🔍

Mount Barker

SA 5251 • Greater Adelaide

18,330
Population (2021)
$84,448
Median Household Income
37.90 km²
Area
$350/wk
Median Rent
Adelaide HillsGrowth TownCool ClimateWine Country

About Mount Barker

Mount Barker is South Australia's fastest-growing regional centre, a thriving town of 18,300 residents in the Adelaide Hills, 33 kilometres southeast of the CBD. The freeway provides fast city access, transforming Mount Barker from country town to commuter hub. The elevation of 360 metres offers cooler climate and genuine Hills character.

The town blends country atmosphere with suburban growth—heritage main street charm meets expanding new estates. The Adelaide Hills wine region surrounds the area, offering weekend lifestyle appeal. Mount Barker attracts families seeking Hills living with city accessibility, tree-changers wanting space, and those who appreciate cooler climate and genuine community.

Mount Barker falls under postcode 5251 and is governed by Mount Barker Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Kavel electorate.

📍 Location

State
South Australia
Postcode
5251
Urban Area
Mount Barker
LGA / Council
Mount Barker
Federal Electorate
Mayo
State Electorate
Kavel
Type
Urban
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-35.08°, 138.87°
Statistical Area
Greater Adelaide
Area
37.90 km²
Elevation
329m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$350
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,603
Avg Household Size
2.5 people
Median Age
36 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
5%

278 state housing + 75 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Local bus services — Adelaide CBD Varies

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
30 km
By Train
Train access via local station
By Car (Peak)
45-70 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
35-55 min

🛣️ Located 30 km from Adelaide CBD

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Some errands can be done on foot near the local centre, but most residents rely on a car for daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    Cameron Street Mount Barker 5251 SA

🎓 Schools

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
13,842
Census 2021
18,330
▲ 32.4% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$33,384
Personal Income 2021
$42,380
▲ 26.9% 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
$42,380 / yr
$815/wk
Household
$84,448 / yr
$1624/wk
Family
$105,976 / yr
$2038/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 14,582
Born Overseas 3,097

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 1,080
  • 2. South Africa 239
  • 3. New Zealand 160
  • 4. India 154
  • 5. Philippines 137
  • 6. Scotland 120
  • 7. Germany 112
  • 8. Netherlands 88
  • 9. United States 78
  • 10. Malaysia 67

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 8,604
Australian 7,115
German 2,151
Scottish 1,902
Irish 1,640
Italian 597
Dutch 518
Australian Aboriginal 286
Indian 201
Filipino 199

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

11,087
Both parents born in Australia
4,031
Both parents born overseas
2,505
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
53.0%
Christianity
38.1%
Buddhism
1.0%
Hinduism
0.6%
Islam
0.5%
Sikhism
0.3%
Judaism
0.0%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
1,247 (6.8%)
5-14 years
2,390 (13.0%)
15-19 years
1,084 (5.9%)
20-24 years
1,207 (6.6%)
25-34 years
2,750 (15.0%)
35-44 years
2,479 (13.5%)
45-54 years
2,221 (12.1%)
55-64 years
1,792 (9.8%)
65-74 years
1,766 (9.6%)
75-84 years
1,007 (5.5%)
85+ years
384 (2.1%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mount Barker known for? +

Mount Barker is a well-established residential suburb in Mount Barker, SA, with a population of approximately 18,330 residents. The suburb is valued for its local schools, parks, and community facilities.

How far is Mount Barker from Adelaide CBD? +

Mount Barker is approximately 30 kilometres from Adelaide CBD, typically a 35-55 min drive outside peak hours.

Does Mount Barker have public transport? +

Mount Barker is served by local bus services connecting to the broader SA network. Nearby train stations provide access to Adelaide CBD.

What is the population of Mount Barker? +

According to the 2021 Census, Mount Barker has a population of approximately 18,330 residents.

Is Mount Barker a good place to live? +

Mount Barker offers a practical and liveable lifestyle with local schools, parks, and shopping. With a median income around $47,936, it attracts a broad demographic mix.

What is the postcode for Mount Barker? +

The postcode for Mount Barker, SA is 5251.

What is the average income in Mount Barker? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Mount Barker is about $815 per week (around $42,400 per year). The median household income is $1,624 per week and the median family income is $2,038 per week.

What is the age profile of Mount Barker? +

The median age in Mount Barker is 36. The largest age group is 25–34 (2,750 residents, around 15%). Around 26% of residents are under 20 and about 17% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in Mount Barker? +

In Mount Barker, the median weekly rent is $350, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,603 (2021 Census).