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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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Robe has an estimated 1,532 residents, up from 1,252 at the 2021 Census — a change of 280 people, or 22.4%. Growth has averaged 1.0% a year over five years, faster than 92% of areas nationally. Interstate and internal migration accounts for 81.0% of that increase. Density is about 11 people per square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
104 new dwellings have been approved in Robe over the past five years, an average of 20 a year. That places the area in the 51st percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 13 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 22, 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
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Robe
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 32 current infrastructure and development projects close to Robe, worth an estimated $836 million. 7 are already under construction and 13 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, education & training and transport & logistics. 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
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.
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
Kingston Offshore Wind Farm
The Kingston Offshore Wind Farm, a proposed 400-600 MW project, spans State and Commonwealth waters from Cape Jaffa to south of Coorong, coast of Kingston SE and Lacepede Bay, following Skyborn Renewables and Australis Energy Ltd's joint venture.
Stringy Bark Drive Residential Subdivision
A 32-block rural living residential subdivision located west of Millicent racecourse between Stringybark Drive and Kent Drive. Stage 1 comprises 8 allotments of approximately 2.15 acres each, set for release in Spring 2025. Each lot features bitumen road frontage, full fencing with post and wire including farm gate, and power connection to the boundary. The development offers flexible settlement terms with no building encumbrance timelines, making it ideal for those seeking rural lifestyle living within minutes of Millicent township amenities.
Wattle Range Council General Code Amendment
Comprehensive rezoning initiative affecting 9 sites across the Wattle Range Council area in South Australia. The amendment proposes rezoning at the Millicent Railway Precinct, Southern Ports Highway, and Employment Zones on Mount Gambier Road in Millicent, plus sites in Penola, Beachport, and Glencoe. Objectives include recognising existing land uses where zoning does not reflect prevailing development, intensifying residential supply in Beachport and Glencoe, and protecting productive agricultural land. The amendment aligns with the Council's 25-year Strategic Land Use Plan endorsed in August 2022.Public consultation ran from 29 August to 26 October 2025, with community drop-in sessions held across Millicent, Beachport, Penola, and Glencoe throughout September 2025. As of early 2026, the amendment is awaiting completion of the post-consultation review stage on PlanSA before a final decision is made.
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.
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.
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.
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.
675 residents of Robe are employed, from a labour force of 689. Unemployment sits at 2.0%, with participation at 64.3%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.3% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth, so in an area growing as fast as this one it understates the likely rise in local jobs. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Robe is $1,244 a week (about $65,000 a year), with median personal income at $740 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $50,090 a year against an average of $73,227. The average runs 46% above the median, a wider spread than most areas and a sign of a concentrated group of high earners. 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
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Robe had 529 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 96% detached houses and 1% apartments. 28% are owned with a mortgage, 23% rented and 49% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $250 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,232 a month. Rent absorbs 20.1% of household income here and mortgage repayments 22.9%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Robe counted 529 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 647 today, averaging 2.1 people each. 19% are couples with children, against 43% couples without children. 30% 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 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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
16.7% of adults in Robe hold a university qualification, including 11.9% with a bachelor degree and 2.3% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 30.3% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 96 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 982 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
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Robe means driving: households keep an average of 1.6 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
68.4% of residents in Robe report no long-term health condition, a healthier profile than 90% of areas nationally. 3.7% need daily assistance with core activities, and 55.9% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 3.0 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Robe is largely Australian-born, at 89.5% of residents, with 3.1% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (35.5%) and Australian (29.5%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
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%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Robe is 54, older than 96% of areas nationally. 17.6% 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
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Robe
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 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) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2024 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| 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 Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 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 5 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) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 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 2024 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 59 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Feb 2026, not a 2021 count (1,259 at the 2021 Census → 1,532 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 Feb 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 (SAL41264). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.