🔍

Riverton

SA 5412 • Rest of SA

1,029
Population (2021)
$27,872
Median Income
152.79 km²
Area
$230/wk
Median Rent
RuralAgriculturalRetiree-HavenWine CountryPeaceful

About Riverton

Riverton is a small rural town in the Clare and Gilbert Valleys District Council area of South Australia, located approximately 120 kilometres north of Adelaide on the Main North Road. Covering 152 square kilometres at an elevation of 272 metres in the Mid North region, the town has a population of 1,029 as of the 2021 Census and serves as a service centre for the surrounding agricultural community. With a median age of 57 — one of the highest in the region — Riverton has a distinctly mature demographic, with a strong proportion of retirees and long-established farming families.

The town is set in a productive agricultural landscape known for cereal cropping, sheep farming, and grazing, and sits on the Gilbert River. Riverton has a small commercial strip offering everyday essentials, a primary school, sporting clubs, and community facilities. The town is within easy reach of the Clare Valley wine region — one of South Australia's premier wine districts — making it an attractive base for those who appreciate wine country living at an affordable price point. Residents seeking broader retail, medical, and cultural services travel to the historic town of Clare, approximately 25 kilometres to the north.

Riverton falls under postcode 5412 and is governed by Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Ngadjuri electorate.

📍 Location

State
South Australia
Postcode
5412
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
-34.17°, 138.75°
Statistical Area
Rest of SA
Area
152.79 km²
Elevation
272m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Regional coaches (limited frequency) — Adelaide CBD 90-120 min

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
120 km
By Train
No rail service; regional coach only
By Car (Peak)
80-100 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
70-85 min

🛣️ Accessible via Main North Road (A32). A car is essential for residents.

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Riverton is a small rural town where most errands require a car; the modest town centre offers limited walkable services

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$230
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$959
Avg Household Size
2.1 people
Median Age
57 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
1.6%

3 state housing + 4 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,036
Census 2021
1,029
▼ 0.7% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$26,208
Income 2021
$27,872
▲ 6.3% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 841
Born Overseas 125

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 69
  • 2. Netherlands 7
  • 3. Germany 6
  • 4. Papua New Guinea 4
  • 5. India 3
  • 6. Italy 3
  • 7. Philippines 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 450
Australian 410
Scottish 112
German 105
Irish 104
Australian Aboriginal 17
Dutch 15
Italian 13
Polish 10
French 9

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

723
Both parents born in Australia
152
Both parents born overseas
86
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
46.0%
No Religion
44.8%
Buddhism
0.3%
Judaism
0.3%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
37 (3.6%)
5-14 years
98 (9.5%)
15-19 years
38 (3.7%)
20-24 years
50 (4.9%)
25-34 years
70 (6.8%)
35-44 years
69 (6.7%)
45-54 years
109 (10.6%)
55-64 years
167 (16.2%)
65-74 years
193 (18.8%)
75-84 years
128 (12.4%)
85+ years
55 (5.3%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Riverton known for? +

Riverton is known as a quiet rural service town in South Australia's Mid North, surrounded by cereal cropping and grazing land. It is close to the internationally recognised Clare Valley wine region, and the town has a long history as an agricultural community on the Gilbert River.

How far is Riverton from Adelaide CBD? +

Riverton is approximately 120 kilometres north of the Adelaide CBD via Main North Road, a drive of around 70–100 minutes depending on traffic.

Does Riverton have public transport? +

Public transport options are very limited in Riverton. Regional coach services provide infrequent connections to Adelaide, but a private vehicle is essential for day-to-day life.

What is the population of Riverton? +

According to the 2021 Census, Riverton has a population of 1,029, almost unchanged from 1,036 in 2016. The town has an unusually high median age of 57, reflecting a predominantly retired and older farming community.

Is Riverton a good place to live? +

Riverton offers very affordable rural living with a peaceful, close-knit community atmosphere and the bonus of proximity to the Clare Valley wine region. It best suits retirees, farming families, and those seeking a quiet tree-change lifestyle well away from metropolitan areas.

What is the postcode for Riverton? +

Riverton's postcode is 5412.