Tanunda

An assessment of population growth drivers in Tanunda reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Tanunda's population is estimated at around 5,049 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 339 people (7.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,710 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,786, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 148 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 200 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Tanunda's 7.2% growth since census positions it within 0.2 percentage points of the SA4 region (7.4%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 64.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above median population growth of locations outside of capital cities is projected, with the suburb expected to grow by 752 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 9.7% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Tanunda has approved approximately 31 residential properties annually. From FY21 to FY25, around 159 homes were approved, with an additional 40 approved in FY26 so far. The population decline in recent years suggests new supply has kept pace with demand, providing good buying options.

The average construction value of these properties is $427,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. This year, $8.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting limited commercial development emphasis. Compared to Rest of SA, Tanunda maintains similar construction rates per capita, reflecting market balance with the broader area.

All new constructions have been detached dwellings, preserving Tanunda's low-density nature and appealing to space-seeking buyers. With around 125 people per approval, Tanunda is a developing area. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Tanunda will gain 491 residents by 2041. Current construction levels should meet demand adequately, favouring buyers and potentially facilitating growth beyond current forecasts.

Tanunda has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 22ndth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can be significantly influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. A total of eight projects have been identified by AreaSearch as likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Barossa Growth and Infrastructure Investment Strategy, La Vida Homes - Gembrook Estate Tanunda, New Water Infrastructure to Barossa (Barossa New Water), and Sovereign Estate. The following list details those projects that are most relevant.

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 Tanunda demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Tanunda has a skilled workforce with strong manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate was 1.9% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.1%. As of September 2025, 2,342 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.4%, below Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%.

Workforce participation was at par with Rest of SA's 58.5%. Only 10.5% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries for employment were manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Manufacturing had a particularly high representation, with an employment share 2.5 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing showed lower representation at 5.1% compared to the regional average of 14.5%. Many residents commuted elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.1%, labour force by 1.8%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of SA had employment growth of 0.3% and labour force growth of 2.3%, with a rise in unemployment rate of 1.9 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Tanunda's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 4.9% over five years and 11.5% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates Tanunda's median income among taxpayers is $53,293. The average income in Tanunda is $64,559. Both figures are below the national average. In comparison, Rest of SA has a median income of $48,920 and an average of $58,933. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Tanunda would be approximately $57,983 (median) and $70,240 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Tanunda rank modestly, between the 32nd and 44th percentiles. The income distribution reveals that 30.3% of individuals earn between $1,500 - $2,999, aligning with the broader area where this cohort represents 27.5%. Housing costs are manageable with 87.4% retained, but disposable income is below average at the 36th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

The latest Census evaluation in Tanunda showed that 90.3% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 9.7% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Non-Metro SA's figures of 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tanunda was at 43.0%, similar to Non-Metro SA's level. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 35.2%, while rented ones made up 21.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Tanunda was $1,452, higher than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,153. The median weekly rent figure in Tanunda was $300, compared to Non-Metro SA's $220. Nationally, Tanunda's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,452 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Tanunda has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 69.5% of all households, including 25.9% couples with children, 34.8% couples without children, and 8.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 30.5%, with lone person households at 28.8% and group households comprising 1.6%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the Rest of SA average.

Tanunda performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

Tanunda's educational qualifications trail Australian averages. 21.5% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common (14.8%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 36.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications; advanced diplomas account for 11.9%, while certificates make up 24.9%.

A significant 23.9% of the population is actively pursuing formal education. This includes 9.9% in primary, 6.1% in secondary, and 3.0% in tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Tanunda's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health data for Tanunda indicates positive outcomes, with AreaSearch's analysis showing mortality rates and health conditions largely in line with national benchmarks. Common health conditions are seen across both young and old age cohorts at a standard level.

Private health cover is at approximately 53% of the total population (~2,651 people), leading the average SA2 area rate of 48.9%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (10.8%) and mental health issues (8.3%), with 63.2% of residents declaring themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.5% across Rest of SA. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 30.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,555 people), higher than the 27.1% in Rest of SA. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Tanunda, as per the census conducted on the 9th of August, 2016, exhibited below-average cultural diversity. A majority of its population, 88.2%, were born in Australia, with 93.0% being citizens and 96.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was identified as the predominant religion in Tanunda, accounting for 56.7% of the population, which is higher than the regional average of 45.2%.

An analysis of ancestry revealed that the top three represented groups were Australian (28.9%), English (28.1%), and German (21.0%). The latter figure was notably higher than the regional average of 8.2%. Further examination showed notable divergences in the representation of certain ethnic groups, with Welsh at 0.6%, Dutch at 1.4%, and Serbian at 0.2% in Tanunda, each being slightly higher than their respective regional averages of 0.5%, 1.3%, and 0.1%.

Tanunda hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Tanunda is 48 years, similar to the Rest of South Australia's average of 47, which is notably higher than the national norm of 38. Comparing Tanunda with the Rest of SA, the 35-44 cohort is over-represented at 13.0% locally, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 6.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 8.8% to 11.1%, and the 35 to 44 cohort has grown from 11.7% to 13.0%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age group has decreased from 9.2% to 6.5%. Population forecasts for Tanunda in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 107%, adding 242 residents to reach 470. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 80% of population growth, highlighting trends towards an aging population. Conversely, both the 25-34 and 0-4 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.