Climate Risk Profile: Clarendon, SA

Clarendon, South Australia· Onkaparinga· 5157
Updated Mar 2026

Clarendon is a suburb in South Australia that faces moderate climate risks, particularly from bushfires, flooding, and heatwaves. The risk scores are projected to increase slightly by 2050 under a high emissions scenario. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.

Is Clarendon Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Clarendon, South Australia, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.

Free instant previewCSIRO-powered data

What A$49 could save you from

$7.2B
2022 insured disaster losses*
$300B+
climate risk to property by 2050*
30-120%
insurance premium increases in high-risk areas*

*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA

Full report from A$49 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections

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Overall Risk Score

Address-level

Hazard Breakdown

Flood, bushfire, heat, coastal and storm exposure are all assessed in this area. The score that matters is the property's own: a ClimateNest report scores the address across eight hazards, with insurance and value projections to 2050.

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Clarendon

Flood

Clarendon faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from the nearby Onkaparinga River and local creeks. Intense rainfall events can lead to flash flooding, impacting low-lying areas and properties close to waterways.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development increasing runoff

Bushfire

Clarendon has a high bushfire risk due to its proximity to the Adelaide Hills and surrounding bushland. Dry vegetation and strong winds create conditions conducive to bushfires, posing a threat to properties and infrastructure.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry summers
  • ·Accumulation of flammable vegetation

Heat

Clarendon experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwave events. This can impact vulnerable populations, infrastructure, and agricultural activities.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Coastal

Clarendon has a very low coastal risk due to its inland location. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant threats to the suburb.

Key drivers:

  • ·Inland location

Wind

Data being compiled

Storm

Data being compiled

Social

Data being compiled

Energy

Data being compiled

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Clarendon

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

Clarendon experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwave events. This can impact vulnerable populations, infrastructure, and agricultural activities.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
Data source

flood Risk

Clarendon faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from the nearby Onkaparinga River and local creeks. Intense rainfall events can lead to flash flooding, impacting low-lying areas and properties close to waterways.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development increasing runoff
Data source

coastal Risk

Clarendon has a very low coastal risk due to its inland location. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant threats to the suburb.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Inland location
Data source

bushfire Risk

Clarendon has a high bushfire risk due to its proximity to the Adelaide Hills and surrounding bushland. Dry vegetation and strong winds create conditions conducive to bushfires, posing a threat to properties and infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry summers
  • ·Accumulation of flammable vegetation
Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase in the future due to increased climate risks.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire overlays.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Consider the potential impact of climate change on property value.
  • 4.Review insurance options and premiums.

How the region's climate is projected to change

Regional projections, not a forecast for this street. Figures are from the WA Department of Water and Environmental Regulation's climate projections for the South Western Flatlands region, which draws on CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology modelling.

Temperature

+0.5 to 1.1°C by 2030

Above the 1986–2005 climate, on all emissions scenarios. By 2090, 1.2 to 2.0°C under intermediate emissions or 2.6 to 4.0°C under high emissions.

Rainfall

Winter rain down up to 15% by 2030

The South West has been drying since 1970, and the decline has been larger than anywhere else in Australia. Heavy rainfall events are projected to become more intense even as totals fall.

Fire weather

Harsher, magnitude uncertain

High confidence that fire weather becomes harsher, low confidence in the size of the change, because it depends heavily on summer rainfall.

Sea level

+0.12 m by 2030

At the Fremantle gauge, range 0.07 to 0.16 m. Very high confidence that sea levels continue to rise through the century.

Source: Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (WA), Western Australian climate projections: summary, September 2021, South Western Flatlands chapter. Read the projections →

Adaptation Recommendations

Develop a community bushfire plan

Immediate

Create a plan that outlines evacuation routes, communication strategies, and property protection measures.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Improve flood management infrastructure

Near-term

Upgrade drainage systems and construct flood barriers to protect properties near the Onkaparinga River.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Implement a heatwave response plan

Immediate

Establish cooling centers and provide support to vulnerable residents during heatwave events.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Promote water conservation

Long-term

Encourage residents to reduce water consumption and implement water-efficient landscaping practices.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Support local farmers in adopting climate-resilient agricultural practices

Near-term

Provide resources and training to help farmers adapt to changing weather patterns and reduce their environmental impact.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

About Clarendon's Climate Risk Profile

Clarendon, nestled in the Adelaide Hills, is a picturesque suburb with a rich history and a strong sense of community. However, like many areas in South Australia, it is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

The primary climate risks facing Clarendon include bushfires, flooding, and heatwaves. The suburb's proximity to bushland makes it susceptible to bushfires during dry summers, while intense rainfall events can lead to flash flooding in low-lying areas. Rising average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves pose a threat to vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Climate projections indicate that these risks are likely to increase in the future. Under a high emissions scenario, Clarendon can expect to experience more frequent and intense extreme weather events, including heatwaves, droughts, and heavy rainfall. This could have significant impacts on the local economy, environment, and community.

To mitigate these risks, it is essential for residents and local authorities to take proactive measures. This includes implementing bushfire prevention strategies, improving flood management infrastructure, and developing heatwave response plans. By working together, the community can build resilience and adapt to the changing climate.

Suburb pages describe the local picture. The address-level assessment, with its data sources and its dollar projections, is in the ClimateNest report.

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks facing Clarendon?

Clarendon faces risks from bushfires due to its proximity to bushland, flooding from the Onkaparinga River, and heatwaves during summer.

How is the local council addressing climate change?

The Onkaparinga City Council has a climate strategy that outlines actions to reduce emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

What can I do to prepare for a bushfire?

You can prepare by creating a bushfire survival plan, clearing vegetation around your property, and having an emergency kit ready.

Where can I find information about flood risks in Clarendon?

You can find flood maps and information on the Onkaparinga City Council website and the Department for Environment and Water website.

How can I stay safe during a heatwave?

Stay indoors in air-conditioned environments, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.

Are there any community initiatives to address climate change in Clarendon?

Yes, there are local community groups and organizations that are working to promote sustainability and climate action in the area.

Get your property's risk report

This suburb assessment covers the area. For a precise address-level climate risk report for any specific property in Clarendon, use our analysis tool.

Check Your flood Risk Now

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What A$49 could save you from

$7.2B
2022 insured disaster losses*
$300B+
climate risk to property by 2050*
30-120%
insurance premium increases in high-risk areas*

*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA

Full report from A$49 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections