[citation needed] First settled in about 1865, it is about 80 km (50 mi) north of Adelaide in South Australia and is approximately 40 minutes by road to the nearest main regional centre of Gawler.

Owen has a community Church, post office, bowling club, Country Fire Service (CFS) station, primary school, public swimming pool, hotel, children's playground and a golf course.

The town's other main feature is a typical 1940s large concrete water tower of 98 feet (30 m) in height.

The drift to country living and the expanding Adelaide city environs has seen a number of young families moving into the town.

Owen's hosts annual small-horse carriage driving championships which are held on the town's oval around Easter time.