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, as of Nov 2025, Tanunda's estimated population is around 5,028. This reflects an increase of 318 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,710. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 4,792 following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and validation of an additional 133 new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 199 persons per square kilometer. Tanunda's growth rate of 6.8% since census positions it close to the state's growth rate of 7.1%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 64.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population dynamics project an above median growth for locations outside capital cities, with Tanunda expected to grow by 753 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 10.2% 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, allocated from statistical area data, shows Tanunda recorded around 31 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 159 homes were approved, with a further 19 approved so far in FY-26. The average construction value of new properties is $427,000.

This year, there have been $8.5 million in commercial approvals, reflecting Tanunda's primarily residential nature. Compared to the Rest of SA, Tanunda maintains similar construction rates per person, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. All new construction has consisted of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character and appealing to those seeking space.

The location has approximately 125 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Tanunda is expected to grow by 513 residents through to 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Tanunda has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 26thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects likely to impact this region. Key projects include the Barossa Growth and Infrastructure Investment Strategy, La Vida Homes' Gembrook Estate Tanunda development, the New Water Infrastructure project for Barossa (Barossa New Water), and Sovereign Estate. Below is a list of 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Tanunda significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Tanunda has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate was 1.7% as of June 2025.

Employment stability has been relative over the past year. As of June 2025, 2,343 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.9%, lower than Rest of SA's 4.6%. Workforce participation is at 57.8%, slightly higher than Rest of SA's 54.1%. Key industries for employment among residents include manufacturing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

Manufacturing stands out with an employment share 2.5 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 5.1% compared to the regional average of 14.5%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Tanunda's labour force increased by 0.2%, while employment decreased by 0.4%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 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 these figures are illustrative extrapolations and do not account for localized population projections.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Tanunda's median income among taxpayers is $53,294. The average income was $64,558 in the same period. These figures are comparable to national averages. In contrast, Rest of SA had a median income of $46,889 and an average of $56,582 during this time. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $60,132 (median) and $72,841 (average). Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Tanunda rank modestly, between the 32nd and 44th percentiles. Income distribution shows that the $1,500 - $2,999 earnings band captures 30.3% of the community (1,523 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, consisted of 90.3% houses and 9.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro SA's figures of 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. 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 also lower at $300 compared to the national figure of $375.

Tanunda has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 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 account for 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 is 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 Australian benchmarks; 21.5% of residents aged 15+ have university degrees compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 14.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 36.8% holding them; advanced diplomas account for 11.9% and certificates for 24.9%. A substantial 23.9% of the population is actively pursuing formal education: 9.9% in primary, 6.1% in secondary, and 3.0% in tertiary education.

Tanunda's three schools have a combined enrollment of 1,233 students; they demonstrate typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1044) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes two primary schools and one K-12 school. The area functions as an education hub with 24.5 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 13.0, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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%, compared to the Rest of South Australia's (SA) 49.8%.

The most frequent medical issues are arthritis (10.8%) and mental health concerns (8.3%). Around 63.2% report no medical ailments, slightly lower than SA's 64.6%. Tanunda has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 29.9%, compared to SA's 22.8%. Health outcomes among seniors in Tanunda are above average, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

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

Tanunda had a cultural diversity index below the average, with 88.2% of its population born in Australia, 93.0% being citizens, and 96.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Tanunda, making up 56.7% of people, 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 substantially higher than the regional average of 14.2%.

Notably, Welsh was overrepresented at 0.6%, Dutch at 1.4%, and Serbian at 0.2% compared to regional averages of 0.5%, 1.3%, and 0.1% respectively.

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

The median age in Tanunda is 48 years, similar to the Rest of SA's average of 47 years, but above the national norm of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of SA average, the 35-44 age cohort is notably over-represented at 12.8% locally, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 6.6%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 8.8% to 10.5%, and the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 8.2% to 9.3%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age group has declined from 9.2% to 6.6%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Tanunda. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow by 112%, adding 248 residents to reach 470. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 83% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Conversely, both the 35-44 and 25-34 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.