suburb.guide

SA · Onkaparinga Council

Cherry Gardens, 5157

Est. population · Jun 2025

678

Growth (1 yr)

+1.2%

Growth (5 yr)

+6.1%

Median age

48

Median income

$2,016/wk

Employment rate

62.8%

University qualified

29.7%

Work from home

16.2%

Languages at home

3.3%non-English

Most common: Polish, Mandarin

2021 Census · usual residence

Desirability score

40.2/100
Average

383rd in SA

Verified 83% confidence

How this score is calculated
  • Rural living
What Cherry Gardens is known for: Rural living

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Cherry Gardens, SA suburb snapshot — Suburb Guide

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Suburb Guide, “Cherry Gardens, SA Suburb Guide”, updated 30 September 2026, https://suburb.guide/sa/cherry-gardens

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Suburb profile

Cherry Gardens is a rural locality in South Australia, in Onkaparinga Council.

Everyday destinations are relatively walkable, well above typical levels for rural localities. Socio-economic advantage is among the highest in the peer group, and university qualifications are among the highest in the peer group, and population has been growing faster than in comparable places, and heritage listings are a relative strength, with heritage listings 100% above the peer median.

Overall, Cherry Gardens suits people prioritising socio-economic advantage and university qualifications.

Generated from the official metrics on this page. It can omit nuance or contain errors — check the tables and source notes before relying on it.

Strengths and weaknesses

Rural locality · compared with rural localities in South Australia (602)

Strengths

  • Socio-economic advantage is among the highest in the peer group
  • University qualifications are among the highest in the peer group
  • Everyday destinations are relatively walkable
  • Population has been growing faster than in comparable places
  • Heritage listings are a relative strength

Weaknesses

No relative weaknesses against comparable places.

What stands out

Nothing distinctive beyond the usual profile.

Who it suits

  • Families
  • Professionals
  • Retirees
  • Students
  • Budget buyers

Housing, growth and risk

How Cherry Gardens compares

A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk

Median house price

—

No data available

Median rent (Census)

$350/wk

2021 Census median weekly rent

Population (ERP)

678

+1.2% annual growth

Dwelling vacancy

5.3%

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

#65

among Country & regional · Mature

Crime rate

18th

percentile in state (higher = more crime)

Pop. growth

78th

percentile in SA

Rented dwellings

2%

2021 Census tenure

Advantage (IRSAD)

9/10

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
40.2/100 — Average
National rank
4364th in Australia
State rank
383rd in SA
Peer rank
#65 among Country & regional · Mature suburbs
Cohort rank
#105 among Country & regional suburbs
Data confidence
83%

Data sources & freshness

  • Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated

Population

Estimated resident population

678(June 2025)

+1.2% annual · +6.1% over 5 years · 78th percentile in SA

Growth figures & methodology
Annual growth
+1.2%
5-year growth
+6.1%
Change in 1 year
+8
Change in 5 years
+39
Growth rank in SA
78th 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 (~700), extrapolated at +0.5% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.

2021 Census figures

2021 Census

Population
633
Median age
48
Median household income / week
$2,016
Dwelling vacancy
5.3%
Unoccupied private dwellings
12 of 228
Median monthly mortgage
$2,167
Median weekly rent (2021 Census)
$350
Tenure (owned / mortgaged / rented)
54.6% / 43% / 2.4%
Employment rate
62.8%
Travel to work (WFH / public transport / car)
16.2% / 0% / 63.4%
Walked or cycled to work
2.7%
Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
213 / 0 / 0

Contributes to desirability score · Community (12%) · Accessibility (12%) · Future Growth (6%)

Employment, household income and owned-outright tenure (2021 Census) Work-from-home and public-transport commute shares (2021 Census) Five-year population change as a healthy-growth band, not a boom bonus

Data sources & freshness

  • 2021 Census — General Community Profile (including method of travel to work and educational attainment) — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated

    The 2026 Census was conducted 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

Qualifications

29.7% of adults have a university degree, compared with 22.6% across South Australia. 16.9% have a trade or vocational qualification.

  • University qualified29.7% · 22.6% SA
  • Diploma qualified9.4% · 8.6% SA
  • Trade / vocational16.9% · 17.5% SA
  • Year 12 or below44.1% · 51.2% SA

Highest qualification field

Main field of the highest non-school qualification (2021 Census).

  • Engineering and related technologies21.3%
  • Health18%
  • Management and commerce16.4%
  • Education9.5%
  • Society and culture9.5%
  • Architecture and building5.9%
How these groups are defined
MeasureDefinition
University qualifiedBachelor degree or higher
Diploma qualifiedAdvanced Diploma / Diploma
Trade / vocationalCertificate III + IV
Year 12Year 12 as highest attainment
Below Year 12Year 11 / 10 / 9 or below

People aged 15 years and over, 2021 Census. University, diploma and trade shares match ABS highest educational attainment (HEAP). Year 12 and below Year 12 are combined in the chart because the General Community Profile reports school-only attainment as a residual.

Contributes to desirability score · Community (12%)

University qualifications from the 2021 Census

Data sources & freshness

  • 2021 Census — General Community Profile (including method of travel to work and educational attainment) — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated

    The 2026 Census was conducted in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.

Tax & income

Median taxable income (2023–24)
$56,977

64th percentile in SA · -3% vs Australia

Median salary / wages (2023–24)
$60,250

59th percentile in SA · -7% vs Australia

Residents with rental investments
15.0%

80th percentile in SA · +9% vs Australia

Median super balance (2023–24)
$129,130

93rd percentile in SA · +104% vs Australia

Residents with business income
12.0%

72nd percentile in SA · +15% vs Australia

Australian Taxation Office Taxation Statistics 2023–24, individuals Table 25. Figures describe taxpayers who live in postcode 5157 — not a suburb-level official statistic. Rental investment is the share of local taxpayers reporting rental income or loss, not the share of local properties owned by investors.

Counts, net rent & state comparison
Taxpayers in this postcode
2,138
Taxpayers reporting net rent
311
Median net rent
$1,716
Taxpayers reporting business income
266
Taxable income vs state median
+5%
Salary / wages vs state median
+5%
Rental investment vs state median
+25%
Super vs state median
+66%
Business income vs state median
+9%

Percentiles rank this postcode among unique postcodes in SA, so suburbs that share a postcode are not counted twice. Dollar figures are compared with Australia-wide ATO medians from the same release. Median net rent is among taxpayers who reported the rent label and can be negative.

Data sources & freshness

  • Taxation Statistics 2023–24 — individuals by postcode (Table 25) — Australian Taxation Office · Updated · Annual release; taxpayer residential postcode, not suburb boundary

Community & culture

3.3% speak a language other than English at home; 18.1% born overseas

Language at home
584 English only · 20 other
Non-English at home
3.3%
Born overseas
111 (18.1%)
Australian citizens
588
Languages spoken at home (other than English)
2

Top languages other than English

Share of residents who speak a language other than English at home (2021 Census).

  • Polish4 · 57.1%
  • Mandarin3 · 42.9%

Religion

56.7%No religion

No religion is the most common response at 56.7%, while Christianity accounts for 35.9%.

MeasureSuburbState
No religion56.7%45.2%
Christianity35.9%40%
Other / not stated7.4%14.7%
Christian denominations
DenominationSuburbState
Uniting Church9.6%4.8%
Catholic7%15.5%
Anglican5.5%7.2%
Christian (not further defined)2.5%2.6%
Pentecostal2.5%1.1%
Other Christian2.4%0.2%

2021 Census — languages spoken at home, birthplace, Indigenous status, and religious affiliation (usual residence). Religion is optional on the Census form.

Data sources & freshness

  • 2021 Census — General Community Profile (including method of travel to work and educational attainment) — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated

    The 2026 Census was conducted in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.

Crime & safety

Reported offences increased compared with the previous period.

Offence counts & rates
Total offences (2025–26)
10
Against the person
1
Against property
9
Rate per 1,000 residents
14.7
Person-crime prevalence
About 1 in 633 residents
State crime-rate percentile
18.1th (higher = more crime)
Family & domestic abuse offences
13
Increase (daily rate)
+42.9%
Recorded road crashes (in suburb)
36
Crash rate per 1,000 residents (state rank)
53.1

Most common offence types

  • Damage Or Destroy Property3
  • Obtain Benefit By Deception1
  • Sct - Non Residence1
  • Serious Assault1
  • Theft From A Person3

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (22%)

Crime rate, offences against the person, year-on-year trend and recorded road crash rates

Data sources & freshness

Family & Lifestyle

Public transport

2 public transport stops in this suburb

  • Cherry Gardens Rd - South side (Cherry Gardens CFS)
  • Cherry Gardens Rd / Weymouth Rd - North side (Cherry Gardens CFS)

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (12%)

Public transport stops per 1,000 residents and walkability

Data sources & freshness

Amenities

1 mapped amenities

Local character & venue list

Local character

  • Limited walkable amenities nearby
Walkability proxy
3/100
Cafés per 1,000 residents
0
Food & drink per 1,000 residents
0
Parks per 1,000 residents
0
Other(1)
  • Cherry Gardens CFSFire station

Names and addresses from OpenStreetMap. Unnamed venues show as their type (e.g. Cafe). Transport stops are summarised by type rather than listed individually. Campgrounds, beaches, wineries and local trails are included when they sit inside the suburb boundary.

Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (12%)

Food, shopping, recreation and sport per 1,000 residents (OpenStreetMap)

Data sources & freshness

  • Local amenity insights — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
  • OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated

Sporting clubs

4 named sporting clubs in this suburb

  • Blackwood Golf Club

    Golf

  • Ironbank Cherry Gardens Football Club

    Australian Rules Football

  • Ironbank Cherry Gardens Netball Club

    Netball

  • Ironbank Cherry Gardens Tennis Club

    Tennis

Named sporting clubs from OpenStreetMap and the SA Sports Vouchers venue list, assigned to this suburb's boundary. Sporting facilities such as ovals, courts and recreation centres are listed under Amenities.

Data sources & freshness

Green cover

Green cover of suburb area
0%
Woodland / forest cover
0%
Parks & woodland features (OSM)
0
Parks (OSM)
0
Typical summer maximum
29°C

Green cover is the share of this suburb's boundary overlapping OpenStreetMap parks, woodland and forest polygons — not a satellite tree-canopy product. Summer maximum is the WorldClim / Open-Meteo seasonal normal already collected for Weather.

Contributes to desirability score · Environment (12%)

Tree canopy first, then green-cover area and parks per 1,000

Data sources & freshness

  • OpenStreetMap green cover and tree canopy — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated · Park/woodland polygons intersected with suburb boundaries

Health access

Nearest hospital
Stirling Hospital (8.6 km)
Nearest hospital type
Private Hospital
Nearest hospital emergency
No emergency department listed
GP clinics in suburb
0

GP clinic counts from OpenStreetMap. Bulk-billing figures only include clinics tagged in OSM (sparse and unofficial — not a Medicare list).

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (12%)

Hospitals, GPs and aged care

Data sources & freshness

NDIS participation

NDIS participants (31 March 2026)
22
Participants per 1,000 residents
32.4

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

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
29° / 14°
Rainfall
67 mm · ~8 rainy days

Autumn (Mar–May)

Usual max / min
23° / 10°
Rainfall
97 mm · ~12 rainy days

Winter (Jun–Aug)

Usual max / min
16° / 6°
Rainfall
148 mm · ~18 rainy days

Spring (Sep–Nov)

Usual max / min
22° / 9°
Rainfall
119 mm · ~15 rainy days

Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (12%)

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· 7 proposals

  • September 2026

  • Alterations to an existing shop including replacement of the balustrade and installation of two new entry doorways
    611 CHERRY GARDENS RD CHERRY GARDENS SA 5157Under Assessment

  • August 2026

  • Shed for Horses.
    161 CHERRY GARDENS RD CHERRY GARDENS SA 5157Decision Made

  • July 2026

  • Agricultural building
    24 MAHAR RD CHERRY GARDENS SA 5157Under Assessment

  • April 2026

  • Removal of (4) regulated trees - 2 x River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) and 2 x Pin Oak (Quercus palustris)
    611 CHERRY GARDENS RD CHERRY GARDENS SA 5157Decision Made
  • Ancillary accommodation with attached verandah and garage (retrospective)
    60 HICKS HILL RD CHERRY GARDENS SA 5157Under Assessment

  • March 2026

  • Carport
    471 CHERRY GARDENS RD CHERRY GARDENS SA 5157Decision Made

  • February 2026

  • Construction of three (3) outbuildings (shipping containers) with an associated annex, two water tanks and tree damaging activity
    60 HICKS HILL RD CHERRY GARDENS SA 5157Under Assessment
2025· 10 proposals

  • December 2025

  • Outbuilding (shed) forward
    11 CHERRY GARDENS RD CHERRY GARDENS SA 5157Decision Made
  • Boundary realignment
    38 BRANDWOOD DR CHERRY GARDENS SA 5157;560 ACKLAND HILL RD CHERRY GARDENS SA 5157Decision Made

  • October 2025

  • Alterations and additions to existing single storey dwelling including cellar, retaining walls and tennis court fencing
    277 CHERRY GARDENS RD CHERRY GARDENS SA 5157Under Assessment

  • September 2025

  • Dwelling Addition- Balcony
    387 CHERRY GARDENS RD CHERRY GARDENS SA 5157Decision Made

  • August 2025

  • Tree damaging activity - Removal of one (1) Significant tree - Blue Gum (Eucalyptus globulus) (retrospective)
    264 CHERRY GARDENS RD CHERRY GARDENS SA 5157Decision Made
  • Removal of 1 x significant tree (Tasmanian Blue Gum - Eucalyptus globulus)
    471 CHERRY GARDENS RD CHERRY GARDENS SA 5157Under Assessment

  • June 2025

  • Demolish existing deck and construct replacement deck and new pergola
    149 MARSHALL RD CHERRY GARDENS SA 5157Decision Made

  • April 2025

  • Elevated deck (balcony) and verandah
    97 CHERRY GARDENS RD CHERRY GARDENS SA 5157Decision Made

  • March 2025

  • no development details required as no work is required for the garage room. for the 4th bedroom. -interior linings, ceiling linings -insulation -minor electrical work where required, LED downlights, fan etc. -tile floor to match house -paint and furnish.
    41 CHERRY GARDENS RD CHERRY GARDENS SA 5157Decision Made
  • Swimming pool and safety fence
    15 EDIALTA RD CHERRY GARDENS SA 5157Decision Made
2024· 13 proposals

  • November 2024

  • Outbuilding (sauna)
    443 CHERRY GARDENS RD CHERRY GARDENS SA 5157Decision Made

  • October 2024

  • Verandah and Deck
    408 FRITH RD CHERRY GARDENS SA 5157Decision Made
  • Dwelling alterations and extension of a deck
    35 STAR AND ARROW RD CHERRY GARDENS SA 5157Decision Made

  • September 2024

  • Garage and attached verandah
    38 BRANDWOOD DR CHERRY GARDENS SA 5157Decision Made

  • July 2024

  • Retaining walls
    177 STAR AND ARROW RD CHERRY GARDENS SA 5157Decision Made
  • Partial change in land use to include warehouse with associated construction of office, lean-to additions, 2x portable toilets, 4x outbuildings (shipping containers) with canopies, deck and creation of a dam (retrospective)
    38 BRANDWOOD DR CHERRY GARDENS SA 5157Under Assessment

  • June 2024

  • Swimming pool and safety fence
    21 BRUMBY ST CHERRY GARDENS SA 5157Decision Made

  • May 2024

  • Raised timber deck (two sides of existing swimming pool)
    443 CHERRY GARDENS RD CHERRY GARDENS SA 5157Decision Made

  • April 2024

  • Boundary realignment (3 into 3)
    585 CHERRY GARDENS RD CHERRY GARDENS SA 5157;611 CHERRY GARDENS RD CHERRY GARDENS SA 5157Decision Made

  • March 2024

  • Outbuilding (shed)
    23 BRUMBY ST CHERRY GARDENS SA 5157Decision Made
  • Swimming pool with equipment, heat pump and blanket
    443 CHERRY GARDENS RD CHERRY GARDENS SA 5157Decision Made
  • Water tank (above ground)
    18 LEWIS ST CHERRY GARDENS SA 5157Decision Made

  • February 2024

  • Single storey detached dwelling
    544 ACKLAND HILL RD CHERRY GARDENS SA 5157Decision Made
2023· 10 proposals

  • December 2023

  • Verandah
    469 FRITH RD CHERRY GARDENS SA 5157Decision Made

  • November 2023

  • Ancillary Accommodation and outbuilding (shed)
    21 BRUMBY ST CHERRY GARDENS SA 5157Decision Made

  • October 2023

  • Swimming Pool & Safety Fence
    177 STAR AND ARROW RD CHERRY GARDENS SA 5157Decision Made
  • Extension to dwelling to include living space and master bedroom, plus undercover decked area and fenced swimming pool.
    177 STAR AND ARROW RD CHERRY GARDENS SA 5157Under Assessment

  • June 2023

  • Outbuilding
    177 STAR AND ARROW RD CHERRY GARDENS SA 5157Decision Made

  • May 2023

  • Cricket Nets and associated infrastructure
    660 ACKLAND HILL RD CHERRY GARDENS SA 5157Decision Made
  • Outbuilding - Carport/verandah
    87 CHERRY GARDENS RD CHERRY GARDENS SA 5157Decision Made
  • Outbuilding (shed)
    131 CHERRY GARDENS RD CHERRY GARDENS SA 5157Decision Made
  • Installation of connecting Freestanding Verandah and Attached Verandah
    660 ACKLAND HILL RD CHERRY GARDENS SA 5157Decision Made

  • April 2023

  • Verandahs
    466 FRITH RD CHERRY GARDENS SA 5157Decision Made
2022· 2 proposals

  • November 2022

  • Carport, garage and wrap around verandah
    25 EDIALTA RD CHERRY GARDENS SA 5157Decision Made

  • August 2022

  • Shed (Outbuilding)
    151 CHERRY GARDENS RD CHERRY GARDENS SA 5157Decision Made

Data sources & freshness

Heritage

4 heritage places

  • Church87 Hicks Hill Road CHERRY GARDENSLocal heritage
  • Dwelling - former Rechabite Hall117 Hicks Hill Road CHERRY GARDENSLocal heritage
  • Dwelling - former school18 Lewis Street CHERRY GARDENSLocal heritage
  • Farm Building1 Lewis Street CHERRY GARDENSState heritage

Contributes to desirability score · Environment (12%)

Heritage listings as established streetscape

Data sources & freshness

Hazards

Bushfire planning zone
Overlay applies
Flood / inundation overlay
100% of suburb boundary

Bushfire overlay checked at suburb centroid against all current SA Planning risk layers (high, medium, general, urban interface, regional, outback). Flood cover is the share of the suburb boundary overlapping current SA Planning flood overlays (flooding and evidence required). Safer places from CFS designated locations.

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (22%)

Bushfire and flood hazard overlays

Data sources & freshness

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 6.1 km away).

Coalition 41.4%Labor 58.6%

3.6 percentage points more Labor-leaning than the electorate

Estimated swing since 2022: +8.1 pp toward Labor

Nearest polling places

  • Cherry GardensLabor 58.0% · Coalition 42.0% TPP (2025)0.7 km away
  • Flagstaff Hill East (Mayo)Labor 66.3% · Coalition 33.6% TPP (2025)4.0 km away
  • Coromandel ValleyLabor 60.0% · Coalition 40.0% TPP (2025)4.1 km away
  • ClarendonLabor 50.2% · Coalition 49.8% TPP (2025)5.0 km away
  • Upper SturtLabor 67.5% · Coalition 32.5% TPP (2025)5.4 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

Socio-economic

IRSAD decile (2021)
9/10
IRSD decile (2021)
10/10

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 (12%)

Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD and IRSD deciles)

Data sources & freshness

Compare with

Similar suburbs to weigh up side by side — scores, safety, schools, and lifestyle.

More in Onkaparinga Council

Other suburbs in the same local government area.

Comparable suburbs

Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of South Australia.