Murray Bridge

Population growth drivers in Murray Bridge are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of Murray Bridge is around 16,883, reflecting an increase of 1,840 people since the 2021 Census. The 2021 Census reported a population of 15,043 in Murray Bridge. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 16,230 following examination of the ABS's latest ERP data release (June 2024), along with an additional 498 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 646 persons per square kilometer. Murray Bridge's growth rate of 12.2% since the 2021 census exceeded that of the SA3 area (7.4%) and the Rest of SA, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 90.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering projected demographic shifts, Murray Bridge is forecasted to increase by 4,152 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 20.9% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Murray Bridge among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Murray Bridge had around 114 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years from FY21 to FY25, totalling approximately 574 homes. As of FY26125 approvals have been recorded. This results in an average of about 1.6 new residents per year per dwelling constructed. The average construction cost value for new dwellings is around $367,000, indicating a focus on the premium market.

In terms of commercial development, Murray Bridge has seen approximately $310.4 million in approvals this financial year. Compared to the rest of South Australia, Murray Bridge has slightly more development activity, with 26.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. The dwelling mix comprises predominantly detached houses at 92.0%, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character.

There are approximately 137 people per dwelling approval in Murray Bridge, indicating an expanding market. Future projections estimate Murray Bridge to add around 3,535 residents by 2041. Building activity appears to be keeping pace with population growth projections, though increased competition among buyers may result as the population expands.

Murray Bridge has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch identified ten projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are Sturt Reserve Master Plan, Pathways Estate, Murray Bridge, Murray Bridge Residential Growth Areas, and Murray Bridge South Primary School Infrastructure Upgrade. 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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Employment conditions in Murray Bridge face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Murray Bridge has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, particularly in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate is 6.8%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 6,534 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 1.4% higher than Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%.

Workforce participation in Murray Bridge is lower at 51.5%, compared to Rest of SA's 58.5%. Census data shows that only 4.1% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts are notable. The leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Murray Bridge has a significant specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 8.9% of Murray Bridge's workforce compared to Rest of SA's 14.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force levels increased by 1.7%, while employment declined by 1.0%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 2.6 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of SA saw employment growth of 0.3% and labour force growth of 2.3%, with an increase in unemployment rate by 1.9 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insights into potential future demand within Murray Bridge. These projections estimate that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Murray Bridge's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.5% over five years and 12.2% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released in financial year 2023, Murray Bridge had a median income among taxpayers of $42,540. The average income stood at $47,223. This is below the national average. In comparison, Rest of SA had levels of $48,920 and $58,933 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $46,284 (median) and $51,379 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Murray Bridge all fall between the 3rd and 9th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate largest segment comprises 31.2% earning $400 - $799 weekly (5,267 residents). This differs from patterns across regional levels where $1,500 - $2,999 dominates with 27.5%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Murray Bridge, with only 83.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 4th percentile nationally.

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

Murray Bridge's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 85.4% houses and 14.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Non-Metro SA had 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Murray Bridge was at 29.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.0% and rented ones at 42.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, lower than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,153. Weekly rent in Murray Bridge was $240, compared to Non-Metro SA's $220. Nationally, Murray Bridge's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,083 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 61.8% of all households, including 20.4% couples with children, 26.4% couples without children, and 13.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 38.2%, with lone person households at 34.9% and group households comprising 3.3%. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Rest of SA average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 9.9%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 7.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 36.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 7.0% and certificates at 29.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.5% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.3% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 2.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Murray Bridge has two operational public transport stops. These are served by three different routes that together offer 27 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is rated as limited, with residents typically living 1924 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 94% of residents. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling, below the regional norm.

Only 4.1% of residents work from home (as per the 2021 Census). Service frequency averages three trips per day across all routes, equating to around 13 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Murray Bridge is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Murray Bridge faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Multiple health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, at approximately 46% of the total population (around 7,720 people), compared to 48.9% in Rest of SA and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 10.6% and 10.6% of residents respectively. However, 59.2% report no medical ailments, compared to 62.5% in Rest of SA. Working-age residents face notable health challenges with higher chronic condition rates. The area has 24.7% of residents aged 65 and over (4,170 people), lower than the 27.1% in Rest of SA. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, aligning broadly with national rankings for the general population.

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

Murray Bridge's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 84.5% of its population being citizens born in Australia who speak English only at home. The majority religion is Christianity, at 43.8%. Judaism, however, is overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to 0.0% regionally.

Top ancestry groups are English (30.7%), Australian (28.8%), and German (9.4%). Notably, Filipino (2.6%) and Australian Aboriginal (4.5%) populations are higher than regional averages of 0.7% and 3.3%, respectively. Maori representation is also higher at 0.5%.

Murray Bridge's median age exceeds the national pattern

Murray Bridge has a median age of 42, which is younger than the Rest of SA figure of 47 and higher than the national norm of 38. The age group of 25-34 years shows strong representation at 14.7%, compared to Rest of SA, while the 65-74 cohort is less prevalent at 11.8%. According to data from the post-2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 13.2% to 14.7% of Murray Bridge's population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.5% to 9.7%, and the 5 to 14 age group has dropped from 11.5% to 10.4%. By the year 2041, Murray Bridge is expected to experience notable shifts in its age composition. Leading this demographic shift, the 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 43%, adding 672 people and reaching a total of 2,226 from the previous figure of 1,553. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 cohort is expected to grow by a modest 5%, with an increase of 96 people.