Port Augusta

Port Augusta has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Port Augusta's population is around 14,231 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 716 people (5.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,515 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,114 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 81 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 56 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Port Augusta's 5.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (4.7%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 69.5% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Regarding demographic trends, lower quartile growth of regional areas across the nation is anticipated, with the area expected to expand by 1 person to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a decline of 0.8% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Port Augusta, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Port Augusta has seen around 22 new homes approved per year, with 112 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 4 so far in FY-26. With an average of only 0.4 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $274,000. Additionally, $19.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

Compared to the rest of SA, Port Augusta shows moderately higher development activity (15.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values, though development activity has moderated in recent periods. This is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. New development consists of 95.0% detached dwellings and 5.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 1595 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

With the population expected to remain stable or decline, Port Augusta should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Port Augusta has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 7thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 13 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Eucalypt Village - Stirling North Accommodation Development, Port Augusta Technical College, Port Augusta Wharf Upgrade, and St Eyre Estate, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 conditions in Port Augusta face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Port Augusta features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of 13.6%. As of December 2025, 5,775 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 7.9% above Regional SA's rate of 5.7%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional SA's 58.8%. Based on Census responses, a low 2.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and retail trade. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in public administration & safety, with employment levels at 2.6 times the regional average. Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing has a limited presence with 2.7% employment compared to 14.5% regionally. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force increased by 1.9% while employment declined by 6.7%, causing unemployment to rise by 7.9 percentage points. This compares to Regional SA, where employment grew by 0.7%, labour force expanded by 3.1%, and unemployment rose 2.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Port Augusta. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Port Augusta's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.0% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Port Augusta SA2 is lower than average on a national basis, with the median assessed at $54,221 while the average income stands at $63,035. This contrasts with Regional SA's figures of a median income of $48,920 and an average income of $58,933. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $58,992 (median) and $68,582 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Port Augusta all fall between the 18th and 27th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows the largest segment comprises 29.4% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (4,183 residents), reflecting patterns seen in the region where 27.5% similarly occupy this range. While housing costs are modest with 87.9% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 23rd percentile nationally.

Port Augusta is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Port Augusta, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 80.1% houses and 19.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional SA's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Port Augusta lagged that of Regional SA, at 31.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (29.0%) or rented (39.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional SA average at $1,138, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $200, compared to Regional SA's $1,153 and $220. Nationally, Port Augusta's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Port Augusta features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households dominate at 64.0% of all households, comprising 22.4% couples with children, 26.2% couples without children, and 14.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 36.0%, with lone person households at 32.9% and group households comprising 3.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people matches the Regional SA average.

Port Augusta faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (12.3%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 36.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (7.4%) and certificates (29.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.5% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 2.5% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Port Augusta is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Port Augusta, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~7,172 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, impacting 10.2 and 9.3% of residents, respectively, while 63.5% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 62.5% across Regional SA. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 18.8% of residents aged 65 and over (2,675 people), which is lower than the 27.1% in Regional SA. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Port Augusta is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Port Augusta was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 83.7% of its population being citizens, 90.7% born in Australia, and 92.0% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Port Augusta is Christianity, which makes up 39.7% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 1.5% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Regional SA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Port Augusta are Australian, comprising 31.2% of the population, English, comprising 26.6% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 32.5%, and Australian Aboriginal, comprising 14.4% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 3.3%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 5.2% of Port Augusta (vs 8.2% regionally).

Port Augusta's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

At 38 years, Port Augusta's median age is significantly below the Regional SA average of 47 while in line with Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows 25 - 34 year-olds are particularly prominent (14.6%), while the 65 - 74 group is comparatively smaller (10.0%) than in Regional SA. Since 2021, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 12.0% to 14.2% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.2% to 11.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Port Augusta. The 85+ cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 96%, adding 293 residents to reach 601. Senior residents (65+) will drive 81% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. On the other hand, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 15 to 24 cohorts.