🔍

McLaren Vale

SA 5171 • Greater Adelaide

4,061
Population (2021)
$69,212
Median Household Income
58.53 km²
Area
$328/wk
Median Rent
Wine RegionLifestyleTourismRegional TownFood & Dining

About McLaren Vale

McLaren Vale is a major wine-region township in Adelaide's south, around 33 km from the CBD in the Onkaparinga area. The 2021 Census population in the dataset is 3,277, with a mix of long-term residents, hospitality workers and lifestyle newcomers. Internationally known for viticulture, the town anchors a broader food-and-wine tourism district. Its character blends village-scale services, heritage streets and surrounding vineyards.

Lifestyle in McLaren Vale centres on cellar doors, restaurants, local produce and weekend tourism, with beaches and hinterland attractions nearby. Residents have access to local schools and daily services, while larger employment and retail hubs are reached through Noarlunga and southern Adelaide. Public transport is mostly bus-based, and many households still rely on car travel for commuting. McLaren Vale appeals to families, retirees and lifestyle residents seeking a regional feel within metro reach.

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

📍 Location

State
South Australia
Postcode
5171
Urban Area
Onkaparinga - South
LGA / Council
Onkaparinga
Federal Electorate
Mayo
State Electorate
Mawson
Type
Urban
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-35.21°, 138.55°
Statistical Area
Greater Adelaide
Area
58.53 km²
Elevation
63m

🏷️ Property Prices March quarter 2026

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

🏡House
$950K
13 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)
$328
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,560
Avg Household Size
2.3 people
Median Age
54 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
0.9%

7 state housing + 8 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Seaford Station
8.5 km
Not walkable
Noarlunga Centre Station
9 km
Not walkable
Seaford Meadows Station
8.2 km
Not walkable

Bus Services

  • Adelaide Metro regional routes — Noarlunga Centre 25-45 min
  • Wine region and local connectors — Willunga / Aldinga / Seaford 20-40 min
  • CBD-bound services (with interchange) — Adelaide CBD 70-100 min total

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
33 km
By Train
55-75 min (bus/drive to Seaford Line + train)
By Bus
70-100 min
By Car (Peak)
45-70 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
35-50 min

🛣️ Road commuting is common; rail access is generally via nearby Seaford corridor stations.

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Town-centre amenities are walkable, but most work, schooling and inter-town trips rely on buses or cars.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    178 Main Road McLaren Vale 5171 SA

🎓 Schools

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
3,842
Census 2021
4,061
▲ 5.7% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$30,368
Personal Income 2021
$35,724
▲ 17.6% 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
$35,724 / yr
$687/wk
Household
$69,212 / yr
$1331/wk
Family
$92,144 / yr
$1772/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,821
Born Overseas 1,052

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 606
  • 2. Scotland 75
  • 3. New Zealand 49
  • 4. Italy 44
  • 5. Germany 36
  • 6. Netherlands 24
  • 7. South Africa 22
  • 8. Wales 21
  • 9. United States 20
  • 10. Canada 12

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 2,191
Australian 1,334
Scottish 499
Irish 377
German 309
Italian 189
Dutch 82
Welsh 43
Polish 31
Greek 29

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,080
Both parents born in Australia
1,303
Both parents born overseas
497
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
53.1%
Christianity
40.0%
Buddhism
0.5%
Islam
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
141 (3.5%)
5-14 years
406 (10.0%)
15-19 years
188 (4.6%)
20-24 years
165 (4.1%)
25-34 years
282 (6.9%)
35-44 years
396 (9.8%)
45-54 years
510 (12.6%)
55-64 years
632 (15.6%)
65-74 years
642 (15.8%)
75-84 years
503 (12.4%)
85+ years
196 (4.8%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is McLaren Vale known for? +

McLaren Vale is a major wine-region township in Adelaide's south, around 33 km from the CBD in the Onkaparinga area. Lifestyle in McLaren Vale centres on cellar doors, restaurants, local produce and weekend tourism, with beaches and hinterland attractions nearby.

How far is McLaren Vale from Adelaide CBD? +

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

Does McLaren Vale have public transport? +

McLaren Vale 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 Vale? +

According to the 2021 Census, McLaren Vale has a population of approximately 4,061 residents, a modest but established community. The suburb falls within the Onkaparinga (City) local government area.

Is McLaren Vale a good place to live? +

McLaren Vale 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 McLaren Vale? +

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

What is the average income in McLaren Vale? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in McLaren Vale is about $687 per week (around $35,700 per year). The median household income is $1,331 per week and the median family income is $1,772 per week.

What is the median house price in McLaren Vale? +

As of March quarter 2026, the median house price is $950,000. Figures are based on Office of the Valuer-General SA — Metropolitan Median House Sales.

What is the age profile of McLaren Vale? +

The median age in McLaren Vale is 54. The largest age group is 65–74 (642 residents, around 16%). Around 18% of residents are under 20 and about 33% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in McLaren Vale? +

In McLaren Vale, the median weekly rent is $328, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,560 (2021 Census).