🔍

Meningie

SA 5264 • Rest of SA

1,118
Population (2021)
$53,144
Median Household Income
375.57 km²
Area
$200/wk
Median Rent
LakesideRuralRetiree-HavenPeacefulAffordable
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About Meningie

Meningie is a small lakeside town situated on the south-eastern shore of Lake Albert in South Australia's Murray and Mallee region, approximately 108 kilometres south-east of Adelaide within the Coorong District Council area. With a population of 1,118 and a median age of 55, it is a well-established community with a significantly older demographic, reflecting its character as a peaceful regional town popular with retirees and long-term residents. The town sits at the gateway to the Coorong National Park and has a rich history dating back to its survey in 1866.

Meningie is centred on Lake Albert, offering fishing, birdwatching, and access to the remarkable Coorong wetlands — a Ramsar-listed waterway system stretching over 130 kilometres along the South Australian coast. The Princes Highway passes through the town, providing the main connection to Adelaide and the South East. Local amenities include a hotel, general stores, and a primary school, while the relaxed lakeside setting and access to nature make Meningie a draw for travellers, anglers, and those seeking an affordable, quiet lifestyle.

Meningie falls under postcode 5264 and is governed by the The Coorong Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Barker, while state elections fall under the MacKillop electorate.

📍 Location

State
South Australia
Postcode
5264
Urban Area
Meningie
LGA / Council
The Coorong
Federal Electorate
Barker
State Electorate
MacKillop
Type
Urban
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-35.73°, 139.33°
Statistical Area
Rest of SA
Area
375.57 km²
Population Density
3 /km²
Elevation
5m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 5264

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 5264, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$39,302
Median 2023–24
$45,087
▲ 14.7% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$52,953

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 5264; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

Census personal income 2016 vs 2021

Personal Income 2016
$25,636
Personal Income 2021
$31,564
▲ 23.1% increase

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

2021 Census income breakdown

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

Personal
$31,564 / yr
$607/wk
Household
$53,144 / yr
$1022/wk
Family
$68,744 / yr
$1322/wk
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$200
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,000
Avg Household Size
2.1 people
Median Age
55 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
5.9%

18 state housing + 9 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • SouthLink coach services — Adelaide CBD Approx. 1 hr 45 min

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
108 km
By Train
No direct rail service; SouthLink coach from Meningie to Adelaide
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 15 min - 1 hr 30 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr - 1 hr 15 min

🛣️ Princes Highway is the main route; SouthLink coach service connects to Adelaide

Walkability Car-Dependent

Small town with a handful of local services walkable in the town centre, but most errands and all major shopping require a car

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

  • 🏫
    Meningie Area School
    1 North Terrace
    GovernmentPrimary/Secondary CombinedCoedNon-Denominational

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,118
Census 2021
1,118
▲ 0.0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 878
Born Overseas 92

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 31
  • 2. Netherlands 9
  • 3. Germany 8
  • 4. Philippines 7
  • 5. India 6
  • 6. Italy 5
  • 7. New Zealand 4
  • 8. Scotland 4
  • 9. South Africa 4
  • 10. Cambodia 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 439
Australian 411
Australian Aboriginal 107
German 107
Scottish 89
Irish 77
Dutch 45
Italian 11
Chinese 7
Filipino 7

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace

768
Both parents born in Australia
114
Both parents born overseas
83
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
42.0%
No Religion
41.3%
Buddhism
0.6%
Islam
0.3%

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📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
44 (3.9%)
5-14 years
116 (10.4%)
15-19 years
45 (4.0%)
20-24 years
30 (2.7%)
25-34 years
120 (10.7%)
35-44 years
112 (10.0%)
45-54 years
96 (8.6%)
55-64 years
193 (17.3%)
65-74 years
195 (17.4%)
75-84 years
132 (11.8%)
85+ years
49 (4.4%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Meningie known for? +

Meningie is known for its picturesque position on the shores of Lake Albert and its proximity to the Coorong National Park, a Ramsar-listed wetland system renowned for birdwatching, fishing, and natural beauty. The town is also historically significant as one of the earliest European settlements in the region, established in 1866.

How far is Meningie from Adelaide CBD? +

Meningie is approximately 108 kilometres south-east of Adelaide CBD, typically a 1 to 1.5 hour drive via the Princes Highway.

Does Meningie have public transport? +

Meningie is served by SouthLink coach services connecting it to Adelaide. There is no rail service to the town; a car is the most practical way to get around locally.

What is the population of Meningie? +

According to the 2021 Census, Meningie has a population of 1,118 residents. The town has an older demographic, with a median age of 55, reflecting its popularity with retirees and long-term residents.

Is Meningie a good place to live? +

Meningie offers an affordable and tranquil lifestyle for those who appreciate lakeside living, fishing, and access to the Coorong's natural wonders. With a median weekly rent of around $200, it is one of the more affordable towns in South Australia, though urban amenities are limited.

What is the postcode for Meningie? +

The postcode for Meningie is 5264, covering the town and surrounding locality in the Coorong District Council area.

What is the average income in Meningie? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Meningie is about $607 per week (around $31,600 per year). The median household income is $1,022 per week and the median family income is $1,322 per week.

What is the age profile of Meningie? +

The median age in Meningie is 55. The largest age group is 65–74 (195 residents, around 17%). Around 18% of residents are under 20 and about 34% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in Meningie? +

In Meningie, the median weekly rent is $200, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,000 (2021 Census).