Naracoorte

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

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Naracoorte is around 6,394, reflecting an increase of 183 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 2.9% increase from the previous population count of 6,211 people. The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch is 6,375, based on examination of the June 2025 ABS ERP data release and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 56 persons per square kilometer. Naracoorte's growth rate of 2.9% since the census is within 2.0 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 4.9%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary population growth in the suburb.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are used, based on 2021 data and adjusted employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. According to these projections, over this period, the suburb's population is expected to decline by 23 persons by 2041, while specific age cohorts like the 85 and over group are projected to expand by 194 people.

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

Naracoorte has seen around 21 dwelling approvals per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS data. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 108 homes were approved, with a further 8 approved in FY-26. On average, 0.6 people moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five years.

This suggests supply meets or exceeds demand, offering more buyer choices and potential population growth. The average construction value of new properties is $398,000, indicating a focus on premium segment dwellings. This financial year has seen $16.4 million in commercial approvals, reflecting steady investment activity. Compared to the rest of South Australia, Naracoorte records about 69% of building activity per person, placing it at the 46th percentile nationally.

This suggests fewer buyer choices and supports demand for existing dwellings, possibly due to planning constraints. All new construction has been detached houses, maintaining the area's low-density character with a focus on family homes. There are an estimated 354 people in Naracoorte per dwelling approval, indicating a quiet development environment. Given stable or declining population forecasts, housing pressure may be less intense, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Naracoorte has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 40thth percentile nationally

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

Naracoorte has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent. The unemployment rate was 3.1% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.8%.

As of December 2025, 3418 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.6%, below Regional SA's 5.7%. Workforce participation was 66.5%, higher than Regional SA's 58.3%. Census data showed that 4.6% of residents worked from home. Dominant employment sectors include manufacturing, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and retail trade.

Manufacturing had a particularly high representation at 1.9 times the regional level, while health care & social assistance was lower at 10.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 1.8% and labour force by 3.3%, raising unemployment by 1.4 percentage points. Regional SA had employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 3.1%, with a 2.2 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth at 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 this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

Naracoorte's median taxpayer income in financial year 2023 was $48,610. The average income for the suburb was $59,423. This is lower than the national average, with Regional SA having a median income of $48,920 and an average income of $58,933. By March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $53,554 (median) and $65,466 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Naracoorte rank modestly, between the 25th and 40th percentiles. The largest income segment comprises 33.4% of residents earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (2,135 residents), aligning with regional trends where this cohort represents 27.5%. Housing costs are manageable, with 88.9% retained, but disposable income is 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

Naracoorte's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.4% houses and 5.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional SA's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Naracoorte stood at 37.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.1% and rented ones at 27.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, below Regional SA's average of $1,153. Median weekly rent in Naracoorte was $230, compared to Regional SA's $220. Nationally, Naracoorte's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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 constitute 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 Regional 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%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational programs. 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 - advanced diplomas comprise 8.3% while certificates account for 26.6%.

Educational participation is 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. This stop is served by one route, offering ten weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility in the area is limited, with residents typically living 1161 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily, predominantly using cars (94%), while 4% walk. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, only 4.6% of residents work from home, which may be due to COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages one trip per day across all routes, resulting in 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

Naracoorte residents show positive health outcomes, according to AreaSearch's analysis. Mortality rates and health conditions align with national benchmarks, with low prevalence of common health issues across all age groups.

Private health cover stands at approximately 51% (~3,229 people), slightly lower than the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (8.4%) and asthma (7.8%), while 70.3% report no medical ailments, compared to 62.5% in Regional SA. Under-65 residents have better health outcomes than average. Naracoorte has 22.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,425 people), lower than the 27.1% in Regional SA. Senior health outcomes rank higher than the general population 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 cultural diversity is above average, with 20.1% of its population born overseas and 15.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Naracoorte, representing 45.0% of the population. Islam is overrepresented compared to Regional SA, making up 5.3% versus 0.5%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (30.6%), English (30.6%), and Other (8.4%). Notably, German ethnicity is overrepresented at 5.5% in Naracoorte compared to the regional average of 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 Regional South Australia's 47 years but slightly above the national average of 38 years. Compared to Regional SA, Naracoorte has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (14.3%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (10.8%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 10.1% to 11.4%, while the population aged 55-64 has declined from 11.6% to 10.8%. By 2041, Naracoorte's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 85% (191 people), reaching 415 from 223. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 91% of the population growth, while both the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups are anticipated to decrease in number.