🔍

Jamestown

SA 5491 • Rest of SA

1,549
Population (2021)
$37,960
Median Income
176.35 km²
Area
$215/wk
Median Rent
RuralHistoricAgriculturalQuietHeritage

About Jamestown

Jamestown is a historic rural town in the Mid North region of South Australia, situated on the banks of Belalie Creek approximately 207 kilometres north of Adelaide, within the Northern Areas Council district. Established in 1871, the town sits at an elevation of 477 metres on the pastoral plains south of the Flinders Ranges, serving as the administrative and service hub for the surrounding agricultural district. With a 2021 Census population of 1,549 and a median age of 49, Jamestown has a mature, settled community with deep connections to the land and farming heritage.

The town's economy is anchored by broadacre farming — principally grain cropping and sheep grazing — and Jamestown provides essential services including schools, medical facilities, supermarkets, and local businesses for the wider Northern Areas district. The historic Main Street retains several heritage-listed buildings that reflect the town's 19th-century origins, and nearby Bundaleer Forest offers walking trails and picnic areas popular with locals and visitors. Access to Adelaide and regional centres relies entirely on private vehicles, with Port Pirie 66 kilometres to the west providing the nearest hospital and larger retail options.

Jamestown falls under postcode 5491 and is governed by Northern Areas Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Stuart electorate.

📍 Location

State
South Australia
Postcode
5491
Urban Area
Flinders Ranges
LGA / Council
Northern Areas
Federal Electorate
Grey
State Electorate
Stuart
Type
Urban
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-33.17°, 138.59°
Statistical Area
Rest of SA
Area
176.35 km²
Elevation
477m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Premier Stateliner (coach) — Adelaide CBD ~2.5 hr

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
207 km
By Train
No rail service; coach only
By Car (Peak)
2.5-3 hr
By Car (Off-Peak)
2.5 hr

🛣️ Port Pirie (66km west) is the nearest major centre; a car is essential for all daily needs

Walkability Car-Dependent

Small-town layout allows walking to local shops and services within the town centre, but a car is required for travel beyond Jamestown

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$215
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$982
Avg Household Size
2.1 people
Median Age
49 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
2.7%

15 state housing + 3 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,561
Census 2021
1,549
▼ 0.8% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$31,772
Income 2021
$37,960
▲ 19.5% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,387
Born Overseas 93

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 43
  • 2. Zimbabwe 6
  • 3. South Africa 4
  • 4. Thailand 4
  • 5. Germany 3
  • 6. Greece 3
  • 7. Pakistan 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 749
English 724
Irish 165
German 144
Scottish 138
Australian Aboriginal 34
Italian 26
Welsh 17
Dutch 11
Greek 10

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,245
Both parents born in Australia
119
Both parents born overseas
126
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
55.3%
No Religion
39.1%
Buddhism
0.5%
Islam
0.3%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
85 (5.5%)
5-14 years
176 (11.4%)
15-19 years
58 (3.7%)
20-24 years
85 (5.5%)
25-34 years
164 (10.6%)
35-44 years
144 (9.3%)
45-54 years
173 (11.2%)
55-64 years
246 (15.9%)
65-74 years
200 (12.9%)
75-84 years
146 (9.4%)
85+ years
77 (5.0%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jamestown known for? +

Jamestown is known as a heritage rural service town in South Australia's Mid North, with historic Main Street buildings dating to the 1870s and a strong agricultural identity centred on grain farming and sheep grazing. Nearby Bundaleer Forest is a popular local attraction.

How far is Jamestown from Adelaide? +

Jamestown is approximately 207 kilometres north of Adelaide, making it roughly a 2.5-hour drive via the Horrocks Highway or Mid North Road. Coach services also connect the town to Adelaide.

Does Jamestown have public transport? +

Jamestown has no rail service — the nearest historical railway was at Peterborough, 43km to the north-east, and no longer operates passenger services. Premier Stateliner coach services connect Jamestown to Adelaide, though departures are infrequent. A car is essential.

What is the population of Jamestown? +

According to the 2021 Census, Jamestown has a population of 1,549 residents. The population has been relatively stable in recent years, with a median age of 49 reflecting the older demographic typical of rural South Australian towns.

Is Jamestown a good place to live? +

Jamestown suits those who value a quiet rural lifestyle, affordable housing, and a tight-knit community. It offers the essentials — schools, medical care, and local shops — but residents must travel to Port Pirie or Adelaide for specialist services and larger retail options.

What is the postcode for Jamestown? +

The postcode for Jamestown is 5491.