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Tumby Bay

SA 5605 • Rest of SA

1,781
Population (2021)
$55,016
Median Household Income
312.36 km²
Area
$220/wk
Median Rent
CoastalRuralRetiree-HavenRemoteQuiet
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About Tumby Bay

Tumby Bay is a small coastal town on the eastern shore of the Eyre Peninsula, situated approximately 50 kilometres south of Port Lincoln and around 650 kilometres north-west of Adelaide within the Lower Eyre Peninsula District Council. The town covers an expansive 312 square kilometres of rural hinterland and coastline, with a population of 1,781 residents as of the 2021 Census. The median age of 57 reflects the town's significant retiree population, and household incomes are modest at around $1,058 per week, typical of a self-contained regional community. The town sits on Spencer Gulf and is known for its calm, sheltered waters and unhurried lifestyle.

Tumby Bay offers a laid-back lifestyle centred on the sea, with excellent fishing, boating, and swimming at its sheltered beach — one of the most pristine on the Eyre Peninsula. The town centre provides essential services including a supermarket, medical centre, school, and local cafes, making it a largely self-sufficient community. The picturesque Tumby Bay foreshore and jetty are the social heart of the town, popular with anglers and holidaymakers from across South Australia. With affordable property, spectacular coastal scenery, and an unhurried pace, the town draws retirees and sea-change seekers looking for a genuine slice of regional South Australia.

Tumby Bay falls under postcode 5605 and is governed by the Lower Eyre Peninsula Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Grey, while state elections fall under the Flinders electorate.

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📍 Location

State
South Australia
Postcode
5605
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Lower Eyre Peninsula
Federal Electorate
Grey
State Electorate
Flinders
Type
Rural
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-34.49°, 136.12°
Statistical Area
Rest of SA
Area
312.36 km²
Population Density
6 /km²
Elevation
4m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 5605

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 5605, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$39,202
Median 2023–24
$49,919
▲ 27.3% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$61,430

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 5605; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

Census personal income 2016 vs 2021

Personal Income 2016
$29,120
Personal Income 2021
$32,448
▲ 11.4% 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
$32,448 / yr
$624/wk
Household
$55,016 / yr
$1058/wk
Family
$76,076 / yr
$1463/wk
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$220
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,200
Avg Household Size
2 people
Median Age
57 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
2.9%

10 state housing + 13 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Regional coach (pre-booking required) — Port Lincoln / Port Augusta 60-90 min to Port Lincoln

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
650 km
By Train
No rail service; nearest airport is Port Lincoln (approx. 50 km)
By Car (Peak)
6.5-7 hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
6-6.5 hours

🛣️ Remote regional town; air travel from Port Lincoln Airport is the fastest option to Adelaide

Walkability Car-Dependent

The compact town centre is walkable for basic needs, but a car is essential for anything beyond the town's limited local services

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,631
Census 2021
1,781
▲ 9.2% 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 1,536
Born Overseas 111

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 54
  • 2. Netherlands 7
  • 3. Germany 6
  • 4. New Zealand 6
  • 5. Scotland 5
  • 6. Italy 3
  • 7. Papua New Guinea 3
  • 8. South Africa 3
  • 9. Thailand 3
  • 10. United States 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 814
Australian 786
Scottish 205
German 156
Irish 153
Australian Aboriginal 29
Italian 25
Polish 17
Dutch 13
Welsh 13

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace

1,360
Both parents born in Australia
153
Both parents born overseas
145
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
46.6%
Christianity
45.5%
Buddhism
0.2%

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📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
91 (5.1%)
5-14 years
163 (9.2%)
15-19 years
73 (4.1%)
20-24 years
46 (2.6%)
25-34 years
124 (7.0%)
35-44 years
157 (8.8%)
45-54 years
187 (10.5%)
55-64 years
256 (14.4%)
65-74 years
342 (19.2%)
75-84 years
239 (13.4%)
85+ years
108 (6.1%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tumby Bay known for? +

Tumby Bay is known for its exceptionally clean and sheltered beach on Spencer Gulf, excellent recreational fishing and boating, and a relaxed lifestyle typical of South Australia's Eyre Peninsula. The town's picturesque foreshore and jetty are central to community life and a drawcard for visitors.

How far is Tumby Bay from Adelaide CBD? +

Tumby Bay is approximately 650 kilometres north-west of Adelaide, making it around a 6-7 hour drive. The most practical option for long-distance travel is flying from Port Lincoln Airport, which is approximately 50 kilometres away.

Does Tumby Bay have public transport? +

Tumby Bay has very limited public transport, with regional coach services connecting to Port Lincoln available by pre-booking. There is no rail service, and a car is by far the most practical way to get around both locally and for travel to larger regional centres.

What is the population of Tumby Bay? +

According to the 2021 Census, Tumby Bay has a population of 1,781 residents, with a median age of 57 — one of the older community profiles among regional SA towns, reflecting its appeal to retirees and long-term rural residents.

Is Tumby Bay a good place to live? +

Tumby Bay is a wonderful choice for retirees, sea-change seekers, or remote workers who value coastal beauty, community connection, and an affordable lifestyle far from urban bustle. The town is self-sufficient for daily needs, though its remoteness means access to specialist services and larger shopping requires travel to Port Lincoln or beyond.

What is the postcode for Tumby Bay? +

The postcode for Tumby Bay, SA is 5605.

What is the average income in Tumby Bay? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Tumby Bay is about $624 per week (around $32,400 per year). The median household income is $1,058 per week and the median family income is $1,463 per week.

What is the age profile of Tumby Bay? +

The median age in Tumby Bay is 57. The largest age group is 65–74 (342 residents, around 19%). Around 18% of residents are under 20 and about 39% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in Tumby Bay? +

In Tumby Bay, the median weekly rent is $220, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,200 (2021 Census).