Median house price
—
No data available
SA · Mid Murray Council
Cowirra, 5238
Est. population · Jun 2025
149
Growth (1 yr)
+1.4%
Growth (5 yr)
+5.7%
Median age
55
Median income
$887/wk
Employment rate
51.1%
Languages at home
2.1%non-English
Mostly English at home
2021 Census · usual residence
Suburb profile
Cowirra is a residential smaller community in Mid Murray Council with a familiar suburban feel. Life revolves around the local community, with the wider region offering trips and services when needed. Retirees and empty-nesters are well represented here, with multiple generations sharing the same neighbourhood.
Local amenities are on the light side, so many everyday needs are met by travelling to a neighbouring suburb or town. Local green pockets are modest, with bigger outdoor outings usually found in neighbouring areas. Day-to-day life is more car-oriented here than in denser, more walkable pockets.
Housing is more affordable than in many parts of the state. This is a mature, settled pocket where the existing streetscape still defines the local character.
At a glance
Cowirra snapshot
A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk
Median rent
—
No data available
Population (ERP)
149
+1.4% annual growth
Dwelling vacancy
36.0%
Census unoccupied dwellings
How it compares
Relative standing using percentiles, ranks, and national deciles
Safety
30th
percentile in state (higher = safer)
Pop. growth
82nd
percentile in SA
Advantage (IRSAD)
2/10
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
Population
Estimated resident population
149(June 2025)
+1.4% annual · +5.7% over 5 years · 82th percentile in SA
Growth figures & methodology
- Annual growth
- +1.4%
- 5-year growth
- +5.7%
- Change in 1 year
- +2
- Change in 5 years
- +8
- Growth rank in SA
- 82th 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 (~150), extrapolated at +1.3% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.
2021 Census figures
2021 Census
- Population
- 155
- Median age
- 55
- Median household income / week
- $887
- Dwelling vacancy
- 36%
- Unoccupied private dwellings
- 41 of 114
- Median monthly mortgage
- $867
- Employment rate
- 51.1%
- Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
- 59 / 0 / 6 (+ 9 other)
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 are unchanged compared with the previous period.
Offence counts & rates
- Total offences (2024–25)
- 3
- Against the person
- 1
- Against property
- 2
- Rate per 1,000 residents
- 20.1
- Person-crime prevalence
- About 1 in 155 residents
- State safety percentile
- 29.5th (lower crime is better)
- Family & domestic abuse offences
- 52
- Increase (daily rate)
- +0.3%
Most common offence types
- Other Theft1
- Other Unlawful Entry With Intent1
- Serious Assault Not Resulting In Injury1
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
Amenities
No OpenStreetMap amenities mapped for this suburb yet.
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
Health access
- Nearest hospital
- Mannum District Hospital (2.3 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)
- 4
- 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
- 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 (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· 7 proposals
July 2026
- Construction of an elevated detached dwelling with an attached covered deck, external staircase, and an attached carport and associated excavation and filling in a flood plain.25 MURRAY TCE COWIRRA SA 5238Under Assessment
March 2026
- Outbuilding (shed) and associated excavation and filling in a flood plain79 EAST FRONT RD COWIRRA SA 5238Under Assessment
- Retaining walls and associated excavation and filling in a flood plain1 PORTER ST COWIRRA SA 5238Decision Made
- Construct a concrete retaining wall and rebuild old boat rampLOT 4 KENNY RD COWIRRA SA 5238;LOT 556 KENNY RD COWIRRA SA 5238Decision Made
- Garage (Hard copy submitted)20 LAHNE RD COWIRRA SA 5238Decision Made
February 2026
- Construction of a domestic outbuilding24 PORTER ST COWIRRA SA 5238Decision Made
January 2026
- Pipeline Infrastructure (realignment of existing pipeline)577 COWIRRA SWAMP RD COWIRRA SA 5238;LOT 102 COWIRRA SWAMP RD COWIRRA SA 5238Under Assessment
2025· 6 proposals
December 2025
- Alterations and additions to an existing tourist accommodation cabin10182 HUNTER RD COWIRRA SA 5238Decision Made
September 2025
- Internal building work, bathroom added to approved shed1 PORTER ST COWIRRA SA 5238Decision Made
July 2025
- Pipeline infrastructure and associated pump shedLOT 523 COWIRRA SWAMP RD COWIRRA SA 5238Decision Made
May 2025
- Outbuilding (shed)2036C BURDETT RD COWIRRA SA 5238Decision Made
March 2025
- Installation of swimming pool and safety barriers23 RUNDLE RD COWIRRA SA 5238Decision Made
- Carport (freestanding)1 EDWARD TCE COWIRRA SA 5238Decision Made
2024· 8 proposals
October 2024
- Construction of a domestic outbuilding10182 HUNTER RD COWIRRA SA 5238Decision Made
September 2024
- Verandah attached to existing dwellingLOT 698 EDWARD TCE COWIRRA SA 5238Decision Made
- Elevated detached dwelling and associated excavation and filling in a flood plain1 PORTER ST COWIRRA SA 5238Decision Made
July 2024
- River Structure (replacement jetty)11 MURRAY TCE COWIRRA SA 5238Decision Made
May 2024
- Construction of an elevated detached dwelling and freestanding carport (outbuilding) with associated retaining wall and earthworks (replacing the existing dwelling).1 KENNY RD COWIRRA SA 5238Under Assessment
- Construction of a domestic outbuilding1 PORTER ST COWIRRA SA 5238Decision Made
April 2024
- Construction of a carport attached to an existing shed1 MURRAY TCE COWIRRA SA 5238Decision Made
- Demolition of an existing shed and the construction of a domestic outbuilding23 PORTER ST COWIRRA SA 5238Decision Made
2023· 6 proposals
December 2023
- Demolition of an existing dwelling and outbuilding (shed) and the construction of a dwelling with associated covered verandah (UMR), decks, outdoor stairs, rainwater tank and ancillary earthworks in a floodplain29 PORTER ST COWIRRA SA 5238Decision Made
October 2023
- Demolition of an existing dwelling and associated structures and the construction of an elevation dwelling with attached verandah, stairs, balcony, porch and rainwater tanks (UMR).1 MURRAY TCE COWIRRA SA 5238Decision Made
July 2023
- Construction of a domestic outbuilding54 SCHULZ RD COWIRRA SA 5238Decision Made
March 2023
- Construction of a single storey detached dwelling (transportable)LOT 494 DABINETT RD COWIRRA SA 5238Decision Made
- Construction of an Agricultural Building270 DABINETT RD COWIRRA SA 5238Decision Made
- Domestic outbuilding (planning approval granted 22031905).17 PORTER ST COWIRRA SA 5238Decision Made
2022· 6 proposals
December 2022
- Construction of a domestic outbuilding10182 HUNTER RD COWIRRA SA 5238Decision Made
- Construction of a domestic outbuildingLOT 3 HUNTER RD COWIRRA SA 5238Decision Made
May 2022
- Construction of a freestanding verandah over an existing swimming pool221 DABINETT RD COWIRRA SA 5238Decision Made
March 2022
- Construction of a carport attached to an existing outbuilding10182 HUNTER RD COWIRRA SA 5238Decision Made
February 2022
- Land division in the form of a boundary realignment10182 HUNTER RD COWIRRA SA 5238;LOT 3 HUNTER RD COWIRRA SA 5238Decision Made
January 2022
- Construction of a domestic outbuilding20 LAHNE RD COWIRRA SA 5238Decision Made
2021· 7 proposals
November 2021
- Extension of roof over existing balcony.LOT 1 EDWARD TCE COWIRRA SA 5238Decision Made
October 2021
- Swimming pool and safety fence221 DABINETT RD COWIRRA SA 5238Decision Made
July 2021
- Development involves an additional build of an ensuite bathroom , with walk- in wardrobe. this is to be connected to the main bedroom of the existing dwelling.1 EDWARD TCE COWIRRA SA 5238Decision Made
- Carport with Front Roller Door27 MURRAY TCE COWIRRA SA 5238Decision Made
June 2021
- Domestic Outbuilding79 EAST FRONT RD COWIRRA SA 5238Decision Made
May 2021
- New Elevated Dwelling8 LAURIE TCE COWIRRA SA 5238Decision Made
April 2021
- Verandah and associated excavation and filling in a flood plain27 MURRAY TCE COWIRRA SA 5238Decision Made
Other· 1 proposal
- MANNUM SLIPWAY & MOORINGS PTY LTDOtherEPA licence
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
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
- Barker
- Member of Parliament
- Tony PASIN (Liberal)
- Results from
- 2025 federal election
- Electorate enrolment (2025)
- 127,045
- Turnout (2025)
- 92.6%
- Swing since 2022 (2025)
- +3.6 pp toward Labor
Two-party preferred (2025)
Coalition 63.0%Labor 37.0%
Estimated suburb voting profile
Estimated from 8 nearby ordinary polling places (up to 24.2 km away).
Coalition 58.3%Labor 41.7%
4.7 percentage points more Labor-leaning than the electorate
Estimated swing since 2022: +4.2 pp toward Labor
Nearest polling places
- MannumLabor 43.8% · Coalition 56.2% TPP (2025)3.0 km away
- PondeLabor 38.1% · Coalition 61.9% TPP (2025)4.2 km away
- MypolongaLabor 37.4% · Coalition 62.6% TPP (2025)13.2 km away
- PalmerLabor 41.4% · Coalition 58.6% TPP (2025)18.0 km away
- Murray Bridge EastLabor 36.2% · Coalition 63.8% TPP (2025)21.7 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)
- 2/10
- 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
More in Mid Murray Council
Other suburbs in the same local government area.
Comparable suburbs
Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of South Australia.