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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Port Lincoln has an estimated 17,156 residents, up from 16,307 at the 2021 Census — a change of 849 people, or 5.2%. Growth has averaged 0.5% a year over five years. 258 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. Overseas migration accounts for 59.3% of that increase. That puts 126 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to the analysis by AreaSearch, the population of Port Lincoln stands at approximately 17,156 as of May 2026. This indicates a growth of 849 individuals (5.2%) from the 16,307 residents recorded in the 2021 Census. This population shift is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 17,064 alongside 258 validated new addresses registered since the Census. The region maintains a density of 125 persons per square kilometer, which offers ample space per resident and opportunities for future expansion. Outperforming both the broader SA4 region (4.2%) and the SA3 area, Port Lincoln leads its vicinity in population growth.
This recent upward trend was largely fueled by overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 59.3% of the total population increase. Projections from ABS/Geoscience Australia released in 2024 with a 2022 baseline are utilized for each SA2 area. Where this data is unavailable, or for periods past 2032, regional and LGA projections by age group from the SA State Government (released in 2023 using 2021 data) are applied, adjusted via weighted aggregation of growth from the LGA to the SA2 level. Based on these demographic forecasts, the district is set to experience population growth slightly below the national median for regional areas, with an anticipated increase of 1,346 people by 2041 relative to the most recent annual ERP statistics, representing a overall rise of 7.3% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
284 new dwellings have been approved in Port Lincoln over the past five years, an average of 56 a year. That is 3.4 approvals per 1,000 residents. Of the 36 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 94% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 48, broadly in line with that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
An average of approximately 56 new residential approvals have been granted annually in Port Lincoln, amounting to 284 dwellings over the last 5 financial years. In FY-26 to date, 44 approvals have been documented. With an average of 1.4 new residents moving in per finished dwelling between FY-21 and FY-25, demand matches supply closely to maintain stable market conditions, with new homes constructed at an average cost of $257,000. Additionally, commercial building approvals have reached $32.6 million this financial year, pointing to strong local business investment. Port Lincoln displays similar per-capita construction rates to the Rest of SA, matching regional trends to maintain market equilibrium, even though construction activity has decelerated lately.
These figures remain below the national benchmarks, indicating a mature market and highlighting potential hurdles to expansion. The new supply is dominated by detached dwellings at 94.0%, with townhouses or apartments making up the remaining 6.0%, keeping the area low-density and appealing to buyers seeking space. An estimated ratio of 429 people per dwelling approval highlights a quiet development sector with low construction volumes. Based on the latest quarterly projections from AreaSearch, Port Lincoln is expected to add 1,254 residents by 2041. Under current construction trajectories, residential supply should easily accommodate this growth, offering favorable conditions for purchasers and potentially enabling expansion beyond these baseline forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Port Lincoln
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 11 current infrastructure and development projects inside Port Lincoln, worth an estimated $913 million. A further 54 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $31 billion. 18 are already under construction and 11 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, ports, marinas, fisheries & aquaculture and communities, precincts & urban renewal. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Changes to local infrastructure, major developments, and municipal planning strategies significantly shape regional outcomes. AreaSearch has tracked 12 projects poised to influence the district. Major projects include the Port Lincoln Housing Strategy Implementation, the 2025 Port Lincoln Master Plan, the Eyre Peninsula Network Road Upgrades, and the Port Lincoln Foreshore Redevelopment, with details provided on those of greatest significance.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Eyre Peninsula Desalination Plant
A reverse osmosis seawater desalination plant under construction at Billy Lights Point on the southern edge of Port Lincoln, designed to secure long-term, climate-independent drinking water for around 35,000 customers across the Eyre Peninsula. The plant will produce 5.3 gigalitres per year (16 megalitres per day), with capacity to expand to 8 gigalitres per year (24 megalitres per day) subject to future approvals. It will supplement the at-risk Uley South groundwater basin and reduce regional reliance on the River Murray.Marine infrastructure includes a 435 metre micro-tunnel beneath the shoreline, currently being excavated by tunnel boring machine 'Janette' to house intake and outfall pipes. A 7 kilometre transfer pipeline linking the plant to the Northside Hill storage tanks is now complete. SA Water is the project owner, with Acciona delivering the reverse osmosis plant and overall construction, McConnell Dowell delivering the marine infrastructure, and Leed Engineering delivering the transfer pipeline. First water is expected by the end of 2026.
Port Lincoln Housing Strategy 2024-2029
The Port Lincoln Housing Strategy 2024-2029 is a comprehensive framework adopted by Council to address housing affordability and supply. Key updates in 2026 include the formal adoption of the 30-year Port Lincoln Master Plan in February, which integrates the strategy's goals for sustainable growth. A landmark land agreement reached in March 2026 for the Western Link Road corridor will unlock undeveloped land for new residential precincts. Council is also progressing with the revocation of community land status for sites like 25 Chapman Street to enable sale for private residential development.
Port Lincoln Master Plan
Adopted 30-year strategic master plan guiding Port Lincoln's long-term growth, land release, infrastructure investment and future residential, employment and commercial areas. Council adopted the final Port Lincoln Master Plan in February 2026 with minor amendments and authorised next steps for a Complying Change for Priority Area 2 and a Code Amendment for residential and miscellaneous areas identified in the plan.
Porter Street, Liverpool Street and Railway Place Intersection Upgrade
Upgrade of the Porter Street, Liverpool Street (Lincoln Highway) and Railway Place intersection including installation of traffic signals, new pedestrian push-button crossing facilities, improved footpaths, and enhanced safety measures for all road users. Part of the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program.
Port Lincoln Hospital Redevelopment
Federally funded hospital redevelopment in 2015 featuring upgraded consulting rooms for visiting specialists, combined Chemotherapy & Renal Dialysis Clinic, and modern 50-bed complex with high dependency unit, maternity services and operating facilities.
Ravendale Sporting Complex Inclusive Facilities
Upgrade to inclusive change facilities at Ravendale Sporting Complex jointly funded through Department for Infrastructure and Transport's Inclusive Sporting Infrastructure Grants Program, improving accessibility for all community members.
Marina Footbridge Safety Upgrade
Safety upgrade and replacement of control panel on Marina Footbridge to ensure safe pedestrian access between marina and city center, improving connectivity for residents and tourists.
Eyre Peninsula Network Road Upgrades
Major road infrastructure program upgrading roads across the Eyre Peninsula, including the Eyre Highway between Port Augusta and the WA border, new overtaking lanes, junction upgrades, pavement reconstruction, and heavy vehicle rest areas to improve safety and supply chain resilience.
8,095 residents of Port Lincoln are employed, from a labour force of 8,580. Unemployment sits at 5.7%, with participation at 60.9%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.0% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The labor force in Port Lincoln is evenly distributed between white and blue collar jobs, with a solid footprint in essential services and an unemployment rate of 5.7%. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 8,095, while the unemployment rate was 0.2% higher than the Regional SA average of 5.5%. Workforce participation stood at 60.9% compared to 58.4% for Regional SA. Census data indicates that only 5.1% of local workers operated from home, though this figure may have been affected by Covid-19 lockdowns. The primary sectors employing local residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and agriculture, forestry & fishing.
The area shows a high concentration of jobs in retail trade, where the employment proportion is 1.3 times the Regional SA average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs 9.7% of the local workforce, which is lower than the Regional SA average of 14.5%. Comparing the Census working population against the resident population suggests a significant portion of residents travel outside the area for employment. AreaSearch's evaluation of SALM and ABS statistics shows that during the 12 months ending March 2026, the local workforce shrank by 1.6% and total employment dropped by 4.3%, leading to a 2.7 percentage point rise in the unemployment rate. Over the same timeframe, Regional SA saw employment grow by 1.2% and its labor force expand by 2.6%, resulting in a 1.4 percentage point increase in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia as of May-25 provide context for local trends. These projections, spanning five and ten years, are applied to the local workforce structure to model future patterns. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though industry-specific rates vary. Projecting these rates onto Port Lincoln's current job distribution estimates a local employment expansion of 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, though this is a simple weighted illustration that excludes local demographic projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Port Lincoln is $1,301 a week (about $68,000 a year), with median personal income at $736 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $50,310 a year against an average of $62,966. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Taxpayer income statistics for the Port Lincoln SA2, derived from postcode-level ATO records compiled by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023, show a median income of $50,310 and an average income of $62,966. This is below national benchmarks but compares to a median of $48,920 and an average of $58,933 for Regional SA. Adjusting for a 10.17% Wage Price Index increase since the financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 sit at roughly $55,427 for the median and $69,370 for the average. In the 2021 Census, Port Lincoln household, family, and individual incomes fell within the modest 20th to 35th percentiles.
The largest income bracket is the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly range, containing 30.7% of taxpayers (5,266 residents), mirroring the wider region where 27.5% earn in this bracket. Discretionary income remaining after housing costs stands at 86.0%, placing it in the 23rd percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Port Lincoln had 6,302 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 83% detached houses and 6% apartments. 34% are owned with a mortgage, 33% rented and 33% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $240 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,300 a month. Rent absorbs 18.4% of household income here and mortgage repayments 23.1%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census, the housing stock in Port Lincoln consisted of 83.4% houses and 16.7% alternative residences (such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwellings), compared to Regional SA's mix of 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. The rate of home ownership was 32.9%, trailing Regional SA, with remaining properties either held under a mortgage (34.0%) or rented (33.1%). The median monthly mortgage payment was $1,300, which is higher than the Regional SA average of $1,153, while the median weekly rent was $240 compared to Regional SA's $220.
Locally, mortgage costs are lower than the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are likewise well below the national average of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Port Lincoln counted 6,302 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 6,630 today, averaging 2.3 people each. 25% are couples with children, against 29% couples without children. 31% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.9 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up 66.4% of all local households, consisting of couples with children at 24.6%, couples without children at 29.2%, and single parents at 11.6%. Single-person households comprise 30.6% and group households represent 3.0%, with non-family living arrangements making up the remaining 33.6%. The typical household size of 2.3 individuals is equal to the Regional SA average.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
14.6% of adults in Port Lincoln hold a university qualification, including 11.0% with a bachelor degree and 2.0% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 92% of areas nationally. A further 30.9% hold a vocational qualification. 8 schools serve the area, with 2,888 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 914 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational outcomes in the region present clear opportunities for improvement, with tertiary qualification rates at 14.6% sitting far below the national average of 30.4%. Among university graduates, bachelor degrees are most common at 11.0%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 2.0% and graduate diplomas at 1.6%. Technical qualifications are highly prevalent, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding a vocational qualification, consisting of advanced diplomas at 8.8% and certificates at 30.9%. Participation in study is strong, with 27.9% of the population enrolled in an educational program. This student cohort includes 12.4% attending primary school, 8.1% in high school, and 2.0% in higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Port Lincoln means driving: households keep an average of 1.4 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
68.5% of residents in Port Lincoln report no long-term health condition. 6.0% need daily assistance with core activities, and 50.4% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.8 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health indicators in Port Lincoln are comparable to national standards, based on mortality statistics and the occurrence of chronic illnesses. The frequency of standard health issues is consistent across different age groups, while the rate of private health insurance is low, covering roughly 50% of residents (~8,646 people) compared to a national benchmark of 55.7%. The most frequent health issues reported by residents are asthma (8.2%) and arthritis (8.0%), while 68.5% of the population reported no chronic conditions, compared to 62.5% across Regional SA. Health patterns among working-age residents are typical.
The population aged 65 and older stands at 22.3% (3,820 people), which is lower than the 27.1% recorded across Regional SA. Senior health outcomes are higher than average, showing stronger national rankings than the local population as a whole.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Port Lincoln is largely Australian-born, at 90.8% of residents, with 4.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (31.8%) and English (31.6%). 4.3% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity metrics in Port Lincoln are lower than average, with citizens making up 89.6% of the population, Australian-born individuals representing 90.8%, and English-only speakers at home accounting for 95.6%. Christianity is the primary religious affiliation, encompassing 42.8% of residents. The most notable statistical divergence is in the Other category, which accounts for 0.5% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Regional SA. Regarding parental country of birth, the main ancestries identified are Australian (31.8%), English (31.6%), and Scottish (7.2%). Distinct regional variations are present among other groups, with German ancestry at 6.9% in Port Lincoln (vs 8.2% in the region), Croatian ancestry at 1.2% (vs 0.3%), and Australian Aboriginal ancestry at 4.3% (vs 3.3%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Port Lincoln is 41. 22.7% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age in Port Lincoln is 41 years, younger than the Regional SA average of 47 but older than the national median of 38. The 35 - 44 age cohort is over-represented locally at 13.5% compared to Regional SA, while the 65 - 74 bracket is under-represented at 12.1%. Since 2021, the 35 to 44 age group increased from 12.0% to 13.5%, and the 75 to 84 cohort rose from 6.3% to 7.5%, while the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 12.9% to 11.2%. Demographic projections indicate the age structure will change by 2041.
The group aged 85 and over is forecast to grow by 115% (536 people), rising from 464 to 1,001. Combined cohorts aged 65 and over will account for 70% of total population growth, showing an aging trend, while population numbers are projected to decrease for the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age brackets.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Port Lincoln
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 11 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 258 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (16,307 at the 2021 Census → 17,156 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (406011133). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.