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

As of Feb 2026, Mount Gambier's population is estimated at around 27,437. This reflects an increase of 1,846 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 25,591. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 26,593 residents following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 216 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,023 persons per square kilometer. Mount Gambier's growth of 7.2% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth of 6.9%. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 71.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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, SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population trends indicate an increase just below the median of regional areas across the nation, with the area expected to grow by 2,422 persons to reach a total of around 30,859 by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of approximately 6.1% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data indicates Mount Gambier averaged approximately 106 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 532 homes. As of FY-26, 68 approvals have been recorded. This averages to around 1.3 new residents per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, suggesting a balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. The average construction cost value of new homes is $409,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $148.7 million, reflecting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Rest of SA, Mount Gambier records 18.0% less building activity per person, while it ranks among the 53rd percentile nationally in terms of new building activity. The majority of new building activity comprises standalone homes (97.0%), sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space.

Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (77.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes amid densification trends. With around 305 people per dwelling approval, Mount Gambier shows a developing market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Mount Gambier is projected to add 1,679 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 identified 20 projects likely impacting this region. Key projects are 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's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.6% as of September 2025, which is 0.7% lower than the Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%. Workforce participation in Mount Gambier stands at 62.4%, slightly higher than the Rest of SA's 58.5%.

According to Census responses, only 4.0% of residents work from home. Key industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. The area specializes in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 6.6%, compared to Rest of SA's 14.5%.

The predominantly residential area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the working population vs resident population count. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, Mount Gambier's labour force increased by 1.5% while employment decreased by 0.4%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 1.8 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of SA experienced employment growth of 0.3% and labour force growth of 2.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national 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.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Mount Gambier had a median taxpayer income of $47,498 and an average income of $56,610. These figures are below the national averages of $48,920 and $58,933 respectively in Rest of SA. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $51,678 (median) and $61,592 (average). According to the 2021 Census, Mount Gambier's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 13th and 26th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 29.7% of Mount Gambier's population (8,148 individuals) earn within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to regional levels at 27.5%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 86.7% income retention, 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 structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 76.9% houses and 23.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro SA had 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mount Gambier was at 32.1%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (33.8%) or rented (34.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, below Non-Metro SA's average of $1,153 and significantly lower than the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Mount Gambier was $220, matching Non-Metro SA's figure but substantially lower than the national average of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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 stop. This stop is served by two routes offering a total of 27 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility in the area is limited, with residents typically living 1686 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily, primarily using cars (95%). The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.3, lower than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

On average, there are three 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. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~13,556 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (9.7%) and arthritis (9.2%), while 62.1% of residents report no medical ailments, similar to the Rest of SA's 62.5%. Working-age population health is notably challenged by high chronic condition rates. Mount Gambier has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 23.5%, compared to Rest of SA's 27.1%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally in line with national rankings.

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's population was found to have low cultural diversity, with 90.0% being Australian citizens, 87.8% born in Australia, and 92.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Mount Gambier, accounting for 41.4% of its population. However, there was an overrepresentation in the 'Other' category, comprising 0.8% compared to the Rest of SA's 0.8%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian at 31.3%, English at 31.3%, and Scottish at 7.8%. Notably, German ancestry was overrepresented at 6.0% (versus 8.2% regionally), Dutch at 2.0% (versus 1.3%), and Maori at 0.4% (versus 0.2%).

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 national norm of 38. Compared to the Rest of SA average, Mount Gambier has an over-representation of the 15-24 cohort (12.1%) and an under-representation of the 65-74 age group (11.7%). Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 7.2% to 8.4% of the population, while the 45-54 cohort has declined from 12.2% to 10.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Mount Gambier's age profile. The 85+ age group is projected to increase dramatically by 960 people (103%), from 932 to 1,893. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 80% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 35-44 cohorts.