Pooraka - Cavan

An assessment of population growth drivers in Pooraka - Cavan reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Pooraka - Cavan's population is around 8,383 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 303 people (3.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,080 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,371 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 38 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,119 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Pooraka - Cavan's 3.8% growth since census positions it within 0.2 percentage points of the SA3 area (4.0%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 67.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Moving forward with demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation is expected, with the area expected to expand by 636 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting recording a gain of 7.4% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Pooraka - Cavan recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Pooraka - Cavan has seen approximately 31 new home approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 155 homes. As of FY26, 23 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.8 new residents arrive per year for each new home approved between FY21 and FY25, indicating a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. The average construction cost of new properties is $190,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options.

This financial year has seen $20.1 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting steady investment activity. Comparing Pooraka - Cavan's construction rates per person to Greater Adelaide shows similar patterns, supporting market stability. Recent construction consists of 73.0% detached dwellings and 27.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's suburban character focused on family homes.

With approximately 348 people per dwelling approval, it reflects an established area. Population forecasts indicate a gain of 624 residents by 2041, with current development rates expected to comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current projections.

Pooraka - Cavan has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 10thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 19 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Pooraka Enterprise Park Expansion - Stage 2 (Various Sites), Montague Farm Estate, Pooraka Triangle Masterplan Redevelopment, and Mawson Lakes Technology Precinct Expansion. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment performance in Pooraka - Cavan has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Pooraka - Cavan has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 5.2%, with an estimated employment growth of 1.4% over the past year as of September 2025. There are 3,986 residents in work, and the unemployment rate is 1.2% higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation lags at 60.5%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.4%. According to Census responses, only 6.7% of residents work from home. The key industries of employment are health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing is particularly strong with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level.

Education & training employs just 7.0% of local workers, below Greater Adelaide's 9.3%. There are 0.9 workers for each resident, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.4%, with labour force increasing by 1.4%, and unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. In comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 2.9%, with unemployment falling by 0.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Pooraka - Cavan's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.2% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Pooraka - Cavan SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $53,854 and an average of $61,117. This is lower than the national average. In Greater Adelaide, the median was $54,808 and the average was $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Pooraka - Cavan are approximately $58,593 (median) and $66,495 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Pooraka - Cavan fall between the 11th and 17th percentiles nationally. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 31.2% of the community (2,615 individuals), similar to regional levels where 31.8% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 18th percentile.

Pooraka - Cavan is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Pooraka-Cavan, as per the latest Census evaluation, 85.9% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 14.0% being other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Adelaide metropolitan area's 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Pooraka-Cavan stood at 33.1%, similar to Adelaide metro, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.3% and rented ones at 30.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,335, lower than the Adelaide metro average of $1,562. The median weekly rent figure was $300, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Pooraka-Cavan's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,335 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Pooraka - Cavan has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 67.9% of all households, including 30.4% couples with children, 22.3% couples without children, and 13.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.1%, with lone person households at 28.4% and group households comprising 3.6%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which matches the Greater Adelaide average.

Educational outcomes in Pooraka - Cavan fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

In Pooraka-Cavan Trail region, 20.5% of residents aged 15 years or above hold university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. The most common qualification is bachelor degrees at 13.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 5.8% and graduate diplomas at 1.3%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent with 31.1% of residents aged 15 years or above holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (8.4%) and certificates (22.7%). Educational participation is high, with 29.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.6% in primary education, 7.0% in secondary education, and 5.7% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Transport analysis shows 72 active public transport stops operating within Pooraka-Cavan, comprising a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 43 individual routes, providing a total of 2,358 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 148 meters from the nearest stop. In this primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 88%, with 8% using buses. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 6.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 336 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 32 weekly trips per stop.

The level of general health in Pooraka - Cavan is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Pooraka - Cavan demonstrates better-than-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment, conducted in June 2021. The prevalence of common health conditions is low among the general population but higher than the national average among older and at-risk cohorts. Private health cover stands at approximately 49% of the total population (~4,124 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 52.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 8.1 and 7.9% of residents respectively, while 69.0% report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to Greater Adelaide's 67.9%. Working-age residents show a higher-than-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 18.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,575 people), with health outcomes among seniors presenting some challenges but ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

Pooraka - Cavan is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Pooraka-Cavan has a high cultural diversity index, with 39.8% of its residents born overseas and 41.6% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Pooraka-Cavan, accounting for 43.1% of the population. However, Islam is significantly overrepresented compared to Greater Adelaide's average, comprising 10.5% of Pooraka-Cavan's population.

The top three ancestry groups are English (20.5%), Australian (19.0%), and Other (17.9%). Notably, Vietnamese, Polish, and Serbian ethnicities have higher representations in Pooraka-Cavan compared to regional averages: Vietnamese at 6.7% vs 1.2%, Polish at 1.4% vs 1.0%, and Serbian at 0.8% vs 0.4%.

Pooraka - Cavan's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Pooraka - Cavan is 38 years, nearly matching Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 and Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Adelaide's average, the 25-34 age group is over-represented at 15.0% locally, while the 75-84 year-olds are under-represented at 6.0%. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has increased from 14.3% to 15.0%, while the 45-54 cohort has declined from 12.1% to 11.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Pooraka - Cavan's age profile will significantly evolve. The 75-84 age group is projected to expand by 182 people (36%), from 505 to 688. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 58% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 5-14 cohort is projected to decline by 1 person.