Penola Demographics: Population, Age & Income Profile (SA)
Liveability Score
5.5/10Penola has a medium demographic profile typical of South Australia suburbs
Key Facts
- Median Age
- 40 years (state avg)
- Median Household Income
- $1,197/wk (state avg)
- Families with Children
- 27.8% of households
- Home Ownership
- 68.1% own — 29.2% rent
- Postcode
- 5277
- Highest high-risk exposure
- 19.7% of land (bushfire)
Demographics Analysis
Penola in South Australia reflects the broader demographic characteristics of the region. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2021 Census, the typical household in South Australia has a median weekly income of around $1,197, with a median age of 40 years.
The ABS reports that 27.8% of households in South Australia are couples with children, while 27.1% are couples without children. Lone person households account for 27.9% of households. This family composition data helps home buyers understand the neighbourhood character and amenity demand.
Home ownership rates in South Australia show that 68.1% of households own their home (with or without a mortgage), while 29.2% rent. These tenure patterns affect property turnover rates, rental demand, and neighbourhood stability — all important factors for home buyers evaluating Penola.
Climate risk is an increasingly important factor for property buyers evaluating suburbs like Penola. Different demographic groups face different climate exposure profiles — families may prioritise heat safety near schools, while retirees may be more concerned about insurance costs in flood-prone areas. Get an address-level climate risk report for your Penola property to understand how climate projections may affect your investment.
Penola (postcode 5277) is tracked in ClimateNest's suburb hazard model, which maps the share of the suburb's land exposed to each hazard at high and moderate levels. The suburb's highest high-risk exposures are bushfire (19.7% of land in high-risk zones), surface flood (8.7% of land in high-risk zones), riverine flood (2.3% of land in high-risk zones). Exposure is not uniform across Penola — individual properties can sit well above or below these averages, so an address-level check is recommended before buying, selling or insuring.
Adaptation & Mitigation Actions
Improve Bushfire Preparedness
ImmediateImplement stricter building codes for fire resistance, maintain firebreaks, and develop community bushfire survival plans.
Est. cost: Medium
Enhance Heatwave Response
Near-termEstablish cooling centers, implement early warning systems for heatwaves, and provide support for vulnerable populations.
Est. cost: Medium
Upgrade Drainage Infrastructure
Near-termImprove drainage systems to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce flood risk.
Est. cost: High
Promote Water Conservation
Long-termImplement water conservation measures to address potential water shortages due to drought and climate change.
Est. cost: Low
Council & Emergency Services
Explore Penola Risk Reports
View other climate risk assessments for Penola:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Penola?
Population data for Penola comes from the ABS 2021 Census, the most recent national census. For the most current suburb-level population data, refer to ABS QuickStats or consult the South Australia state government's population projections. Understanding population trends helps home buyers assess housing demand, infrastructure investment, and neighbourhood character.
What is the median age in Penola?
The median age for South Australia is 40 years according to the 2021 ABS Census, which serves as a reference point for Penola. A younger median age often indicates more families and first home buyers, while older demographics suggest established households and potentially lower turnover. Both have implications for property demand and investment strategy.
What is the average household income in Penola?
The median weekly household income in South Australia is $1,197 per week (ABS 2021 Census). Household income affects serviceability for mortgage lending, rental affordability, and the type of housing stock in demand within a suburb. Higher-income areas typically support stronger property values and faster capital growth. Combine demographic research with a climate risk report from ClimateNest for a complete property assessment.
What type of people live in Penola?
The demographic profile of Penola is broadly shaped by its location within South Australia. According to the ABS Census, 27.8% of households in the state are couples with children, while 27.1% are couples without children. The overall population of South Australia has a median age of 40 — use this as context when assessing the demographic character of Penola.
What share of Penola is exposed to high bushfire risk?
ClimateNest's hazard overlay maps 19.7% of Penola in high-risk zones for bushfire, with a further 72.7% in moderate-risk zones. Suburb-level exposure is not uniform — individual properties can differ from these averages, so an address-level check is recommended.
Is Penola Safe from Climate Risk?
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