Population
+6.3% since 2016.
South Australia
South Australia had a population of 1,781,516 at the 2021 Census (+6.3% since 2016). Median age 41.0. Median weekly household income $1,455. Source: ABS Census 2021, via Censible. Census 2026 data arrives June 2027.
South Australia at a glance
What the 2021 Census says, compared with Australia.
Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, South Australia's population grew by 6.3% to 1,781,516, slower than Australia as a whole (+8.6%). With a median age of 41.0, it is older than the national average (38.0). Children under 10 make up 11.1% of residents, and people aged 70 and over 14.3%.
27.9% of households rent, a smaller share than the national average of 31.1%. 33.3% own their home outright. Flats and apartments are 6.8% of homes (14.3% across Australia). The 2021 Census counted 691,313 households.
The median household earns $1,455 a week, below the national average of $1,746. Renters pay a median $300 a week, and households with a mortgage repay $1,500 a month.
25.2% of residents were born overseas, fewer than the national average of 29.3%. 18.7% use a language other than English at home. 48.9% report no religion, higher than the national average (41.9%).
Key figures
2021 Census, South Australia beside Australia.
| Measure | South Australia | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,781,516 | 25,422,788 |
| Growth since 2016 | +6.3% | +8.6% |
| Median age | 41.0 | 38.0 |
| Households | 691,313 | 9,275,217 |
| Flats and apartments | 6.8% | 14.3% |
| Renting | 27.9% | 31.1% |
| Owned outright | 33.3% | 31.4% |
| Median household income a week | $1,455 | $1,746 |
| Median rent a week | $300 | $375 |
| Median mortgage repayment a month | $1,500 | $1,863 |
| Born overseas | 25.2% | 29.3% |
| Other language at home | 18.7% | 23.6% |
| No religion | 48.9% | 41.9% |
Source: ABS Census 2021, via Censible. How the figures are built
Population and age
Each census since 2011, and the age profile in 2021.
Age
Median age 41.0, against 38.0 for Australia.
Source: ABS Census 2021, via Censible. How the figures are built
Cultural background
The largest groups in South Australia at the 2021 Census.
Ancestry
Languages at home
Country of birth
Source: ABS Census 2021, via Censible. How the figures are built
Around South Australia
The places it belongs to, sits beside and contains.
Part of
Council areas in South Australia
Largest first.
- Onkaparinga
- Salisbury
- Port Adelaide Enfield
- Charles Sturt
- Tea Tree Gully
- Playford
- Marion
- Mitcham
- West Torrens
- Campbelltown
- Burnside
- Adelaide Hills
- Mount Barker
- Unley
- Holdfast Bay
- Norwood Payneham and St Peters
- Alexandrina
- Mount Gambier
- Barossa
- Adelaide
- Gawler
- Prospect
- Murray Bridge
- Whyalla
- Port Pirie
- Victor Harbor
- Light
- Copper Coast
- Port Lincoln
- Port Augusta
- Wattle Range
- Loxton Waikerie
- Yorke Peninsula
- Berri Barmera
- Adelaide Plains
- Renmark Paringa
- Clare and Gilbert Valleys
- Mid Murray
- Naracoorte Lucindale
- Grant
- Walkerville
- Tatiara
- Wakefield
- Lower Eyre
- Yankalilla
- Coorong
- Kangaroo Island
- Northern Areas
- Goyder
- Roxby Downs
- Ceduna
- Mount Remarkable
- Tumby Bay
- Barunga West
- Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara
- Kingston
- Streaky Bay
- Southern Mallee
- Cleve
- Flinders Ranges
- Peterborough
- Coober Pedy
- Robe
- Franklin Harbour
- Wudinna
- Kimba
- Elliston
- Karoonda East Murray
- Orroroo Carrieton
- Maralinga Tjarutja
Explore South Australia in Censible
Every census figure for South Australia, mapped and compared with any other place. A free account takes a minute.