Murray Bridge

Population growth drivers in Murray Bridge are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, Murray Bridge's population is estimated at around 16,925, an increase of 1,882 people since the 2021 Census. The 2021 Census reported a population of 15,043 in the suburb. This growth reflects an inferred resident population of 16,270 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 491 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is approximately 648 persons per square kilometer. Murray Bridge's 12.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's 6.5% growth, marking it as a regional growth leader. 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. Projected demographic shifts indicate a significant population increase in Murray Bridge, with an expected increase of 4,139 persons by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 20.5% over the 17 years.

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

Murray Bridge received approximately 113 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling around 569 homes. By FY26, 64 approvals have been recorded. On average, each new dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25 accommodated about 1.6 new residents annually. The average construction cost of these dwellings was approximately $367,000.

This financial year has seen around $328.1 million in commercial development approvals, indicating significant business investment in the area. Compared to the rest of South Australia, Murray Bridge exhibited moderately higher building activity, with 25% more approvals per person over the past five years. The dwelling mix consists of approximately 92% detached houses and 8% attached dwellings, reflecting the area's traditional low-density character.

There are roughly 136 people for each dwelling approval in Murray Bridge, suggesting an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the location is projected to grow by around 3,476 residents by 2041. Current development levels appear aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Murray Bridge has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 39thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects that could affect the region. Notable ones include Sturt Reserve Master Plan, Pathways Estate, Murray Bridge project, Murray Bridge Residential Growth Areas, and Murray Bridge South Primary School Infrastructure Upgrade. The following list outlines 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.

Employment conditions in Murray Bridge face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Murray Bridge has a balanced workforce across white and blue collar jobs, with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 6.0% as of June 2025, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

In June 2025, 6,341 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.4% higher than Rest of SA's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation in Murray Bridge lagged at 47.6%, compared to Rest of SA's 54.1%. Leading employment industries among residents included health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. The area had a particular specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented, with only 8.9% of Murray Bridge's workforce compared to 14.5% in Rest of SA. Over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.4%, alongside a 4.2% employment decline, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 1.8 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of SA experienced an employment decline of 1.2% and labour force growth of 0.1%, with a 1.2 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Murray Bridge. These projections indicate that 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 industry-specific 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 weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022, Murray Bridge had a median income among taxpayers of $42,540. The average income stood at $47,223. This was below the national average. It compared to levels of $46,889 and $56,582 across Rest of SA respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $47,998 for median income and $53,282 for average income 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 the largest segment comprises 31.2% earning $400 - $799 weekly (5,280 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 after housing costs, ranking at the 4th percentile.

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 structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 85.4% houses and 14.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro SA's 89.9% houses and 10.1% 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, aligning with Non-Metro SA's average, while the median weekly rent was $240, compared to Non-Metro SA's $220. Nationally, Murray Bridge's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 38.2%, with lone person households at 34.9% and group households making up 3.3%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is 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 Murray Bridge area faces notable educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 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 prevalent at 7.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational credentials are widely held, with 36.3% of residents aged 15+ possessing them, including advanced diplomas (7.0%) and certificates (29.3%).

Educational participation is high, with 28.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 12.3% in primary, 7.7% in secondary, and 2.3% in tertiary education. Murray Bridge operates a robust network of 8 schools educating approximately 3,496 students, with varied educational conditions (ICSEA: 918). The school mix includes 4 primary, 1 secondary, and 3 K-12 schools. The area functions as an education hub, offering 20.7 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 13.5, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Transport analysis shows two active transport stops in Murray Bridge, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by eight unique routes that collectively offer 45 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 1924 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages six trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 22 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, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately 46% (~7,739 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.6% each of residents. 59.2% report no medical ailments, compared to 61.8% in Rest of SA. 24.2% (4,095 people) are aged 65 and over, lower than the 26.2% in Rest of SA. Senior health outcomes present challenges similar to those of 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 had a lower than average cultural diversity, with 84.5% of its population being citizens, 84.0% born in Australia, and 88.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 43.8% of Murray Bridge's population. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to the Rest of SA's 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (30.7%), Australian (28.8%), and German (9.4%). Notably, Filipino representation was higher than regional averages at 2.6% versus 1.0%, Australian Aboriginal at 4.5% compared to 3.0%, and Maori at 0.5% against the region's 0.2%.

Murray Bridge hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

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 25-34 age group makes up 14.6% of Murray Bridge's population, compared to the Rest of SA, while the 65-74 cohort is less prevalent at 11.6%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 25-34 age group grew from 13.2% to 14.6%, and the 45-54 cohort declined from 11.5% to 10.1%. By 2041, Murray Bridge is expected to see significant shifts in its age composition. The 75-84 group is projected to grow by 46%, reaching 2,223 people from 1,523. Meanwhile, the 15-24 cohort grows by a modest 3%, adding 60 people.