Council (LGA) · Area profile
Mount Gambier
34 km²
Typical weekly household incomes in Mount Gambier are well below the national figure, reflecting a community where many residents earn less than the usual amount. The population has grown to nearly 27,000 people and is noticeably older than the Australian average, with a high proportion of seniors. This regional centre is marked by a strong trend toward secularism and a high rate of home ownership, though it faces significant health challenges. It serves as a walkable hub with a population that is predominantly Australian-born.
Mount Gambier's schools draw a more advantaged community than the area overall.
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The community is aging, with the typical resident now 41 and the proportion of seniors rising to 21.3%. This is well above the national figure of 17.2%.
Most residents were born in Australia, and the area has far fewer overseas-born people than the state or national averages. English and Scottish ancestry are the most common alongside Australian.
English is the primary language for the vast majority, with only 6.8% of people using another language at home. This is far below the national figure of 22.3%.
A majority of the population now reports no religion, at 52.5%. This figure is far above the national average and has risen by 21 points since 2011.
The area has far fewer adults with a bachelor degree or higher compared to the state and nation. However, Year 12 completion rose to 39.8% since 2011.
Incomes are generally lower than in most other areas, with a typical weekly household earning $1,232. This is well below the national typical income of $1,746.
Health challenges are more common here than in most areas, with 34.2% of people living with a long-term health condition. This includes a high rate of mental health conditions at 11%.
More people provide unpaid care here than in most other areas. However, the proportion of volunteers fell to 16.8% since 2011.
First Nations residents are noticeably younger than the national average, with a typical age of 20. Unemployment in this group is 14.1%, which is a little above the national figure.
The area has a much higher number of people living alone and more one-parent families than most other regions. About 33.9% of households consist of just one person.
Rents are well below the national figure, with a typical weekly rent of $220. Most people live in separate houses, though the share of detached homes fell since 2011.
The town is heavily dependent on cars, with 74.6% of workers driving to work and very few using public transport. Only 3.7% of people work from home.
The population is somewhat mobile, with 38.7% of people moving house in the last five years. The number of recent overseas arrivals fell to 12.4% since 2011.
About 58.9% of adults are working or looking for work. The most common industries are health care, retail trade and manufacturing.
The area ranks low for overall advantage and access to resources compared to other regions. Population growth has slowed to 1.5%, which is well below the state average.
The climate is much cooler than the state average, with a typical maximum temperature of 19.2 degrees and significantly higher rainfall.
The town is quite walkable, with 80.4% of homes within a 15-minute walk of groceries. This is far above the South Australian average of 64.4%.