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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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Roxby Downs has an estimated 3,781 residents, up from 3,671 at the 2021 Census — a change of 110 people, or 3.0%. That puts 987 residents on each 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
Following an examination of ABS population updates for the wider region alongside new addresses verified by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Roxby Downs has an estimated population of approximately 3,781 in May 2026. This represents an addition of 110 people (3.0%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 3,671 residents. This shift is calculated from the resident population of 3,781, calculated by AreaSearch using the ABS's June 2025 ERP release combined with 11 validated new addresses registered since the Census. Such a population size translates to a density of 987 persons per square kilometer, which aligns closely with typical densities observed in other locations analysed by AreaSearch.
The 3.0% expansion in the suburb of Roxby Downs since the census is within 0.9 percentage points of the wider SA3 region (3.9%), indicating solid local demand. Population gains in the area were mostly driven by natural increase, which accounted for roughly 61.0% of the overall population growth during recent periods. AreaSearch utilizes the 2024 projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia for individual SA2 regions, which use 2022 as their starting point. Where this data is unavailable, or for years beyond 2032, regional and LGA projections by age bracket published by the SA State Government in 2023 (using 2021 data) are applied, utilizing a weighted aggregation method to translate LGA population growth to SA2 boundaries. Looking ahead to future demographics, projections indicate a contraction in the overall population, with the suburb of Roxby Downs expected to lose 193 residents by 2041 under this approach. Conversely, some specific age brackets are expected to grow, particularly residents aged 45 to 54, who are projected to increase by 59 individuals. Refer to the age section for further details.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Roxby Downs experiences negligible residential building activity, recording fewer than 1 building approvals on average each year (averaging virtually none over the last five years). Such minor volume is typical for rural locations where housing requirements remain stable and construction is naturally constrained by local market demand and infrastructure capacity. It is worth noting that due to the minimal baseline of approvals, single projects can drastically alter annual growth statistics and comparison metrics. Roxby Downs exhibits a much lower volume of residential building activity than the Rest of SA. This pattern of property development also sits significantly below national benchmarks.
Given that population forecasts are projected to remain flat or drop, Roxby Downs could face reduced pressure on housing, which may create advantageous conditions for purchasers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Roxby Downs
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks one current infrastructure or development project inside Roxby Downs, worth an estimated $7 million. A further 34 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $310 million. 12 are already under construction and 10 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, education & training and ports, marinas, fisheries & aquaculture. 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
Local infrastructure projects, major works, and planning policy changes are primary drivers of local market dynamics. AreaSearch has identified a single project expected to influence the local area. Significant developments include the Roxby Downs Area School Refurbishment, Olympic Dam Underground Growth Projects, Olympic Dam Smelter Refinery Expansion Project, and Northern Water Supply Project, with the main details listed below.
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
Roxby Downs Area School Refurbishment
$7 million facility upgrade including refurbishment of four buildings with general learning areas, teacher preparation and breakout spaces, refreshed food technology areas, soundproofed music and drama studios, a new amphitheatre for open-air performances, broader landscaped outdoor learning areas, and a nature playground integrated with the desert landscape. The project reached completion in December 2021 and was officially opened in June 2024.
Joy Baluch AM Bridge Duplication
Duplication of the Joy Baluch AM Bridge to improve road safety and efficiency for all users, improve freight productivity, and improve the resilience of this critical road link. It will also address the current bridge speed restrictions and safety for people walking or cycling across the bridge. The project is part of the Port Wakefield to Port Augusta (PW2PA) Regional Projects Alliance. The duplication of the bridge is an important link in the National Land Transport Network at Port Augusta.
Cleary Street Residential Subdivision
A development opportunity in Port Augusta West comprising a 1.4 hectare R-Residential zoned site at 3-5 Cleary Street. A preliminary development plan exists to subdivide the land into 18 allotments, subject to council approval. The land is listed for sale at $499,000-$548,000.
Regional Key Worker Housing Scheme - Port Augusta
Construction of 35 new homes as part of the Regional Key Worker Housing Scheme to address the critical need for purpose-built government worker housing. Four two-and-three-bedroom homes are being built in Port Augusta west of the Joy Baluch AM Bridge. The program will deliver 35 new regional homes across several locations in SA to address the critical need for purpose-built government worker housing.
St Eyre Estate
A residential estate development located in Port Augusta West, offering vacant allotments allowing for custom home builds set against the scenic Baxter Ranges. Infrastructure for Stages 4 & 5A is already in place, including sealed roads, curbing, power, and water, with 60 spacious allotments each approximately 1200 square meters.
McKinnon Court Residential Development
A 3,100 sqm residential infill development site being marketed for residential subdivision or a small housing development, subject to council consent. As of 2026 the land remains listed for sale and there is no evidence of a lodged development application or construction commencing.
McIntosh Crescent Road Resealing
Sections of roadway on McIntosh Crescent in Port Augusta West require resealing due to deterioration and wear. The project will use a two-coat bitumen spray seal with a crumbed rubber binder.
Bunnings Warehouse Port Augusta
The new Bunnings store in Port Augusta has officially opened, featuring a 5000 square meter space with a nursery, landscaping area, two-lane trade drive-through timber yard, and an outdoor living and barbecue area. The store was staffed almost entirely by Spencer Gulf locals.
2,339 residents of Roxby Downs are employed, from a labour force of 2,380. Unemployment sits at 1.7%, with participation at 86.2%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 4.1% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 2,700, about 71% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Roxby Downs features a balanced workforce with representation across both professional and industrial roles, highlighted by robust manufacturing and industrial sectors and a jobless rate of only 1.7%, according to AreaSearch's compiled regional statistics. As of March 2026, there are 2,339 employed residents, representing an unemployment rate that sits 3.7% below the Regional SA level of 5.5%, while workforce participation is exceptionally high at 86.2% compared to the 58.4% recorded across Regional SA. Census data indicates that a minimal 3.4% of employed locals worked from home, though this figure may have been influenced by Covid-19 restrictions.
The primary employment sectors for local workers are mining, construction, and education & training. The local economy is highly specialized in mining, which has an employment share 17.4 times greater than the regional average. Conversely, agricultural, forestry, and fishing enterprises are underrepresented, engaging only 0.2% of the Roxby Downs workforce compared to 14.5% in Regional SA. The area is mostly residential and appears to provide a limited number of local jobs, as shown by comparing the count of working residents against the local daytime working population. According to AreaSearch's evaluation of SALM and ABS data aggregated from the surrounding statistical regions, the local labour force shrank by 2.2% over the 12 months leading to March 2026, while employment fell by 3.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.0 percentage points. In contrast, Regional SA experienced a 1.2% rise in employment and a 2.6% expansion of its labour force, with its unemployment rate increasing by 1.4 percentage points. National employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia as of May-25 offer additional context on future demand in Roxby Downs. These five and ten-year forecasts have been aligned with the local workforce structure to project future trends. Nationwide employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though expansion rates vary widely by industry. Projecting these national industry trends onto the local employment distribution suggests Roxby Downs's employment base could expand by 4.1% over five years and 10.3% over ten years (note that this is a basic weighted projection for illustration and does not incorporate localized population forecasts).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Roxby Downs is $3,142 a week (about $163,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,747 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $98,549 a year against an average of $106,285. 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
According to compiled ATO statistics from AreaSearch for financial year 2023, the suburb of Roxby Downs has tax returns that place its income levels in the top percentiles nationwide. Taxpayers in the suburb of Roxby Downs recorded a median income of $98,549 and an average income of $106,285, compared to Regional SA averages of $48,920 and $58,933. Adjusted for a Wage Price Index rise of 10.17% since financial year 2023, these figures are estimated to be roughly $108,571 for the median and $117,094 for the average as of March 2026.
The 2021 Census confirms that household, family, and individual incomes are all highly ranked, placing between the 97th and 99th percentiles nationwide. Looking at weekly earnings, the $1,500 - 2,999 range accounts for 35.0% of taxpayers (1,323 individuals), which is similar to the broader region where 27.5% fall into this bracket. A notable 54.5% of residents earn more than $3,000 weekly, indicating high-earning households that support local commerce. After paying for housing, households keep 91.6% of their earnings, indicating strong discretionary funds, while the local SEIFA income rank is in the 6th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Roxby Downs had 1,195 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 97% detached houses and 3% apartments. 23% are owned with a mortgage, 70% rented and 7% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $260 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,517 a month. Rent absorbs 8.3% of household income here and mortgage repayments 11.1%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
At the time of the latest Census, the housing stock in Roxby Downs was made up of 96.7% separate houses and 3.4% alternative dwellings (such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and other housing types), compared to Regional SA where separate houses made up 88.5% and alternative structures comprised 11.5%. Home ownership in Roxby Downs was lower than the Regional SA average at 6.7%, with the remaining properties occupied by households with a mortgage (23.0%) or renting (70.3%). The median monthly mortgage payment was significantly higher than the Regional SA average at $1,517, while the median weekly rent was $260, compared to Regional SA figures of $1,153 and $220.
Globally, mortgage costs in Roxby Downs are notably lower than the Australian median of $1,863, and rents are also well below the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Roxby Downs counted 1,195 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.7 people each. 40% are couples with children, more than in 79% of areas nationally, against 23% couples without children. 24% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.6 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the majority of households at 70.9%, consisting of 40.0% couples with dependent children, 22.6% couples without children, and 7.4% single parents. Non-family households account for the remaining 29.1%, with single-person households representing 24.1% and group houses making up 4.9%. The median household size stands at 2.7 people, which is larger than the Regional SA median of 2.3.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
16.2% of adults in Roxby Downs hold a university qualification, including 11.5% with a bachelor degree and 3.1% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 76% of areas nationally. A further 39.0% hold a vocational qualification. 2 schools serve the area, with 697 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 951 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
Academic attainment in the area shows room for growth, with tertiary qualification rates (16.2%) sitting well below the national average of 30.4%. This highlights both a current deficit and a pathway for future educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher education qualification at 11.5%, followed by postgraduate degrees (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational training is highly prevalent, with 46.7% of residents aged 15 and over holding technical qualifications, split between advanced diplomas (7.7%) and certificates (39.0%). Active participation in study is high, with 34.4% of local residents enrolled in some form of education.
This is comprised of 17.6% attending primary schools, 7.9% in secondary schools, and 2.5% enrolled in tertiary institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Roxby Downs means driving: households keep an average of 1.8 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
81.6% of residents in Roxby Downs report no long-term health condition. 1.2% need daily assistance with core activities, and 68.9% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.8 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Roxby Downs exhibits positive health indicators based on AreaSearch assessments of mortality and chronic illness, with both youth and older age brackets showing low rates of typical medical conditions, while private health insurance coverage is exceptionally high at roughly 69% of the population (2,604 people). This is compared to 48.9% in Regional SA and a national average of 55.7%. Asthma and mental health conditions are the most prevalent health issues in the area, affecting 6.8% and 6.0% of the population, respectively. However, 81.6% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 62.5% across Regional SA.
Only 2.5% of the local population is aged 65 or older (94 people), which is significantly below the Regional SA average of 27.1%. Senior health outcomes are strong, with national indicators for this group outperforming the general public.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Roxby Downs is largely Australian-born, at 85.6% of residents, with 9.2% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (33.1%) and English (28.8%). 3.7% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
The population of Roxby Downs has lower levels of cultural diversity than average, with citizens making up 82.2% of the population, 85.6% born in Australia, and 90.8% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 35.0% of residents. The most distinct variance is in Buddhism, which accounts for 1.3% of the community compared to 0.6% in Regional SA. Looking at ancestral backgrounds, the three most common ancestries in Roxby Downs are Australian (33.1%), English (28.8%), and Scottish (6.6%). There are also notable differences in other backgrounds, with Filipinos making up 2.6% of the population (compared to 0.7% regionally), Maori representing 1.0% (compared to 0.2% regionally), and Welsh at 0.7% (compared to 0.5% regionally).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Roxby Downs is 30, younger than 96% of areas nationally. 29.9% 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
Roxby Downs has a median age of 30, which is significantly lower than the Regional SA average of 47 and the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Regional SA, there is a high concentration of residents in the 35 - 44 age bracket (21.0% locally), while the 65 - 74 bracket is underrepresented at 2.1%. This local concentration of 35 - 44 year-olds is higher than the national figure of 14.3%. Since 2021, the 35 to 44 age bracket has increased from 18.3% to 21.0% of the population, while the 45 to 54 group has decreased from 12.4% to 11.3%.
Projections suggest the age profile of Roxby Downs will change by 2041, with the 45 to 54 age bracket expected to grow by 66 people (16%) from 427 to 494, while the 0 to 4 and 65 to 74 groups are expected to contract.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Roxby Downs
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 2025 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, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Oct 2025 10 months ago all 1 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 Oct 2025. | ||
| 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 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 11 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (3,671 at the 2021 Census → 3,781 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 May 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 (SAL41281). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.