Penola

Penola is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Population analysis based on ABS updates and AreaSearch validation indicates that the suburb of Penola had an estimated population of around 1,677 as of Feb 2026. This figure reflects a growth of 55 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,622. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 1,656 in June 2024, along with the validation of 18 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 6.6 persons per square kilometer. Natural growth contributed approximately 57% to overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, adjusted using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Anticipated demographic trends suggest lower quartile growth for national non-metropolitan areas. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb of Penola is expected to grow by 61 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain of 3.3% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Penola, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Penola has received approximately 4 dwelling approvals per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval data from statistical areas. Over the past 5 financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 23 homes were approved, with an additional 3 approved so far in FY26. This suggests that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, with an average of about 1 new resident per year arriving for each new home over these years.

The average construction cost value for new homes was $346,000, which is moderately above regional levels, indicating a focus on quality construction. In FY26, $1.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, predominantly reflecting residential development. Comparatively, Penola records about 57% of the building activity per person compared to the rest of South Australia and ranks among the 45th percentile nationally for areas assessed. This suggests somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established homes.

The area's population density is estimated at 367 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet and low development activity environment. Population forecasts indicate Penola will gain approximately 56 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections. Recent development has been entirely comprised of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

Penola has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 24thth percentile nationally

No factors influence a region's performance more than alterations to local infrastructure, significant projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects expected to impact this area. Notable projects include the Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan, Limestone Coast Energy Park, Melbourne to Adelaide Freight Rail Improvements, and Victorian Renewable Energy Zones. The following list details those most pertinent.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Penola rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Penola's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent. The unemployment rate was 1.2% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.5%.

As of September 2025950 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.1%, below Rest of SA's 5.3%. Workforce participation was high at 68.8%, compared to Rest of SA's 58.5%. Only 8.7% of residents worked from home. Dominant employment sectors include agriculture, manufacturing, and health care & social assistance.

Manufacturing had a notable concentration, with employment levels at 2.3 times the regional average. Health care & social assistance had limited presence, at 9.4% compared to 13.9% regionally. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, employment increased by 1.5%, while labour force grew by 1.8%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, applying these projections to Penola's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.2% over five years and 10.3% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Penola's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2023 was $52,580. The average level stood at $66,548. This is below the national average and compares to levels of $48,920 and $58,933 across Rest of SA respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $57,207 (median) and $72,404 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, personal income ranks at the 50th percentile ($804 weekly), while household income sits at the 25th percentile. The predominant income cohort spans 29.4% of locals in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 27.5% in the same category. Housing costs allow for 90.5% retention, but disposable income is below average at the 34th percentile.

Penola is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Penola, as per the latest Census, consisted of 90.4% houses and 9.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro SA's figures of 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Penola was at 42.2%, similar to Non-Metro SA. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (35.0%) or rented (22.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,050, below Non-Metro SA's average of $1,153. The median weekly rent figure in Penola was $198, compared to Non-Metro SA's $220. Nationally, Penola's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 65.0% of all households, including 25.0% couples with children, 32.3% couples without children, and 7.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 35.0%, with lone person households at 33.0% and group households comprising 2.2%. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Rest of SA average of 2.3.

Educational outcomes in Penola fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 17.5%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 13.1%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.7%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 35.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.4%) and certificates (25.7%).

Educational participation is high, with 26.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.7% in primary education, 5.8% in secondary education, and 2.5% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Penola's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Penola's health data shows positive outcomes, aligned with national benchmarks for mortality rates and health conditions. Common health conditions are standard across both young and old age cohorts.

Private health cover is at 53%, slightly higher than the average SA2 area (48.9%). The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (9.9%) and asthma (7.7%), with 66.5% of residents reporting no medical ailments, compared to 62.5% in Rest of SA. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. As of 2021, 27.2% of Penola's population is aged 65 and over (456 people). Health outcomes among seniors are strong, ranking higher than the general population nationally.

Penola is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Penola was found to have a below average level of cultural diversity, with 90.5% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (90.9%), and speaking English only at home (96.2%). The predominant religion in Penola is Christianity, accounting for 46.0% of the population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprises 0.8% of Penola's population, similar to the regional average of Rest of SA (0.8%).

In terms of ancestry, based on the country of birth of parents, Australians make up the largest group at 35.1%, followed by English at 30.5%, and Scottish at 10.7%. There are some notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: German is overrepresented at 5.5% (regional average is 8.2%), Dutch at 1.5% (1.3%), and French at 0.5% (0.3%).

Penola hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Penola is 48 years, similar to the Rest of South Australia's average of 47 years. This is notably higher than the national norm of 38 years. The 55-64 age cohort is over-represented in Penola at 16.0%, compared to the Rest of SA average, while the 35-44 age group is under-represented at 9.8%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 7.4% to 8.9% of Penola's population, and the 85+ cohort has increased from 2.0% to 3.3%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has declined from 13.1% to 10.6%, and the 45-54 age group has dropped from 13.9% to 12.6%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Penola. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 102%, adding 56 residents, reaching a total of 112. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 97% of population growth, highlighting trends towards demographic aging. Conversely, both the 25-34 and 15-24 age groups are projected to decrease in number.