Robe

Population growth drivers in Robe are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area around the suburb of Robe, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the estimated population is around 1,532 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 280 people (22.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,252 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,204, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 59 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 10.9 persons per square kilometer. Robe's growth rate of 22.4% since the 2021 census exceeded that of the SA3 area (6.9%) and the Rest of SA, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 81.0% 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 areas not covered by this data and 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 these projected demographic shifts, over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to contract by 14 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 increase by 54 people.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Robe recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Robe has experienced approximately 20 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 104 homes. As of FY-26 so far, 11 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.6 new residents arrive per new home annually between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand. The average construction cost value of new homes is $478,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

In FY-26, $610,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating Robe's residential nature. Compared to Rest of SA, Robe has 229.0% more construction activity per person, offering buyers greater choice and reflecting strong developer confidence in the location. All new construction consists of standalone homes, preserving Robe's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With approximately 79 people per approval, Robe reflects a developing area with an expected stable or declining population, potentially reducing housing pressure and creating opportunities for buyers.

With population expected to remain stable or decline, Robe should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Robe has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 14thth percentile nationally

No changes can impact an area's performance more than alterations to local infrastructure, significant projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that are probable to affect the region. Key projects encompass Southern Ports Highway Upgrades (Kingston SE to Millicent), Princes Highway Upgrades (South East SA), Lower Limestone Coast Water Allocation Plan, and SA Public Housing Maintenance and Services Contracts, with the subsequent list outlining those likely most pertinent.

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.

The labour market in Robe shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Robe has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The unemployment rate is 2.0%. Employment grew by 0.9% in the past year.

As of September 2025675 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.3%, below Rest of SA's 5.3%. Workforce participation is high at 64.3%. About 14.1% work from home. Major industries include accommodation & food (2.8 times regional average), construction, and retail trade.

Health care & social assistance is under-represented at 6.0%, compared to Rest of SA's 13.9%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data comparison. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment rose by 0.9% while unemployment increased by 0.6 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Robe's industry mix suggests local employment could increase by 5.3% in five years and 11.3% in ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

The suburb of Robe had a median taxpayer income of $50,090 and an average income of $73,227 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is higher than the national average, contrasting with the Rest of SA's median income of $48,920 and average income of $58,933. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $54,498 (median) and $79,671 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household incomes were at the 16th percentile, while personal income was at the 37th percentile. Income analysis showed that the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominated with 30.3% of residents (464 people), reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 27.5% similarly occupied this range. Housing costs were modest with 89.0% of income retained. However, total disposable income ranked at just the 22nd percentile nationally and the area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 5th decile.

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

In Robe, as per the latest Census evaluation, 96.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 4.1% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Non-Metro SA's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Robe stood at 49.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.5% and rented ones at 23.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,232, higher than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,153. The median weekly rent in Robe was $250, compared to Non-Metro SA's $220. Nationally, Robe's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,232 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $250 against the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 66.7% of all households, including 19.3% couples with children, 42.5% couples without children, and 4.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 33.3%, with lone person households at 30.4% and group households comprising 2.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of SA average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 16.7%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 11.9%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.5%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.3%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 40.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 10.4% and certificates for 30.3%.

A substantial 21.5% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 8.8% in primary, 5.4% in secondary, and 2.4% in tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Robe's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Robe's health outcomes data shows excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were very low across all age groups.

Private health cover was found to be high at approximately 56% of the total population (around 856 people), compared to 48.9% in the rest of South Australia. The most common medical conditions were arthritis, impacting 9.0% of residents, and mental health issues, affecting 7.1%. A significant 68.4% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.5% in the rest of SA. Under-65 population health outcomes were better than average. The area has 33.3% of residents aged 65 and over (510 people), higher than the 27.1% in the rest of SA. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Robe's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 89.5% of its population born in Australia, 91.8% being citizens, and 96.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Robe, comprising 44.6% of people. However, Buddhism shows an overrepresentation at 1.1%, compared to 0.6% across Rest of SA.

The top three ancestry groups are English (35.5%), Australian (29.5%), and Scottish (11.3%). Notably, German ethnicity is overrepresented in Robe at 6.5%, compared to 8.2% regionally, French at 0.4% versus 0.3%, and Hungarian at 0.2% versus 0.1%.

Robe ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Robe's median age is 54, notably higher than the Rest of SA figure of 47 and Australia's figure of 38 years. The 65-74 age group constitutes a strong 19.6% in Robe compared to Rest of SA, while the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 7.1%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group exceeds the national figure of 9.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 10.0% to 11.3%, while the 25-34 cohort increased from 9.2% to 10.3%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort has declined from 9.1% to 7.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Robe's age profile will significantly evolve. Leading this shift, the 85+ group is projected to grow by 77%, reaching 65 people from its current 36. Demographic aging continues as residents aged 65 and older represent all anticipated growth. Conversely, both the 0-4 and 25-34 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.