🔍

Macclesfield

SA 5153 • Rest of SA

1,413
Population (2021)
$83,460
Median Household Income
37.46 km²
Area
$308/wk
Median Rent
RuralAdelaide HillsHistoricCountry TownAffordable

About Macclesfield

Macclesfield is a charming small town on the upper reaches of the River Angas in the Adelaide Hills region of South Australia. With a population of around 1,400, it's located in the District Council of Mount Barker, approximately 45 kilometres southeast of Adelaide. The town retains its historic character with heritage buildings and a strong sense of community.

Life in Macclesfield offers a genuine country town experience with the convenience of Adelaide Hills amenities nearby. The area features acreage properties, hobby farms, and established family homes set among rolling hills and vineyards. Residents enjoy access to local shops, the Macclesfield Hotel, and nearby Strathalbyn's heritage precinct. The town attracts tree-changers, retirees, and families seeking affordable rural living within commuting distance of Adelaide.

Macclesfield falls under postcode 5153 and is governed by Alexandrina Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Heysen electorate.

📍 Location

State
South Australia
Postcode
5153
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Alexandrina
Federal Electorate
Mayo
State Electorate
Heysen
Type
Rural
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-35.18°, 138.84°
Statistical Area
Rest of SA
Area
37.46 km²
Elevation
292m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$308
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,500
Avg Household Size
2.4 people
Median Age
47 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
0.5%

0 state housing + 3 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Local/school buses — Mount Barker 20-25 min
  • Limited service — Adelaide 70-80 min

Commute to Adelaide

Distance
45 km
By Bus
70-80 min (limited)
By Car (Peak)
50-60 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
45-50 min

🛣️ Car essential; Mount Barker has more services (20 min); Strathalbyn 15 min

Walkability Car-Dependent

Town centre walkable for basics; car needed for most services

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,352
Census 2021
1,413
▲ 4.5% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$34,892
Personal Income 2021
$41,132
▲ 17.9% 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
$41,132 / yr
$791/wk
Household
$83,460 / yr
$1605/wk
Family
$105,924 / yr
$2037/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,155
Born Overseas 180

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 108
  • 2. Germany 15
  • 3. Scotland 10
  • 4. Netherlands 8
  • 5. Iran 7
  • 6. Chile 5
  • 7. Philippines 5
  • 8. South Africa 5
  • 9. New Zealand 4
  • 10. Papua New Guinea 4

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 712
Australian 555
German 183
Scottish 181
Irish 107
Dutch 52
Italian 40
Polish 15
Welsh 14
French 13

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

906
Both parents born in Australia
261
Both parents born overseas
165
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
62.2%
Christianity
28.8%
Buddhism
0.8%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
66 (4.7%)
5-14 years
150 (10.6%)
15-19 years
66 (4.7%)
20-24 years
80 (5.7%)
25-34 years
162 (11.5%)
35-44 years
144 (10.2%)
45-54 years
207 (14.6%)
55-64 years
250 (17.7%)
65-74 years
207 (14.6%)
75-84 years
70 (5.0%)
85+ years
11 (0.8%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Macclesfield known for? +

Macclesfield is a charming small town on the upper reaches of the River Angas in the Adelaide Hills region of South Australia. Life in Macclesfield offers a genuine country town experience with the convenience of Adelaide Hills amenities nearby.

How far is Macclesfield from Adelaide CBD? +

Macclesfield is approximately 45 kilometres from Adelaide CBD, with a typical drive taking around 54-81 minutes depending on traffic and route taken.

Does Macclesfield have public transport? +

Macclesfield has limited public transport options. The area is best accessed by private vehicle, with connections to larger regional centres for broader services.

What is the population of Macclesfield? +

According to the 2021 Census, Macclesfield has a population of approximately 1,413 residents, a modest but established community. The suburb falls within the Alexandrina (District Council) local government area.

Is Macclesfield a good place to live? +

Macclesfield offers a comfortable suburban lifestyle with access to local parks, shops, and community services. It suits a broad range of residents including families, professionals, and retirees looking for a connected and well-serviced neighbourhood.

What is the postcode for Macclesfield? +

The postcode for Macclesfield, SA is 5153. This postcode covers Macclesfield and may also serve nearby localities within the same postcode zone.

What is the average income in Macclesfield? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Macclesfield is about $791 per week (around $41,100 per year). The median household income is $1,605 per week and the median family income is $2,037 per week.

What is the age profile of Macclesfield? +

The median age in Macclesfield is 47. The largest age group is 55–64 (250 residents, around 18%). Around 20% of residents are under 20 and about 20% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in Macclesfield? +

In Macclesfield, the median weekly rent is $308, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,500 (2021 Census).