Median house price
—
No data available
SA · Grant Council
Tarpeena, 5277
Est. population · Jun 2025
373
Growth (1 yr)
+0.8%
Growth (5 yr)
+4.2%
Median age
52
Median income
$960/wk
Employment rate
49.7%
Languages at home
Mostly English at home
2021 Census · usual residence
Desirability score
- High desirability
Suburb profile
Tarpeena is a quieter smaller community in Grant Council, where peace, space and a country-town pace still dominate. An older demographic makes it especially popular with retirees, with multiple generations sharing the same neighbourhood. The pace is unhurried, with local businesses and community spots doing the heavy lifting.
Open space is thinner than in many regional towns, so residents often travel a little further for a longer park day. A car helps for most daily errands, with fewer amenities clustered within an easy walk. Housing is more affordable than in many parts of the state.
Crime trends have improved of late compared with the previous period. Tree-lined streets and established homes set the tone, with little pressure to reinvent the neighbourhood.
Versus similar regional towns, the suburb reads below average on desirability, chiefly because local dining and lifestyle amenities trail behind. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.
At a glance
Tarpeena snapshot
A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk
Median rent
—
No data available
Population (ERP)
373
+0.8% annual growth
Dwelling vacancy
12.1%
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
#122
among Country & regional · Mature
Safety
59th
percentile in state (higher = safer)
Pop. growth
66th
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
- 26.3/100 — Below average
- National rank
- 6112th in Australia
- State rank
- 610th in SA
- Peer rank
- #122 among Country & regional · Mature suburbs
- Cohort rank
- #206 among Country & regional suburbs
- Data confidence
- 52%
Data sources & freshness
- Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
Population
Estimated resident population
373(June 2025)
+0.8% annual · +4.2% over 5 years · 66th percentile in SA
Growth figures & methodology
- Annual growth
- +0.8%
- 5-year growth
- +4.2%
- Change in 1 year
- +3
- Change in 5 years
- +15
- Growth rank in SA
- 66th 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 (~400), extrapolated at +1.3% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.
2021 Census figures
2021 Census
- Population
- 392
- Median age
- 52
- Median household income / week
- $960
- Dwelling vacancy
- 12.1%
- Unoccupied private dwellings
- 25 of 206
- Median monthly mortgage
- $793
- Employment rate
- 49.7%
- Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
- 173 / 7 / 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)
- 16
- Against the person
- 11
- Against property
- 5
- Rate per 1,000 residents
- 42.9
- Person-crime prevalence
- About 1 in 36 residents
- State safety percentile
- 59.2th (lower crime is better)
- Family & domestic abuse offences
- 25
- Decrease (daily rate)
- -15.6%
Most common offence types
- Dangerous Or Negligent Acts1
- Other Unlawful Entry With Intent1
- Sct - Residence1
- Serious Assault Not Resulting In Injury6
- Serious Assault 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
- Mount Gambier and Districts 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)
- 6
- Participants per 1,000 residents
- 16.1
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
- 22° / 12°
- Rainfall
- 103 mm · ~13 rainy days
Autumn (Mar–May)
- Usual max / min
- 19° / 10°
- Rainfall
- 186 mm · ~23 rainy days
Winter (Jun–Aug)
- Usual max / min
- 14° / 7°
- Rainfall
- 325 mm · ~41 rainy days
Spring (Sep–Nov)
- Usual max / min
- 17° / 9°
- Rainfall
- 210 mm · ~26 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· 2 proposals
May 2026
- Outbuilding (Garage)LOT 1 HALL ST TARPEENA SA 5277Decision Made
March 2026
- Construction of a small Workshop and Storeroom Building (16m x 6m) inside the NeXTimber GLT/CLT manufacturing facility.14 -18 RIDDOCH HWY TARPEENA SA 5277;6 RIDDOCH HWY TARPEENA SA 5277Decision Made
2025· 9 proposals
December 2025
- Land Division - Realignment of Boundaries245 AVONDALE RD TARPEENA SA 5277;LOT 21 AVONDALE RD TARPEENA SA 5277Decision Made
November 2025
- Outbuilding173 CHUCK RD TARPEENA SA 5277Decision Made
September 2025
- Detached Dwelling7 ALBINIA TCE E TARPEENA SA 5277Decision Made
- Outbuilding7 DRAPER ST W TARPEENA SA 5277Decision Made
August 2025
- Outbuilding for battery charging6 RIDDOCH HWY TARPEENA SA 5277Decision Made
July 2025
- Change of Use - Convert existing Building on Site to Ancillary Accommodation12 EDWARD ST TARPEENA SA 5277Decision Made
June 2025
- Outbuilding17 MOSQUITO TCE TARPEENA SA 5277Decision Made
May 2025
- Supply and installation of advertising signage associated with the NeXTimber facility and road signage for gate 3 at the southern end of the NeXTimber building14 -18 RIDDOCH HWY TARPEENA SA 5277;4 MARTIN CR TARPEENA SA 5277;6 RIDDOCH HWY TARPEENA SA 5277Decision Made
February 2025
- Land Division (1 into 2)7 MCEWIN AV TARPEENA SA 5277Decision Made
2024· 7 proposals
December 2024
- 40m x 34m x 8m Storage shed (for storage and grading of potatoes)191 AVONDALE RD TARPEENA SA 5277Decision Made
October 2024
- Verandah attached to rear of existing dwelling6 FRANCIS TCE E TARPEENA SA 5277Decision Made
- Detached Dwelling with garage under main roof (to replace existing dwelling to be demolished)22 PLEASANT PARK RD TARPEENA SA 5277Decision Made
August 2024
- Outbuilding8 EDWARD ST TARPEENA SA 5277Decision Made
July 2024
- Change of Land Use - Convert Former Primary School to a Dwelling (Class 1a)12 EDWARD ST TARPEENA SA 5277Decision Made
April 2024
- Enclosure of the rear half (7m x 5.3m) an existing 11m long carport to be a shed (outbuilding)14 WARING ST E TARPEENA SA 5277Decision Made
February 2024
- Land Division (1 into 2 allotments)72 RIDDOCH HWY TARPEENA SA 5277Decision Made
2023· 10 proposals
December 2023
- Outbuilding and Carport8 WARING ST W TARPEENA SA 5277Decision Made
November 2023
- Industrial Shed attached to existing Timber Mill to house new 4 Point Static Tester for Quality Assurance6 RIDDOCH HWY TARPEENA SA 5277Decision Made
September 2023
- Carport and Outbuilding14 WARING ST E TARPEENA SA 5277Decision Made
August 2023
- Lean-to attached to an existing building6 RIDDOCH HWY TARPEENA SA 5277Decision Made
May 2023
- Outbuilding12 WARING ST E TARPEENA SA 5277Decision Made
April 2023
- Carpark extension and relocation of site access/exit, and fencing and landscaping; including entrance & carparking signage and Outdoor (Picnic) Shelter4 MARTIN CR TARPEENA SA 5277;6 RIDDOCH HWY TARPEENA SA 5277;LOT 51 RIDDOCH HWY TARPEENA SA 5277Decision Made
- Construct new Verandah and Outbuilding attached to an existing football clubroomsLOT 374 EDWARD ST TARPEENA SA 5277Decision Made
- Compressor Room Building, and Office Building including lunchroom and amenities4 MARTIN CR TARPEENA SA 5277Under Assessment
February 2023
- Outbuilding9 DRAPER ST W TARPEENA SA 5277Decision Made
January 2023
- Dwelling Addition, Verandah, Carport and Garage3 ALBINIA TCE E TARPEENA SA 5277Decision Made
2022· 3 proposals
December 2022
- Detached Dwelling and Verandah7 ARTHUR ST TARPEENA SA 5277Decision Made
February 2022
- Change of Use - Convert Tourist Accommodation Building to Private Dwelling (Class 1B to Class 1A)5 FRANCIS TCE E TARPEENA SA 5277Decision Made
January 2022
- General industry in the form of a new timber treatment plant facility (Light Organic Solvent Preservative).6 RIDDOCH HWY TARPEENA SA 5277Decision Made
2021· 4 proposals
December 2021
- Agricultural Building19217 RIDDOCH HWY TARPEENA SA 5277Decision Made
September 2021
- Dwelling Additions26 RIDDOCH HWY TARPEENA SA 5277Decision Made
June 2021
- Relocation of a Transportable DwellingLOT 1 WHITINGTON SQ TARPEENA SA 5277Decision Made
April 2021
- Construction of a Shed (194m x 72m), Installation of a Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) and Glue Laminated Timber(GLT) manufacturing facility, upgrading of the access driveway junction with the Riddoch Highway and construction of a stormwater retention basin14-18 RIDDOCH HWY TARPEENA SA 5277;4 MARTIN CR TARPEENA SA 5277;6 RIDDOCH HWY TARPEENA SA 5277Decision Made
2020· 5 proposals
October 2020
- Carport9 WRIGHT ST TARPEENA SA 5277Decision Made
- Carport17 DRAPER ST W TARPEENA SA 5277Decision Made
September 2020
- To construct a carport with roller doors at the side of the house and a lean-to style verandah at the rear of the house.8 MCENCROE RD TARPEENA SA 5277Decision Made
- Carport & Dwelling Alterations9 MORPHETT TCE TARPEENA SA 5277Decision Made
- Dwelling Alterations, Verandah (Pergola) & Deck58 RIDDOCH HWY TARPEENA SA 5277Decision 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
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 19.6 km away).
Coalition 64.2%Labor 35.8%
1.2 percentage points more Coalition-leaning than the electorate
Estimated swing since 2022: +2.3 pp toward Labor
Nearest polling places
- KalangadooLabor 30.2% · Coalition 69.8% TPP (2025)12.4 km away
- NangwarryLabor 41.6% · Coalition 58.4% TPP (2025)12.6 km away
- Mil-LelLabor 27.5% · Coalition 72.5% TPP (2025)14.9 km away
- SuttontownLabor 39.6% · Coalition 60.4% TPP (2025)16.3 km away
- GlencoeLabor 32.9% · Coalition 67.1% TPP (2025)16.9 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)
- 1/10
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 Grant Council
Other suburbs in the same local government area.
Comparable suburbs
Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of South Australia.