Peterborough (SA)

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Peterborough's population is estimated at around 1,507 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 17 people (1.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,490 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,507, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 46 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 40 persons per square kilometer. Peterborough's 1.1% growth since census positions it within 1.3 percentage points of the SA3 area (2.4%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 67.0% 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 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 suburb's population expected to decline by 13 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to expand by 87 people.

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 with six dwelling approvals annually over the five-year period ending in 2019. These low development levels reflect its rural nature, where housing needs drive development rather than market demand. The small sample size means individual projects can significantly influence annual growth statistics.

Peterborough's development levels are substantially lower than those of the Rest of SA and below national patterns. Recent building activity consists solely of detached houses, maintaining the area's rural character with an emphasis on space. There were approximately 750 people per dwelling approval, indicating a quiet, low-activity development environment. Population projections suggest stability or decline, which should reduce housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Peterborough should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Peterborough has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 15thth percentile nationally

No infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to impact the area. Key projects include Mid North South Australia REZ Expansion, Silver to Sea Way, SA Housing Trust Maintenance Contracts Review and Service Program, and SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts 2024-28.

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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 both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate is 14.9%.

This is based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. In December 2025, there are 468 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 9.2%, which is above the Regional SA's rate of 5.7%. Workforce participation stands at 41.3%, significantly lower than Regional SA's 58.3%. According to Census responses, only 7.6% of residents work from home.

Dominant employment sectors include retail trade, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Retail trade is particularly strong with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has a limited presence at 9.9%, compared to the regional figure of 14.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparing working population and resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, the labour force increased by 0.9% while employment decreased by 2.5%, causing unemployment to rise by 3.0 percentage points. In Regional SA during the same period, employment grew by 0.7%, labour force expanded by 3.1%, and unemployment rose by 2.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Peterborough. Over five years, national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% and over ten years by 13.7%. Applying these projections to Peterborough's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Peterborough had a median income among taxpayers of $35,173 and an average of $42,621. This is lower than the national average. Regional SA's median was $48,920 with an average of $58,933. By March 2026, estimates suggest Peterborough's median income would be approximately $38,750 and average around $46,956 based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.17%. Census data indicates incomes in Peterborough fall between the 0th and 1st percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income distribution shows 40.6% of residents (611 people) earn $400 - 799 per week, differing from broader area patterns where $1,500 - 2,999 is dominant at 27.5%. A majority (56.7%) of Peterborough residents have incomes below $800/week, suggesting constrained household budgets. Despite modest housing costs with 90.2% income retained, total disposable income ranks at the 2nd percentile nationally.

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

The latest Census evaluated Peterborough's dwelling structure as 95.5% houses and 4.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Regional SA had 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Peterborough was at 52.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.8% and rented ones at 24.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $569, lower than Regional SA's average of $1,153. Weekly rent in Peterborough was recorded at $160, compared to Regional SA's $220. Nationally, Peterborough's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents substantially below 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, including 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%. The median household size is 1.8 people, smaller than the Regional SA average of 2.3.

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 Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 6.6%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.5%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.2%) and certificates (30.8%). Educational participation is high at 27.3%, with 13.5% in primary education, 6.7% in secondary education, and 1.2% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.5% in primary education, 6.7% in secondary education, and 1.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high across various health conditions, affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is extremely low, with approximately 44% of the total population (~661 people) having it, compared to 48.9% in Regional SA and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 14.6% of residents) and mental health issues (11.5%). Conversely, 51.7% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 62.5% in Regional SA. Working-age population health is notably challenged by high chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, with 37.3% (562 people) compared to 27.1% in Regional SA. Health outcomes among seniors present additional challenges, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

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's cultural diversity was below average, with 84.0% citizens, 89.0% born in Australia, and 98.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 44.7%. The 'Other' category comprised 0.7%, compared to Regional SA's 0.8%.

Top ancestry groups were Australian (34.4%), English (33.0%), and Irish (6.5%). Polish (1.1%) was notably higher than regional levels (0.4%), while German (6.3%) and Australian Aboriginal (5.8%) also showed significant differences from regional figures of 8.2% and 3.3%, respectively.

Peterborough ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Peterborough's median age is 55, notably higher than Regional South Australia's (SA) figure of 47 and significantly greater than Australia's national median of 38. Compared to Regional SA, Peterborough has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 years (21.8%), but fewer residents aged 25-34 years (5.7%). The concentration of those aged 65-74 is well above the national average of 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows that between 2016 and 2021, Peterborough's population aged 65 to 74 grew from 18.8% to 21.8%, while those aged 75 to 84 increased from 9.7% to 11.5%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 55-64 decreased from 19.4% to 16.1%, and those aged 25-34 years dropped from 7.7% to 5.7%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Peterborough's age structure. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to grow by 49%, adding 85 residents to reach a total of 259. Demographic aging continues as residents aged 65 and older represent 98% of the anticipated population growth. Conversely, the cohorts aged 0-4 years and 5-14 years are expected to experience population declines.