Mount Compass (SA)

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According to ABS population updates and new address data validated by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Mount Compass has a population estimated at approximately 1,879 in May 2026. This represents a growth of 299 people (18.9%) compared to the 2021 Census, when the count was 1,580 people. This shift is calculated from the resident population of 1,866, calculated by Districts using the latest ERP data release from the ABS (June 2025) plus 26 validated new addresses registered since the Census. Such population numbers translate to a density ratio of 43 persons per square kilometer, which represents a spacious distribution. The 18.9% expansion rate of the suburb of Mount Compass since the 2021 census was greater than that of the Rest of SA (5.9%) and the SA4 region, establishing it as a local growth leader. Growth in the area was mostly fueled by interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 48.0% of the population gains recently, though natural growth and overseas migration also contributed positively.

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Mount Compass features a balanced job market representing both white-collar and blue-collar fields, with strong industrial and manufacturing representation, an unemployment rate of only 3.5%, and an estimated job growth rate of 5.2% over the prior year based on aggregated statistical area statistics. In March 2026965 residents were employed. The local unemployment rate is 2.0% lower than the Regional SA figure of 5.5%, while workforce participation is exceptionally high at 67.3% compared to 58.4% in Regional SA. Census records show a low 10.6% of residents worked from home, though this figure was likely influenced by pandemic lockdown conditions.

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Based on the latest ATO postcode statistics released for financial year 2023, taxpayers in the suburb of Mount Compass have a median income of $46,492 and an average income of $57,989. These figures sit below the national average and compare to a median of $48,920 and an average of $58,933 across Regional SA. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, estimates for March 2026 would be roughly $51,220 for the median and $63,886 for the average. The 2021 Census indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in the area are modest, placing between the 33rd and 44th percentiles. Income distribution is dominated by the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which accounts for 39.2% of residents (736 people), compared to 27.5% in the broader region. Discretionary income remaining after housing costs stands at .

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According to the latest Census, the housing mix in Mount Compass consisted of 100.0% houses, with none of the dwellings classified as semi-detached, apartments, or other formats, compared to Regional SA where houses made up 88.5% and other options accounted for 11.5%. Home ownership in Mount Compass stood at 28.7%, below the Regional SA average, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with a mortgage (60.0%) or renting (11.3%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,517 was considerably higher than the Regional SA average of $1,153, and the median weekly rent was $340 compared to $220 regionally. Compared to national averages, mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian figure of $1,863, and rents are below the national median of $375.

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Families make up the vast majority of households at 82.0%, consisting of couples with children (39.0%), couples without children (35.1%), and single parents (7.3%). Non-family households account for the remaining 18.0%, with single person households representing 14.8% and group households making up 2.3%. The median household size of 2.8 people exceeds the Regional SA average of 2.3.

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Educational attainment profiles show university qualification rates (14.0%) are well below the Australian average of 30.4%, highlighting a potential focus area for educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher education qualification at 10.5%, followed by graduate diplomas at 1.8% and postgraduate qualifications at 1.7%. Technical and trade qualifications are highly represented, with 46.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including 11.4% with advanced diplomas and 34.7% with certificates.

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Health metrics match national standards closely based on mortality rates and chronic illness prevalence, showing typical rates of common medical conditions across both younger and older residents. The proportion of residents with private health insurance is relatively low at roughly 50% of the population (~938 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

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Cultural diversity is below average, with 82.6% of residents born in Australia, 90.2% holding citizenship, and 95.1% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 34.5% of the population. Judaism is represented by none of the population, matching the regional average where none were recorded.

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With a median age of 39, the local population is younger than the Regional SA median of 47 and close to the national average of 38. Children aged 5 - 14 are highly represented at 14.5%, while seniors aged 75 - 84 make up a smaller proportion (6.2%) than in Regional SA. Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 cohort expanded from 3.4% to 6.2% of the population, and the 15 to 24 cohort grew from 11.8% to 13.2%, whereas the 45 to 54 cohort decreased from 14.6% to 12.0%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate shifts in the age profile, with the to group expanding by ( people) to reach from while the to cohort is expected to grow by only ( people).

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Mount Compass currently has an estimated 114 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 49 children aged 0-2 and 33 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 21% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 10% by 2041 (to approximately 125 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 168. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 7.8 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 30% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.