Port Pirie

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

Port Pirie's population is around 14,228 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase from the 2021 Census figure of 13,896 people, a rise of 332 individuals (2.4%). The change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population figures: 14,195 in June 2025 and an additional 99 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 189 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration 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, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted, adjusted using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels based on 2021 data released in 2023. Projections indicate a decline in overall population by 88 persons by 2041, but growth is anticipated for specific age cohorts, notably the 85 and over group, projected to grow by 313 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 approximately 24 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 122 homes. In FY-26 so far, 23 approvals have been recorded. The area's population decline suggests that new supply has likely been meeting demand, providing good choice for buyers, with new dwellings averaging $218,000, below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options. 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 among the 23rd percentile 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 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 population per dwelling approval is 790 people, reflecting 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 12thth percentile nationally

Area infrastructure significantly impacts performance. AreaSearch identified 14 projects potentially affecting the area. Key projects are Port Pirie Riverbank Precinct, Green Iron SA Port Pirie Hub, Greening Port Pirie Program, and Balmoral Park Estate Expansion. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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

Port Pirie's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs, with prominent essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 11.7% in December 2025, compared to Regional SA's 5.7%. Employment grew by 1.0% over the past year.

As of December 2025, 5,702 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 6.0%, and workforce participation at 54.2%. Only 3.0% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Health care & social assistance is particularly specialized, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 1.0%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 1.0%, while labour force grew by 3.2%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.9 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Port Pirie's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.9% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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

The Port Pirie SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $49,905 and an average income of $58,603 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than the national average, contrasting with Regional SA's median income of $48,920 and average income of $58,933. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Port Pirie would be approximately $54,980 (median) and $64,563 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census showed that household, family, and personal incomes in Port Pirie all fall between the 4th and 8th percentiles nationally. Income analysis revealed that 30.4% of the community (4,325 individuals) earned within the $400 - 799 range, differing from broader areas where the $1,500 - 2,999 category was predominant at 27.5%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 87.1% of income to be retained, 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 homes, apartments, and other types. In comparison, Regional South Australia (SA) had 88.5% houses and 11.5% 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 was $951, lower than Regional SA's average of $1,153. The median weekly rent in Port Pirie was recorded at $185, compared to Regional SA's $220. Nationally, Port Pirie's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian 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 lower-than-average 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 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 is 2.2 people, which 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 has university qualification rates of 10.2%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 7.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 35.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (6.4%) and certificates (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, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Multiple health conditions affect both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is low, at approximately 48% of the total population (around 6,886 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 11.7% and 10.7% of residents respectively. Conversely, 58.8% of residents report having no medical ailments, slightly lower than the 62.5% figure for Regional SA. Working-age residents face notable health challenges due to higher chronic condition rates. The area has 23.8% of residents aged 65 and over (3,389 people), which is lower than the 27.1% in Regional SA. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings 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 below average, with 91.9% of its population being citizens born in Australia who spoke English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 45.6%. Islam was overrepresented compared to Regional SA, making up 0.7% versus 0.5%.

The top three ancestral groups were Australian (33.4%), English (32.3%), and Irish (5.9%). Notably, German (5.8%) and Italian (4.7%) ethnicities were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 8.2% and 1.7%, respectively. Additionally, Australian Aboriginal representation was slightly higher at 3.7%.

Port Pirie's median age exceeds the national pattern

Port Pirie's median age is 43 years, which is significantly below Regional SA's average of 47 but substantially exceeds Australia's national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that 12.4% of the population are aged between 25 and 34 years, while only 11.8% are aged between 65 and 74 years, compared to Regional SA. Between 2021 and now, the proportion of the population aged between 75 and 84 years has grown from 8.0% to 8.8%. Conversely, the proportion of those aged between 45 and 54 years has declined from 12.8% to 11.1%. By 2041, Port Pirie's age composition is expected to shift notably. The number of people aged 85 years and over is projected to grow by 67%, reaching 768 from 460. This growth will be led by the aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 years and over comprising 99% of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for those aged between 25 and 34 years and those aged between 0 and 4 years.