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

Analysis of ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations indicates that the population of Mount Gambier was estimated at around 26,671 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,080 people (4.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 25,591 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 26,359 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 214 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 995 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Mount Gambier's 4.2% growth since census positions it within 0.7 percentage points of the SA3 area (4.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the suburb 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, 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. Future population trends indicate that the suburb is expected to grow by 2,308 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 7.5% in total over the 16 years.

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

Mount Gambier averaged approximately 106 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 530 homes. In FY26 so far, 107 approvals have been recorded. The average increase in residents per year per dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25 was 0.7. This suggests that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average construction cost value of new homes being built is $409,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY26, $148.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to the Rest of SA, Mount Gambier records 18.0% less building activity per person but places among the 53rd percentile nationally.

The new building activity shows 97.0% standalone homes and 3.0% attached dwellings, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. Mount Gambier has around 299 people per dwelling approval, indicating characteristics of a low density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Mount Gambier is projected to add 1,996 residents by 2041. Based on 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 influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 20 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects 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 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Mount Gambier recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Mount Gambier has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs well represented. Essential services sectors are prominent, unemployment rate is 4.9%, and employment growth over the past year is estimated at 1.2%. As of December 2025, there are 13,026 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 0.8% below Regional SA's rate of 5.7%.

Workforce participation is 61.8%, compared to Regional SA's 58.3%. According to Census responses, 4.0% of residents work from home. Key industries are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Health care & social assistance shows strong specialization with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 6.6%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. Over a 12-month period, employment increased by 1.2% while labour force grew by 3.2%, raising unemployment rate by 1.9 percentage points. In contrast, Regional SA had employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 3.1%, with a 2.2 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Mount Gambier. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. 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.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released in financial year 2023, Mount Gambier had a median income among taxpayers of $47,498 and an average income of $56,610. These figures are below the national averages of $48,920 (median) and $58,933 (average) for Regional SA. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, estimated median income in Mount Gambier as of March 2026 is approximately $52,329, with average income estimated at $62,367. According to 2021 Census figures, incomes in Mount Gambier fall between the 13th and 26th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income distribution shows that 29.7% of Mount Gambier's population (7,921 individuals) have incomes within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to regional levels where 27.5% fall into this bracket. Housing costs are modest in Mount Gambier, with 86.7% of income retained after housing expenses. However, 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 dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 76.9% houses and 23.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional SA's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mount Gambier was at 32.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.8% and rented ones at 34.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,083, below Regional SA's average of $1,153. Median weekly rent in Mount Gambier was $220, matching Regional SA's figure but significantly lower than the national average of $375. Nationally, Mount Gambier's mortgage repayments are considerably lower than the Australian average of $1,863.

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

Family households constitute 62.9 percent of all households, including 22.4 percent couples with children, 27.1 percent couples without children, and 12.4 percent single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 37.1 percent, with lone person households at 34.9 percent and group households comprising 2.3 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Regional 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 has university qualification rates of 13.9%, significantly 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 10.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 37.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (7.8%) and certificates (29.8%).

Educational participation is high, with 27.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 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 is serviced by two routes, which collectively provide 27 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of this transport system is rated as limited, with residents typically located 1686 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward, with car being the dominant mode at 95%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 4.0% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 3 trips per day across all routes, 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 AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age cohorts exhibit high prevalence of common health conditions.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~13,178 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 9.7% and 9.2% of residents respectively. Conversely, 62.1% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, comparable to the 62.5% figure across Regional SA. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Mount Gambier has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (24.2%, or 6,454 people) compared to Regional SA (27.1%). However, senior health outcomes present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 had a cultural diversity score below average, with 90.0% of its population being Australian citizens, 87.8% born in Australia, and 92.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 41.4% of Mount Gambier's population. The category 'Other' had a slight overrepresentation with 0.8%, compared to Regional SA's 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, Australian (31.3%), English (31.3%), and Scottish (7.8%) were the top three groups represented in Mount Gambier. Notably, German (6.0% vs regional 8.2%), Dutch (2.0% vs regional 1.3%), and Maori (0.4% vs regional 0.2%) had higher representations than average.

Mount Gambier's median age exceeds the national pattern

Mount Gambier's median age is 41 years, lower than Regional South Australia's 47 but higher than the national average of 38. The proportion of people aged 15-24 in Mount Gambier is notably higher at 12.3% compared to the Regional SA average, while those aged 65-74 are under-represented at 11.9%. Between 2021 and now, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 7.2% to 8.7% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 12.2% to 11.0%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Mount Gambier's age profile. The 85+ age group is projected to increase by 982 people (102%), from 960 to 1,943. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 79% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 cohorts.