🔍

Mount Gambier

SA 5290 • Rest of SA

25,591
Population (2021)
$62,244
Median Household Income
26.80 km²
Area
$220/wk
Median Rent
Regional CityVolcanic LandscapeAffordableCountry Living

About Mount Gambier

Mount Gambier is South Australia's second-largest city, a regional centre of 25,500 built around an extinct volcanic crater 450 kilometres southeast of Adelaide. The Blue Lake's mysterious seasonal colour change draws visitors, while the city serves as the commercial hub for the Limestone Coast region. The unique volcanic landscape includes sinkholes, caves, and distinctive geology.

Life here combines genuine rural character with surprising amenities—good shopping, quality schools, and a lively café culture service the regional population. The forestry, farming, and wine industries provide diverse employment. Mount Gambier attracts families seeking affordable country living, tree-change professionals, and those drawn to its unique landscape and strong community spirit.

Mount Gambier falls under postcode 5290 and is governed by Mount Gambier Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Mount Gambier electorate.

📍 Location

State
South Australia
Postcode
5290
Urban Area
Mount Gambier
LGA / Council
Mount Gambier
Federal Electorate
Barker
State Electorate
Mount Gambier
Type
Urban
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-37.83°, 140.78°
Statistical Area
Rest of SA
Area
26.80 km²
Elevation
54m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$220
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,083
Avg Household Size
2.2 people
Median Age
41 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
8.3%

773 state housing + 97 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Local bus services — Adelaide CBD Varies

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
377 km
By Train
Train access via local station
By Car (Peak)
2+ hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
1.5+ hours

🛣️ Located 377 km from Adelaide CBD

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Daily errands can often be done on foot near local shopping strips, but a car is useful for larger trips

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    11 Ferrers Street Mount Gambier 5290 SA
  • Woolworths
    Mt Gambier Shopping Centre, 145 Commerical Street Mount Gambier 5290 SA

🎓 Schools

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
25,512
Census 2021
25,591
▲ 0.3% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$30,316
Personal Income 2021
$35,932
▲ 18.5% 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
$35,932 / yr
$691/wk
Household
$62,244 / yr
$1197/wk
Family
$85,332 / yr
$1641/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 21,181
Born Overseas 2,943

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 631
  • 2. New Zealand 214
  • 3. Myanmar 195
  • 4. Thailand 168
  • 5. Philippines 161
  • 6. India 150
  • 7. Netherlands 140
  • 8. Italy 127
  • 9. Scotland 100
  • 10. Germany 94

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 10,551
English 10,524
Scottish 2,615
Irish 2,238
German 2,035
Italian 862
Australian Aboriginal 718
Dutch 660
Polish 215
Filipino 207

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

17,791
Both parents born in Australia
3,978
Both parents born overseas
2,277
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
52.4%
Christianity
38.2%
Buddhism
0.6%
Hinduism
0.5%
Islam
0.4%
Sikhism
0.2%
Judaism
0.0%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
1,405 (5.5%)
5-14 years
3,168 (12.4%)
15-19 years
1,598 (6.2%)
20-24 years
1,405 (5.5%)
25-34 years
3,192 (12.5%)
35-44 years
2,869 (11.2%)
45-54 years
3,113 (12.2%)
55-64 years
3,243 (12.7%)
65-74 years
2,949 (11.5%)
75-84 years
1,847 (7.2%)
85+ years
799 (3.1%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mount Gambier known for? +

Mount Gambier is a well-established residential suburb in Mount Gambier, SA, with a population of approximately 25,591 residents. The suburb is valued for its local schools, parks, and community facilities.

How far is Mount Gambier from Adelaide CBD? +

Mount Gambier is approximately 377 kilometres from Adelaide CBD, typically a 1.5+ hours drive outside peak hours.

Does Mount Gambier have public transport? +

Mount Gambier 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 Gambier? +

According to the 2021 Census, Mount Gambier has a population of approximately 25,591 residents.

Is Mount Gambier a good place to live? +

Mount Gambier offers a practical and liveable lifestyle with local schools, parks, and shopping. With a median income around $45,863, it attracts a broad demographic mix.

What is the postcode for Mount Gambier? +

The postcode for Mount Gambier, SA is 5290.

What is the average income in Mount Gambier? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Mount Gambier is about $691 per week (around $35,900 per year). The median household income is $1,197 per week and the median family income is $1,641 per week.

What is the age profile of Mount Gambier? +

The median age in Mount Gambier is 41. The largest age group is 55–64 (3,243 residents, around 13%). Around 24% of residents are under 20 and about 22% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in Mount Gambier? +

In Mount Gambier, the median weekly rent is $220, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,083 (2021 Census).