Mclaren Vale (SA)

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Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census the suburb of McLaren Vale's population is estimated at around 4,258 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 197 people (4.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,061 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,143, estimated by Districts following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 30 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 72 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. The suburb of McLaren Vale's 4.9% growth since census positions it within 0.9 percentage points of the SA3 area (5.8%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 81.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

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The local workforce in McLaren Vale exhibits a high level of skill with strong representation in industrial and manufacturing jobs, accompanied by a low unemployment rate of 3.4% and stable hiring levels over the past year. By March 2026, employed residents numbered 1,877, representing an unemployment rate that is 0.4% lower than the Greater Adelaide figure of 3.8%, though participation in the labor market is considerably lower (53.6% compared to 66.6% across Greater Adelaide). Census figures indicate that a modest 15.0% of the working population performed their duties from home, though this figure reflects some level of influence from COVID-19 restriction periods.

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As of the financial year 2023 ATO statistics compiled at the postcode level, the median income of tax filers in the suburb of McLaren Vale was $43,816, with the average calculated at $54,157. These figures sit below the national average and compare to Greater Adelaide benchmarks of $54,808 (median) and $66,852 (average). Adjusting these figures for a 10.17% rise in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023 yields estimated values of $48,272 for the median and $59,665 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census records that personal, household, and family earnings in this locality sit within the 22nd to 25th percentiles across the country. In terms of distribution, 27.0% of residents (representing 1,149 individuals) earn in the range of $1,500 - which aligns closely with the regional portion of . The share of income remaining after housing costs is , placing the area in the th national percentile, while the SEIFA index for income places the locality in the th decile.

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According to the latest Census data, standalone houses constituted 85.4% of the housing stock in McLaren Vale, with the remaining 14.6% composed of semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative structures, compared to a metro Adelaide breakdown of 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. The rate of outright home ownership was high at 48.7%, while the remaining properties were either held with a mortgage (34.9%) or occupied by tenants (16.4%). The median monthly outlay for mortgages in the area was $1,560, slightly below the Adelaide metro average of $1,562, while the median weekly rental cost was $328, compared to the Adelaide metro average of $320. These costs are notably lower than the national mortgage median of $1,863 and the national rent median of $375.

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Family units account for 71.4% of households, consisting of couples with children at 25.2%, couples without children at 36.8%, and single parents at 8.9%. Non-family households represent 28.6% of the local total, comprising single-person households at 27.2% and group households at 1.3%. The median household size of 2.3 individuals is slightly lower than the Greater Adelaide norm of 2.5.

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The proportion of residents with tertiary credentials in McLaren Vale is lower than the regional average, as 21.7% of citizens aged 15+ have earned a university degree, compared to a national rate of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees represent the largest share of higher education at 15.0%, with postgraduate degrees at 3.5% and graduate diplomas at 3.2%. Technical and vocational training is widely represented, with certificate and diploma holders making up 38.8% of the population aged 15+, divided between advanced diplomas at 12.7% and vocational certificates at 26.1%.

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Analysis of the local network shows 26 operational passenger stops in the suburb of McLaren Vale, which are served by 6 distinct bus routes that provide 250 passenger trips per week. Transport links are accessible, with residents living an average of 280 meters from their nearest transit stop. Commuting patterns reflect the residential nature of the suburb, with private cars remaining the primary mode of travel at 88%, followed by walking at 5%. Households average 1.5 motor vehicles, and 15.0% of the workforce worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which was influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

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Local health metrics show favorable outcomes, with analyzed mortality rates and medical diagnoses tracking close to national averages across all age categories, while the portion of the population with private health insurance is low at approximately 48% (representing about 2,063 individuals). In comparison, private coverage stands at 52.7% in Greater Adelaide and 55.7% nationwide.

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The population of McLaren Vale exhibits below-average cultural diversity, with 72.8% of residents born in Australia, 90.5% holding Australian citizenship, and 95.7% using only English at home. Christianity is the primary religious affiliation, representing 42.8% of the population. Judaism is represented by no residents, compared to a regional share of 0.1% in Greater Adelaide.

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The median age in McLaren Vale is 54, which is higher than the Greater Adelaide figure of 39 and the national average of 38. The 75 - 84 age cohort is highly represented at 13.1% of the population, compared to a national average of 6.1%, while young adults aged 25 - 34 make up a smaller share at 6.2%. The cohort aged 85+ grew from 4.8% to 5.9% of the population following the 2021 Census, while the 45 to 54 group shrank from 12.6% to 10.0%. Projections to 2041 indicate that the cohort aged 85+ will grow by 298 individuals (119%) from to and residents aged + will account for of all local population growth, while children aged to will grow by (representing additional children).

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McLaren Vale currently has an estimated 161 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 152 children aged 0-2 and 102 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 13% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 4% by 2041 (to approximately 167 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 401. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 11.6 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally.