Naracoorte

An assessment of population growth drivers in Naracoorte reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Naracoorte's population is estimated at around 6,466 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 255 people (4.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,211 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 6,366, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 77 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 56 persons per square kilometer. Naracoorte's 4.1% growth since census positions it within 2.8 percentage points of the SA3 area (6.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 87.0% 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. Considering the projected demographic shifts, over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to reduce by 24 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to expand by 199 people.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Naracoorte according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Naracoorte has seen approximately 21 dwelling approvals per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 108 homes were approved, with another 7 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 0.6 people have moved to the area annually for each dwelling built over these past five financial years.

This suggests that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering more buyer choices and supporting potential population growth. The average construction value of new properties is $398,000, indicating a focus on premium segment development. In FY-26, Naracoorte has registered $16.4 million in commercial approvals, showing steady investment activity. Compared to the Rest of SA, Naracoorte records about 69% of building activity per person.

Nationally, it ranks at the 46th percentile among assessed areas, suggesting more limited buyer choices and supporting demand for existing dwellings. This may reflect the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. All new construction in Naracoorte has been detached houses, maintaining its traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 354 people, indicating a quiet development environment. Given stable or declining population forecasts, Naracoorte may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Naracoorte has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 36thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Moyhall Road Reconstruction, North Parklands Development, NRLE Sheep eID Infrastructure Upgrade, and Naracoorte Workers' Accommodation Facility. The following 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 assessment positions Naracoorte ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Naracoorte has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominently featuring manufacturing and industrial sectors. As of September 2025, its unemployment rate is 2.9%. Over the past year, employment stability has been relatively consistent.

In Naracoorte, 3,391 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.5% below Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%. Workforce participation stands at 67.0%, higher than Rest of SA's 58.5%. According to Census responses, only 4.6% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in manufacturing, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and retail trade.

Manufacturing has a particularly strong presence with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level. Health care & social assistance, however, has limited presence at 10.7%, compared to 13.9% regionally. Some residents commute elsewhere for work opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force levels increased by 1.3%, while employment decreased by 0.1%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of SA saw employment grow by 0.3% and labour force expand by 2.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project total employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Naracoorte's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.8% over five years and 11.2% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that in Naracoorte, median income is $48,610 and average income is $59,423. This is lower than the Rest of SA's figures, which are a median income of $48,920 and an average income of $58,933. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $52,888 (median) and $64,652 (average). Census 2021 income data indicates that Naracoorte ranks modestly for household, family, and personal incomes, between the 25th and 40th percentiles. The predominant income cohort in Naracoorte is 33.4% of locals (2,159 people) earning $1,500 - $2,999, similar to the metropolitan region where this cohort represents 27.5%. Housing costs allow for 88.9% retention, but disposable income ranks below average at the 33rd percentile.

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

In Naracoorte, as per the latest Census evaluation, 94.4% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 5.6% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Non-Metro SA's figures of 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Naracoorte stood at 37.0%, with mortgaged properties at 35.1% and rented ones at 27.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, lower than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,153. The median weekly rent in Naracoorte was $230, similar to Non-Metro SA's figure of $220. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,863, and rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

Naracoorte features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 65.7% of all households, including 26.2% couples with children, 31.1% couples without children, and 7.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 34.3%, with lone person households at 30.0% and group households comprising 4.2%. The median household size is 2.4 people, larger than the Rest of SA average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 13.8%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 34.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.3%) and certificates (26.6%). Educational participation is high, with 25.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising primary (12.6%), secondary (6.6%), and tertiary (1.7%) levels.

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.6% in primary education, 6.6% in secondary education, and 1.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Naracoorte has one active public transport stop operating within the area. This stop is serviced by one route, offering a total of ten weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of public transport is rated as limited, with residents typically located 1161 meters from the nearest transport stop. In this primarily residential area, most commuting is outward-bound, with cars being the dominant mode of transport at 94%, while 4% walk. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 4.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages one trip per day across all routes, equating to approximately ten weekly trips per individual stop.

Naracoorte's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data shows Naracoorte residents have positive health outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks. Common health conditions are low across all age groups.

Private health cover is relatively low at 51%, compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common conditions are arthritis (8.4%) and asthma (7.8%), while 70.3% report no medical ailments, higher than Rest of SA's 62.5%. Under-65 residents have better health outcomes. 22.1% are aged 65 and over (1,428 people), lower than Rest of SA's 27.1%. Seniors' health outcomes rank high nationally.

In terms of cultural diversity, Naracoorte records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Naracoorte's population shows above average cultural diversity, with 20.1% born overseas and 15.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Naracoorte, accounting for 45.0%. Islam is notably overrepresented compared to the rest of South Australia, comprising 5.3% versus 0.5%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (30.6%), English (30.6%), and Other (8.4%). Some ethnic groups have notable differences in representation: German at 5.5% (versus regional 8.2%), Maori at 1.2% (versus 0.2%), and Filipino at 2.0% (versus 0.7%).

Naracoorte's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Naracoorte's median age is 40 years, which is significantly below Rest of SA's 47 years but slightly above the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of SA, Naracoorte has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (13.8%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (10.4%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 10.1% to 11.1%. Conversely, the population aged 55-64 has declined from 11.6% to 10.6%. By 2041, Naracoorte's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 85+ group will grow by 80%, reaching 418 people from 232. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 95% of the population growth. Meanwhile, both the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.