Port Pirie
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Port Pirie's population, as of August 2025, is approximately 14,222. This figure represents a rise of 326 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 13,896. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,181 in June 2024 and an additional 33 validated new addresses post-census. This results in a density ratio of 188 persons per square kilometer. Port Pirie's growth rate of 2.3% since the census is close to that of its SA3 area (2.7%), indicating competitive growth dynamics. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth 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, SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, adjusted using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Between now and 2041, Port Pirie's population is projected to decrease by 125 individuals overall. However, specific age groups are expected to grow, notably the 85 and over cohort, which is projected to increase by 304 people.

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

Port Pirie has received approximately 24 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 122 homes. In Financial Year 26, two approvals have been recorded so far. The area's population decline suggests that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, providing good options for buyers. New dwellings are developed at an average cost of $270,000, which is below regional norms, indicating more affordable housing choices.

This financial year has seen $18.5 million in commercial approvals, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of SA, Port Pirie shows 13.0% lower construction activity per person and ranks at the 24th percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings. Recent construction comprises 95.0% standalone homes and 5.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 790 people, reflecting its quiet development environment.

With projected stability or decline in population, Port Pirie should experience reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

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

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 14 such projects that could impact this area. Notable projects include Nyrstar Smelter Redevelopment, Port Pirie Riverbank Precinct, Greening Port Pirie Program, and Port Pirie Masterplan / Yorke Peninsula and Mid North Regional Plan. The following list outlines those likely to be most relevant:.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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

Port Pirie has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominent essential services sectors, and an unemployment rate of 11.2% as of June 2025. The local employment rate is 6.6% higher than the Rest of South Australia's (SA) rate of 4.6%.

Workforce participation in Port Pirie is lower at 51.6%, compared to SA's 54.1%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Health care & social assistance employs 1.4 times the regional average but agriculture, forestry & fishing is below SA's level at just 1%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on census data.

Between June 2024 and June 2025, Port Pirie's labour force increased by 0.2% while employment declined by 2.6%, leading to a 2.6 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, SA saw a 1.2% contraction in employment with a 1.2% increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections suggest Port Pirie's growth could be around 5.8% over five years and 12.9% over ten years by 2035.

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

Port Pirie's median income among taxpayers was $47,474 and average income stood at $55,713 in financial year 2022. These figures compared to the Rest of SA's median income of $46,889 and average income of $56,582 respectively. Based on a 10.83% growth since financial year 2022 as per the Wage Price Index, current estimates for Port Pirie would be approximately $52,615 (median) and $61,747 (average) by March 2025. Census data showed household, family, and personal incomes in Port Pirie fell between the 5th and 8th percentiles nationally. Income analysis revealed that 30.4% of locals (4,323 people) had incomes in the $400 - $799 category, unlike surrounding regions where 27.5% fell within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. Housing costs were modest, with 87.1% of income retained, but total disposable income ranked at just the 8th percentile nationally.

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

In Port Pirie, as per the latest Census evaluation, 83.8% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 16.1% comprising semi-detached units, apartments and other types. This contrasts with Non-Metro SA's dwelling structure which was 89.8% houses and 10.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Pirie stood at 33.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.3% and rented ones at 34.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $951, higher than Non-Metro SA's average of $888. Weekly rent median was recorded at $185 compared to Non-Metro SA's $182. Nationally, Port Pirie's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than Australia's average of $1,863 while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 61.4% of all households, including 20.6% couples with children, 25.7% couples without children, and 14.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 38.6%, with lone person households at 36.4% and group households comprising 2.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which aligns with the Rest of SA average.

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

Port Pirie's university qualification rate is 10.2%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 7.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 35.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas (6.4%) and certificates (29.5%). Educational participation is high at 25.1%, including primary (10.1%), secondary (8.8%), and tertiary education (1.9%).

Nine schools operate in Port Pirie, educating approximately 2,640 students. The school mix includes four primary, one secondary, and four K-12 schools. School capacity exceeds residential needs at 18.6 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 14.7, indicating that Port Pirie serves as an educational hub for the broader region.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Port Pirie is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Port Pirie faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. The private health cover rate is low at approximately 48%, covering around 6,769 people, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

Arthritis and mental health issues are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 11.7% and 10.7% of residents respectively. About 58.8% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the 59.4% reported across Rest of SA. The percentage of seniors aged 65 and over is 23.3%, with approximately 3,310 people falling into this category, which is lower than the 26.5% in Rest of SA. Health outcomes among seniors are generally in line with those of the wider population.

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

Port Pirie had a low cultural diversity, with 91.9% citizens, 91.7% born in Australia, and 95.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 45.6%. Islam was overrepresented compared to Rest of SA, comprising 0.7% vs 0.5%.

Top ancestry groups were Australian (33.4%), English (32.3%), and Irish (5.9%). Notably, German (5.8%) and Italian (4.7%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 6.8% and 2.9%, respectively. Australian Aboriginal was also slightly overrepresented at 3.7%.

Port Pirie hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Port Pirie's median age at 43 years is significantly below the Rest of SA average of 47 and substantially exceeds the national average of 38. The age profile shows a prominent percentage of 15-24 year-olds (12.7%) while the 65-74 group is comparatively smaller (11.7%) than in Rest of SA. Between 2021 and present, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 11.6% to 12.6%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.8% to 11.3%. By 2041, Port Pirie's age composition is expected to shift notably. Leading this demographic shift, the 85+ group will grow by 68%, reaching 752 people from 447. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 99% of projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 25 to 34 age group and the 0 to 4 age cohort.