Mount Gambier (SA)

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According to evaluations of ABS demographic revisions for the wider region alongside newly verified addresses from Districts since the Census, the suburb of Mount Gambier has a residency count estimated at 26,671 in May 2026. This indicates a growth of 1,080 people (4.2%) relative to the 25,591 individuals documented in the 2021 Census. This adjustment is calculated from a resident base of 26,359 estimated by Districts using the ABS June 2025 ERP release, combined with an extra 214 validated new addresses post-Census. Such a population size results in a density of 995 persons per square kilometer, which aligns closely with typical values recorded by Districts. The suburb of Mount Gambier's 4.2% expansion since the census is within 0.7 percentage points of the wider SA3 region (4.9%), indicating a competitive growth trajectory. This expansion was majorly fueled by overseas arrivals, who represented approximately 71.0% of the overall population increases in recent times.

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The local workforce displays a balanced mix of professional and manual occupations, with a solid representation in critical public services, an unemployment rate of 4.7%, and an annual employment growth estimated at 2.7% based on Districts statistical aggregations. In March 2026, working residents numbered 13,177, with the unemployment rate tracking 0.8% below the Regional SA level of 5.5%, and labor participation remaining standard (62.4% vs 58.4% across Regional SA). Census records show a minor 4.0% of residents working from home, though this figure may have been affected by pandemic-related restrictions.

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Taxpayer income levels in the suburb of Mount Gambier are lower than the national average according to ATO records compiled by Districts for financial year 2023. The median taxpayer income is $47,498 and the average income is $56,610, compared to Regional SA averages of $48,920 and $58,933. Adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, these estimates would reach approximately $52,329 (median) and $62,367 (average) by March 2026. The 2021 Census placed household, family, and individual incomes in the suburb of Mount Gambier between the 13th and 26th percentiles nationally. The largest income bracket is the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which accounts for 29.7% of residents (7,921 people), matching the regional trend where fall into this bracket. While housing costs are low, with residents keeping of their income, total disposable income places in only the th percentile nationally.

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Residential structures in the suburb of Mount Gambier at the time of the latest Census consisted of 76.9% detached houses and 23.1% alternative options like semi-detached properties, units, and other dwellings, compared to Regional SA averages of 88.5% and 11.5% respectively. Home ownership rates in the suburb of Mount Gambier lagged behind the regional average at 32.1%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (33.8%) or rented (34.1%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,083 was below the regional average of $1,153, while the median weekly rent was $220, matching the regional average of $220. Nationally, local mortgage commitments are substantially lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are well below the national median of $375.

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Families make up 62.9% of local households, consisting of 22.4% couples with children, 27.1% couples without children, and 12.4% single-parent households. Non-family households represent the remaining 37.1%, consisting of single-person households at 34.9% and group living situations at 2.3%. The median household occupancy of 2.2 residents is slightly below the Regional SA average of 2.3.

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Educational metrics point to local challenges, with university completion rates (13.9%) tracking well below the national average of 30.4%. This gap highlights a significant opportunity for targeted academic programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 10.1%, followed by postgraduate degrees (2.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational and technical training is common, with 37.6% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (7.8%) and certificates (29.8%).

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Analysis of public transit options shows 1 active transport stop within the suburb of Mount Gambier. This stop is served by 2 distinct routes, which provide a combined 27 passenger services each week. Accessibility is classified as low, with residents living an average of 1686 meters from the nearest stop. Given the residential nature of the area, most workers travel out of the suburb, with private cars remaining the dominant mode at 95%. Household vehicle ownership stands at 1.3, which is below the regional average. A small proportion of residents (4.0%) worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic conditions.

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Health assessments indicate notable issues for the suburb of Mount Gambier, according to Districts analysis of mortality statistics and chronic disease rates across both younger and older cohorts, with private healthcare coverage levels tracking low at approximately 49% of residents (~13,178 people). By comparison, the national rate stands at 55.7%.

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Cultural diversity metrics for the suburb of Mount Gambier are below average, with citizenship at 90.0%, Australian-born residents at 87.8%, and households speaking only English at 92.7%. Christianity is the primary religious affiliation, claimed by 41.4% of residents. The most noticeable variation is in the Other category, which represents 0.8% of the population, equal to the Regional SA proportion of 0.8%.

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The median age of 41 years in the suburb of Mount Gambier is lower than the Regional SA average of 47, though higher than the national median of 38. Compared to Regional SA, there is a higher proportion of residents in the 15 - 24 age bracket (12.3%) and a lower proportion in the 65 - 74 bracket (11.9%). Since 2021, the 75 to 84 cohort has increased from 7.2% to 8.7% of the total, while the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 12.2% to 11.0%. Age models suggest significant changes by 2041, with the 85+ cohort projected to rise by 982 people (102%), moving from to . Combined senior age brackets (+) are expected to account for of total population growth, pointing to a steadily aging profile, while declines are projected in the to and to age brackets.

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Mount Gambier currently has an estimated 1,413 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 834 children aged 0-2 and 557 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 0% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 3% by 2041 (to approximately 1,376 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 2,509. Birth rates in the area have averaged 10.4 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a moderate rate (within the middle tier nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.