🔍

Kapunda

SA 5373 • Rest of SA

2,947
Population (2021)
$59,280
Median Household Income
83.67 km²
Area
$246/wk
Median Rent
HistoricRuralWine RegionHeritageAffordable

About Kapunda

Kapunda is a historic rural town situated on the Light River, approximately 77 kilometres north of Adelaide in South Australia's Light Regional Council area. With a population of around 2,947, it sits at an elevation of 287 metres on the edge of the renowned Barossa Valley wine region. The town was established following the discovery of significant copper deposits in 1842, making it one of South Australia's earliest mining settlements, and its rich Cornish, Irish and Welsh heritage is still visible in its 19th-century streetscapes.

Kapunda offers a charming range of services including local shops, a high school, medical facilities, and heritage tourism experiences linked to its mining history. The iconic statue of Map Kernow — a traditional Cornish miner — greets visitors at the southern entrance. Residents enjoy a quiet rural lifestyle with easy access to Barossa Valley wineries, and the town attracts retirees and families seeking an affordable, community-oriented alternative to city living. The median age of 49 reflects its appeal to established households and tree-changers.

Kapunda falls under postcode 5373 and is governed by Light Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Ngadjuri electorate.

📍 Location

State
South Australia
Postcode
5373
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Light
Federal Electorate
Barker
State Electorate
Ngadjuri
Type
Rural
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-34.32°, 138.91°
Statistical Area
Rest of SA
Area
83.67 km²
Elevation
287m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$246
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,127
Avg Household Size
2.3 people
Median Age
49 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
2.6%

27 state housing + 5 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Regional coach — Adelaide (via Gawler) 90 min

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
77 km
By Train
No direct service (train line closed)
By Bus
Approx. 90 min via regional coach through Gawler
By Car (Peak)
60 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
55 min

🛣️ Most residents commute by car via the Kapunda Road to Gawler then the Northern Expressway

Walkability Car-Dependent

A compact town centre is walkable for locals, but most services and commuting require a car. The historic main street has a modest cluster of shops within easy walking distance for residents.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,917
Census 2021
2,947
▲ 1.0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$27,976
Personal Income 2021
$32,500
▲ 16.2% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$32,500 / yr
$625/wk
Household
$59,280 / yr
$1140/wk
Family
$77,480 / yr
$1490/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,441
Born Overseas 381

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 220
  • 2. Scotland 24
  • 3. New Zealand 18
  • 4. Germany 14
  • 5. Netherlands 10
  • 6. Philippines 8
  • 7. Italy 7
  • 8. United States 7
  • 9. Canada 6
  • 10. Ireland 5

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,342
Australian 1,248
German 421
Scottish 313
Irish 312
Italian 61
Dutch 37
Australian Aboriginal 36
Welsh 25
Polish 23

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,972
Both parents born in Australia
499
Both parents born overseas
320
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
51.2%
Christianity
40.9%
Buddhism
0.6%
Hinduism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
143 (4.9%)
5-14 years
332 (11.3%)
15-19 years
152 (5.2%)
20-24 years
119 (4.0%)
25-34 years
289 (9.8%)
35-44 years
290 (9.8%)
45-54 years
343 (11.6%)
55-64 years
493 (16.7%)
65-74 years
426 (14.5%)
75-84 years
279 (9.5%)
85+ years
79 (2.7%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kapunda known for? +

Kapunda is known as the site of Australia's first copper mine, discovered in 1842. The town has significant heritage architecture including mining-era buildings, and is close to the Barossa Valley wine region. It is one of South Australia's most historically significant country towns.

How far is Kapunda from Adelaide? +

Kapunda is approximately 80 kilometres north of Adelaide, with a drive time of around 75-85 minutes via the Sturt Highway or Gawler road network.

Does Kapunda have public transport? +

Kapunda has limited coach services to Adelaide. The Gawler Central Line provides rail services to Adelaide at Gawler (approximately 25 km away). A car is the most practical transport option for residents.

What is the population of Kapunda? +

According to the 2021 Census, Kapunda has a population of approximately 2,947 residents within the Light Regional Council local government area.

Is Kapunda a good place to live? +

Kapunda offers a historic country town lifestyle within easy reach of the Barossa Valley wine region and Adelaide. It suits families, retirees, and lifestyle seekers who value heritage character, affordable housing, and a strong country community spirit.

What is the postcode for Kapunda? +

The postcode for Kapunda is 5373.

What is the average income in Kapunda? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Kapunda is about $625 per week (around $32,500 per year). The median household income is $1,140 per week and the median family income is $1,490 per week.

What is the age profile of Kapunda? +

The median age in Kapunda is 49. The largest age group is 55–64 (493 residents, around 17%). Around 21% of residents are under 20 and about 27% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in Kapunda? +

In Kapunda, the median weekly rent is $246, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,127 (2021 Census).