Federal Electorate · Area profile
Barker
62,243 km²
An older and more settled population than most similar areas, Barker is a sprawling community in South Australia. It has grown by 16% since 2011, though it remains far less diverse than the state average. The area is defined by a high proportion of seniors and a strong preference for detached housing. With typical incomes well below the national figure, it is a place where many people own their homes outright and contribute through high rates of volunteering.
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The typical resident is 45, which is noticeably older than the national figure. Seniors make up 23.1% of the population, a figure that has risen by 6 percentage points since 2011.
The community is overwhelmingly Australian or English in ancestry. Only 11.3% of people were born overseas, which is far below the state and national averages.
English is the primary language for 87.3% of residents. Only 5.8% use another language at home, a figure far below the national average.
A large number of people report no religion, at 47.6%. This is well above the national figure and has risen by 20 percentage points since 2011.
Education levels are much lower than most areas, with only 39.2% of people completing Year 12. This is far below the national figure of 58.8%.
Incomes are among the lowest at this level. The typical weekly household income is $1,257, which is well below the national figure of $1,746.
Long-term health conditions are much more common here than in most areas, affecting 32.8% of people. This is well above the national figure.
Volunteering is very high, with 21.3% of people helping out, which is well above the national figure. However, the number of people caring for children unpaid has fallen since 2011.
Homes are smaller on average with 2.3 people per house, and many people live alone. About 30% of residents live by themselves, which is well above the national figure.
Detached houses are very common, making up 89.5% of dwellings. Many residents own their homes outright, and typical weekly rents are far below the national average at $220.
Car dependence is very high, with 68.8% of workers driving to work. Public transport use is very low, and the drive time to the city is among the highest at this level.
The population is relatively stable, as 33% of people moved in the last five years, which is well below the national figure.
Working or looking for work is less common here than in most areas. Agriculture, forestry and fishing is a key industry, employing 16% of the workforce.
The area is mostly car-dependent with a walkability score far below the state average. Many homes are far from groceries, health services, and public transport.