SA · Grant Council
Mount Gambier, 5290
Current weather
7.7°CLight drizzle
93% humidity · 23.1 km/h wind · 12.7° / 6.7° today · 11.2 mm rain
Updated
Desirability score
- Café precinct
- Heritage area
- Green suburb
- Education hub
- High desirability
Suburb profile
Mount Gambier sits up in the Grant hills, a larger suburb where elevation and tree cover define the mood. Set in the wider countryside, it offers distance from the capital and a strong sense of place. Elevated streets and bushland backdrops bring a sense of fresh country air to daily life.
Residents are mostly families and working professionals, with a strong presence of young families throughout. Food and coffee are a real part of local identity, with plenty of places to meet and linger. Outdoor life is easy here, with generous parks and room for kids, dogs and weekend strolls.
Strong public transport connections keep the wider area accessible. The area offers approachable housing costs alongside a lifestyle that still feels complete.
On the desirability index, the suburb rates good overall, led by parks and green space and growth momentum, while community and employment and safety sit closer to the middle of the pack for similar regional towns.
Population
- Population
- 25,591
- Median age
- 41
- Median household income / week
- $1,197
- Dwelling vacancy
- 9.9%
- Unoccupied private dwellings
- 1,156 of 11,690
- Median monthly mortgage
- $1,083
- Employment rate
- 55.3%
- Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
- 830 / 1,484 / 934
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 · Period: 2021 · Updated on site · 2021 Census release
The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.
Housing
- Flats / units (01/01/26 to 31/03/26)
- $310
- Houses (01/01/26 to 31/03/26)
- $470
- All types (01/01/26 to 31/03/26)
- $427.5
- Rental bonds lodged (01/01/26 to 31/03/26)
- 270
Median weekly rent from SA Housing Authority rental bond data. Figures can be unreliable where few bonds were lodged in the quarter.
Contributes to desirability score · Housing (15%) · Future Growth (7%)
Median price, rental yield and vacancy Recent price momentum
Data sources & freshness
- SA Housing Authority rent & sales reports — Government of South Australia · Period: 1 January - 31 March 2026 · Updated on site · Quarterly releases
Crime & safety
- Total offences (2024–25)
- 1,838
- Against the person
- 551
- Against property
- 1,287
- Rate per 1,000 residents
- 71.8
- Person-crime prevalence
- About 1 in 46 residents
- State safety percentile
- 76.7th (lower crime is better)
- Family & domestic abuse offences
- 346
- Increase (daily rate)
- +5.8%
Reported offences increased compared with the previous period.
Reported offences by period
Most common offence types
- Common Assault138
- Other Property Damage And Environmental342
- Other Theft263
- Serious Assault Not Resulting In Injury259
- Theft From Shop180
Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)
Crime rate and year-on-year trend
Data sources & freshness
- SAPOL reported crime statistics — South Australia Police — OpenData · Period: 2023-24 → 2024-25; 2024-25 · Updated on site · Financial-year releases
Schools & preschools
- Schools & preschools
- 20 (15 schools, 5 preschools)
- Median school ICSEA (10 schools)
- 949.5
- Acacia Kindergarten21 Wimmera StreetPreschools
- Akuna Kindergarten10 Ramsay AvenuePreschools
- Gladigau Park Kindergarten3 Gladigau RoadPreschools
- Gordon Education CentreSpecial · ICSEA 951
- Grant High SchoolSecondary · ICSEA 954
- Instrumental Music Mount Gambier North PSHeath StreetSupport Services
- Limestone Coast Technical College158-174 Wireless RoadSpecialist Facilities
- McDonald Park SchoolPrimary · ICSEA 948
- Melaleuca Park KindergartenBoandik TerracePreschools
- Melaleuca Park Primary SchoolPrimary · ICSEA 882
Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)
School and preschool counts, median school ICSEA
Data sources & freshness
- Government education sites register — Government of South Australia · Period: current · Updated on site · Static register
- School ICSEA (ACARA) — Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority · Period: 2025 · Updated on site · Annual ACARA release
Public transport
121 public transport stops in this suburb
- Commercial St East - North side (Woolworths)
- Gordon St / Umpherston St - North side
- Honnington Blvd / Wireless Rd E - East side
- North Tce / Ramsay Ave - South side
- Wehl St S / Helen St - West side
Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)
Public transport stop coverage
Data sources & freshness
- Adelaide Metro GTFS stops — Department for Infrastructure and Transport (SA) · Period: current · Updated on site · GTFS static feed
Planning & development
Development applications from PlanSA register (lodged 2020–2026) and EPA licensed activities.
1,549 planning-related records
2026· 40 proposals
June 2026
- To construct a carport.45 PRESSEY ST MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290Under Assessment
- Outbuilding (Shed)6 HILLTOP AV MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290Under Assessment
- To construct alteration and addition to an existing dwelling15 WILSON ST MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290Under Assessment
- To remove the existing carport and construct a garaport associated with an existing dwelling4 ARLINGTON TCE MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290Under Assessment
- To construct retaining wallsLOT 32 GLADIGAU RD MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290Under Assessment
- To demolish a dwelling and outbuilding and construct a new dwelling and outbuilding.37 POWELL ST MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290Under Assessment
- Change of use from a shop to an educational facility (vocational training) with associated internal alteration and fit-out60 COMMERCIAL ST W MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290Under Assessment
- Boundary Realignment to adjust the boundary between two properties.78 CROUCH ST S MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290Under Assessment
- To construct an outbuilding associated with an existing dwelling24 NAVAJO DR MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290Under Assessment
- To construct a detached dwelling5 IRONSTONE CT MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290Under Assessment
- To construct an outbuilding associated with an existing commercial premises145 PENOLA RD MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290Under Assessment
- To construct an outbuilding associated with an existing dwelling15 MATTHEW FLINDERS WAY MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290Under Assessment
- To construct an outbuilding associated with an existing dwelling167 WIRELESS RD W MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290Under Assessment
- To construct alteration and addition to an existing detached dwelling11 HILLTOP AV MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290Under Assessment
- IN GROUND SWIMMING POOL77 BAY RD MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290Under Assessment
- Proposed 8m x 12m Double enclosed Garage & Carport22 UMPHERSTON ST MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290Under Assessment
- Proposed Boundary Re-Alignment between Allotments 52 & 599 as per lodged plan26 BERTHA ST MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290;29 WILSON ST MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290Under Assessment
- To construct internal and external alterations to an existing restaurant.182 -202 PENOLA RD MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290Under Assessment
- amendment to form 1 schedule of ESP's only112 COMMERCIAL ST E MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290Decision Made
- To construct a carport.3 WARREN ST MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290Under Assessment
- To construct a carport.29 DOLOMITE DR MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290Under Assessment
- To construct a deck and a carport/ verandah associated with an existing dwelling59 LAKE TCE E MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290Under Assessment
- To construct a detached dwelling96 LAKE TCE E MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290Under Assessment
- To construct alteration and addition to an existing dwelling22 VICTOR ST MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290Under Assessment
- To construct an outbuilding.6 KING GR MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290Under Assessment
- To demolish the existing building and construct a new outbuilding.5 LANSELL ST MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290Under Assessment
May 2026
- Change of use from a dwelling to a Hair dressing salon (with some residential areas).15 HERBERT ST MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290Under Assessment
- To construct a verandah.82 TOLLNER RD MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290Under Assessment
- To construct a carport.29 TUMUT DR MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290Under Assessment
- To construct a detached dwelling14 BLAXLAND CT MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290Under Assessment
- To construct an outbuilding.68 BERTHA ST MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290Under Assessment
- To construct a storage area for the temporary storage of non-friable and friable asbestos.1 RITANA RD MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290Under Assessment
- Land Division - To create an additional allotment27 POWELL ST MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290Decision Made
- To construct alterations and additions to an existing dwellingUNIT 3 6 HERIOT ST MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290Under Assessment
- To construct internal and external alterations and installation of advertisement to an existing restaurant.10 PENOLA RD MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290Under Assessment
- Land Division - Allotment added to existing community plan in association with DA26013967140 -140B COMMERCIAL ST E MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290;MARK ST MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290;UNIT 1 4 MARK ST MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290;UNIT 2 4 MARK ST MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290;UNIT 3 4 MARK ST MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290Under Assessment
- Land Division - To create one additional allotment to be followed by Community plan in association with DA26013975140 -140B COMMERCIAL ST E MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290Under Assessment
- Carport7 MAROONGA CR MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290Decision Made
- To construct a verandah.3 LANSELL ST MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290Under Assessment
- To erect new freestanding pylon sign with advertised signage for businesses located within the complex171 COMMERCIAL ST E MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290Under Assessment
Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)
Development and planning activity
Data sources & freshness
- PlanSA development applications & EPA licences — Government of South Australia — PlanSA · Period: 2020–2026 · Updated on site
Amenities
192 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km
- Sip'N SaveAlcohol
- Sip'N Save CellarsAlcohol
- Thirsty CamelAlcohol
- Community GalleryArt
- Margaret Scott GalleryArt
- Riddock Main GalleryArt
- ANZATM
- Commonwealth BankATM
- RediATMATM
- Bakers DelightBakery
Names and addresses from OpenStreetMap. Unnamed venues show as their type (e.g. Cafe).
Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)
Food, shopping, recreation and sport (OpenStreetMap)
Data sources & freshness
- OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · Period: current · Updated on site · Weekly refresh
Health access
- Hospitals & GP clinics
- 1
- Emergency department
- On site
- Mount Gambier and Districts Health Service276-300 Wehl Street NorthPublic Hospital
Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)
Hospitals and GP clinics
Data sources & freshness
- Hospitals & GP Plus clinics (SA) — SA Health · Period: current · Updated on site
Socio-economic (SEIFA)
- IRSAD decile (2021)
- 1/10
- IRSD decile (2021)
- 2/10
SEIFA indexes from ABS 2021. Decile 10 = most advantaged / least disadvantaged in Australia.
Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)
Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile)
Data sources & freshness
- SEIFA 2021 (IRSAD / IRSD) — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Period: 2021 · Updated on site · 2021 SEIFA release
Heritage
549 state heritage places
- Heritage placeState heritage
- Heritage placeState heritage
- Heritage placeState heritage
- Heritage placeState heritage
- Heritage placeState heritage
- Heritage placeState heritage
- Heritage placeState heritage
- Heritage placeState heritage
- Heritage placeState heritage
- Heritage placeState heritage
Data sources & freshness
- SA Heritage Places database — Department for Environment and Water (SA) · Period: current · Updated on site
Childcare
2 childcare services from OpenStreetMap
- Mount Gambier Childcare Centre - Derrington StreetDerrington Streetkindergarten
- kindergartenkindergarten
Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)
Childcare centre count
Data sources & freshness
- Childcare services (SA) — OpenStreetMap + SA Education · Period: current · Updated on site
Hazards
- Bushfire planning zone
- No overlay at centroid
- Bushfire safer places
- 1
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 · Period: current · Updated on site
Green cover
- Parks & woodland (OSM)
- 61
- Parks (OSM)
- 48
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 features — OpenStreetMap contributors · Period: current · Updated on site · Weekly refresh
Desirability Index
- Desirability score
- 64.9/100 — Good
- State standing
- Top 2% of South Australia's suburbs
- National rank
- 368th in Australia
- State rank
- 10th in SA
- Peer rank
- #1 among Country & regional · Established suburbs
- Cohort rank
- #1 among Country & regional suburbs
- Data confidence
- 89%
Data sources & freshness
- Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived score) · Period: current · Updated on site · Derived from source metrics
Recent changes
- Common Assaultcrime138
- Other Property Damage And Environmentalcrime342
- Other Theftcrime263
- Serious Assault Not Resulting In Injurycrime259
- Theft From Shopcrime180
- Mount Gambier Childcare Centre - Derrington StreetchildcareDerrington Streetkindergarten
- kindergartenchildcarekindergarten
- Heritage placeheritageState heritage
- Heritage placeheritageState heritage
- Heritage placeheritageState heritage
Data sources & freshness
- Childcare services (SA) — OpenStreetMap + SA Education · Updated on site
- SA Heritage Places database — Department for Environment and Water (SA) · Updated on site
- SAPOL reported crime statistics — South Australia Police — OpenData · Updated on site · Financial-year releases
More in Grant Council
Other suburbs in the same local government area.
Comparable suburbs
Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of South Australia.