.9 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mount Gambier's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.7% over ten years, although these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Mount Gambier had a median income among taxpayers of $47,498 and an average of $56,610. This is lower than the national average. Rest of SA had a median income of $48,920 and an average of $58,933 in the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for Mount Gambier as of September 2025 would be approximately $51,678 (median) and $61,592 (average). Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Mount Gambier fall between the 13th and 26th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 29.7% of residents earn $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region where 27.5% are in the same category. Housing costs are modest, with 86.7% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 16th percentile nationally.

Mount Gambier is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Mount Gambier's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 76.9% houses and 23.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro SA's 87.6% houses and 12.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mount Gambier stood at 32.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.8% and rented ones at 34.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, aligning with Non-Metro SA's average. The median weekly rent was $220, compared to Non-Metro SA's $205. Nationally, Mount Gambier's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Mount Gambier features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 62.9% of all households, including 22.4% couples with children, 27.1% couples without children, and 12.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 37.1%, with lone person households at 34.9% and group households comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of SA average of 2.3.

Mount Gambier faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 13.9%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 37.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.8%) and certificates (29.8%). Educational participation is high at 27.2%, comprising primary education (11.2%), secondary education (7.7%), and tertiary education (2.4%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.2% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 2.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Mount Gambier has one active public transport system operating within its boundaries. This system consists of bus services only. There are two individual routes that collectively provide 27 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility to these transport stops is limited, with residents typically located 1686 meters from the nearest stop. On average, across all routes, there are 3 trips per day, resulting in approximately 27 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Mount Gambier faces significant health challenges, as indicated by health data. Both younger and older age groups have notable prevalence rates for common health conditions.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population, which totals around 13,483 people. This figure is lower than the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 9.7 and 9.2% of residents respectively. However, 62.1% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.5% across the rest of South Australia. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, with 22.8% or approximately 6,221 people falling into this age category. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly aligning with the general population's health profile.

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

Mount Gambier has a cultural diversity profile as follows: 90.0% citizens, 87.8% born in Australia, and 92.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion with 41.4%. The 'Other' category comprises 0.8%, compared to 0.5% regionally.

Ancestry-wise, Australian (31.3%), English (31.3%), and Scottish (7.8%) are the top groups. Notably, German (6.0%) is overrepresented compared to regional levels (6.4%). Dutch (2.0%) and Maori (0.4%) also show higher percentages than regionally recorded 1.7% and 0.4%, respectively.

Mount Gambier's median age exceeds the national pattern

Mount Gambier has a median age of 41 years, which is lower than Rest of SA's 47 but higher than Australia's average of 38. The 15-24 age group makes up 12.1% of Mount Gambier's population compared to the Rest of SA average, indicating an over-representation in this cohort. Conversely, the 65-74 age group is under-represented at 11.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 11.2% to 12.0%, while the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 12.2% to 11.2%. By 2041, demographic projections suggest significant changes in Mount Gambier's age profile. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 1,060 people (49%), reaching a total of 3,244. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 84% of total population growth, reflecting an aging demographic trend. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 35-44 and 0-4 age cohorts.