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 ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, as of Nov 2025, Tanunda's estimated population is around 5,012. This shows a 302 person increase (6.4%) since the 2021 Census figure of 4,710. The growth is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 4,786 in Jun 2024 and 133 new addresses validated since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 199 persons per square kilometer. Tanunda's 6.4% growth positions it close to the SA4 region's 7.1%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 64.0% of overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation methods. Future population dynamics project an above median growth for locations outside capital cities. The Tanunda (SA2) is expected to grow by 753 persons to 2041, reflecting a 10.6% increase 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 averaged around 31 residential properties approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 159 homes were approved, with a further 40 approved in FY-26 so far. The declining population suggests that new supply has likely been meeting demand, providing good options for buyers.

The average construction cost value of new properties is $427,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. In FY-26, $8.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting limited commercial development activity. Compared to the rest of South Australia, Tanunda maintains similar construction rates per person, keeping market balance consistent with the broader area.

All new construction has consisted of detached dwellings, preserving Tanunda's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers, with around 125 people per approval. Population forecasts indicate Tanunda will gain 529 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Tanunda has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 34thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects that may impact the area. Key projects include the Barossa Growth and Infrastructure Investment Strategy, La Vida Homes' Gembrook Estate Tanunda development, the New Water Infrastructure to Barossa project (Barossa New Water), and the Sovereign Estate initiative. The following list details those 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.

Employment growth was estimated at 1.1%. As of September 2025, 2,341 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.4%, below Rest of SA's 5.3%. Workforce participation was 57.8%, similar to Rest of SA's 54.1%. Key industries for employment are manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

Manufacturing is particularly specialized, with a share 2.5 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 5.1% versus the regional average of 14.5%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.1%, labour force by 1.8%, raising 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 1.9 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Tanunda's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.9% over five years and 11.5% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

In AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023, Tanunda's median income among taxpayers is $53,293, with an average of $64,559. This is below the national average. 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 ending June 2023, current estimates for Tanunda would be approximately $57,983 (median) and $70,240 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Tanunda rank modestly, between the 32nd and 44th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 30.3% of Tanunda's community earns between $1,500 and $2,999 (1,518 individuals), which aligns 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

Tanunda's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, comprised 90.3% houses and 9.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro SA's 94.6% houses and 5.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Tanunda stood at 43.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.2% and rented ones at 21.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,452, higher than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,400. The median weekly rent in Tanunda was $300, compared to Non-Metro SA's $285. 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 lower-than-average 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, smaller than the Rest of SA average of 2.5.

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

Tanunda's educational qualifications trail national benchmarks; 21.5% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees compared to Australia's 30.4%. This gap suggests potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 14.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 36.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.9%) and certificates (24.9%).

Notably, 23.9% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 9.9% in primary education, 6.1% in secondary education, and 3.0% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Tanunda is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Tanunda faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover stands at approximately 53%, covering around 2,632 people, which is higher than the average SA2 area. The most frequent medical issues are arthritis (10.8%) and mental health problems (8.3%). Notably, 63.2% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 64.6% in Rest of SA. The region has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 29.9% or 1,498 people, compared to the Rest of SA's 22.8%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are above average, even better than those of the general population in some metrics.

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 data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census 2016, had a low cultural diversity with 88.2% of its population born in Australia, 93.0% being citizens, and 96.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 56.7%, compared to 47.1% across Rest of SA. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (28.9%), English (28.1%), and German (21.0%), with German being significantly higher than the regional average of 14.2%.

Notable differences existed in Welsh (0.6% vs 0.5%) Dutch (1.4% vs 1.3%), and Serbian (0.2% vs 0.1%) representation compared to regional averages.

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 years, which is well above the national norm of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of SA average, the cohort aged 35-44 is notably over-represented in Tanunda at 12.8%, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 6.6%. Between 2021 and present, the population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 8.8% to 10.5%, and the cohort aged 15 to 24 has increased from 8.2% to 9.3%. Conversely, the age group 25 to 34 has declined from 9.2% to 6.6%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Tanunda. The cohort aged 85 and above is projected to grow by 113%, adding 249 residents to reach a total of 470. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 83% of the population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Conversely, both cohorts aged 35-44 and 25-34 are expected to decrease in numbers.