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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
Sales Activity
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Population
Roxby Downs has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch
As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Roxby Downs is around 3,781, reflecting an increase of 110 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 3.0% increase from the previous population count of 3,671. The change was inferred by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and validation of an additional 11 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 987 persons per square kilometer, which aligns with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Roxby Downs' growth rate of 3.0% since the census is within 0.9 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 3.9%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Natural growth contributed approximately 61.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.
For projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia figures released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. According to these projections, over the period in question, the suburb of Roxby Downs' population is expected to decline by 193 persons by 2041. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, notably a projected expansion of 59 people within the 45 to 54 age group.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
The level of residential development activity in Roxby Downs is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch
Roxby Downs had minimal new dwelling approvals between 2016 and 2020, with only one approval in total. This low level of construction activity is typical in rural areas due to modest housing needs and limited development by local demand and infrastructure capacity. It's important to note that yearly growth figures can vary significantly based on individual projects when approval numbers are low.
Compared to the Rest of South Australia and national averages, Roxby Downs has much lower development activity. With a stable or declining population expected, there should be reduced pressure on housing in Roxby Downs, potentially presenting buying opportunities.
With population expected to remain stable or decline, Roxby Downs should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Roxby Downs
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
Roxby Downs has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 12thth percentile nationally
Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. One major project has been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting this region. Notable projects include Roxby Downs Area School Refurbishment, Olympic Dam Underground Growth Projects, Olympic Dam Smelter Refinery Expansion Project, and Northern Water Supply Project. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
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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
Enabling Digital Health Services for Regional and Remote Australia
A national digital infrastructure program under the Digital Health Blueprint 2023-2033 designed to provide equitable healthcare access for regional and remote Australians. The initiative is currently rolling out the 'Share by Default' legislative framework, which mandates the uploading of pathology and diagnostic imaging reports to My Health Record starting July 2026. Current 2026 milestones include the launch of the Digital Health Implementer Hub to accelerate software conformance and the implementation of the National Allied Health Digital Uplift Plan to integrate allied health practitioners into the national digital ecosystem.
Enabling Infrastructure for Hydrogen Production
A national program to coordinate and deploy the enabling infrastructure required to support large-scale renewable hydrogen production across Australia. Building on the 2024 National Hydrogen Strategy and the National Hydrogen Infrastructure Assessment (NHIA), the program aligns electricity transmission, water supply, transport corridors, port and storage infrastructure with Renewable Energy Zones and prospective hydrogen hubs (Bell Bay, Darwin, Eyre Peninsula, Gladstone, Latrobe Valley, Hunter Valley, Pilbara). Two key federal mechanisms underpin delivery. The Hydrogen Headstart program provides up to 4 billion AUD in long-term revenue support via production credits, with Round 2 (2 billion AUD administered by ARENA) opening for Expressions of Interest in October 2025 with EOIs closing 8 December 2025. The Hydrogen Production Tax Incentive (HPTI), legislated through the Future Made in Australia (Production Tax Credits and Other Measures) Act 2025 which received Royal Assent on 14 February 2025, provides an uncapped refundable tax offset of 2 AUD per kilogram of eligible renewable hydrogen for up to 10 years between 1 July 2027 and 30 June 2040 for projects reaching final investment decision by 2030. The HPTI is jointly administered by the ATO and Clean Energy Regulator and requires certification under the Guarantee of Origin scheme. Round 1 of Hydrogen Headstart shortlisted six projects representing more than 3.5 GW of electrolyser capacity, with 814 million AUD ultimately awarded.
SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts 2024-28
SA Water's record $3.3 billion capital delivery program for the 2024-28 regulatory period, covering water and wastewater infrastructure across South Australia. The program targets water main replacements, sewerage network upgrades, dam upgrades, water tank refurbishments, and treatment process upgrades across metropolitan and regional areas. A central $1.5 billion component supports the South Australian Premier's Housing Roadmap, expanding network capacity to unlock up to 40,000 new allotments, with major focus on Adelaide's northern growth corridors including Angle Vale, Riverlea, and Roseworthy. Six major framework partners (Fulton Hogan Utilities, John Holland and Guidera O'Connor JV, McConnell Dowell and Diona JV, BMD, Diona, and Leed Engineering and Construction) are delivering works across approximately 120 projects. In Year 1 (to June 2025), $681.6 million in capital was invested. The program runs to June 2028.
Olympic Dam Smelter Refinery Expansion Project
BHP Olympic Dam Corporation Pty Ltd proposes to expand smelting and refining activities at Olympic Dam as part of Copper South Australia growth. The project would lift smelting and refinery capacity from about 200,000 tonnes per annum of copper cathode and associated products to up to 650,000 tonnes per annum, including a second smelter furnace, repurposing of the existing Direct-to-Blister Flash Furnace, refinery extensions, water infrastructure linked to Northern Water, and electricity transmission upgrades. The South Australian impact-assessed development process is underway, with EIS assessment requirements approved on 5 November 2025 and the EIS pending. BHP has also awarded staged EPCM work to a Fluor and Hatch joint venture while the project progresses toward final investment decisions.
Northern Water
Northern Water is a large-scale desalination and pipeline project designed to provide a climate-independent water source for South Australia's Upper Spencer Gulf and Far North. The project features a seawater reverse osmosis plant at Mullaquana Station with an initial capacity of 130 ML/day (scalable to 260 ML/day) and a 400km pipeline network connecting Whyalla, Port Augusta, and Olympic Dam. It aims to support the green hydrogen industry and critical mineral mining while reducing reliance on the Great Artesian Basin and River Murray.
Olympic Dam Underground Growth Projects
A series of growth-enabling underground mining and processing projects with an A$840 million investment. Key elements include: a new underground access tunnel (decline) into the Southern Mine Area; a new backfill system using underground pipes for mine stabilisation; expansion of ore pass capacity with new locomotives and an extended electric rail network; and installation of a new oxygen plant to support smelter debottlenecking, aiming to increase copper concentrate smelting rates from 80 to 85 tonnes per hour. The projects are designed to strengthen underground mining productivity and lay foundations for future growth, creating around 200 construction jobs.
Bulk Water Supply Security
Nationwide program led by the National Water Grid Authority to improve bulk water security and reliability for non-potable and productive uses. Activities include strategic planning, science and business cases, and funding of state and territory projects such as storages, pipelines, dam upgrades, recycled water and efficiency upgrades to build drought resilience and support regional communities, industry and the environment.
SA Housing Trust Maintenance Contracts Review and Service Program
Statewide maintenance and service contracts for SA Housing Trust public housing properties, covering reactive maintenance, vacancy restoration and minor works across metropolitan and regional South Australia. The program is delivered by Spotless Facility Services, RTC Facilities Maintenance and Torrens Facility Management. A 2024 SA Government review examined payment, timeliness, dispute resolution and contract performance issues, and the government provided additional funding to accelerate maintenance and upgrades on vacant public housing homes.
Employment
Employment conditions in Roxby Downs rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally
Roxby Downs has a balanced workforce encompassing white and blue collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominently featured. Its unemployment rate is 1.6%. Over the past year, employment has remained relatively stable.
As of December 2025, 2,381 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate at 4.2%, below Regional SA's 5.7%. Workforce participation stands at 87.6%, exceeding Regional SA's 58.3%. According to Census responses, only 3.4% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Dominant employment sectors include mining, construction, and education & training.
Mining is particularly strong, with an employment share 17.4 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.2%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over a 12-month period ending December 2025, employment increased by 0.1% and labour force grew by 1.1%, leading to a 1.0 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, Regional SA saw employment rise by 0.7%, labour force grow by 3.1%, and unemployment increase by 2.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Roxby Downs' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.1% over five years and 10.3% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis
Roxby Downs suburb has a median taxpayer income of $98,549 and an average income of $106,285 based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is notably high compared to Regional SA's median income of $48,920 and average income of $58,933. As per Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Roxby Downs would be approximately $108,571 (median) and $117,094 (average) as of March 2026. In the Census 2021 income data, Roxby Downs' household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 97th and 99th percentiles. The largest income segment comprises 35.0% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (1,323 residents), aligning with the regional trend where this cohort also represents 27.5%. A substantial proportion of high earners (54.5%) in Roxby Downs earn above $3,000 per week, indicating strong economic capacity throughout the locality. After housing costs, residents retain 91.6% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Roxby Downs is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region
Roxby Downs' dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.7% houses and 3.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional SA's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Roxby Downs was at 6.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.0% and rented ones at 70.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, exceeding Regional SA's average of $1,153. The median weekly rent in Roxby Downs was $260, compared to Regional SA's $220. Nationally, Roxby Downs' mortgage repayments were lower at $1,517 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $260 compared to the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Roxby Downs features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size
Family households constitute 70.9% of all households, including 40.0% couples with children, 22.6% couples without children, and 7.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 29.1%, with lone person households at 24.1% and group households comprising 4.9%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Regional SA average of 2.3.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Roxby Downs faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally
The area's university qualification rate is 16.2%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 46.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (7.7%) and certificates (39.0%).
Educational participation is high, with 34.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 17.6% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 2.5% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
No public transport data available for this catchment area.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
The level of general health in Roxby Downs is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions
Roxby Downs shows better-than-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low for both young and elderly residents. Private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 69% of the total population (2,604 people), compared to 48.9% in Regional SA and a national average of 55.7%.
The most common conditions were asthma and mental health issues, affecting 6.8% and 6.0% respectively. 81.6% of residents reported no medical ailments, higher than the 62.5% across Regional SA. Only 2.5% of residents were aged 65 and over (94 people), lower than Regional SA's 27.1%. Senior health outcomes rank nationally higher than the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
Roxby Downs ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics
Roxby Downs, as per the census data from June 2016, showed a lower than average cultural diversity. The population was predominantly Australian-born citizens, with 82.2% being citizens, 85.6% born in Australia, and 90.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the primary religion, accounting for 35.0% of the population.
Notably, Buddhism, which comprised 1.3% of Roxby Downs' population, was overrepresented compared to Regional SA's average of 0.6%. In terms of ancestry, Australian (33.1%), English (28.8%), and Scottish (6.6%) were the most represented groups. Some other ethnic groups also showed significant variations: Filipino at 2.6% in Roxby Downs versus 0.7% regionally, Maori at 1.0% versus 0.2%, and Welsh at 0.7% versus 0.5%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Roxby Downs hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide
Roxby Downs has a median age of 30, which is considerably lower than the Regional SA figure of 47 and Australia's national figure of 38 years. Compared to the Regional SA average, the 35-44 cohort is notably over-represented in Roxby Downs at 21.0%, while the 65-74 year-olds are under-represented at 2.1%. This concentration of the 35-44 age group is well above the national average of 14.3%. Between 2021 and present, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 18.3% to 21.0% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.4% to 11.3%. Demographic modeling suggests that Roxby Downs' age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to expand by 66 people (16%) from 427 to 494. Conversely, both the 0 to 4 and 65 to 74 age groups are projected to see reduced numbers.