Peterborough (SA)

Peterborough has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

By 2025 November, Peterborough's population is estimated at around 1,580. This reflects a growth of 90 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,490. The increase was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 1,498 in June 2024, based on ABS ERP data, and an additional 45 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 42 persons per square kilometer. Peterborough's growth rate of 6.0% exceeded the SA3 area's 4.5%, indicating it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 67.0% of overall population gains.

AreaSearch uses 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 adopted, adjusted using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Projections indicate an overall population decline of 20 persons by 2041, but growth in specific age cohorts is anticipated, notably a 90-person increase in the 75 to 84 age group.

The level of residential development activity in Peterborough is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Peterborough had minimal residential development activity from 2017 to 2021, with fewer than one dwelling approval annually. Over this five-year period, only three dwellings were approved. This low level of development reflects the rural nature of the area, where housing needs drive development rather than broad market demand.

It is important to note that the small sample size can significantly influence annual growth and relativity statistics. Comparing Peterborough's development levels with the Rest of SA shows substantially lower activity in Peterborough.

Nationally, development patterns are also higher than those seen in Peterborough. Population projections indicate stability or decline in Peterborough, suggesting reduced housing demand pressures, which could benefit potential buyers.

Peterborough has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 30thth percentile nationally

No infrastructure changes significantly influence a region's performance. AreaSearch identified zero projects potentially impacting this area. Notable initiatives include Mid North South Australia REZ Expansion, Silver to Sea Way, SA Public Housing Maintenance and Services Contracts, and SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts, with the following list detailing those most relevant.

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Employment conditions in Peterborough face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Peterborough has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, prominent essential services sectors, and an unemployment rate of 14.5% as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation in June 2025. There are 465 residents employed, with the unemployment rate at 9.9%, higher than Rest of SA's rate of 4.6%.

Workforce participation is lower at 36.0% compared to Rest of SA's 54.1%. Key industries include retail trade, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Retail trade is particularly strong with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 9.9%, below Rest of SA's 14.5%.

The area may offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Over June 2024 to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.0% and employment by 7.6%, leading to a 5.0 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Rest of SA experienced a 1.2% employment decline and 1.2 percentage point unemployment rate increase. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections vary significantly. Applying these projections to Peterborough's employment mix indicates potential local employment increases of 5.4% over five years and 11.8% over ten years.

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 2022, Peterborough had a median income among taxpayers of $35,173. The average income stood at $42,621. This is below the national average. Rest of SA had levels of $46,889 and $56,582 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $39,686 (median) and $48,089 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Peterborough all fall between the 0th and 1st percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 40.6% of locals (641 people) have incomes in the $400 - 799 category, contrasting with the metropolitan region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 27.5%. Economic circumstances reflect widespread financial pressure, with 56.7% of households operating within modest weekly budgets below $800. Housing costs are modest with 90.2% of income retained. However, the total disposable income ranks at just the 2nd percentile nationally.

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

In Peterborough, as per the latest Census evaluation, 95.5% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 4.5% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. This is in contrast to Non-Metro SA's figures of 89.8% houses and 10.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Peterborough stood at 52.2%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 23.8% and rented dwellings making up 24.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $569, which is lower than Non-Metro SA's average of $888 and significantly below the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Peterborough was recorded at $160, compared to Non-Metro SA's $182 and the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 50.5% of all households, consisting of 9.5% couples with children, 28.2% couples without children, and 11.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 49.5%, with lone person households at 46.9% and group households comprising 2.3% of the total. The median household size is 1.8 people, which is smaller than the Rest of SA average of 2.2.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 9.1%, 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 6.6%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.5%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.0%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 39.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (8.2%) and certificates (30.8%).

Educational participation is high at 27.3%, including 13.5% in primary education, 6.7% in secondary education, and 1.2% pursuing tertiary education. Peterborough's 3 schools have a combined enrollment of 169 students, with varied educational conditions (ICSEA: 888). The educational mix includes 1 primary, 1 secondary, and 1 K-12 school. School places per 100 residents are 10.7, below the regional average of 14.4, indicating some students may attend schools in nearby areas.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Peterborough is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Peterborough faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, at approximately 44% (around 693 people), compared to 47.8% across the Rest of SA. Nationally, this figure stands at 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (14.6%) and mental health issues (11.5%). Conversely, 51.7% report no medical ailments, whereas in the Rest of SA, this figure is 59.4%. Peterborough has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 35.4% (559 people), compared to 26.5% in the Rest of SA. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are challenging but perform better than the general population in certain metrics.

The latest Census data sees Peterborough placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Peterborough had a lower than average cultural diversity, with 84.0% citizens, 89.0% born in Australia, and 98.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 44.7%. The 'Other' category showed overrepresentation at 0.7%, compared to 0.5% regionally.

For ancestry, Australian (34.4%), English (33.0%), and Irish (6.5%) were the top groups. Notably, Polish (1.1% vs 0.4%), German (6.3% vs 6.8%), and Australian Aboriginal (5.8% vs 3.0%) groups had higher representations than regional averages.

Peterborough ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Peterborough's median age is 55, which is significantly higher than the Rest of South Australia figure of 47 and the Australian median of 38. Compared to Rest of SA, Peterborough has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (20.8%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (5.9%). This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national figure of 9.4%. According to post-2021 Census data, the proportion of residents aged 65-74 has grown from 18.8% to 20.8%, while those aged 75-84 increased from 9.7% to 11.0%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 55-64 declined from 19.4% to 16.7%, and those aged 25-34 dropped from 7.7% to 5.9%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Peterborough's age structure. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 46%, adding 79 residents to reach 253. This growth is part of a broader trend of demographic aging, with residents aged 65 and older representing 100% of anticipated population growth. Meanwhile, the 45-54 and 0-4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.