SA · Onkaparinga Council
McLaren Vale, SA, 5171
Current weather
10.9°CThunderstorm
87% humidity · 32.6 km/h wind · 12.5° / 10.4° today · 28.4 mm rain
Desirability score
Suburb snapshot
McLaren Vale is a smaller suburban community in the Onkaparinga area, home to around 4,061 residents (2021 Census). Available data shows 126 offences in 2024–25 (Jul–Jun) with rising year-on-year trends (+5%), roughly 31.0 offences per 1,000 residents, median weekly rent around $685 (flats $585, houses $735), median house prices near $950,000 (up 21% recently), 2 school and preschool sites in the area, strong public transport coverage with many Adelaide Metro stops, many local shops, services and recreation venues, 1 active roadworks or transport incidents on nearby routes, and notable planning and development activity on record. See the sections below for population, safety, schools and local activity.
Population
- Population
- 4,061
- Median age
- 54
- Median household income / week
- $1,331
- Dwelling vacancy
- 7.5%
- Unoccupied private dwellings
- 135 of 1,790
- Median monthly mortgage
- $1,560
- Employment rate
- 50.4%
- Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
- 78 / 173 / 39
Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)
Employment, household income and age diversity (2021 Census)
Data sources & freshness
- 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Period: 2021 · Updated on site · 2021 Census release
The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.
Housing
- Flats / units (01/01/26 to 31/03/26)
- $585
- Houses (01/01/26 to 31/03/26)
- $735
- All types (01/01/26 to 31/03/26)
- $685
- Rental bonds lodged (01/01/26 to 31/03/26)
- 10
- Median house price (Q1 2026)
- $950,000
- Median price change
- +21%
Median weekly rent from SA Housing Authority rental bond data. Figures can be unreliable where few bonds were lodged in the quarter.
Contributes to desirability score · Housing (15%) · Future Growth (7%)
Median price, rental yield and vacancy Recent price momentum
Data sources & freshness
- SA Housing Authority rent & sales reports — Government of South Australia · Period: 1 January - 31 March 2026; 1Q 2026 · Updated on site · Quarterly releases
Crime & safety
- Total offences (2024–25)
- 126
- Against the person
- 24
- Against property
- 102
- Rate per 1,000 residents
- 31
- Person-crime prevalence
- About 1 in 169 residents
- State safety percentile
- 45.5th (lower crime is better)
- Family & domestic abuse offences
- 26
- Increase (daily rate)
- +5.3%
Reported offences increased compared with the previous period.
Reported offences by period
Most common offence types
- Other Property Damage And Environmental24
- Other Theft24
- Serious Assault Not Resulting In Injury8
- Theft From Motor Vehicle8
- Theft From Shop15
Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)
Crime rate and year-on-year trend
Data sources & freshness
- SAPOL reported crime statistics — South Australia Police — OpenData · Period: 2023-24 → 2024-25; 2024-25 · Updated on site · Financial-year releases
Schools & preschools
- Schools & preschools
- 2 (1 schools, 1 preschools)
- Median school ICSEA (2 schools)
- 1,043
- Madge Sexton Kindergarten249 Main RoadPreschools
- McLaren Vale Primary SchoolPrimary · ICSEA 1018
- Tatachilla Lutheran CollegeCombined · ICSEA 1068
Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)
School and preschool counts, median school ICSEA
Data sources & freshness
- Government education sites register — Government of South Australia · Period: current · Updated on site · Static register
- School ICSEA (ACARA) — Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority · Period: 2025 · Updated on site · Annual ACARA release
Public transport
26 public transport stops in this suburb
- Stop 92 Main Rd - South West side
- Stop 93 Main Rd - West side
- Stop 94 Main Rd - West side
- Stop 94A Main Rd - West side
- Stop 94C Main Rd - West side
Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)
Public transport stop coverage
Data sources & freshness
- Adelaide Metro GTFS stops — Department for Infrastructure and Transport (SA) · Period: current · Updated on site · GTFS static feed
Roadworks & transport
1 active roadworks / incidents
- ConstructionMain Road, Kalamata Ct16 Jun 2026 – 03 Jul 2026
Data sources & freshness
- Traffic SA road events — Department for Infrastructure and Transport (SA) · Period: current · Updated on site · Hourly refresh
Planning & development
Development applications from PlanSA register (lodged 2020–2026) and EPA licensed activities.
589 planning-related records
2026· 40 proposals
June 2026
- Attached verandah (Associated with Unit 96)91 MAIN RD MCLAREN VALE SA 5171Under Assessment
- Outbuilding (shed)21 GLOUCESTER TCE MCLAREN VALE SA 5171Under Assessment
- Building alterations and additions to an existing dwelling, including a verandah, portico, additional bedroom, and an outbuilding9 WIGLEY DR MCLAREN VALE SA 5171Under Assessment
- Installation of frost fan associated with horticulture278 TATACHILLA RD MCLAREN VALE SA 5171Under Assessment
- Single storey dwelling with required retaining14 REEVES RD MCLAREN VALE SA 5171Under Assessment
- Land division - boundary realignment 3 allotments into 3281 MAIN RD MCLAREN VALE SA 5171;32 MALPAS RD MCLAREN VALE SA 5171;LOT 503 MALPAS RD MCLAREN VALE SA 5171Under Assessment
- Verandah30 OLIVERS RD MCLAREN VALE SA 5171Decision Made
- Construction of an outbuilding comprising a gable-pitched roof supported by 20-ft shipping containers at each end172 FOGGO RD MCLAREN VALE SA 5171Under Assessment
May 2026
- Outbuilding (garage)34 CHAPMAN AV MCLAREN VALE SA 5171Decision Made
- Amendment to application 145/1478/2019 to vary conditions 3 and 4; Increase the number of patrons from 50 to 100 persons and extend the trading hours from 10am-5pm Thursdays to Sundays to 10am-10pm 7 days per week.314 RIFLE RANGE RD MCLAREN VALE SA 5171Under Assessment
- I would like to enclose 2 sides of the veranda/pergola. On western wall I will clad with 6mm cement sheeting, and I would like to put external solid timber lockable double door on the southern side.11 CLIFTON CT MCLAREN VALE SA 5171Under Assessment
- Partial change of use to existing shed for a wholesale bakery and associated building alterations117 CHALK HILL RD MCLAREN VALE SA 5171Under Assessment
- Partial change in use from viticulture to residential by removing some vines to establish a dwelling, deck, agricultural building- farm shed, and water tanks with remaining viticulture use.LOT 14 BELLEVUE DR MCLAREN VALE SA 5171Under Assessment
- Building alterations including internal fitoutsLOT 11 CAFFREY ST MCLAREN VALE SA 5171Under Assessment
- Verandah91 MAIN RD MCLAREN VALE SA 5171Decision Made
- 1. Tree Damaging Activity (remove Narrow-leaved Peppermint); 2. Prepare bunded footings; and 3. Installation of Four 70 tonne Rota Fermenters.130 JOHNSTON RD MCLAREN VALE SA 5171Under Assessment
- Ground mounted solar panels (10 KW) over vineyard for Paxton Wines. *Retrospective*68 WHEATON RD MCLAREN VALE SA 5171Under Assessment
- The proposal seeks to expand the operations associated with the cellar door and restaurant within the existing building including increased capacity and extended trading hours.190 MCMURTRIE RD MCLAREN VALE SA 5171Under Assessment
- Agricultural building (fodder storage shed)382 MCMURTRIE RD MCLAREN VALE SA 5171Decision Made
- Land division creating 1 additional allotment. (1 into 2) existing house to be retained13 WOODLEY GR MCLAREN VALE SA 5171Under Assessment
- Gable Verandah1D PRIDMORE AV MCLAREN VALE SA 5171Decision Made
- Carport attached to house Size: Area 1: 12000mm x 7675mm Height: 2800 mm Roofing Material: Corrugated - Colorbond Double Sided 0.42 (Non- Trafficable) Roof Sheeting Gutters: Colorbond Fascia Gutter Downpipes: 65mm x 65mm Square Colorbond Downpipe Front Infills: Plain Smooth gable end Rear Infills: None gable end Post: 150mm x 50mm x 3mm Posts and Portal Frames Rafter: Cen Box Beam 158x65x0.95BMT Colorbond Purlin: Cen Box Beam 65x65x0.95BMT Colorbond Edge Beam: Cen Box Beam 158x65x0.95BMT Colorbo27 SHEOAK RD MCLAREN VALE SA 5171Under Assessment
- verandah20 HEWITT DR MCLAREN VALE SA 5171Under Assessment
- Dwelling addition and verandah42 STUMP HILL RD MCLAREN VALE SA 5171Under Assessment
April 2026
- Remove the 1 (One) significant tree- SA Blue Gum255 MAIN RD MCLAREN VALE SA 5171Decision Made
- Variation to DA 23007780 and retrospective application for filling of land.84 WHEATON RD MCLAREN VALE SA 5171Under Assessment
- Outbuilding (garage extension)39 ALDERSEY ST MCLAREN VALE SA 5171Decision Made
- shed15 PERRY ST MCLAREN VALE SA 5171Decision Made
- 1 into 2 Allotment Land Division15 TATACHILLA RD MCLAREN VALE SA 5171Under Assessment
- Variation to DA 145/1901/2019 to amend the building plans and capacity of the cellar door and a partial change of use to a function venue up to 150 peopleLOT 40 VICTOR HARBOR RD MCLAREN VALE SA 5171Under Assessment
- Conservation work at local heritage building20 PENFOLD WAY MCLAREN VALE SA 5171Decision Made
- Tourist accommodationLOT 3 STROUT RD MCLAREN VALE SA 5171Under Assessment
- Single storey dwelling addition79 VALLEY VIEW DR MCLAREN VALE SA 5171Under Assessment
- Outbuilding Garage22A KANGARILLA RD MCLAREN VALE SA 5171Under Assessment
March 2026
- Removal of regulated tree (Gum tree)53 VALLEY VIEW DR MCLAREN VALE SA 5171Under Assessment
- Ancillary accommodation4 MCMURTRIE RD E MCLAREN VALE SA 5171Under Assessment
- PROPOSED TENANCY FITOUT AND CHANGE OF CLASS, CLASS 6 TO CLASS 5 - OFFICE AND CONSULTING ROOMS112 MAIN RD MCLAREN VALE SA 5171Decision Made
- Single storey dwelling and tree damaging activity18 -20 SEMMENS RD MCLAREN VALE SA 5171Under Assessment
- Change of use from outbuilding to tourist accommodation (Retrospective).29 VALLEY VIEW DR MCLAREN VALE SA 5171Under Assessment
- Outbuilding- Shed and tree-damaging activity1D PRIDMORE AV MCLAREN VALE SA 5171Decision Made
Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)
Development and planning activity
Data sources & freshness
- PlanSA development applications & EPA licences — Government of South Australia — PlanSA · Period: 2020–2026 · Updated on site
Amenities
51 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km
- Fleurieu ArthouseArt
- The Cottage BakeryBakery
- Bbq
- DAYLILI BEAUTYBeauty salon
- Bench (6)
- Stop 87 Main Road - North sideBus stop
- Stop 87 Main Road - South West sideBus stop
- Stop 88 Main Road - North East sideBus stop
- Stop 88 Main Road - South West sideBus stop
- Stop 89 Main Road - North East sideBus stop
Names and addresses from OpenStreetMap. Unnamed venues show as their type (e.g. Cafe).
Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)
Food, shopping, recreation and sport (OpenStreetMap)
Data sources & freshness
- OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · Period: current · Updated on site · Weekly refresh
Socio-economic (SEIFA)
- IRSAD decile (2021)
- 6/10
- IRSD decile (2021)
- 6/10
SEIFA indexes from ABS 2021. Decile 10 = most advantaged / least disadvantaged in Australia.
Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)
Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile)
Data sources & freshness
- SEIFA 2021 (IRSAD / IRSD) — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Period: 2021 · Updated on site · 2021 SEIFA release
Heritage
75 state heritage places
- Heritage placeState heritage
- Heritage placeState heritage
- Heritage placeState heritage
- Heritage placeState heritage
- Heritage placeState heritage
- Heritage placeState heritage
- Heritage placeState heritage
- Heritage placeState heritage
- Heritage placeState heritage
- Heritage placeState heritage
Data sources & freshness
- SA Heritage Places database — Department for Environment and Water (SA) · Period: current · Updated on site
Hazards
- Bushfire planning zone
- Overlay applies
- Bushfire safer places
- 1
Bushfire overlay checked at suburb centroid against all current SA Planning risk layers (high, medium, general, urban interface, regional, outback). Safer places from CFS designated locations.
Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)
Bushfire hazard overlays
Data sources & freshness
- Bushfire & hazard overlays (SA) — Government of South Australia · Period: current · Updated on site
Green cover
- Parks & woodland (OSM)
- 26
- Parks (OSM)
- 4
OpenStreetMap parks and natural woodland features mapped within the suburb boundary.
Contributes to desirability score · Environment (10%)
Parks and green cover (OpenStreetMap)
Data sources & freshness
- OpenStreetMap green cover features — OpenStreetMap contributors · Period: current · Updated on site · Weekly refresh
Desirability index
- Desirability score
- 48.9/100
- National rank
- 1882nd in Australia
- State rank
- 147th in SA
- Peer rank
- #9 among Metro Adelaide · Mature suburbs
- Cohort rank
- #107 among Metro Adelaide suburbs
- Data confidence
- 96%
Data sources & freshness
- Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived score) · Period: current · Updated on site · Derived from source metrics
Recent changes
- Other Property Damage And Environmentalcrime24
- Other Theftcrime24
- Serious Assault Not Resulting In Injurycrime8
- Theft From Motor Vehiclecrime8
- Theft From Shopcrime15
- Heritage placeheritageState heritage
- Heritage placeheritageState heritage
- Heritage placeheritageState heritage
- Heritage placeheritageState heritage
- Heritage placeheritageState heritage
Data sources & freshness
- SA Heritage Places database — Department for Environment and Water (SA) · Updated on site
- SAPOL reported crime statistics — South Australia Police — OpenData · Updated on site · Financial-year releases
Similar suburbs
Suburbs with a similar population, SEIFA decile and location.