Murray Bridge (SA)

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According to the analysis of ABS population adjustments for the wider region and new address verifications by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Murray Bridge is home to roughly 16,725 residents as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 1,682 individuals (11.2%) compared to the 2021 Census, which recorded 15,043 residents. This shift is derived from a resident count of 16,426 calculated by Districts using the latest ABS ERP release from June 2025, combined with 565 new verified addresses post-Census. With this population level, the density stands at 640 persons per square kilometer, offering ample room per resident and capacity for additional urban expansion. The 11.2% growth rate in the suburb of Murray Bridge since the 2021 census was higher than the 5.9% recorded in the SA3 region, as well as the Rest of SA, making it a regional leader in population growth. Net growth in the locality was mostly driven by arrivals from overseas, who made up about 90.0% of the total demographic gains in recent times.

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The local workforce displays a balanced mix of professional and industrial occupations, with a notable presence in manufacturing and production. The unemployment rate sits at 7.1%, and job numbers grew by an estimated 2.3% over the past year, according to aggregated statistical boundary data from Districts. In March 2026, there were 6,657 working residents, with the unemployment rate tracking 1.6 percentage points above the 5.5% average of Regional SA, while workforce participation is notably lower at 51.7% compared to 58.4% across Regional SA. Data from the Census indicates that only 4.1% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure may have been influenced by pandemic-related lockdowns.

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The latest postcode-level ATO statistics for financial year 2023 show that personal earnings are below the national average, with a median income of $42,540 and an average of $47,223. This is lower than Regional SA, which has a median income of $48,920 and an average of $58,933. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, updated estimates suggest figures of roughly $46,866 for the median and $52,026 for the average in March 2026. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual incomes all ranked between the 3rd and 9th percentiles nationally. The largest income bracket contains 31.2% of residents (5,218 people) earning between $400 - 799 weekly, which differs from the metropolitan area where the - range is the most common at . Housing cost pressures are significant, leaving only of income after housing expenses, placing the area in the th percentile.

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At the time of the most recent Census, the local housing mix consisted of 85.4% separate houses and 14.6% other housing styles like townhouses and apartments, compared to 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings in Regional SA. Home ownership rates were lower than the regional average, standing at 29.9%, while mortgaged properties accounted for 28.0% and rental properties made up 42.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, which is lower than the Regional SA median of $1,153, while the median weekly rent was $240, compared to $220 across Regional SA. Locally, mortgage repayments are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are also significantly below the national average of $375.

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Families make up 61.8% of local households, comprising couples with children at 20.4%, couples without children at 26.4%, and single parent households at 13.9%. The remaining 38.2% of households are non-family arrangements, consisting of single-person households at 34.9% and group living situations at 3.3%. The median household size is 2.2 residents, slightly lower than the Regional SA average of 2.3.

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Educational attainment in the area shows a tertiary qualification rate of 9.9%, which is lower than the national average of 30.4%, highlighting opportunities for targeted educational support. Bachelor degrees represent 7.2% of qualifications, followed by postgraduate degrees at 1.4% and graduate diplomas at 1.3%. Vocational and technical training is common, with 36.3% of residents aged 15+ holding a vocational qualification, consisting of advanced diplomas at 7.0% and certificates at 29.3%.

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Public transit analysis shows 2 active transport stops within the area, serviced by 3 routes that provide 27 passenger trips weekly. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents living an average of 1924 meters from the nearest stop. The area is primarily residential, and 94% of commuting residents travel by car. Vehicle ownership stands at an average of 1.2 cars per household, which is below the regional average. A low 4.1% of residents worked from home during the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic conditions.

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Health analysis based on chronic illness rates and mortality data indicates notable health challenges affecting both young and old cohorts, while the proportion of residents with private health insurance is low at approximately 46% of the population, representing about 7,648 people. This is lower than the Regional SA average of 48.9% and the national benchmark of 55.7%.

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Cultural diversity in the area is lower than average, with citizens making up 84.5% of the population, 84.0% born in Australia, and 88.8% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, representing 43.8% of residents. The most distinct statistical overrepresentation is in Judaism, which accounts for 0.1% of the population compared to a regional average of exactly zero.

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With a median age of 42, the local population is younger than the Regional SA average of 47 but older than the national median of 38. The 25 - 34 age bracket is strongly represented at 14.7% of the population compared to Regional SA, while the 65 - 74 age group is less common at 11.7%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 25 to 34 age bracket expanded from 13.2% to 14.7%, while the 45 to 54 cohort shrank from 11.5% to 9.6%. Demographic shifts by 2041 are expected to alter the age structure, led by a 43% increase in the 75 to 84 cohort (an increase of people) to reach from while the to group is projected to grow by a modest (representing people).

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Murray Bridge currently has an estimated 886 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 506 children aged 0-2 and 336 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 9% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 25% by 2041 (to approximately 1,105 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,413. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 9.7 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.