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 Nov 2025, Murray Bridge's population is estimated at around 16,865. This reflects an increase of 1,822 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,043. The change is inferred from AreaSearch estimates based on latest ERP data release by ABS (June 2024) and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 645 persons per square kilometer. Murray Bridge's growth rate of 12.1% since the 2021 census exceeded SA3 area's 7.2%, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 90.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch projections for Murray Bridge are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections adjusted to SA2 levels for areas not covered by this data or years post-2032. Projected demographic shifts indicate a significant population increase in Murray Bridge, with an expected growth of 4,147 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 21.0% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Murray Bridge experienced around 114 dwellings receiving development approval per year over the past five financial years ending June 2025. This totals an estimated 574 homes. As of FY-26125 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, an average of 1.6 new residents per year per dwelling constructed was observed between FY-21 and FY-25.

The average construction value for new dwellings is $367,000. In the current financial year, there have been $310.4 million in commercial approvals. Compared to the rest of South Australia, Murray Bridge has slightly more development, 26.0% above the regional average per person over this five-year period.

Recent construction comprises 92.0% detached houses and 8.0% attached dwellings. The location has approximately 137 people per dwelling approval. Future projections show Murray Bridge adding 3,544 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

Murray Bridge 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 ten projects likely to impact the area. Notable ones include Sturt Reserve Master Plan, Pathways Estate, Murray Bridge developments, 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 balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent, with an unemployment rate of 6.8% as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation in September 2025.

There are 6,536 employed residents, which is 1.4% higher than Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%. However, workforce participation lags at 47.6%, compared to Rest of SA's 54.1%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing stands out with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 8.9% compared to Rest of SA's 14.5%. Labour force levels increased by 1.7% over the year ending September 2025, but employment declined by 1.0%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 2.6 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 estimate Murray Bridge's employment growth at 5.5% over five years and 12.2% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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 ended June 2023, Murray Bridge had a median income among taxpayers of $42,540 and an average income of $47,223. Both figures are below national averages of $48,920 and $58,933 respectively for Rest of SA. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% from financial year ended June 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income in Murray Bridge is approximately $46,284, while average income is estimated at $51,379 during the same period. Census data indicates that household, family and personal incomes in Murray Bridge fall between the 3rd and 9th percentiles nationally. Income brackets show that the largest segment comprises 31.2% of residents earning $400 - $799 weekly (5,261 residents), unlike regional levels where the dominant bracket is $1,500 - $2,999 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 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 structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 85.4% houses and 14.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with 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 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 account for 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, 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 area's university qualification rate is 9.9%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 7.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 36.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.0%) and certificates (29.3%). Educational participation is high at 28.5%, comprising 12.3% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 2.3% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.5% of residents 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

Transport analysis shows two active stops operating in Murray Bridge, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by three routes that collectively provide 27 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 1924 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages three trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low, at approximately 46% (around 7,712 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.6% and 10.6% of residents respectively. Conversely, 59.2% report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the 61.8% in Rest of SA. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 24.2% (4,081 people), compared to 26.2% in Rest of SA. Health outcomes among seniors largely align with the general population's health profile.

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 low level of cultural diversity, with 84.5% being citizens and 84.0% born in Australia. The majority spoke English only at home, at 88.8%. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 43.8% of Murray Bridge's population.

Judaism was slightly overrepresented compared to regional averages, making up 0.1% of the population. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (30.7%), Australian (28.8%), and German (9.4%). Notably, Filipino, Australian Aboriginal, and Maori populations were higher than regional averages, at 2.6%, 4.5%, and 0.5% respectively.

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's figure of 47 and significantly higher than Australia's 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%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 25-34 age group has increased from 13.2% to 14.6%, and the 45-54 cohort has declined from 11.5% to 10.1%. By 2041, Murray Bridge's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 75-84 group is projected to grow by 47% (707 people), reaching 2,225 from 1,517, while the 15-24 cohort grows by a modest 4% (69 people).