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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Jamestown has an estimated 4,730 residents, up from 4,596 at the 2021 Census — a change of 134 people, or 2.9%. 118 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. Fewer than ten people live on each square kilometre, across a boundary that takes in surrounding rural land. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to the analysis by AreaSearch, the population of Jamestown stands at approximately 4,730 in May 2026. This represents a growth of 134 residents (2.9%) compared to the 2021 Census, which recorded 4,596 individuals. This population shifts are calculated using the ABS estimated resident population of 4,724 from June 2025 alongside 118 validated new addresses registered after the Census. This population level translates to a density of 1.5 persons per square kilometer, ensuring a spacious living environment. The 2.9% expansion rate since the 2021 Census outpaced the broader SA3 region (2.4%), positioning Jamestown as a leader in regional growth.
The demographic expansion was almost exclusively powered by interstate migration, which served as the sole contributor to population increases in recent times. For each SA2 locality, AreaSearch utilizes projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia published in 2024, using 2022 as the baseline. In cases where these figures are unavailable, or for periods extending past 2032, regional and LGA projections categorized by age from the SA State Government (issued in 2023 based on 2021 statistics) are applied, adjusted via a weighted aggregation method of population growth from LGA to SA2 divisions. Based on these projected demographic trends, the overall population is forecast to shrink over this timeframe, with a projected reduction of 56 residents by 2041 under this framework. Conversely, expansion is projected within specific age groups, particularly the cohort aged 85 and over, which is forecast to rise by 156 individuals. Refer to the age section for further information.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
49 new dwellings have been approved in Jamestown over the past five years, an average of 9 a year. That is 2.1 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 15, running ahead of that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Jamestown averages approximately 9 residential building approvals per year, resulting in a total of 49 dwellings over the preceding 5 financial years. Thus far in FY-26, 14 approvals have been documented. Given that an average of 1.4 individuals relocated to the locality for every new home constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, demand and supply appear to be in equilibrium, fostering stable market conditions, though recent figures indicate this ratio has fallen to 0.8 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years, reflecting more balanced supply dynamics. Building developments carry an average construction value of $272,000.
Furthermore, $7.0 million in commercial building approvals have been logged during this financial year, pointing to the predominantly residential profile of the locality. In comparison to the Rest of SA, Jamestown exhibits equivalent per capita construction rates, maintaining a market equilibrium that aligns with the wider region. This building rate is likewise below the national average, reflecting the established status of the locality and implying possible planning constraints. Furthermore, recent building activity has consisted entirely of single-family detached homes, maintaining the low density layout of the area with a focus on stand-alone houses that appeal to buyers looking for space. The metric of 396 residents for every single dwelling approval underscores the quiet and low-intensity development climate. Given that population forecasts indicate a steady or contracting population size, Jamestown is likely to experience fewer pressures on housing demand, which should benefit prospective purchasers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Jamestown
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 74 current infrastructure and development projects close to Jamestown, worth an estimated $19 billion. 22 are already under construction and 14 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, energy and ports, marinas, fisheries & aquaculture. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Few elements impact local performance as significantly as updates to regional infrastructure, key projects, and planning developments. A total of 3 projects have been identified by AreaSearch as likely to influence the local area. Primary developments include Silver to Sea Way, Mid North South Australia REZ Expansion, Wapma Thura-Southern Flinders Ranges National Park, and Barrier Highway Safety Upgrades, with the following list outlining those expected to be most significant.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Silver to Sea Way
A major new touring route stretching from Silverton in New South Wales to Port Pirie. The project is a regional regeneration project to generate economic and social benefits through the use of heritage assets in regional and remote areas. Stage 1 follows the original railway line from the Trust's magnificent Port Pirie Railway Museum and Customs House, to Gladstone Gaol and the Peterborough Roundhouse.
Mid North South Australia REZ Expansion
The Mid North South Australia REZ Expansion would increase the capacity of the existing REZ from 1.7 gigawatts to a proposed two gigawatts. Works include: Construction of a 275-kilovolt (kV) double-circuit line between Bundey and Para; Disconnecting existing Waterloo-Templers 132-kV line at each end; Building a 132-kV single-circuit line from Templers West to Templers; A new 160-MVA, 275/132-kV transformer at Templers West.
Bungama Battery Project
Amp Energy's Bungama Battery Project introduces a 250MW/500MWh energy storage facility near Port Pirie, South Australia, featuring grid forming inverter technology, adjacent to the 275kV Bungama Substation.
Wapma Thura-Southern Flinders Ranges National Park
Creation of a new national park by combining several existing conservation parks and adding new land. The project includes the development of new visitor facilities, campgrounds, and an international mountain biking destination at Mt Remarkable, along with new trails for hiking and cycling, including a new iconic multi-day hike.
Green Iron SA Port Pirie Hub
Green Iron SA is a consortium-led initiative developing a green iron supply chain in South Australia centered in Port Pirie. High-level engineering for a premium iron ore export pathway via Port Pirie Berth 7 was completed, focusing on upgrading rail and port infrastructure to export magnetite concentrate from the Razorback Iron Ore Project. The design incorporates sealed handling systems to support future green hydrogen-based pellet and Hot Briquetted Iron production.
Port Pirie Masterplan / Yorke Peninsula and Mid North Regional Plan
A 30-year blueprint for the Yorke Peninsula and Mid North region, identifying land use and infrastructure to support a projected population increase of 17,677 by 2051. The plan designates Port Pirie as the primary Regional City, focusing on essential services, logistics, and its expanding role in critical minerals and energy. Key active components include the Riverbank Precinct redevelopment (Stage 1 nature play and beach shelter upgrades), the Greening Port Pirie Rail Yards project (16,500 seedlings planted to reduce lead dust exposure), and Nyrstar's industrial transformation, which achieved its first commercial shipment of Australian-produced Antimony metal in February 2026.The plan is now delivered via an interactive electronic Regional Planning Portal rather than a static document.
Nyrstar Port Pirie Smelter Transformation
Major redevelopment of the Nyrstar lead-zinc smelter at Port Pirie to implement advanced PAR (Port Pirie Advanced Recycling) technology, significantly reducing lead-in-air emissions, modernising the facility and securing its long-term future. The A$750 million transformation project reached full mechanical completion in 2023 with final commissioning and performance testing completed in 2024.
Port Pirie Wharf Upgrades
Infrastructure upgrade project involving sealing of 19,350 square metres of previously unsurfaced port area with 6,100 tonnes of asphalt. Removal of 8,800 tonnes of contaminated material and addition of 9,100 tonnes of new material. Focus on Berths 5 and 7 to enhance port capacity and economic benefits to Mid North region.
2,224 residents of Jamestown are employed, from a labour force of 2,330. Unemployment sits at 4.5%, with participation at 60.4%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.2% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Jamestown boasts a workforce that includes both white collar and blue collar jobs across a range of sectors, with a current unemployment rate of 4.5% and an estimated employment growth of 3.1% from the previous year. As of March 2026, the town has 2,224 residents in employment, and its unemployment rate sits at 0.9% lower than the Regional SA rate of 5.5%. The workforce participation rate is fairly standard at 60.4%, compared to the Regional SA rate of 58.4%. Census data shows that a moderate 16.4% of residents work from home, though this figure should be viewed with consideration for the impact of Covid-19 lockdowns.
The primary employment sectors for local residents consist of agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The region exhibits a distinct concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, where the employment share is 1.9 times the regional average. Conversely, accommodation & food services is underrepresented, employing only 3.1% of the local workforce compared to 7.0% across Regional SA. The comparison between the Census working population and the resident population suggests that the local area offers a constrained volume of employment opportunities. Based on AreaSearch's evaluation of SALM and ABS statistics, the 12-month timeframe saw a 3.1% rise in employment alongside a 3.4% expansion of the labor force, which caused the unemployment rate to edge up by 0.3 percentage points. By contrast, Regional SA experienced job growth of 1.2% and labor force growth of 2.6%, with unemployment climbing by 1.4 percentage points. National employment projections from May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide additional context regarding future demand in Jamestown. These projections, spanning five and ten-year intervals, have been applied to the local industry mix to estimate growth trends. Although national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates vary widely across different sectors. Applying these sector-specific outlooks to the employment structure of Jamestown suggests local employment could expand by 5.2% over five years and 11.7% over ten years (note that this is a basic weighted projection for visualization and does not account for local population forecasts).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Jamestown is $1,145 a week (about $60,000 a year), with median personal income at $640 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $49,549 a year against an average of $61,412. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Income levels in the Jamestown SA2 track below the national average, based on the most recent ATO data compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income for taxpayers in the Jamestown SA2 is $49,549, and the average income is $61,412, which compares to Regional SA averages of $48,920 and $58,933. Adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, current estimates stand at roughly $54,588 (median) and $67,658 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census indicates that household, family, and individual incomes in Jamestown all fall between the 9th and 17th percentiles nationally.
The income distribution shows that the $800 - 1,499 bracket contains 28.3% of the population (1,338 individuals), differing from regional patterns where the $1,500 - 2,999 range is the most common at 27.5%. Although residential expenses are low, leaving residents with 92.2% of their income, total disposable income sits at the 18th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Jamestown had 1,898 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 97% detached houses and 0% apartments. 29% are owned with a mortgage, 18% rented and 52% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $192 a week and the median mortgage repayment $802 a month. Rent absorbs 16.8% of household income here and mortgage repayments 16.2%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Residential architecture in Jamestown, measured at the most recent Census, was comprised of 96.7% houses and 3.3% alternative dwellings (including semi-detached properties, apartments, and other housing types), compared to 88.5% houses and 11.5% alternative dwellings in Regional SA. At the same time, the home ownership rate in Jamestown stood significantly higher than the Regional SA average at 52.3%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (29.4%) or rented (18.3%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $802 was far below the Regional SA average of $1,153, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $192, compared to $220 in Regional SA.
On a national level, mortgage costs in Jamestown are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are substantially below the national average of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Jamestown counted 1,898 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.2 people each. 23% are couples with children, fewer than in 78% of areas nationally, against 33% couples without children. 33% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.1 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family units constitute the majority of households at 64.2%, which is made up of 22.8% couples raising children, 33.4% couples without children, and 7.3% single parent households. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 35.8%, with single-person households representing 32.8% and group homes making up 3.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 individuals is slightly below the Regional SA average of 2.3.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
14.6% of adults in Jamestown hold a university qualification, including 10.9% with a bachelor degree and 1.7% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 29.5% hold a vocational qualification. 7 schools serve the area, with 713 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 998 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
The locality presents educational hurdles, with university graduation rates (14.6%) falling far below the Australian average of 30.4%. This situation presents both a hurdle and a chance for focused educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher education qualification at 10.9%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.0%) and postgraduate degrees (1.7%). Vocational and technical training is highly prevalent, with 38.7% of residents aged 15+ holding trade qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (29.5%). A significant 24.3% of the community is engaged in formal learning. This group includes 11.5% attending primary school, 6.9% in secondary school, and 1.6% enrolled in tertiary institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Jamestown means driving: households keep an average of 1.8 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
61.7% of residents in Jamestown report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 76% of areas nationally. 7.0% need daily assistance with core activities, and 49.8% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 6.0 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health indicators demonstrate significant difficulties in Jamestown, according to AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality statistics and the rate of chronic illnesses, with common medical issues notable among both younger and older demographics, and the rate of private health insurance coverage sitting relatively low at roughly 50% of the population (~2,355 individuals). The corresponding national average stands at 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions recorded locally were arthritis and mental health disorders, affecting 10.8% and 8.8% of residents, respectively, whereas 61.7% of the population reported no chronic medical conditions, compared to 62.5% across Regional SA.
The cohort of working age exhibits significant health concerns with high rates of chronic illness. The area has 28.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,366 individuals), which exceeds the 27.1% figure for Regional SA, and national percentiles are higher still than the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Jamestown is largely Australian-born, at 93.0% of residents, with 2.2% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (35.3%) and English (32.7%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Jamestown shows lower levels of cultural diversity compared to national benchmarks, with citizens making up 92.6% of the population, 93.0% born in Australia, and 97.8% using only English at home. The predominant religion is Christianity, representing 54.2% of the local population, compared to 45.2% observed across Regional SA. Regarding ancestral backgrounds (parental country of birth), the three most common heritages in Jamestown are Australian at 35.3% of the population, English at 32.7%, and German at 7.9%. In addition, there are distinct variations in the proportions of other ancestral groups: Welsh is overrepresented at 0.7% of Jamestown (compared to 0.5% regionally), Australian Aboriginal stands at 2.3% (compared to 3.3%) and Polish is at 0.6% (compared to 0.4%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Jamestown is 49, older than 89% of areas nationally. 16.4% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
With a median age of 49, Jamestown is slightly older than Regional SA's median of 47 and significantly older than the national median of 38. In comparison to Regional SA, Jamestown has a larger proportion of children aged 5 - 14 (13.1%) but fewer adults aged 25 - 34 (7.5%). Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age bracket expanded from 8.3% to 10.4% of the population. On the other hand, the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 11.8% to 10.5% and the 25 to 34 group declined from 8.6% to 7.5%.
Looking forward to 2041, population projections indicate notable changes in the age profile of Jamestown. Leading this transition, the 85+ cohort is projected to expand by 108% (146 individuals), rising from 134 to 281. The demographic aging process is apparent, as individuals aged 65+ make up 94% of the projected population growth. By contrast, the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 age brackets are both expected to decline.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Jamestown
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 118 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (4,596 at the 2021 Census → 4,730 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (405031120). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.