Port Pirie

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

Port Pirie's population is around 14,319 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 423 people 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 77 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 190 persons per square kilometer. Port Pirie's 3.0% growth since census positions it within 1.5 percentage points of the SA3 area (4.5%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration.

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. Moving forward with 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 received approximately 24 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 122 homes. As of FY-26, three approvals have been recorded. This level of new supply may be keeping pace with demand despite population decline, providing good housing choices for buyers. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $270,000, which is below regional norms, indicating more affordable housing options.

In the current financial year, there have been $18.5 million in commercial approvals, suggesting moderate levels of commercial development in Port Pirie. Compared to the Rest of SA, Port Pirie has 13.0% lower construction activity per person and ranks among the 23rd percentile nationally for areas assessed, 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 Port Pirie's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 790 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment.

Population projections indicate stability or decline in Port Pirie, which should lead to reduced housing demand pressures and benefit potential buyers.

Port Pirie has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 6thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes to its local infrastructure. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Port Pirie Riverbank Precinct, Balmoral Park Estate Expansion, Port Pirie Masterplan / Yorke Peninsula and Mid North Regional Plan, and Green Iron SA Port Pirie Hub. The following list details those projects considered 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 Pirie face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Port Pirie's workforce comprises white and blue-collar jobs with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 11.2%.

As of June 2025, 5649 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 6.6%, exceeding Rest of SA's rate by 2%. Workforce participation is lower than average (51.6% compared to Rest of 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 level but agriculture, forestry & fishing only accounts for 1%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data analysis. Between June 2024 and June 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.2% while employment declined by 2.6%, raising unemployment by 2.6 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of SA saw employment contract by 1.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth varies between sectors. Applying these projections to Port Pirie's mix suggests local employment could grow by 5.8% in five years and 12.9% in ten years.

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

The median income in Port Pirie SA2 was $47,474 and average income stood at $55,713 according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This compares to figures for Rest of SA's of $46,889 and $56,582 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, estimated median income as of September 2025 would be approximately $53,565 and average income at $62,861. Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Port Pirie fall between the 4th and 8th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 30.4% of locals (4,352 people) have predominant incomes in the $400 - $799 category, unlike surrounding regions where 27.5% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. Housing costs are modest with 87.1% of income retained, but 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

In Port Pirie, as per the latest Census evaluation, 83.8% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 16.1% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. This compares to Non-Metro SA's figures of 89.8% for houses and 10.2% for other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Pirie stood at 33.3%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 32.3% and rented dwellings making up 34.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $951, higher than Non-Metro SA's average of $888, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $185, compared to Non-Metro SA's figure of $182. Nationally, Port Pirie's median monthly mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 38.6%, with lone person households at 36.4% and group households making up 2.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of South Africa.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 10.2%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the 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 them - advanced diplomas comprise 6.4% and certificates make up 29.5%.

Educational participation is 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

Port Pirie faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low, at approximately 48% of the total population (around 6,815 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.7% and 10.7% of residents respectively. However, 58.8% of residents report having no medical ailments, slightly lower than the 59.4% across Rest of SA. The area has 23.3% of residents aged 65 and over (3,333 people), which is lower than the 26.5% in Rest of SA. Health outcomes among seniors are broadly similar to those of 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 91.9% of its population being citizens, 91.7% born in Australia, and 95.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Port Pirie, comprising 45.6% of people. Islam is overrepresented, making up 0.7% compared to the regional average of 0.5%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (33.4%), English (32.3%), and Irish (5.9%). Notably, German (5.8%) and Italian (4.7%) groups are overrepresented in Port Pirie compared to regional averages of 6.8% and 2.9%, respectively. The representation of Australian Aboriginal people is also notably higher at 3.7%.

Port Pirie's median age exceeds the national pattern

Port Pirie's median age at 43 years is significantly lower than the Rest of SA average of 47 years while substantially higher than the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 15-24 are particularly prominent, making up 12.7% of the population, while the 65-74 group is comparatively smaller at 11.7%. Between 2021 and present, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 11.6% to 12.6% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.8% to 11.3%. By 2041, Port Pirie is expected to see significant shifts in its age composition. Leading this demographic shift, the 85+ group will grow by 67%, reaching 752 people from a previous count of 451. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising all projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 35 to 44 and 25 to 34 age groups.