Port Pirie

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Port Pirie's population is around 14,343 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 447 people (3.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,896 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 14,181 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 84 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 190 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Port Pirie's 3.2% growth since the census positions it within 1.2 percentage points of the SA3 area (4.4%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Regarding demographic trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to shrink by 125 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to grow 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 experienced around 24 dwellings receiving development approval per year, totalling 122 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 12 approvals have been recorded. As the area has experienced population decline, new supply has likely been keeping up with demand, offering good choice to buyers, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $218,000—below regional norms—reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. There have also been $18.5 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

Relative to the Rest of SA, Port Pirie shows 13.0% lower construction activity (per person) and places among the 23rd percentile of areas assessed nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings. This is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. 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 appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 790 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Port Pirie should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Port Pirie has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 13thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 14 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Port Pirie Riverbank Precinct, the Port Pirie Masterplan / Yorke Peninsula and Mid North Regional Plan, the Green Iron SA Port Pirie Hub, and the Balmoral Park Estate Expansion, 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 Pirie face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Port Pirie has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 11.7%, and 1.0% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 5,702 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 6.0% above Regional SA's rate of 5.7%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (54.1% compared to Regional SA's 58.8%). Based on Census responses, a low 3.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. The area has a particular employment specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 1.0% versus the regional average of 14.5%. 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, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 1.0% while labour force increased by 3.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.9 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 Pirie. 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 Pirie's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.9% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

The Port Pirie SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $49,905 and an average of $58,603 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is lower than average on a national basis, contrasting with Regional SA's median income of $48,920 and average income of $58,933. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $54,297 (median) and $63,760 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Port Pirie all fall between the 4th and 8th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals the $400 - 799 earnings band captures 30.4% of the community (4,360 individuals), diverging from the broader area where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 27.5%. While housing costs are modest with 87.1% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks 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

Dwelling structure within Port Pirie, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 83.8% houses and 16.1% 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 Pirie lagged that of Regional SA, at 33.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (32.3%) or rented (34.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional SA average at $951, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $185, compared to Regional SA's $1,153 and $220. Nationally, Port Pirie's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 61.4% of all households, comprising 20.6% couples with children, 25.7% couples without children, and 14.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 38.6%, with lone person households at 36.4% and group households comprising 2.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Regional SA average of 2.3.

Port Pirie 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 (10.2%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 7.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 35.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (6.4%) and certificates (29.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.1% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 1.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Critical health challenges are evident across Port Pirie, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A range of health conditions have marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~6,942 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.7% and 10.7% of residents, respectively, while 58.8% 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 23.7% of residents aged 65 and over (3,396 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 Pirie is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Port Pirie was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 91.9% of its population being citizens, 91.7% born in Australia, and 95.0% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Port Pirie is Christianity, which makes up 45.6% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Islam, which comprises 0.7% of the population, compared to 0.5% across Regional SA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Port Pirie are Australian, comprising 33.4% of the population, English, comprising 32.3% of the population, and Irish, comprising 5.9% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is represented at 5.8% of Port Pirie (vs 8.2% regionally), Italian at 4.7% (vs 1.7%) and Australian Aboriginal at 3.7% (vs 3.3%).

Port Pirie's median age exceeds the national pattern

At 43 years, Port Pirie's median age is significantly below the Regional SA average of 47 while substantially exceeding the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 15 - 24 year-olds are particularly prominent (12.6%), while the 65 - 74 group is comparatively smaller (11.8%) than in Regional SA. In the period since 2021, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 11.6% to 12.7% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.8% to 11.0%. By 2041, Port Pirie is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 85+ group will grow by 65% (295 people), reaching 752 from 456. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 100% of projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 65 to 74 and 35 to 44 cohorts.