🔍

Encounter Bay

SA 5211 • Rest of SA

5,305
Population (2021)
$26,728
Median Income
4.27 km²
Area
$305/wk
Median Rent
CoastalRetiree-HavenBeachsidePeacefulTourist Hub

About Encounter Bay

Encounter Bay is a coastal locality on South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula, situated on the shores of Encounter Bay approximately 85 kilometres south of Adelaide within the City of Victor Harbor. With a population of 5,305 and a median age of 66, it is one of South Australia's most distinctive retirement communities, drawing sea-changers and retirees from across the state to its scenic coastal setting. Average household sizes of 2.0 and a median household income of $929 per week reflect its predominantly retired, downsized demographic.

The suburb sits directly adjacent to the historic town of Victor Harbor, offering easy access to shops, cafes, medical services, and the iconic horse-drawn tram to Granite Island — a beloved South Australian landmark. Encounter Bay's beautiful ocean frontage provides walking trails, swimming beaches, and outstanding opportunities for whale watching in winter, when southern right whales regularly visit the bay. A relaxed, quiet atmosphere and stunning Fleurieu Peninsula scenery make Encounter Bay popular with both permanent residents and holidaymakers seeking a peaceful coastal lifestyle.

Encounter Bay falls under postcode 5211 and is governed by Victor Harbor Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Finniss electorate.

📍 Location

State
South Australia
Postcode
5211
Urban Area
Fleurieu - Kangaroo Island
LGA / Council
Victor Harbor
Federal Electorate
Mayo
State Electorate
Finniss
Type
Urban
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-35.57°, 138.60°
Statistical Area
Rest of SA
Area
4.27 km²
Elevation
9m

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$305
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,170
Avg Household Size
2 people
Median Age
66 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
0.8%

5 state housing + 16 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
4,901
Census 2021
5,305
▲ 8.2% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$24,284
Income 2021
$26,728
▲ 10.1% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 3,794
Born Overseas 1,272

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 711
  • 2. Scotland 87
  • 3. Germany 65
  • 4. Netherlands 52
  • 5. New Zealand 51
  • 6. United States 30
  • 7. India 26
  • 8. Italy 16
  • 9. Philippines 16
  • 10. South Africa 16

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 2,911
Australian 1,736
Scottish 649
Irish 527
German 477
Italian 107
Dutch 106
Welsh 51
Australian Aboriginal 44
Greek 29

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

3,043
Both parents born in Australia
1,471
Both parents born overseas
560
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
48.6%
No Religion
43.2%
Buddhism
0.7%
Sikhism
0.2%
Islam
0.1%
Judaism
0.1%
Hinduism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
132 (2.5%)
5-14 years
356 (6.7%)
15-19 years
182 (3.4%)
20-24 years
110 (2.1%)
25-34 years
248 (4.7%)
35-44 years
323 (6.1%)
45-54 years
431 (8.1%)
55-64 years
712 (13.4%)
65-74 years
1,425 (26.9%)
75-84 years
1,033 (19.5%)
85+ years
349 (6.6%)

Nearby Suburbs