# South Australia - Outback

Region (SA4) · Area profile

Located in: South Australia › Rest of SA

Area: 877,773 km²

A high proportion of First Nations people defines the South Australia - Outback region, where 11.7% of the population identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. This vast area has a population of 82,646 that has shrunk slightly since 2011. The community is generally older than the national average and is characterized by a strong spirit of independence, with nearly half of residents reporting no religion. It is a place of stark contrasts, combining low typical incomes with a high rate of volunteering.

## Demographics & Identity

The population is noticeably older than the national average, with a typical age of 41. While children under 15 make up 18.6% of the community, the proportion of seniors aged 65 and over has risen to 19.0% since 2011.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Total population | 82,646 | -2.3% since 2011 |
| Median age | 41 yrs | +7.9% since 2011 |
| Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander population | 11.7% | +14.1% since 2011 |
| People aged 65 and over | 19.0% | +36.1% since 2011 |
| Children under 15 | 18.6% | -8.9% since 2011 |
| People in a de facto relationship | 14.7% | +9.3% since 2011 |

**Age structure** — Older adults (45–64) 26.9%, Young adults (25–44) 24.9%, Seniors (65+) 19.0%, Children (0–14) 18.6%, Youth (15–24) 10.6%

**Marital status** — Married 43.2%, Never married 38.0%, Divorced 9.0%, Widowed 6.0%, Separated 3.8%

## Ancestry & Birthplace

Most residents were born in Australia, and the area has a far lower proportion of overseas-born people (10.8%) compared to both the state and the nation. Australian and English are the most common ancestries.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| People born overseas | 10.8% | -3.1% since 2011 |

**Country of birth** — Australia 81.0%, England 3.2%, Philippines 0.9%, New Zealand 0.8%, India 0.7%, South Africa 0.4%, Italy 0.2%, China 0.1%, Vietnam 0.1%, Nepal 0.1%

**Ancestry** — Australian 39.0%, English 37.6%, Scottish 8.7%, German 7.7%, Irish 7.5%, Italian 1.9%, Dutch 1.4%, Filipino 1.2%, Greek 0.8%, Indian 0.6%, Chinese 0.4%, Vietnamese 0.1%

## Language

English is the primary language for 83.1% of the community. The proportion of people using another language at home is 8.3%, which is well below the South Australian figure of 17.8%.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| People using another language at home | 8.3% | +16.1% since 2011 |
| People who speak little or no English | 0.7% | -14.6% since 2016 |

**Language used at home** — English only 83.1%, Punjabi 0.4%, Tagalog 0.4%, Greek 0.3%, Italian 0.2%, Mandarin 0.2%, Hindi 0.1%, Vietnamese 0.1%, Arabic 0.1%, Cantonese 0.1%

## Religion

Nearly half of the population (48.5%) reports having no religion, a figure that is well above the national average. This represents a significant increase of 19 percentage points since 2011.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| People with no religion | 48.5% | +65.9% since 2011 |

**Religious affiliation** — No religion 48.5%, Christianity 38.2%, Not stated 11.1%, Other religions 0.9%, Buddhism 0.6%, Hinduism 0.5%, Islam 0.3%, Judaism 0.0%

## Education & Qualifications

Educational attainment is much lower than in most areas, with only 10.5% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher. Year 12 completion is also far below the national figure, though it has risen by 6.5 percentage points since 2011.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Completed Year 12 | 37.8% | +20.6% since 2011 |
| Adults with a bachelor degree or higher | 10.5% | +28.3% since 2011 |
| Schools | 68 | — |
| Schools per 1,000 children | 4.42 | — |
| School enrolments | 13,461 | — |
| Average school size | 198 | — |
| Average school ICSEA | 931 | — |

**Highest year of school** — Year 12 37.8%, Year 11 21.4%, Year 10 19.1%, Year 9 or below 11.6%

**Highest qualification level** — Certificate III / IV 39.7%, Bachelor degree 14.7%, Advanced diploma / diploma 12.0%, Certificate I / II 3.4%, Postgraduate degree 3.0%, Graduate diploma / certificate 2.2%

**Field of qualification** — Engineering & related 19.4%, Management & commerce 11.5%, Society & culture 10.5%, Health 10.0%, Education 8.7%, Food, hospitality & personal services 5.4%, Architecture & building 4.8%, Agriculture & environment 3.4%, Creative arts 1.3%, Natural & physical sciences 1.1%, Information technology 0.9%

## Income

Typical incomes are much lower than in most of the country, with a typical weekly household income of $1,283. Only 12.9% of households earn $3,000 or more per week, which is well below the national average.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Median personal income (weekly) | $704 | +33.3% since 2011 |
| Median household income (weekly) | $1,283 | +29.7% since 2011 |
| Median family income (weekly) | $1,688 | +33.0% since 2011 |
| People earning $2,000+ a week | 8.9% | — |
| Households earning $3,000+ a week | 12.9% | — |

**Household income distribution** — $650–$1,499 29.8%, $1,500–$2,999 25.7%, Under $650 21.7%, $3,000–$3,999 7.3%, $4,000 or more 5.6%

**Personal income distribution** — Under $650 41.8%, $650–$1,499 29.0%, $1,500–$2,999 15.2%, $3,000 or more 2.9%

## Health & Disability

Health profiles are around the middle for similar areas, with 29.8% of people living with a long-term health condition. Mental health conditions are reported by 8.1% of residents.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| People with a long-term health condition | 29.8% | — |
| People with a mental health condition | 8.1% | — |
| People needing help with daily activities | 5.9% | +23.1% since 2011 |

**Long-term health conditions reported** — Arthritis 9.6%, Asthma 9.3%, Mental health 8.1%, Other condition 7.0%, Diabetes 6.5%, Heart disease 4.5%, Cancer 2.9%, Lung condition 2.3%, Stroke 1.0%, Dementia 0.8%

**Number of long-term health conditions** — None 58.9%, One condition 19.4%, Two conditions 6.6%, Three or more 3.8%

## Community Participation

Volunteering is very common here, with 19.8% of people participating, which is well above the national figure. Unpaid housework is also slightly more common than in most areas.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Volunteers | 19.8% | -17.3% since 2011 |
| People providing unpaid care | 12.0% | +14.3% since 2011 |
| People caring for children unpaid | 26.2% | -9.0% since 2011 |
| People who served in the Defence Force | 2.6% | — |
| People doing 15+ hours of unpaid housework | 22.0% | -6.4% since 2011 |

## First Nations

First Nations people make up a significant part of the community, with 32.0% speaking a First Nations language—far above the national average. However, they face higher unemployment (20.8%) and lower typical incomes than others in the region.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people | 9,670 | — |
| First Nations median age | 26 yrs | — |
| First Nations Year 12 completion | 22.0% | — |
| First Nations unemployment rate | 20.8% | — |
| First Nations median personal income | $401 | — |
| First Nations household income | $1,068 | — |
| Speaks a First Nations language | 32.0% | — |

## Family & Households

Living arrangements are diverse, with 33.1% of people living alone and 17.0% of families headed by a single parent. Households tend to be smaller than average, with typically 2.3 people per home.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Average household size | 2.3 | -4.2% since 2011 |
| One-parent families | 17.0% | +8.1% since 2011 |
| People living alone | 33.1% | +9.6% since 2011 |

**Family composition** — Couples with children 50.4%, Couples without children 31.3%, One-parent families 17.0%, Other families 1.3%

**Household size** — 2 people 35.4%, 1 person 33.1%, 3 people 12.5%, 4 people 11.1%, 5 people 5.3%, 6 or more 2.7%

## Housing & Dwellings

Rentals are much more common here than in most areas, though typical weekly rents are very low at $190. Most homes are separate houses, and 78.0% have three or more bedrooms.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Median rent (weekly) | $190 | +26.7% since 2011 |
| Median mortgage repayment (monthly) | $1,157 | -9.5% since 2011 |
| Average people per bedroom | 0.80 | -27.3% since 2011 |
| Households renting | 34.5% | -6.1% since 2011 |
| Homes owned outright | 32.7% | +7.9% since 2011 |
| Separate (detached) houses | 78.2% | -3.6% since 2011 |
| Homes with three or more bedrooms | 78.0% | +1.6% since 2011 |

**How homes are owned or rented** — Rented 34.5%, Owned outright 32.7%, Owned with a mortgage 27.5%, Other tenure 3.1%, Not stated 2.3%

**Types of homes** — Separate house 78.2%, Townhouse / semi-detached 16.0%, Flat or apartment 4.1%, Other dwelling 1.1%

**Bedrooms per home** — 3 bedrooms 54.9%, 4 bedrooms 19.6%, 2 bedrooms 15.7%, 1 bedroom 3.7%, 5 or more 3.5%, Studio / none 0.5%

**Weekly rent distribution** — Under $200 48.8%, $200–$349 37.6%, $350–$549 7.5%, $550–$749 0.3%, $750 or more 0.2%

**Monthly mortgage distribution** — $1,000–$1,799 39.8%, Under $1,000 36.5%, $1,800–$2,999 14.4%, $3,000 or more 3.8%

## Transport & Vehicles

The region is heavily reliant on cars, with only 1.4% of people using public transport to get to work. Working from home is far less common here (6.2%) than across Australia.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Homes with no motor vehicle | 8.8% | -12.9% since 2011 |
| People working from home | 6.2% | +12.3% since 2011 |
| Commuting by public transport | 1.4% | -29.8% since 2011 |
| Public transport stops | 390 | — |
| PT stops per 1,000 people | 4.72 | — |
| Weekly PT departures per 1,000 people | 237.4 | — |
| Public transport routes | 23 | — |

**How people get to work** — Car (driver) 64.7%, Worked at home 6.2%, Walked 6.0%, Car (passenger) 5.2%, Bus 1.4%, Bicycle 0.6%, Train 0.0%

**Motor vehicles per home** — 2 vehicles 35.2%, 1 vehicle 35.1%, 3 vehicles 13.3%, No vehicle 8.8%, 4 or more 7.6%

## Migration & Movement

The community is relatively stable, with 31.4% of people having moved in the last five years, which is well below the national figure. Recent arrivals from overseas also make up a smaller share than usual.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| People who moved in the last 5 years | 31.4% | -10.7% since 2011 |
| Recent arrivals from overseas | 12.6% | -9.9% since 2011 |

## Jobs & Industry

About 56.5% of adults are working or looking for work, which is lower than in most other areas. The most common industries are health care, agriculture, and retail.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unemployment rate | 5.7% | +1.9% since 2011 |
| Labour-force participation | 56.5% | -5.5% since 2011 |
| Employed full-time | 59.2% | -6.5% since 2011 |

**Industries people work in** — Health care & social assistance 13.4%, Agriculture, forestry & fishing 10.8%, Retail trade 9.4%, Education & training 9.1%, Construction 8.0%, Mining 7.5%, Accommodation & food 6.9%, Public administration & safety 5.9%, Manufacturing 5.9%, Transport & warehousing 4.4%, Other services 3.7%, Administrative & support 3.3%, Professional & technical 2.3%, Wholesale trade 1.8%, Electricity, gas & water 1.2%, Finance & insurance 1.1%, Arts & recreation 0.9%, Rental & real estate 0.8%, Media & telecommunications 0.3%

**Occupations people work in** — Technicians & trades 15.1%, Managers 14.3%, Professionals 14.3%, Community & personal service 13.3%, Labourers 12.7%, Machinery operators & drivers 10.2%, Clerical & administrative 9.7%, Sales workers 8.1%

## Economy & Advantage

Population growth has been very slow, rising by only 0.4% since 2021, which is well below the South Australian average of 5.6%.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Population estimate | 85,925 | — |
| Population growth since 2021 | 0.4% | — |

## Environment & Climate

The region experiences a harsh climate with average maximum and minimum temperatures that are much higher than in most other areas. Annual rainfall is very low at 139mm.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Average annual rainfall | 139 | — |
| Average maximum temperature | 29.5 | — |
| Average minimum temperature | 13.9 | — |

## Walkability

The area is mostly car-dependent, with a walkability score well below the state average. Many homes are far from basic needs, with only 44.8% within a 15-minute walk of groceries.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Walkability score | 3.8 | — |
| Amenity types within a 15-minute walk | 4.0 | — |
| Homes with a 15-minute-city walkshed | 47.6% | — |
| Homes within 15 min walk of groceries | 44.8% | — |
| Homes within 10 min walk of public transport | 45.0% | — |
| Homes within 15 min walk of a school | 53.7% | — |
| Homes within 15 min walk of a park | 65.8% | — |
| Homes within 15 min walk of health services | 36.9% | — |
| Walkable amenities per 1,000 residents | 29.1 | — |
| Street connectivity (intersections/km²) | 0 | — |
| Mean terrain slope | 4.1% | — |

## Schools serving South Australia - Outback

68 schools, 13,461 students, average ICSEA 931.

By sector: Government 60, Catholic 4, Independent 4

By type: Combined 42, Primary 23, Secondary 3

Nearest 10 shown:

| School | Sector | Type | Distance | Students |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Whyalla Secondary College | Government | Secondary | — | 1,004 |
| Samaritan College - St John's Campus | Catholic | Combined | — | 881 |
| St Joseph's School | Catholic | Combined | — | 829 |
| Port Lincoln High School | Government | Secondary | — | 767 |
| Port Augusta Secondary School | Government | Secondary | — | 662 |
| Caritas College | Catholic | Combined | — | 541 |
| Roxby Downs Area School | Government | Combined | — | 491 |
| Navigator College | Independent | Combined | — | 466 |
| Ceduna Area School | Government | Combined | — | 448 |
| Cummins Area School | Government | Combined | — | 382 |

## Areas within South Australia - Outback

[Eyre Peninsula and South West](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa3/40601/eyre-peninsula-and-south-west) · [Outback - North and East](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa3/40602/outback-north-and-east)

## Nearby areas

[Barossa - Yorke - Mid North](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa4/405/barossa-yorke-mid-north) · [Adelaide - North](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa4/402/adelaide-north) · [Adelaide - West](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa4/404/adelaide-west) · [Adelaide - Central and Hills](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa4/401/adelaide-central-and-hills) · [Adelaide - South](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa4/403/adelaide-south) · [South Australia - South East](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa4/407/south-australia-south-east) · [North West](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa4/215/north-west) · [Queensland - Outback](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa4/315/queensland-outback)

Interactive profile: https://censusatlas.au/region/sa4/406/south-australia-outback