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 1,579 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 89 people (6.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,490 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,496 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 45 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 42 persons per square kilometer. Peterborough's 6.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (4.3%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 67.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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 are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering the projected demographic shifts, projections indicate a decline in overall population for the Peterborough (SA) statistical area (Lv2), with the area's population expected to decline by 19 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 90 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 an average of 1 dwelling approval per year over the five-year period from 2015 to 2019 (a total of 6 dwellings). This low level of development reflects the rural nature of the area, where housing needs are typically addressed on a local basis rather than being driven by broader market demand. It is important to note that due to the small sample size, individual development projects can significantly influence annual growth and relative statistics.

Peterborough's development levels were substantially lower than those in the Rest of South Australia during this period. This trend was also observed when compared with national patterns. All recent building activity consisted of detached houses, which helped maintain the area's rural character with a focus on space. The estimated population density based on dwelling approvals was 760 people per dwelling, indicating a quiet and low-activity development environment.

Population projections suggest stability or decline in Peterborough, which should reduce housing demand pressures and potentially benefit buyers.

Peterborough has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 12thth percentile nationally

No factors influence a region's performance more than changes to local infrastructure. AreaSearch has identified zero projects expected to impact this area. Key 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 most relevant listed below.

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.

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, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate is 14.8%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025468 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 9.4% above the Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%. Workforce participation in Peterborough is significantly lower at 36.0%, compared to Rest of SA's 54.1%. The dominant employment sectors include retail trade, health care & social assistance, and education & training, with retail trade being particularly strong, having an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has a limited presence in Peterborough, with only 9.9% of residents employed in this sector compared to the regional average of 14.5%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force remained stable at 0.0% while employment decreased by 4.5%, leading to a rise in unemployment of 3.8 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of SA where employment grew by 0.3%, labour force expanded by 2.3%, and unemployment rose by 1.9 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that while national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Peterborough's employment mix indicates a potential local employment increase of 5.4% over five years and 11.8% over ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

In AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Peterborough's median income among taxpayers is $35,173. The average income in the suburb is $42,621. This is lower than national averages. Rest of SA has a median income of $48,920 and an average of $58,933. By September 2025, estimates suggest Peterborough's median income will be approximately $38,268 and the average will be around $46,372, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023. Census data shows that incomes in Peterborough fall within the 0th to 1st percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income distribution reveals that 40.6% of residents (641 people) earn between $400 and $799 per week, unlike broader area patterns where earnings between $1,500 and $2,999 dominate at 27.5%. The prevalence of lower-income residents indicates constrained household budgets across much of the area. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 90.2% income retention, 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 types of dwellings. This is compared 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, lower than Non-Metro SA's average of $888. Weekly rent in Peterborough was recorded at $160, compared to Non-Metro SA's $182. Nationally, Peterborough's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were 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 account for 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 make up 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 Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common (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.

Advanced diplomas account for 8.2%, while certificates make up 30.8%. Educational participation is 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 with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately 44% of the total population (~693 people) have private health cover, compared to 48.5% across the Rest of South Australia (SA), and a national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 14.6% and 11.5% of residents respectively.

Conversely, 51.7% of residents report being free from medical ailments, compared to 59.4% across the Rest of SA. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 35.4% (558 people), compared to 26.5% in the Rest of SA. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges but perform better than the general population in health 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 84.0% being citizens, 89.0% born in Australia, and 98.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 44.7%. The category 'Other' showed an overrepresentation of 0.7%, compared to 0.5% regionally.

In terms of ancestry, Australian (34.4%), English (33.0%), and Irish (6.5%) were the top three groups. There were notable divergences in certain ethnic groups: Polish at 1.1% (vs regional 0.4%), German at 6.3% (vs 6.8%), and Australian Aboriginal at 5.8% (vs regional 3.0%).

Peterborough ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Peterborough's median age is 55, which is significantly higher than the Rest of SA 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 65-74 concentration is well above the national figure of 9.4%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 65-74 age group has grown from 18.8% to 20.8%, while the 75-84 cohort has increased from 9.7% to 11.0%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has declined from 19.4% to 16.6%, and the 25-34 group has 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 expected 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 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.