Median house price
—
No data available
SA · Kangaroo Island Council
American River, 5221
Est. population · Jun 2025
299
Growth (1 yr)
+1.0%
Growth (5 yr)
+6.0%
Median age
63
Median income
$831/wk
Employment rate
36.2%
Languages at home
3.5%non-English
Mostly English at home
2021 Census · usual residence
Desirability score
- Coastal
- River access
- Excellent transport
- Heritage area
- Café precinct
Suburb profile
Life in American River revolves around the coast at a genuine remove from Adelaide. Retirees and empty-nesters are well represented here, with multiple generations sharing the same neighbourhood. For coastal suburbs, the café and dining scene is notably rich, with locals returning to favourite spots.
Open space is thinner than in many coastal suburbs, so residents often travel a little further for a longer park day. A car helps for most daily errands, though buses still link the suburb further afield. Purchase and rent costs sit on the more affordable side of the local range.
Crime trends have improved of late compared with the previous period. The streetscape feels settled and established, with older homes giving the area a familiar, lived-in look.
Versus similar coastal suburbs, the suburb reads below average on desirability, chiefly because community and employment trail behind. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.
At a glance
American River snapshot
A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk
Median rent
—
No data available
Population (ERP)
299
+1.0% annual growth
Dwelling vacancy
43.2%
Census unoccupied dwellings
Livability profile
Desirability pillars vs the peer median (50th percentile)
How it compares
Relative standing using percentiles, ranks, and national deciles
Desirability
#30
among Coastal & beach · Mature
Safety
4th
percentile in state (higher = safer)
Pop. growth
74th
percentile in SA
Advantage (IRSAD)
1/10
national SEIFA decile
Population growth
Recent ERP change over 1 and 5 years
Housing mix
Dwelling types from the 2021 Census
Risks & flags
Quick scan — open a section below for full context
Living here
Desirability
Ranks & confidence
- Desirability score
- 33.9/100 — Below average
- National rank
- 4896th in Australia
- State rank
- 507th in SA
- Peer rank
- #30 among Coastal & beach · Mature suburbs
- Cohort rank
- #47 among Coastal & beach suburbs
- Data confidence
- 70%
Data sources & freshness
- Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
Population
Estimated resident population
299(June 2025)
+1.0% annual · +6.0% over 5 years · 74th percentile in SA
Growth figures & methodology
- Annual growth
- +1.0%
- 5-year growth
- +6.0%
- Change in 1 year
- +3
- Change in 5 years
- +17
- Growth rank in SA
- 74th percentile
ABS Estimated Resident Population allocated to this suburb from SA2-level data. Not an official ABS suburb count.
Methodology
Figures are allocated from ABS Estimated Resident Population at Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2), using 2021 Census share within overlapping SA2 regions. Where Census data is unavailable, area overlap is used instead.
The dashed chart line is a simple growth-trend estimate to June 2030 (~300), extrapolated at +1.0% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.
2021 Census figures
2021 Census
- Population
- 280
- Median age
- 63
- Median household income / week
- $831
- Dwelling vacancy
- 43.2%
- Unoccupied private dwellings
- 105 of 243
- Median monthly mortgage
- $696
- Employment rate
- 36.2%
- Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
- 130 / 3 / 0
Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)
Employment, household income and age diversity (2021 Census)
Data sources & freshness
- 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.
- Estimated Resident Population — Australian Bureau of Statistics · 2025 · Updated · SA2 ERP allocated to suburb boundaries
Community & culture
No 2021 Census cultural diversity data for this suburb yet.
Data sources & freshness
- 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.
Crime & safety
Reported offences decreased compared with the previous period.
Offence counts & rates
- Total offences (2024–25)
- 2
- Against the person
- 2
- Against property
- 0
- Rate per 1,000 residents
- 6.7
- Person-crime prevalence
- About 1 in 140 residents
- State safety percentile
- 3.9th (lower crime is better)
- Decrease (daily rate)
- -66.6%
Most common offence types
- Common Assault2
Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)
Crime rate and year-on-year trend
Data sources & freshness
- SAPOL reported crime statistics — South Australia Police — OpenData · 2023-24 → 2024-25; 2024-25 · Updated · Financial-year releases
Family & Lifestyle
Public transport
12 public transport stops in this suburb
- Casuarina Coastal Units (American River)
- Cooinda Lodge (American River)
- Tangara Dr - East side (American River Wharf)
- Tangara Dr / Bimberta Ave - East side (Schoolhouse Cottage)
- Ulonga Seaviews (American River)
Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)
Public transport stop coverage
Data sources & freshness
- Adelaide Metro GTFS stops — Department for Infrastructure and Transport (SA) · current · Updated
Amenities
26 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km
3 restaurants · 1 sports centres · 5 swimming pools · 1 ev charging
Local character & venue list
Local character
- Limited walkable amenities nearby
- Reasonable bus and transport access — 12 public transport stops
- Walkability proxy
- 24/100
- Cafés per 1,000 residents
- 0
- Food & drink per 1,000 residents
- 10.71
- Parks per 1,000 residents
- 0
Food & drink(3)
- ReflectionsRestaurant
73 Scenic Drive, American River
- The Oyster Farm ShopRestaurant
Tangara Drive
- The ShedRestaurant
Sport & outdoors(7)
- Sports centre
- Sports field
- Swimming pool (5)
Other(15)
- Rebuild IndependenceAttraction
Tangara Drive
- Bbq
- Bench
- Boat Rental
- American River CampgroundCamp Site
- EV charging
- Mercure Kangaroo Island LodgeHotel
73 Scenic Drive, American River
- Sunrise on FalieHotel
13 Falie Court, American River
- Kingsgate HavenMotel
2 Wattle Avenue
- mercure - BayviewParking
- mercure - Waterview & PoolviewParking
- Parking (2)
- Kangaroo Island CouncilPublic toilets
- Smoking Area
- Waste Basket
Names and addresses from OpenStreetMap. Unnamed venues show as their type (e.g. Cafe). Transport stops are summarised by type rather than listed individually.
Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)
Food, shopping, recreation and sport (OpenStreetMap)
Data sources & freshness
- Local amenity insights — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
- OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated
Green cover
- Parks & woodland (OSM)
- 4
- Parks (OSM)
- 0
OpenStreetMap parks and natural woodland features mapped within the suburb boundary.
Contributes to desirability score · Environment (10%)
Parks and green cover (OpenStreetMap)
Data sources & freshness
- OpenStreetMap green cover — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated
Health access
- Nearest hospital
- Kangaroo Island Health Service (18.3 km)
- Nearest hospital type
- Public Hospital
- Nearest hospital emergency
- Emergency department
Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)
Hospitals and GP clinics
Data sources & freshness
- Hospitals & GP Plus clinics (SA) — SA Health · current · Updated
NDIS participation
- NDIS participants (31 March 2026)
- 8
- Participants per 1,000 residents
- 26.8
Active NDIS participants allocated from NDIA Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2, ASGS 2016) counts to this suburb boundary. Not an official suburb-level NDIS figure · as at 31 March 2026.
For NDIS spend and service-demand exploration by SA2 or postcode, see the Care Sector Demand Map.
Data sources & freshness
- NDIS participants by SA2 — National Disability Insurance Agency · 2026-Q1 · Updated · Quarterly SA2 counts allocated to suburb boundaries
Weather
Typical conditions by season for suburbs in the same ~44 km climate area. Rainfall totals are summed from monthly WorldClim layers; rainy-day counts are approximate.
Summer (Dec–Feb)
- Usual max / min
- 23° / 15°
- Rainfall
- 55 mm · ~7 rainy days
Autumn (Mar–May)
- Usual max / min
- 19° / 13°
- Rainfall
- 129 mm · ~16 rainy days
Winter (Jun–Aug)
- Usual max / min
- 14° / 9°
- Rainfall
- 260 mm · ~32 rainy days
Spring (Sep–Nov)
- Usual max / min
- 18° / 11°
- Rainfall
- 135 mm · ~17 rainy days
Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)
Temperature and humidity comfort
Data sources & freshness
- Seasonal climate normals — WorldClim 2.1 · Updated
Future & Planning
Planning & development
Development applications from PlanSA register and EPA licensed activities.
2026· 8 proposals
August 2026
- Construction of a habitable building (studio and storage) in association with existing dwelling1499 REDBANKS RD AMERICAN RIVER SA 5221Under Assessment
July 2026
- Construction of an outbuilding (shed) and associated driveway access24 FALIE CT AMERICAN RIVER SA 5221Under Assessment
June 2026
- Variation to 21036021 (Stage 1) – to remove the carport from the outbuilding & relocate the two water tanks10 KESTREL CL AMERICAN RIVER SA 5221Under Assessment
May 2026
- Single storey detached dwelling with verandahs and decks16 KESTREL CL AMERICAN RIVER SA 5221Under Assessment
- Single storey detached dwelling (tiny home) and new driveway access18 LONGVIEW RD AMERICAN RIVER SA 5221Under Assessment
March 2026
- Outbuilding (shed)37 RYBERG RD AMERICAN RIVER SA 5221Decision Made
- Construction of outbuilding (shed) and associated earthworks5 OLD SCHOOL HOUSE ST AMERICAN RIVER SA 5221Decision Made
February 2026
- Construction of an outbuilding (shed)21 ARCHIBALD ST AMERICAN RIVER SA 5221Decision Made
2025· 33 proposals
December 2025
- Single storey detached dwelling18 TANGARA DR AMERICAN RIVER SA 5221Decision Made
- Construction of 12.2m x 6.1m x 3.0m shed and 16.0m x 6.0m x 3.0m free-standing verandah.5 IBIS WALK AMERICAN RIVER SA 5221Decision Made
- Torrens Title Land Division (Boundary Realignment) - 3 Allotments into 2LOT 24 TANGARA DR AMERICAN RIVER SA 5221Decision Made
November 2025
- domestic outbuilding9 WARAWEE RD AMERICAN RIVER SA 5221Decision Made
October 2025
- Change of use to include new cafe/shop (‘pop-up style - farmgate) and licensed outdoor area in association with existing oyster production, processing and sales45 TANGARA DR AMERICAN RIVER SA 5221Decision Made
September 2025
- Variation of Development Application 24011466 - additional freestanding carport fronting Plover Place2 PLOVER PL AMERICAN RIVER SA 5221Under Assessment
- Construction of a single storey detached dwelling and outbuilding (garage)LOT 25 TANGARA DR AMERICAN RIVER SA 5221Decision Made
- Single level detached dwelling with raised deck and associated earthworks and retaining52 BAYVIEW RD AMERICAN RIVER SA 5221Decision Made
August 2025
- Change of land use to a mixed use development comprising Australia Post outlet (office), licensed café (shop) incorporating local microbrewery cellar door with outdoor seating, building additions and alterations and new toilet / cool room (keg store) building with associated car parking (2 on-site spaces) Staged Development - Stage 1: Commencement of Australia Post operations within portion of the existing building and retail sales (takeaway only) of Destination Brewery products including Liquor46 TANGARA DR AMERICAN RIVER SA 5221Decision Made
July 2025
- Variation to DA 23001800 (Single storey detached dwelling with attached carport and verandahs and associated outbuilding (shed) - changes to design and layout of dwelling and relocation of outbuilding10 BENNETT CT AMERICAN RIVER SA 5221Decision Made
- Verandah33 BAYVIEW RD AMERICAN RIVER SA 5221Decision Made
- Single storey detached dwelling14 PLOVER PL AMERICAN RIVER SA 5221Decision Made
June 2025
- Single storey detached dwelling and shed6 BENNETT CT AMERICAN RIVER SA 5221Under Assessment
- Construction of deck and non-climbable spa and pool fence13 -15 FALIE CT AMERICAN RIVER SA 5221Decision Made
- Outbuilding (shed)28 SEA EAGLE WAY AMERICAN RIVER SA 5221Decision Made
- Two-storey additions and alterations to existing dwelling52 TANGARA DR AMERICAN RIVER SA 5221Under Assessment
May 2025
- Replace existing shed with 9m x 9m shed and relocation of 22000L water storage tank565 THOMAS RD AMERICAN RIVER SA 5221Decision Made
- Extension to existing dwelling9 WARAWEE RD AMERICAN RIVER SA 5221Decision Made
- Construction of a single level dwelling with a suspended floor and a new outbuilding (garage) with associated earthworks and retaining walls48 BAYVIEW RD AMERICAN RIVER SA 5221Decision Made
April 2025
- Single storey detached dwelling (tiny home) for use on an ad-hoc basis for accommodation during construction of main dwelling on the site for a maximum period of two (2) years up until 20 September 2027559 THOMAS RD AMERICAN RIVER SA 5221Decision Made
- Retaining wall up to maximum 1.2 metres in height along common boundary between 1462 and 1464 Redbanks Road1462 REDBANKS RD AMERICAN RIVER SA 5221;1464 REDBANKS RD AMERICAN RIVER SA 5221Decision Made
- Demolition of three outbuildings, relocation of one water tank, Construction of a domestic outbuilding containing double garage, workshop/storage area and pet shelter/verandah1478 -1480 REDBANKS RD AMERICAN RIVER SA 5221Decision Made
- Stand-alone ‘Store’ Shed – Intended to support future residential development, as an ancillary domestic outbuilding associated with a dwelling.10 BUICK DR AMERICAN RIVER SA 5221Decision Made
March 2025
- Garage, hobby shed and ancillary accommodation (rumpus room) partially retrospective.23 -25 BUICK DR AMERICAN RIVER SA 5221Under Assessment
- Construction of free-standing carport11 PLOVER PL AMERICAN RIVER SA 5221Decision Made
- Variation of Development Application 24020549 Construction of an additional deck element to the south of building563 THOMAS RD AMERICAN RIVER SA 5221Under Assessment
February 2025
- Construction of a freestanding sign8 TANGARA DR AMERICAN RIVER SA 5221Decision Made
- Variation to Development Application 22034243 - changes to vehicle access, car parking and stormwater management73 SCENIC DR AMERICAN RIVER SA 5221Decision Made
- Construction of a detached dwelling, attached deck and carport9 KESTREL CL AMERICAN RIVER SA 5221Decision Made
January 2025
- Amenities building (ablution block)90 TANGARA DR AMERICAN RIVER SA 5221Decision Made
- Reinstatement of retaining wall to rear boundary of affected properties up to 2m in height with a 1.8m colorbond sheet metal fence erected on top up to a maximum combined height of 3.8m1 ISLAND CT AMERICAN RIVER SA 5221;1462 REDBANKS RD AMERICAN RIVER SA 5221;3 ISLAND CT AMERICAN RIVER SA 5221Decision Made
- Additions and alterations to existing dwelling including new raised decking10 BAYVIEW RD AMERICAN RIVER SA 5221Decision Made
- Alterations and additions to existing dwelling including decks, associated verandahs, shed extension, and detached ancillary accommodation2 SCENIC DR AMERICAN RIVER SA 5221Decision Made
Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)
Development and planning activity
Data sources & freshness
- PlanSA development applications & EPA licences — Government of South Australia — PlanSA · 2026 · Updated
Heritage
7 heritage places
- Art Gallery & Tea RoomsScenic Drive (cnr Redbanks Road) AMERICAN RIVERLocal heritage
- D'Estrees Bay Whaling Site, Cape Gantheaume Conservation Parknear AMERICAN RIVERState heritage
- Former American River Methodist Church24 Ryberg Road AMERICAN RIVERState heritage
- HouseRyberg Road AMERICAN RIVERLocal heritage
- House (former school)Redbanks Road AMERICAN RIVERLocal heritage
- Memorial HallWattle Avenue cnr Ryberg Road AMERICAN RIVERLocal heritage
- Shop (former General Store)Scenic Drive AMERICAN RIVERLocal heritage
Data sources & freshness
- SA Heritage Places database — Department for Environment and Water (SA) · current · Updated
Hazards
- Bushfire planning zone
- Overlay applies
Bushfire overlay checked at suburb centroid against all current SA Planning risk layers (high, medium, general, urban interface, regional, outback). Safer places from CFS designated locations.
Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)
Bushfire hazard overlays
Data sources & freshness
- Bushfire & hazard overlays (SA) — Government of South Australia · current · Updated
Politics & representation
- Federal electorate
- Mayo
- Member of Parliament
- Rebekha SHARKIE (Centre Alliance)
- Results from
- 2025 federal election
- Electorate enrolment (2025)
- 137,818
- Turnout (2025)
- 94.2%
- Swing since 2022 (2025)
- +3.4 pp toward Labor
Two-party preferred (2025)
Coalition 45.0%Labor 55.0%
Estimated suburb voting profile
Estimated from 8 nearby ordinary polling places (up to 62.4 km away).
Coalition 57.5%Labor 42.5%
12.4 percentage points more Coalition-leaning than the electorate
Estimated swing since 2022: -5.6 pp toward Coalition
Nearest polling places
- American RiverLabor 42.5% · Coalition 57.5% TPP (2025)1.1 km away
- PenneshawLabor 50.6% · Coalition 49.4% TPP (2025)15.8 km away
- Special Hospital Team 5Labor 25.0% · Coalition 75.0% TPP (2025)18.4 km away
- KingscoteLabor 44.9% · Coalition 55.1% TPP (2025)18.9 km away
- DelamereLabor 46.0% · Coalition 54.0% TPP (2025)44.7 km away
Federal electorate from AEC federal division boundaries (2025 redistribution). Division-level results are official AEC figures from the latest general election, with by-election updates where applicable. The estimated suburb profile blends up to eight nearest ordinary polling booths in the same electorate using inverse-distance weighting from the suburb centroid — an approximation, not official AEC data. Nearest polling places are shown for reference.
Data sources & freshness
- Federal election results — Australian Electoral Commission · Updated · 2025 election with by-election overlays
Socio-economic
- IRSAD decile (2021)
- 1/10
- IRSD decile (2021)
- 2/10
ABS Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA), 2021 release — the latest available, derived from the 2021 Census. Deciles rank suburbs nationally from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).
What do IRSAD and IRSD measure?
IRSAD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage. Combines indicators of advantage (e.g. high income, skilled occupations) and disadvantage. Higher decile = more advantaged relative to other Australian areas.
IRSD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage. Focuses on disadvantage only (e.g. low income, unemployment, limited education). Higher decile = less disadvantage nationally.
A new SEIFA edition typically follows each census; the ABS has not announced a release date beyond 2021.
Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)
Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile)
Data sources & freshness
- SEIFA 2021 (IRSAD / IRSD) — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
Compare with
Similar suburbs to weigh up side by side — scores, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
More in Kangaroo Island Council
Other suburbs in the same local government area.
Comparable suburbs
Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of South Australia.