Port Augusta

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

Port Augusta's population was approximately 14,114 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 599 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 13,515. The growth is inferred from ABS estimates and additional validated addresses between June 2024 and the Census date. The population density was around 55 persons per square kilometer as of November 2025. Port Augusta's growth rate of 4.4% since the 2021 Census exceeded the SA3 area average of 4.2%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 69.5% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data and adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. According to demographic trends, Port Augusta is expected to expand by 1 person to reach a population of approximately 14,115 by 2041, reflecting an increase of 0.0% over the 17-year period based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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 saw approximately 22 new homes approved annually. From FY-21 to FY-25112 homes were approved, with an additional 4 approved in FY-26. Over these five years, on average, 0.4 people moved to the area per dwelling built.

This indicates that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and potential for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings was $274,000. In FY-26, $19.8 million in commercial development approvals were recorded, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the rest of South Australia, Port Augusta has shown moderately higher development activity, with 15.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years.

This has maintained good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods, which is below the national average. This reflects the area's maturity and suggests possible planning constraints. The majority of new developments consist of detached dwellings (95%), maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 1595 people, indicating a quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead to 2041, Port Augusta is projected to grow by 1 resident based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Port Augusta has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 17thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects that may impact the area. Notable ones include Eucalypt Village - Stirling North Accommodation Development, Port Augusta Technical College, Port Augusta Wharf Upgrade, and St Eyre Estate. 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 conditions in Port Augusta face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Port Augusta has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and retail trade.

Notably, public administration & safety employment is 2.6 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 2.7%, compared to the regional 14.5%. As of September 2025, 5970 residents are employed with an unemployment rate of 11.6%. This is 6.2% higher than Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%.

Workforce participation is similar to Rest of SA at 54.1%. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force increased by 4.5%, but employment declined by 0.9%, causing unemployment to rise by 4.8 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of SA saw employment grow by 0.3% and unemployment rise by 1.9%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Port Augusta's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.0% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2022 shows median income in Port Augusta SA2 was $51,988 and average income was $61,892. This is lower than national averages of $54,317 (median) and $67,685 (average). In the Rest of SA, median income was $46,889 and average income was $56,582. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% from July 2022 to September 2025, estimated current incomes in Port Augusta would be approximately $58,658 (median) and $69,833 (average). Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Port Augusta are between the 18th and 27th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 29.4% of residents earn $1,500-$2,999 weekly, reflecting regional patterns where 27.5% fall within this range. Housing costs allow for retention of 87.9% of income, but total disposable income ranks at the 23rd percentile nationally.

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

Port Augusta's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, were 80.1% houses and 19.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro SA's 85.7% houses and 14.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Augusta was 31.6%, similar to Non-Metro SA, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.0% and rented ones at 39.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,138, aligning with the Non-Metro SA average, while the median weekly rent was $200, compared to Non-Metro SA's $187. Nationally, Port Augusta's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 64.0% of all households, including 22.4% couples with children, 26.2% couples without children, and 14.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 36.0%, with lone person households at 32.9% and group households making up 3.0% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of SA average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 12.3%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 36.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.4%) and certificates (29.5%). Educational participation is high, with 31.8% currently enrolled in formal education: 14.5% in primary, 8.6% in secondary, and 2.5% in tertiary education.

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

Port Augusta faces significant health challenges, as indicated by its health data. Both younger and older age groups have a notable prevalence of common health conditions.

Private health cover is relatively low, with approximately 51% of the total population (~7,141 people) having it, compared to 53.1% in the rest of South Australia. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, affecting 10.2 and 9.3% of residents respectively. Conversely, 63.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.2% in the rest of South Australia. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 18.1% (2,550 people), compared to 16.3% in the rest of South Australia. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly aligning with the general population's health profile.

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's cultural diversity was found to be below average. It had 83.7% citizens, with 90.7% born in Australia and 92.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion at 39.7%.

The 'Other' category was overrepresented at 1.5%, compared to 1.9% regionally. In terms of ancestry, Australian was highest at 31.2%, followed by English at 26.6% and Australian Aboriginal at 14.4%. Notably, German ethnicity was overrepresented at 5.2%, compared to the regional average of 4.8%.

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

Port Augusta has a median age of 38 years, which is significantly lower than the Rest of SA average of 47 but aligns with Australia's median age of 38 years. The age profile shows that individuals aged 25-34 are particularly prominent, making up 14.8% of the population, while those aged 65-74 constitute a smaller proportion at 9.7%. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of the population aged 35 to 44 has increased from 12.0% to 13.8%, while the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 12.2% to 11.3%. By 2041, significant demographic changes are forecast for Port Augusta. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 100%, adding 300 residents to reach a total of 601. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 80% of population growth, indicating a trend towards an aging population. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 15 to 24 age cohorts.