McLaren Flat

SA 5171 • Greater Adelaide

1,625
Population (2021)
$110,708
Median Household Income
27.92 km²
Area
$350/wk
Median Rent
Wine RegionRuralLifestyleFamily-FriendlyFleurieu Peninsula

About McLaren Flat

McLaren Flat is a charming rural locality in the McLaren Vale wine region on the Fleurieu Peninsula, approximately 40 km south of Adelaide. With a population of around 1,530 and a median age of 40-59, it is a well-established community within the City of Onkaparinga. The area is surrounded by vineyards and almond orchards, giving it a distinctly pastoral character.

Living in McLaren Flat means being at the heart of one of Australia’s premier wine regions, with dozens of cellar doors within a short drive. The 86% owner-occupancy rate and median house prices around $900,000-$1.1 million reflect its appeal to families and tree-changers seeking a semi-rural lifestyle. The locality offers a village atmosphere with the nearby towns of McLaren Vale and Willunga providing cafes, markets, and community events.

McLaren Flat falls under postcode 5171 and is governed by Onkaparinga Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Mawson electorate.

📰 Featured In

💰 Top 50 Suburbs in South Australia by Median Household Income

📍 Location

Postcode
5171
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Rural
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-35.20°, 138.61°
Statistical Area
Greater Adelaide
Area
27.92 km²
Elevation
133m

🏷️ Property Prices March quarter 2026

Median sale prices in McLaren Flat for the March quarter 2026. Median house sale prices published by the Office of the Valuer-General SA (Adelaide metropolitan area).

🏡House
$1.11M
7 sales · YoY n/a

Source: Office of the Valuer-General SA — Metropolitan Median House Sales. Houses only — South Australia does not publish a unit/apartment series. Medians are for the latest quarter; year-on-year change is shown only where both quarters had at least 10 sales.

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$350
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,786
Avg Household Size
3 people
Median Age
40 years

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Adelaide Metro 751 — McLaren Vale, Noarlunga Centre 20-30min

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
40 km
By Bus
1h 15min (via Noarlunga interchange)
By Car (Peak)
50min
By Car (Off-Peak)
40min

🛣️ No direct train. Bus to Noarlunga Centre then Seaford line train to Adelaide, or drive via Main South Road / Southern Expressway.

Walkability Car-Dependent

Very car-dependent rural locality. No footpaths or local shops. McLaren Vale township (5 km) is the nearest service centre.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,537
Census 2021
1,625
5.7% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$39,884
Personal Income 2021
$43,784
9.8% 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
$43,784 / yr
$842/wk
Household
$110,708 / yr
$2129/wk
Family
$117,624 / yr
$2262/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,287
Born Overseas 253

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 160
  • 2. Scotland 14
  • 3. Germany 10
  • 4. New Zealand 10
  • 5. Ireland 7
  • 6. Italy 7
  • 7. Thailand 7
  • 8. South Africa 6
  • 9. Taiwan 5
  • 10. Brazil 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 877
Australian 677
Scottish 187
Irish 139
German 117
Italian 69
Dutch 25
Welsh 20
Australian Aboriginal 16
Polish 14

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

958
Both parents born in Australia
359
Both parents born overseas
223
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
58.5%
Christianity
33.1%
Buddhism
0.8%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
92 (5.7%)
5-14 years
275 (16.9%)
15-19 years
135 (8.3%)
20-24 years
70 (4.3%)
25-34 years
119 (7.3%)
35-44 years
244 (15.0%)
45-54 years
271 (16.7%)
55-64 years
191 (11.8%)
65-74 years
145 (8.9%)
75-84 years
72 (4.4%)
85+ years
9 (0.6%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is McLaren Flat known for? +

McLaren Flat is a charming rural locality in the McLaren Vale wine region on the Fleurieu Peninsula, approximately 40 km south of Adelaide. Living in McLaren Flat means being at the heart of one of Australia’s premier wine regions, with dozens of cellar doors within a short drive.

How far is McLaren Flat from Adelaide CBD? +

McLaren Flat is approximately some distance from Adelaide CBD, with a typical drive taking around 30-60 minutes depending on traffic and route taken.

Does McLaren Flat have public transport? +

McLaren Flat 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 McLaren Flat? +

According to the 2021 Census, McLaren Flat has a population of approximately 1,625 residents, a modest but established community. The suburb falls within the Onkaparinga (City) local government area.

Is McLaren Flat a good place to live? +

McLaren Flat is a well-regarded family-friendly suburb with parks, schools, and a welcoming community atmosphere. Its residential character and local amenities make it a popular choice for families settling in the area.

What is the postcode for McLaren Flat? +

The postcode for McLaren Flat, SA is 5171. This postcode covers McLaren Flat and may also serve nearby localities within the same postcode zone.

What is the average income in McLaren Flat? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in McLaren Flat is about $842 per week (around $43,800 per year). The median household income is $2,129 per week and the median family income is $2,262 per week.

What is the median house price in McLaren Flat? +

As of March quarter 2026, the median house price is $1,112,000. Figures are based on Office of the Valuer-General SA — Metropolitan Median House Sales.

What is the age profile of McLaren Flat? +

The median age in McLaren Flat is 40. The largest age group is 5–14 (275 residents, around 17%). Around 31% of residents are under 20 and about 14% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in McLaren Flat? +

In McLaren Flat, the median weekly rent is $350, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,786 (2021 Census).