Port Adelaide
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Port Adelaide are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Port Adelaide's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 12,970. This figure represents an increase of 1,381 people, marking a rise of 11.9% since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 11,589. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 12,583 in June 2024 and an additional 380 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 1,000 persons per square kilometer, which aligns with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Port Adelaide's growth rate exceeded both the state's (7.1%) and metropolitan area's figures, making it a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed about 55.5% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted, based on 2021 data and adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is expected for Australian statistical areas. Port Adelaide is projected to expand by 2,339 persons to reach the year 2041, reflecting an increase of approximately 14.9% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Port Adelaide among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Port Adelaide averaged approximately 138 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25693 homes were approved, with a further 39 approved in FY-26 to date. Over the past five financial years, an average of 1.9 people moved to the area for each dwelling built. However, this figure has increased to 4.5 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply.

The average expected construction cost value of new homes was $199,000, which is below regional levels, indicating more affordable housing options. In FY-26, $52.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Port Adelaide shows moderately higher construction activity, with 40.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This has preserved reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand, although construction activity has eased recently. Notably, this activity is significantly above the national average, indicating strong developer interest in the area. New building activity comprises 44.0% standalone homes and 56.0% medium to high-density housing.

This shift towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This change reflects reduced availability of development sites and addresses shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With around 211 people per dwelling approval, Port Adelaide exhibits a developing market. Future projections indicate that the area will add approximately 1,929 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.

Port Adelaide has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 19 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Quest Hotel Port Adelaide (Second Quest), Large Retail Precinct, Dock One, Our Port, and Rosewater Loop Project. 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 drivers in Port Adelaide are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Port Adelaide has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 8.5% as of June 2021.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.2%. As of June 2025, 6,310 residents were in work while the unemployment rate was 4.5%, above Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was broadly similar to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Leading employment industries among residents comprised health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

The area had particular employment specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. Professional & technical services were under-represented, with only 4.4% of Port Adelaide's workforce compared to 7.3% in Greater Adelaide. The ratio of 1.0 workers for each resident indicated substantial local employment opportunities. Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data during the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.2% and labour force increased by 3.2%, resulting in unemployment rising by 1.0 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Port Adelaide's employment mix suggested local growth of approximately 6.2% over five years and 13.3% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Port Adelaide's median taxpayer income was $51,984 and average was $56,987 in financial year 2022. This is lower than the national average of $52,592 (median) and $64,886 (average) for Greater Adelaide. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $58,654 and average $64,298 based on a 12.83% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. Census 2021 data shows incomes in Port Adelaide fall between the 17th and 23rd percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 29.9% of locals (3,878 people) have incomes ranging from $1,500 to $2,999, slightly lower than the surrounding region's 31.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Port Adelaide, with only 81.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 15th percentile nationally.

Port Adelaide displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Port Adelaide, as evaluated at the Census conducted in 2016, comprised 64.9% houses and 35.1% other dwellings including semi-detached, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Adelaide metropolitan area's dwelling structure of 69.1% houses and 30.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Adelaide stood at 27.3%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (36.8%) or rented (35.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Port Adelaide was $1,495, below the Adelaide metropolitan average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure for Port Adelaide was recorded at $275, compared to Adelaide metropolitan area's $295. Nationally, Port Adelaide's median monthly mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while median weekly rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Port Adelaide features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 59.7% of all households, including 23.0% couples with children, 21.1% couples without children, and 13.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 40.3%, with lone person households at 36.4% and group households comprising 4.0%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.3.

Educational outcomes in Port Adelaide fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 20.3%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 34.0% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (25.2%).

Educational participation is high, with 25.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.5% in primary education, 6.1% in secondary education, and 5.0% pursuing tertiary education. Port Adelaide has four schools with a combined enrollment of 1,552 students. The area's ICSEA score is 998, indicating typical Australian school conditions with balanced educational opportunities. Educational provision consists of two primary and two secondary institutions. School capacity exceeds residential needs (12.1 places per 100 residents vs 8.9 regionally), suggesting the area serves as an educational hub for the broader region. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

The analysis of public transport in Port Adelaide shows that there are 96 active transport stops currently operating. These include a mix of train and bus services. There are 28 individual routes servicing these stops, collectively providing 2,309 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 189 meters from the nearest transport stop. On average, service frequency across all routes is 329 trips per day, which equates to approximately 24 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Port Adelaide is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Port Adelaide faces significant health challenges. Common health conditions are prevalent among both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is low at approximately 48% of the total population (~6,264 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues affecting 10.0% of residents and arthritis impacting 9.1%. 64.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.1% across Greater Adelaide. As of 2016 (the latest available data), 19.2% of residents are aged 65 and over (~2,494 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Port Adelaide was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Port Adelaide's population shows high cultural diversity, with 28.8% born overseas and 27.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Port Adelaide, accounting for 42.3%. Buddhism is notably higher here compared to Greater Adelaide (5.5% vs 6.1%).

The top three ancestry groups are English (23.8%), Australian (20.9%), and Other (8.8%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Russian (1.8% vs regional 0.6%), Polish (1.8% vs 1.4%), and Vietnamese (5.2% vs 5.9%) are more represented in Port Adelaide.

Port Adelaide's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Port Adelaide is 41 years, higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent at 11.2%, while the 5-14 age group is smaller at 9.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 13.5% to 15.1% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 14.7% to 12.9%, and the 45 to 54 age group has dropped from 13.3% to 12.2%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Port Adelaide's age structure. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to rise substantially by 69%, from 745 to 1,258 people. Meanwhile, the 5 to 14 age group grows modestly by 2% (23 people).