🔍

Clare

SA 5453 • Rest of SA

3,238
Population (2021)
$37,752
Median Income
11.80 km²
Area
$250/wk
Median Rent
RuralHistoricFamily-FriendlyAffordable

About Clare

Clare is the principal town and commercial heart of the Clare Valley wine region in South Australia, situated approximately 135 kilometres north of Adelaide in the Clare and Gilbert Valleys district. With a population of around 3,240 residents, Clare serves as the service hub for surrounding farming communities and vineyards. The town sits at an elevation of 402 metres above sea level, giving it a cooler microclimate ideal for growing premium Riesling and Shiraz grapes. Clare's heritage streetscape, anchored by the historic main street, reflects its 19th-century origins as an Irish and German settler town.

Clare is the starting point of the famous Riesling Trail, a 35-kilometre cycling and walking path that winds through scenic vineyards to Auburn, drawing wine tourists from across Australia. The town offers a full range of regional services including a hospital, high school, supermarket, and vibrant farmers' markets. Its relatively affordable housing, strong community spirit, and access to nature make it popular with families and those seeking a rural lifestyle within reach of Adelaide. The median age of 45 and strong church-going tradition reflect the town's deep-rooted community values.

Clare falls under postcode 5453 and is governed by Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Ngadjuri electorate.

📍 Location

State
South Australia
Postcode
5453
Urban Area
Wakefield - Clare and Gilbert Valleys
LGA / Council
Clare and Gilbert Valleys
Federal Electorate
Grey
State Electorate
Ngadjuri
Type
Urban
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-33.84°, 138.61°
Statistical Area
Rest of SA
Area
11.80 km²
Elevation
402m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Regional bus services — Adelaide CBD via Port Wakefield Road 1 hr 45 min

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
135 km
By Train
No direct train; nearest station is in Adelaide's northern suburbs
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 45 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr 30 min

🛣️ Clare is a regional town; most residents are self-sufficient locally

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Compact town centre easily walkable; Riesling Trail accessible for cycling and walking

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Woolworths
    CNR Old North Rd and Wright St Clare 5453 SA

🎓 Schools

🌳 Parks & Reserves

There are 6 parks and reserves in Clare.

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$250
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,256
Avg Household Size
2.2 people
Median Age
45 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
8.3%

92 state housing + 22 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
3,160
Census 2021
3,238
▲ 2.5% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$32,396
Income 2021
$37,752
▲ 16.5% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,750
Born Overseas 296

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 95
  • 2. India 46
  • 3. Philippines 29
  • 4. New Zealand 19
  • 5. Scotland 14
  • 6. Germany 9
  • 7. Sri Lanka 7
  • 8. United States 7
  • 9. Zimbabwe 5
  • 10. Bangladesh 4

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,443
Australian 1,357
German 363
Scottish 340
Irish 310
Australian Aboriginal 70
Italian 52
Indian 45
Dutch 39
Filipino 31

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,443
Both parents born in Australia
370
Both parents born overseas
238
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
48.0%
No Religion
42.1%
Hinduism
1.0%
Sikhism
0.7%
Buddhism
0.2%
Islam
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
178 (5.5%)
5-14 years
356 (11.0%)
15-19 years
173 (5.3%)
20-24 years
161 (5.0%)
25-34 years
421 (13.0%)
35-44 years
338 (10.4%)
45-54 years
378 (11.7%)
55-64 years
398 (12.3%)
65-74 years
429 (13.2%)
75-84 years
280 (8.6%)
85+ years
131 (4.0%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clare SA famous for? +

Clare is the gateway to the Clare Valley wine region, renowned for its world-class Riesling and Shiraz wines, and home to the iconic 35-km Riesling Trail cycling path.

How far is Clare from Adelaide? +

Clare is approximately 135 kilometres north of Adelaide, about a 1.5 to 1.75 hour drive via the Horrocks Highway.

What schools are in Clare SA? +

Clare has both government and Catholic primary and secondary schools, including Clare High School and St Michael's College.

What is the median house price in Clare SA? +

Clare SA offers affordable regional housing. The median rent according to the 2021 Census was approximately $250 per week.

What is the Riesling Trail? +

The Riesling Trail is a 35-kilometre walking and cycling path that runs from Clare through the wine valley to Auburn, passing numerous cellar doors and historic sites.