Port Lincoln

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

Port Lincoln's population was around 17,451 as of November 2025. This reflected an increase of 1,144 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 16,307. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 17,044 in June 2024 and an additional 194 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a density ratio of 128 persons per square kilometer. Port Lincoln's growth of 7.0% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region's 5.3%. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 65.1% of overall population gains.

AreaSearch adopted 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 were used, based on 2021 data and adjusted employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering projected demographic shifts, Port Lincoln is expected to increase by just below the median of regional areas across the nation, expanding by 1,410 persons to reach 18,861 by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 5.8% over the 17-year period.

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

Port Lincoln granted approval for approximately 56 residential properties annually over the past five financial years, totalling 284 homes. In FY-26 so far, 23 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.6 new residents arrived per new home each year between FY-21 and FY-25. The average value of new dwellings developed was $257,000.

This year, there have been $32.6 million in commercial approvals, indicating robust local business investment. Port Lincoln's development levels are similar to the rest of SA on a per person basis, supporting market stability and aligning with regional patterns. However, building activity has slowed in recent years compared to national levels, suggesting possible development constraints due to market maturity. Ninety-four percent of new developments consist of detached dwellings, while six percent are townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's low-density nature.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 428 people. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Port Lincoln is forecasted to gain 1,003 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Port Lincoln has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 18thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 12 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Port Lincoln Housing Strategy Implementation, 2025 Port Lincoln Master Plan, Eyre Peninsula Network Road Upgrades, and Port Lincoln Foreshore Redevelopment. 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.

The employment landscape in Port Lincoln shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Port Lincoln has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, prominent essential services sectors, an unemployment rate of 4.9%, and estimated employment growth of 2.6% over the past year (as of September 2025). The local unemployment rate is 0.4% lower than Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%.

Workforce participation stands at 57.9%, similar to Rest of SA's 54.1%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. Retail trade is particularly dominant, employing 1.3 times the regional level. However, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 9.7% of local workers compared to Rest of SA's 14.5%.

Many residents may commute elsewhere for work based on Census data analysis. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 2.6%, while labour force grew by 4.5%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.8 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of SA saw employment growth of 0.3% and labour force growth of 2.3%, with a 1.9 percentage point increase in unemployment rate. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest total employment could expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Port Lincoln's employment mix indicates local employment should grow by 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

The median taxpayer income in Port Lincoln SA2 was $47,962 and the average was $59,221 based on postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is lower than the national average. The Rest of SA had a median income of $46,889 and an average of $56,582 during the same period. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income in Port Lincoln could be approximately $54,116 and the average could be around $66,819, assuming a Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census figures, incomes in Port Lincoln rank modestly, between the 20th and 35th percentiles for households, families, and individuals. The distribution data shows that the largest segment comprises 30.7% of residents earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, which is similar to the surrounding region at 27.5%. After accounting for housing costs, 86.0% of income remains, ranking at the 23rd percentile nationally.

Port Lincoln is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In Port Lincoln, as per the latest Census, 83.4% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 16.7% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types. In comparison, Non-Metro SA had 75.9% houses and 24.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Lincoln stood at 32.9%, with mortgaged properties at 34.0% and rented ones at 33.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, higher than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,170. Weekly rent in Port Lincoln was $240, compared to Non-Metro SA's $195. Nationally, Port Lincoln's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,863 and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 66.4% of all households, including 24.6% couples with children, 29.2% couples without children, and 11.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 33.6%, with lone person households at 30.6% and group households comprising 3.0% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which matches the average for the Rest of South Africa.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 14.6%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (30.9%). Educational participation is high, with 27.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 12.4% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health outcomes in Port Lincoln are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Port Lincoln's health indicators show below-average results with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age groups. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~8,568 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, affecting 8.2 and 8.0% of residents respectively. A total of 68.5% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.6% across the rest of South Australia. The area has 21.5% of residents aged 65 and over (3,743 people). Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Port Lincoln's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 89.6% of its population being citizens and 90.8% born in Australia. The majority, 95.6%, spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 42.8% of Port Lincoln's population.

Notably, the 'Other' religious category had a lower representation in Port Lincoln compared to the rest of South Australia, with 0.5% versus 0.6%. In terms of ancestry, Australian (31.8%), English (31.6%), and Scottish (7.2%) were the top three represented groups. However, there were notable variations in the representation of certain ethnic groups: German was slightly overrepresented at 6.9%, Croatian at 1.2%, and Australian Aboriginal at 4.3%.

Port Lincoln's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Port Lincoln's median age is 41 years, which is lower than Rest of SA's 47 but higher than Australia's national norm of 38. The 35-44 cohort is notably over-represented in Port Lincoln at 13.2%, compared to the Rest of SA average, while the 65-74 age group is under-represented at 11.8%. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 12.0% to 13.2% of Port Lincoln's population. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 12.9% to 11.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Port Lincoln's age profile. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to expand by 536 people (44%), growing from 1,230 to 1,767. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 75% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 15-24 and 5-14 cohorts.