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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Penola has an estimated 1,673 residents, up from 1,622 at the 2021 Census — a change of 51 people, or 3.1%. Growth has averaged 0.5% a year over five years. Fewer than ten people live on each square kilometre, across a boundary that takes in surrounding rural land. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
As of Aug 2026, the suburb of Penola has an estimated population of around 1,673, based on AreaSearch evaluations of broader ABS updates alongside post-Census validated addresses. Compared to the 2021 Census tally of 1,622 people, this represents an expansion of 51 people (3.1%). This upward shift is drawn from an AreaSearch resident figure of 1,672 following the ABS June 2025 ERP release, combined with 19 validated new addresses registered since Census date. These figures establish a population density of 6.6 persons per square kilometer, ensuring a spacious local setting.
With its post-Census increase of 3.1%, the suburb of Penola sits within 2.0 percentage points of the broader SA3 area (5.1%), illustrating resilient demographic fundamentals. Natural increase served as the principal driver of recent gains, accounting for approximately 56.99999999999999% of total expansion. Population modelling by AreaSearch incorporates 2024 ABS/Geoscience Australia projections pegged to a 2022 baseline for each SA2. For unlisted SA2 localities and periods extending beyond 2032, weighted aggregations of SA State Government 2023 Regional/LGA age-cohort projections (built on 2021 figures) are applied from LGA to SA2 tiers. Forward-looking estimates place the suburb of Penola in the lower quartile of nationwide regional growth, with SA2-level aggregates projecting a rise of 61 persons by 2041, which equates to an overall addition of 3.6% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
20 new dwellings have been approved in Penola over the past five years, an average of 4 a year. That is 2.0 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 5, broadly in line with that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Analysis of ABS building approvals aggregated by AreaSearch reveals that Penola records an average of approximately 4 residential approvals annually, yielding an estimated 20 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 5 so far in FY-25. Across the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), the locality added an average of 2.4 new residents per completed home, demonstrating healthy demand underpinning local values, with new construction showing an average value of $403,000. Additionally, $1.5 million in commercial approvals was logged during the current financial year, underscoring the predominantly residential focus of the market.
Property development across Penola tracks 55.0% below the per-capita benchmark for Rest of SA. Such restrained construction volume typically bolsters pricing and competition for existing stock, despite a recent uptick in building activity. Building volumes are likewise subdued relative to nationwide figures, pointing to an established urban footprint and potential planning caps. Furthermore, all recent approvals have been standalone detached houses, preserving the neighbourhood's open, family-oriented character. The ratio of an estimated 334 people for each approved dwelling highlights this subdued, low-volume development setting. According to the latest quarterly calculations from AreaSearch, Penola is projected to add 60 residents by 2041. At current rates of building activity, incoming residential supply appears well-positioned to satisfy buyer demand, maintaining healthy market dynamics and potentially supporting expansion beyond baseline projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Penola
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 52 current infrastructure and development projects close to Penola, worth an estimated $5.18 billion. 9 are already under construction and 25 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans transport & logistics, residential development and communities, precincts & urban renewal. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Strategic infrastructure, public initiatives, and capital works play a crucial role in shaping community development. Across Penola, no major projects have been recorded by AreaSearch as having a direct localized impact. Broader regional works of note include the Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan, Limestone Coast Energy Park, Melbourne To Adelaide Freight Rail Improvements, and Victorian Renewable Energy Zones.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Naracoorte Early Learning and Childcare Centre
Originally proposed as a workers' accommodation facility, the 1.68ha former Naracoorte TAFE site was repurposed for a $2 million early learning and childcare centre for 60 children. Announced in May 2024 by developer Jrod Pty Ltd with a $500,000 state government grant, construction was to begin in late 2024. As of early 2026, the project has stalled completely after a private Adelaide-based childcare provider withdrew their partnership, leaving the development in limbo with no construction started.
Naracoorte Caves Visitor Precinct Upgrade
Upgrade of visitor infrastructure at the World Heritage listed Naracoorte Caves National Park, including the Roof Top Loop Walk, viewing platforms, lighting, seating, safety fencing, wayfinding and interpretation to improve accessible nature-based tourism experiences around the caves precinct.
Naracoorte Regional Livestock Exchange Sheep eID Infrastructure Upgrade
Upgrade of sheep electronic identification infrastructure at the Naracoorte Regional Livestock Exchange to meet mandatory sheep and goat eID requirements, improve livestock traceability, and support ongoing saleyard operations. Works included eID hardware and software, structural modifications, staff and agent training, and associated sheep yard upgrades, with PIRSA contributing up to 75 percent of eligible essential equipment and modification costs.
Moyhall Road Reconstruction
Reconstruction of pavement and shoulders with new drainage and a full-width spray-sealed surface to address pavement failure, reduce maintenance costs, and improve road safety. Jointly funded with Naracoorte Lucindale Council under the Roads to Recovery Program.
North Parklands Development
A withdrawn unsolicited proposal for a $250 million mixed-use masterplanned community on a 197-hectare State Government-owned site north of Naracoorte. Developer Robert Moore of ELM Property envisioned 500 residential allotments around the Naracoorte Golf Course, a convention centre, motel-style serviced suites, aged care facilities, and a retirement village. Following overwhelming community opposition - 64.4% of nearly 400 survey respondents opposed any development - Naracoorte Lucindale Council voted against the proposal in August 2022 and the developer withdrew.As of 2026, the site remains a dedicated nature park and community space. No active development applications exist; Naracoorte Lucindale Council CEO Trevor Smart confirmed in November 2024 that a nearby subdivision approval was entirely separate and did not affect the North Parklands.
Rail Trail Extension to O'Leary Road
4.2km extension of existing rail trail connecting to O'Leary Road, featuring sealed pathway, rest areas, interpretive signage, and native vegetation restoration. Part of broader cycling and walking network development.
Naracoorte High School Major Upgrades
Major facility upgrade including refurbishment of art and design building with 3 general learning areas, 2 outdoor learning areas, amenities, and ancillary spaces; construction of new sports change rooms, amenities, agriculture learning space, and change block; refurbishment of home economics facility; and demolition of ageing infrastructure.
TAFE SA Mount Gambier Campus Upgrades
Upgrade of the TAFE SA Mount Gambier campus including modern trade workshops, improved learning spaces, student amenities, accessibility upgrades and campus improvements. The works form part of the Mount Gambier Education, Research and Training Precinct and are being delivered alongside the new Limestone Coast Technical College scheduled to open in 2026.
969 residents of Penola are employed, from a labour force of 982. Unemployment sits at 1.2%, with participation at 68.9%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 4.2% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 1,331, about 80% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Penola maintains a well-distributed labour force across blue-collar and white-collar roles, anchored by strong manufacturing and industrial sectors, an exceptionally low jobless rate of 1.2%, and estimated annual jobs growth of 4.0% according to AreaSearch statistical aggregations. As of March 2026, total employed persons stood at 969, with local unemployment sitting 4.2% beneath the Regional SA rate of 5.5%, while labour force participation reached an elevated 68.9% compared to 58.3% across Regional SA. Census findings indicated that 8.7% of employed locals worked from home, though broader COVID-19 restrictions must be kept in mind.
The primary employment sectors across the local resident base comprise agriculture, forestry & fishing, manufacturing, and health care & social assistance. Local manufacturing specialisation is especially pronounced, commanding an employment share 2.3 times the regional benchmark. Conversely, health care & social assistance accounts for a smaller footprint of 9.4% locally versus 13.9% across the wider region. Comparisons between Census resident counts and local workplace numbers indicate that immediate surrounding employment capacity remains constrained. AreaSearch evaluations of ABS and SALM statistical data indicate that over the 12-month period, local employment expanded by 4.0% while the labour supply rose by 4.1%, preserving a steady unemployment profile. Over the same span across Regional SA, employment rose by 1.2%, the workforce increased by 2.6%, and the jobless rate climbed by 1.4 percentage points. Forward projections from Jobs and Skills Australia as of Mar-26 provide additional context on potential workforce demand for Penola. When mapped across the local industry profile, five-year and ten-year national employment projections (forecast at 6.6% and 13.7% respectively) suggest local workforce gains of 4.2% over five years and 10.3% over ten years, based on sectoral weightings for illustrative purposes without factoring in localized population shifts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Penola is $1,369 a week (about $71,000 a year), with median personal income at $804 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $52,580 a year against an average of $66,548. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
ATO figures aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 position taxpayer earnings in Penola somewhat under national benchmarks. The median taxpayer income recorded in the suburb of Penola was $52,580 while the average was $66,548, comparing favorably to Regional SA benchmarks of $48,920 and $58,933. Accounting for a 10.17% rise in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, updated estimates as of March 2026 reach approximately $57,927 for median income and $73,316 for average income. In the 2021 Census, individual weekly earnings ($804) sat at the 50th percentile, with household earnings ranking at the 25th percentile.
Furthermore, 29.4% of residents (491 individuals) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, aligning closely with the 27.5% regional proportion. Local households retain 90.5% of earnings after housing outlays, while overall disposable income remains at the 34th percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Penola had 642 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 90% detached houses and 1% apartments. 35% are owned with a mortgage, 23% rented and 42% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $198 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,050 a month. Rent absorbs 14.5% of household income here and mortgage repayments 17.7%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
At the time of the latest Census, residential dwellings in Penola were divided between 90.4% separate houses and 9.7% other dwellings including apartments and semi-detached units, compared to 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings in Regional SA. Outright home ownership stood at 42.2%, mirroring broader Regional SA rates, while 35.0% of properties were mortgaged and 22.7% were occupied by renters. Median monthly mortgage repayments were $1,050 and median weekly rent was $198, remaining below the Regional SA figures of $1,153 and $220. Compared across Australia, local mortgage payments sit substantially under the national $1,863 figure, with local rental rates also falling far below the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Penola counted 642 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.2 people each. 25% are couples with children, against 32% couples without children. 33% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.0 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family units constitute the largest living arrangement across the area at 65.0% of all households, consisting of 25.0% couples with children, 32.3% couples without children, and 7.6% single parent households. Non-family residences make up the remaining 35.0%, with single-person households representing 33.0% and group households comprising 2.2%. The median household size of 2.2 people is slightly below the Regional SA standard of 2.3.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
17.5% of adults in Penola hold a university qualification, including 13.1% with a bachelor degree and 1.7% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 25.7% hold a vocational qualification. 3 schools serve the area, with 331 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 980 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational attainment levels in the locality reflect ongoing opportunities for structural development, with 17.5% of residents holding higher education qualifications compared to the national rate of 30.4%. Within tertiary qualifications, bachelor degrees represent 13.1%, followed by graduate diplomas at 2.7% and postgraduate credentials at 1.7%. Technical and vocational training forms a major component of the local workforce, with 35.1% of residents aged 15+ possessing vocational credentials, including 9.4% holding advanced diplomas and 25.7% holding certificates. Formal study engagement is substantial across the community, with 26.9% of all residents actively participating in education.
This proportion comprises 13.7% attending primary schools, 5.8% enrolled in secondary education, and 2.5% undertaking tertiary studies.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Penola means driving: households keep an average of 1.5 vehicles, and scheduled services reach only a handful of stops. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport services in Penola centre on 1 transit stop served by 2 distinct routes that provide 10 weekly passenger trips. Transit access is moderate overall, with dwellings situated an average distance of 591 meters from the stop. Private vehicles are the primary commuting choice, accounting for 93% of journeys, while 5% of commuters travel on foot, supported by an average of 1.5 vehicles per dwelling. Work-from-home participation was recorded at 8.7% during the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 restrictions. Transit route frequency averages 1 trips per day across the network, translating to approximately 10 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
66.5% of residents in Penola report no long-term health condition. 5.5% need daily assistance with core activities, and 53.3% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.5 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Community health measures for Penola present favorable trends, with AreaSearch evaluations of mortality and medical incidence tracking near nationwide norms across age segments. Private health insurance participation is slightly ahead of typical SA2 levels at approximately 53% of all residents (~891 people), outpacing the 48.9% proportion observed across Regional SA. Arthritis and asthma are the most prevalent reported conditions locally, diagnosed in 9.9 and 7.7% of the populace respectively, while 66.5% of residents reported having no long-term health conditions compared to 62.5% across Regional SA. Working-age cohorts display a higher rate of chronic conditions, while outcomes among the 27.7% of residents aged 65 and over (463 people) are notably strong and exceed national elderly benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Penola is largely Australian-born, at 90.9% of residents, with 3.8% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (35.1%) and English (30.5%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Penola registers below-average levels of cultural diversity, with 90.5% of the population holding citizenship, 90.9% born domestically, and 96.2% using solely English in the home. Christianity represents the leading faith, accounting for 46.0% of local affiliation. Meanwhile, the Other category shows the most visible relative alignment, accounting for 0.8% locally and matching the 0.8% proportion seen across Regional SA. Looking at parental country of birth, the three most common ancestries across Penola are Australian (35.1%), English (30.5%), and Scottish (10.7%). Other specific backgrounds show distinct variations, with German ancestry recorded at 5.5% (compared to 8.2% regionally), Dutch at 1.5% (versus 1.3%), and French at 0.5% (versus 0.3%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Penola is 48, older than 85% of areas nationally. That is 1 year older than at the 2021 Census. 19.7% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The demographic profile of Penola aligns closely with Regional SA, showing a maximum variance of just 3.2 percentage points. The estimated median age is 48, rising from 47 recorded at the 2021 Census, which compares to 47 for Regional SA at that Census and a nationwide Census median of 38. The proportion of residents aged 65+ has increased from 23.7% at the Census to an estimated 27.7%. By 2041, senior cohorts are forecast to experience the strongest growth, adding 121 residents (26%) to reach 584, while middle-aged, younger retiree, child, and young adult age brackets are projected to decrease.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Penola
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 5 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 19 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (1,622 at the 2021 Census → 1,673 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL41137). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.