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 was around 8,474 as of May 2026. This reflected an increase of 394 people (4.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,080 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,457 from the ABS as of June 2025 and an additional 34 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 1,131 persons per square kilometer, which was relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Pooraka - Cavan's 4.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (3.9%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 70.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, 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 were adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, 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 was expected, with the area expected to expand by 581 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 6.7% in total over the 16 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 homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 155 homes. In FY26 so far, 33 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.8 new residents arrive per year for each new home built between FY21 and FY25, indicating a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. The average construction cost of new properties is $190,000, which is 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 regionally. Recent construction comprises 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. AreaSearch quarterly estimates forecast Pooraka-Cavan to gain 564 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population 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 identified 18 projects likely impacting the area. Key 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 prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.1% as of December 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.2% over the past year. As of that date, 3989 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 1.3%, which is higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation was lower at 60.1%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.0%. According to Census responses, only 6.7% of residents worked from home. The key industries of employment among residents were health care and social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing showed particularly strong specialization with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level.

Conversely, education and training employed just 7.0% of local workers, below Greater Adelaide's 9.3%. There was a ratio of 0.9 workers for each resident at the Census, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. In the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.2% and labour force increased by 1.1%, leading to an unemployment fall of 0.2 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 4.2%, labour force growth of 3.9%, with unemployment falling by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Pooraka-Cavan. These projections estimate that national employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Pooraka-Cavan's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, although this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localised population projections.

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 taxpayer income of $53,854 and an average of $61,117. Nationally, these figures are lower than the average. Comparing to Greater Adelaide, Pooraka - Cavan's median is $53,854 compared to $54,808, and its average is $61,117 compared to $66,852. Since financial year 2023, Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% suggests current estimates would be approximately $59,331 (median) and $67,333 (average) as of March 2026. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Pooraka - Cavan fall between the 11th and 17th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 31.2% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999, reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 31.8% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.9% of income remaining after expenses, ranking at the 18th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Pooraka-Cavan, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 85.9% houses and 14.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Adelaide metro's 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Pooraka-Cavan was at 33.1%, similar to Adelaide metro, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (36.3%) or rented (30.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,335, below Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. Median weekly rent in Pooraka-Cavan was recorded at $300, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Pooraka-Cavan's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than 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 constitute 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, as of the latest data, 20.5% of residents aged 15 years and above hold university degrees. Nationally, this figure stands at 30.4%. This difference suggests potential for educational development in the region. Bachelor's degrees are the most common type of qualification held by residents (13.4%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%).

Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 31.1% of residents aged 15 years and above holding such qualifications. Advanced diplomas account for 8.4%, while certificates make up 22.7%. Educational participation is high in the region, with 29.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (9.6%), secondary education (7.0%), and tertiary education (5.7%).

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

72 active transport stops operate within Pooraka-Cavan. These stops serve a mix of buses on 43 routes, providing 2,358 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 148 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode 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 above-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment conducted in June 2021. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were found to be low among the general population but higher than the national average among older, at-risk cohorts. Private health cover was relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (around 4,169 people), compared to 52.7% across Greater Adelaide and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions were mental health issues and arthritis, affecting 8.1% and 7.9% of residents respectively, while 69.0% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. Working-age residents showed an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 18.9% of residents aged 65 and over (around 1,597 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank 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 high cultural diversity, with 39.8% of its population born overseas and 41.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The predominant religion is Christianity, comprising 43.1%. Islam is overrepresented, making up 10.5%, compared to Greater Adelaide's average of 3.0%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are English (20.5%), Australian (19.0%), and Other (17.9%). Notably, Vietnamese (6.7%) and Polish (1.4%) are overrepresented, while Serbian (0.8%) is slightly higher than regional averages.

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

The median age in Pooraka - Cavan is 38 years, closely matching both Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 years and Australia's median age of 38 years. The 0-4 age group is over-represented locally at 6.1%, compared to the Greater Adelaide average, while the 45-54 year-olds are under-represented at 11.1%. From 2021 to present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 5.5% to 6.2% of the population, and the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 12.1% to 11.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Pooraka - Cavan's age profile. The 75-84 age group is expected to expand by 185 people (35%), growing from 528 to 714 individuals. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 62% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. Meanwhile, the 5-14 age group is projected to decline by 8 people.