suburb.guide

SA · Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council

Penwortham, 5453

Est. population · Jun 2025

169

Growth (1 yr)

+0.6%

Growth (5 yr)

+1.8%

Median age

52

Median income

$1,821/wk

Employment rate

60.5%

Languages at home

3.4%non-English

Mostly English at home

2021 Census · usual residence

  • Heritage area
  • Excellent transport
What Penwortham is known for: Heritage area, Excellent transport

Suburb profile

Penwortham is a quieter smaller community in Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council, where peace, space and a country-town pace still dominate. Retirees and empty-nesters are well represented here, with multiple generations sharing the same neighbourhood. Food and coffee punch above the usual for comparable suburbs, giving the suburb a lived-in social scene.

Local shops are sparse, so a fuller set of amenities usually means travelling to a neighbouring town or regional hub. Local green pockets are modest, with bigger outdoor outings usually found in neighbouring areas. Day-to-day life is more car-oriented here, with buses covering longer trips across the wider area.

Housing sits above the suburban middle: not the top of the market, but clearly pricier than average. This is a mature, settled pocket where the existing streetscape still defines the local character.

At a glance

Penwortham snapshot

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

Median house price

—

No data available

Median rent

$450/wk

Population (ERP)

169

+0.6% annual growth

Dwelling vacancy

23.1%

Census unoccupied dwellings

How it compares

Relative standing using percentiles, ranks, and national deciles

Safety

3rd

percentile in state (higher = safer)

Pop. growth

57th

percentile in SA

Advantage (IRSAD)

8/10

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

Housing

Houses (01/01/26 to 31/03/26)
$450

Median weekly rent from SA Housing Authority rental bond data. Figures can be unreliable where few bonds were lodged in the quarter.

Median house sale prices cover metropolitan Adelaide and selected fringe councils (19 LGAs, including Adelaide Hills and Gawler), not all of regional South Australia.

Contributes to desirability score · Housing (15%) · Future Growth (7%)

Median price, rental yield and vacancy Recent price momentum

Data sources & freshness

  • SA rent report & metro median house sales — Government of South Australia · 1 January - 31 March 2026 · Updated · Quarterly; metro-fringe sales only

Population

Estimated resident population

169(June 2025)

+0.6% annual · +1.8% over 5 years · 57th percentile in SA

Growth figures & methodology
Annual growth
+0.6%
5-year growth
+1.8%
Change in 1 year
+1
Change in 5 years
+3
Growth rank in SA
57th 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 +0.5% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.

2021 Census figures

2021 Census

Population
163
Median age
52
Median household income / week
$1,821
Dwelling vacancy
23.1%
Unoccupied private dwellings
18 of 78
Median monthly mortgage
$1,717
Employment rate
60.5%
Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
61 / 0 / 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

Offence counts & rates
Total offences (2024–25)
1
Against the person
0
Against property
1
Rate per 1,000 residents
5.9
State safety percentile
2.6th (lower crime is better)
Family & domestic abuse offences
27

Most common offence types

  • Other Theft1

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)

Crime rate and year-on-year trend

Data sources & freshness

Family & Lifestyle

Public transport

2 public transport stops in this suburb

  • Main North Rd / Horrocks Rd - East side (Penwortham Monument)
  • Main North Rd / Horrocks Rd - West side (Penwortham Monument)

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Public transport stop coverage

Data sources & freshness

Amenities

2 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km

1 restaurants · 1 places of worship

Local character & venue list

Local character

  • Limited walkable amenities nearby
Walkability proxy
5/100
Cafés per 1,000 residents
0
Food & drink per 1,000 residents
6.13
Parks per 1,000 residents
0
Food & drink(1)
  • Restaurant
Other(1)
  • Place of worship

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

Places of worship

1 places of worship within ~1.5 km

  • Place of worship

From OpenStreetMap within ~1.5 km of the suburb centre.

Data sources & freshness

Health access

Nearest hospital
Clare Hospital (10.8 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)
5
Participants per 1,000 residents
29.6

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° / 13°
Rainfall
69 mm · ~9 rainy days

Autumn (Mar–May)

Usual max / min
22° / 9°
Rainfall
80 mm · ~10 rainy days

Winter (Jun–Aug)

Usual max / min
14° / 5°
Rainfall
142 mm · ~18 rainy days

Spring (Sep–Nov)

Usual max / min
21° / 8°
Rainfall
125 mm · ~16 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· 4 proposals

  • May 2026

  • Outbuilding (shed)
    7647 HORROCKS HWY PENWORTHAM SA 5453Decision Made

  • April 2026

  • Carport
    23 CAMPBELL RD PENWORTHAM SA 5453Decision Made
  • Above-ground swim spa and associated swimming pool safety features
    78 HORROCKS RD PENWORTHAM SA 5453Decision Made

  • March 2026

  • Retaining walls
    16 PAWELSKI RD PENWORTHAM SA 5453Decision Made
2025· 13 proposals

  • December 2025

  • Re-roofing and roof frame repairs to a State Heritage Place (Horrocks Cottage - I.D 14467)
    7884 HORROCKS HWY PENWORTHAM SA 5453Decision Made
  • Land division (boundary realignment - 2 into 2 allotments) resulting in a dwelling excision
    121 MORRISON RD PENWORTHAM SA 5453;LOT 300 MORRISON RD PENWORTHAM SA 5453Decision Made
  • Land division (Torrens Title - 1 into 2 allotments) resulting in a dwelling excision
    37 PEARCE RD PENWORTHAM SA 5453Decision Made

  • November 2025

  • Boundary realignment
    40 FAIRFIELD RD PENWORTHAM SA 5453;7710 HORROCKS HWY PENWORTHAM SA 5453Decision Made

  • October 2025

  • Alterations and additions to an existing dwelling including extension to rear and verandah to the northern façade and outbuilding (shed) with mezzanine storage
    16 PAWELSKI RD PENWORTHAM SA 5453Under Assessment

  • September 2025

  • Locate a tiny home on wheels for detached dwelling and tourist accommodation use
    19 SURREY LANE PENWORTHAM SA 5453Decision Made

  • August 2025

  • Verandah (over existing decking) and carport
    78 HORROCKS RD PENWORTHAM SA 5453Decision Made

  • May 2025

  • Outbuilding (shed)
    78 HORROCKS RD PENWORTHAM SA 5453Decision Made
  • Alterations and additions to an existing dwelling and outbuilding (shed)
    36 HORROCKS RD PENWORTHAM SA 5453Under Assessment

  • March 2025

  • Tourist accommodation with deck and cantilever verandah and outbuilding
    20A CAMPBELL RD PENWORTHAM SA 5453Decision Made

  • February 2025

  • Outbuilding (shed)
    7731 HORROCKS HWY PENWORTHAM SA 5453Decision Made
  • Solar photovoltaic panels (ground mounted)
    LOT 51 WILLOW GLEN PENWORTHAM SA 5453Decision Made
  • Change of use from existing winery production and storage shed to a function venue with a capacity of one hundred (100) patrons, verandah and carparking in association with an existing cellar door
    30 PENNA LANE PENWORTHAM SA 5453Under Assessment
2024· 3 proposals

  • December 2024

  • Detached dwelling
    LOT 31 HORROCKS RD PENWORTHAM SA 5453Under Assessment

  • October 2024

  • Single storey detached dwelling with carport and swimming pool w/ associated safety features
    LOT 51 WILLOW GLEN PENWORTHAM SA 5453Decision Made

  • April 2024

  • Land division (boundary realignment - 2 into 2 allotments)
    7851 HORROCKS HWY PENWORTHAM SA 5453;LOT 6 HORROCKS HWY PENWORTHAM SA 5453Decision Made
2023· 8 proposals

  • December 2023

  • Verandah
    7695 HORROCKS HWY PENWORTHAM SA 5453Decision Made
  • Alterations and additions to the existing dwelling including breezeway to the existing dwelling and associated retaining walls
    69 CAMPBELL RD PENWORTHAM SA 5453Decision Made

  • November 2023

  • Change of use from Detached Dwelling to Tourist Accommodation, consolidation of existing party walls so as to be compliant with NCC and minor upgrades to access and sanitary facilities.
    11 HORROCKS RD PENWORTHAM SA 5453Under Assessment

  • October 2023

  • Outbuilding (shed)
    LOT 4 HORROCKS RD PENWORTHAM SA 5453Decision Made
  • Single storey detached dwelling with outbuilding (shed) and rain water tank
    334 HUGHES PARK RD PENWORTHAM SA 5453Decision Made

  • August 2023

  • Carport
    27 SURREY LANE PENWORTHAM SA 5453Decision Made

  • May 2023

  • Partial conversion of an existing outbuilding (shed) to tourist accommodation
    87 HORROCKS RD PENWORTHAM SA 5453Decision Made

  • April 2023

  • Swimming pool and safety fence
    24 MORRISON RD PENWORTHAM SA 5453Decision Made
2022· 5 proposals

  • December 2022

  • Variation to DA 21023704 - alterations to the design of the tourist accommodation units including increase in overall height, increase in the finished floor level (FFL), changes to the external facades and reduction in the size of the associated decks
    19 SURREY LANE PENWORTHAM SA 5453Decision Made
  • Construction of eleven (11) tourist accommodation suites with associated verandahs and decking, signage, service sheds, rainwater tanks and ground-mounted solar photovoltaic panels
    752 JOLLY WAY POLISH HILL RIVER SA 5453;897 SPRING FARM RD PENWORTHAM SA 5453Under Assessment

  • August 2022

  • Agricultural building (implement storage)
    123 PEARCE RD PENWORTHAM SA 5453Decision Made

  • March 2022

  • Shed (store) with attached verandah
    7911 HORROCKS HWY PENWORTHAM SA 5453Decision Made
  • Outbuildings (new shed and extension to existing shed)
    7814 HORROCKS HWY PENWORTHAM SA 5453Decision Made
2021· 6 proposals

  • September 2021

  • Single Storey Timber Framed Dwelling
    78 HORROCKS RD PENWORTHAM SA 5453Decision Made

  • August 2021

  • Domestic shed 9.0m x 7.5m x 2.7m
    30 TATKANA RD PENWORTHAM SA 5453Decision Made
  • Tourist Accommodation in the form of 3 separate one-bedroom buildings
    19 SURREY LANE PENWORTHAM SA 5453Under Assessment

  • July 2021

  • Domestic Outbuilding (Garage)
    7695 HORROCKS HWY PENWORTHAM SA 5453Decision Made

  • April 2021

  • 2x Tourist Accommodation Units (self-contained) with associated Signage
    LOT 5 CAMPBELL RD PENWORTHAM SA 5453Decision Made

  • February 2021

  • Domestic Outbuilding
    55 HORROCKS RD PENWORTHAM SA 5453Decision Made
2020· 1 proposal

  • November 2020

  • Detached dwelling
    LOT 4 HORROCKS RD PENWORTHAM SA 5453Decision Made

Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)

Development and planning activity

Data sources & freshness

Heritage

10 heritage places

  • John Horrock's (sometime Green's) Cottage & ShedHorrocks Highway (formerly Main North Road) PENWORTHAMState heritage
  • Cottage (Apple Shed)7867 Horrocks Highway PENWORTHAMLocal heritage
  • Cottage (Dave Jenner)Main North Road PENWORTHAMLocal heritage
  • Cottage (G.D. Young)Main North Road PENWORTHAMLocal heritage
  • Cottage (Mathy's)Main North Road PENWORTHAMLocal heritage
  • Flour Mill Ruins, Manager's ResidenceMain North Road PENWORTHAMLocal heritage
  • Horrock's TreePawleski Road PENWORTHAMLocal heritage
  • Penwortham CemeteryPawelski Road PENWORTHAMLocal heritage
  • St. Mark's Church of England, Cemetery & ParsonagePawelski Road PENWORTHAMLocal heritage
  • Suicide HillSeipelt Lane PENWORTHAMLocal heritage

Data sources & freshness

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

Politics & representation

Federal electorate
Grey
Member of Parliament
Tom VENNING (Liberal)
Results from
2025 federal election
Electorate enrolment (2025)
128,707
Turnout (2025)
89.4%
Swing since 2022 (2025)
+5.4 pp toward Labor

Two-party preferred (2025)

Coalition 54.6%Labor 45.4%

Estimated suburb voting profile

Estimated from 8 nearby ordinary polling places (up to 27.7 km away).

Coalition 58.6%Labor 41.4%

4.0 percentage points more Coalition-leaning than the electorate

Estimated swing since 2022: +2.5 pp toward Labor

Nearest polling places

  • WatervaleLabor 44.0% · Coalition 56.0% TPP (2025)4.3 km away
  • ClareLabor 37.2% · Coalition 62.8% TPP (2025)8.6 km away
  • AuburnLabor 47.4% · Coalition 52.6% TPP (2025)12.1 km away
  • BlythLabor 32.7% · Coalition 67.3% TPP (2025)16.5 km away
  • Farrell FlatLabor 30.4% · Coalition 69.6% TPP (2025)17.4 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)
8/10
IRSD decile (2021)
8/10

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

More in Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council

Other suburbs in the same local government area.

Comparable suburbs

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