Mclaren Flat (SA)

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Evaluating demographics using ABS updates for the region alongside fresh data from Districts validated since the Census indicates the population of McLaren Flat stands at approximately 1,673 as of May 2026. This represents an addition of 48 people (3.0%) relative to the 2021 Census, which counted 1,625 residents. This adjustment is derived from the resident figure of 1,645, calculated by Districts using the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) plus 10 validated new addresses since the Census date. Such a population size results in a density of 59 persons per square kilometer, which ensures a spacious living environment. The suburb's 3.0% expansion rate since the census is within 2.8 percentage points of the wider SA3 area (5.8%), showing solid underlying growth. Growth in the locality was mostly driven by interstate migration, accounting for roughly 81.0% of the population gains over recent periods, though overseas migration and natural growth also registered positive contributions.

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The suburb of McLaren Flat boasts a highly skilled labor force, with the construction sector being especially well represented. The area features an unemployment rate of only 1.4% and an estimated annual employment growth rate of 1.2% based on aggregated statistical area data. As of March 2026, there are 938 employed residents, and the local unemployment rate sits 2.5% below the Greater Adelaide average of 3.8%. Workforce participation is also exceptionally high, reaching 74.6% compared to 66.6% in Greater Adelaide. Census records show a moderate 14.2% of residents working from home, though this figure should be interpreted with caution due to potential pandemic lockdown influences.

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The latest postcode-level ATO records for the 2023 financial year show that incomes in the suburb of McLaren Flat are slightly below the national average, with a median of $53,702 and an average of $66,375. This compares to a median of $54,808 and an average of $66,852 across Greater Adelaide. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates would be approximately $59,163 for the median and $73,125 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census reports that local household income sits in the 74th percentile ($2,129 weekly), while personal income is in the 57th percentile. Income distribution details show that 37.0% of the population (619 individuals) earn between $1,500 and which aligns with regional trends where of people fall in this bracket. After accounting for housing costs, residents retain of their income, indicating substantial purchasing power, while the area's SEIFA income index places it in the th decile.

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Residential structures in the suburb of McLaren Flat at the time of the latest Census consisted of 100.0% houses, with no other dwelling types recorded, compared to Adelaide metro's breakdown of 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. The rate of home ownership in the suburb matched the Adelaide metro average of 32.7%, while the remaining properties were either mortgaged (55.9%) or rented (11.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment of $1,786 was considerably higher than the Adelaide metro average of $1,562. The median weekly rent was recorded at $350, compared to Adelaide metro's average of $320. On a national level, mortgage repayments in the suburb are below the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are lower than the national figure of $375.

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Family households comprise the vast majority of homes in the suburb of McLaren Flat at 87.8%, consisting of 48.5% couples with children, 29.2% couples without children, and 9.1% single parent households. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 12.2%, with single-person households representing 11.2% and group housing making up 0.8% of the total. The median household size of 3.0 residents is larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

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Educational attainment levels in the suburb of McLaren Flat are lower than regional averages, with 21.0% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree compared to 30.4% nationally. This difference highlights opportunities for further educational growth and skills training. Bachelor degrees are the most common tertiary qualification at 14.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational training and technical skills are highly represented, with 41.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, split between advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (30.6%).

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Public transport data shows 6 active transit stops operating within the suburb of McLaren Flat, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 1 routes, which provide a total of 80 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents living an average of 178 meters from their nearest stop. Due to the suburban character of the area, most workers commute out of the suburb, and private vehicles remain the dominant mode of travel at 95%. Average vehicle ownership is 2.2 cars per household, which is higher than the regional average. About 14.2% of residents work from home, based on 2021 Census records which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.

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The suburb of McLaren Flat exhibits favorable health characteristics based on Districts statistics on mortality rates and chronic health conditions, with low rates of common illnesses observed in both youth and older cohorts. Private health insurance membership is slightly higher than the typical SA2 area, covering approximately 53% of the population (about 890 residents).

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The suburb of McLaren Flat displays lower levels of cultural diversity than average, with 83.6% of residents born in Australia, 91.3% holding citizenship, and 96.6% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion in the suburb, representing 36.1% of the population. The most visible statistical variance is in Judaism, which accounts for no residents, compared to 0.1% across Greater Adelaide.

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The median age of 40 in the suburb of McLaren Flat is close to the Greater Adelaide average of 39, and slightly higher than the Australian median of 38. The 5 - 14 age bracket is highly represented at 16.1% of the population compared to Greater Adelaide, while the 25 - 34 age group is less common at 6.5%. Post-2021 Census estimates indicate that the 65 to 74 age bracket has risen from 8.9% to 9.9% of the population, whereas the 45 to 54 group has decreased from 16.7% to 14.3%. Demographic projections for 2041 predict major age shifts in the suburb. The 45 to 54 cohort is projected to expand by ( people), growing from to while the to group is forecast to grow by only ( people).

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McLaren Flat currently has an estimated 107 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 60 children aged 0-2 and 39 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 16% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 7% by 2041 (to approximately 114 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 157. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 10.8 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally.