Port Pirie

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

Port Pirie's population, as of February 2026, is approximately 14,343. This figure represents an increase of 447 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 13,896. The growth from June 2024 to February 2026 includes an estimated resident population of 14,181 and 84 validated new addresses. This results in a density ratio of 190 persons per square kilometer. Port Pirie's 3.2% growth since the census is within 1.2 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 4.4%. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains during this period.

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, based on 2021 data and adjusted using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. By 2041, the population is projected to decrease by 125 persons. However, specific age cohorts like those aged 85 and over are expected to grow, with a projected increase of 304 people in this group.

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 the current financial year FY-26, up to 10 approvals have been recorded as of now. The area's population decline suggests that new supply is likely meeting demand, providing good options for buyers with an average dwelling value of $218,000, which is below regional norms and offers 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 among the 23rd 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 appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 790 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. With population projections indicating stability or decline, Port Pirie should experience reduced housing demand pressures in the future, benefiting potential buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects likely to affect the area. Key projects include Port Pirie Riverbank Precinct, Port Pirie Masterplan / Yorke Peninsula and Mid North Regional Plan, Green Iron SA Port Pirie Hub, Balmoral Park Estate Expansion. The following list details those 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 has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, well-represented essential services sectors, and an unemployment rate of 12.0% as of September 2025. The unemployment rate is 6.7% higher than the Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%. Workforce participation stands at 53.6%, below the Rest of SA average of 58.5%.

Census responses indicate that only 3.0% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have influenced this figure. Employment among Port Pirie residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade sectors. The area has a particular employment specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 1.0% of local workers, significantly lower than Rest of SA's 14.5%.

Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels in Port Pirie increased by 1.9%, while employment declined by 1.0%. This resulted in an unemployment rate rise of 2.6 percentage points. In contrast, across Rest of SA, employment rose by 0.3%, the labour force grew by 2.3%, and unemployment rose by 1.9 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national employment 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 these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do 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's median income among taxpayers was $49,905 and average income stood at $58,603 in financial year 2023. This is lower than the national averages of $51,700 (median) and $60,800 (average). In South Australia excluding Port Pirie, median income was $48,920 and average income was $58,933. By September 2025, estimated incomes in Port Pirie would be approximately $54,297 (median) and $63,760 (average), accounting for an 8.8% wage growth since financial year 2023. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Port Pirie fall between the 4th and 8th percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows that 30.4% of locals (4,360 people) have 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

Dwelling structure in Port Pirie, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 83.8% houses and 16.1% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro SA's dwelling structure of 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Pirie was at 33.3%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 32.3% and rented dwellings making up 34.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area, as of 2016 data, was $951, which is below Non-Metro SA's average of $1,153. The median weekly rent figure for Port Pirie was recorded at $185, compared to Non-Metro 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 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 account for 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 Rest of 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's university qualification rate is 10.2%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. 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, including advanced diplomas (6.4%) and certificates (29.5%). Educational participation is high at 25.1%, with 10.1% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 1.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Port Pirie faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, affecting both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is low, with approximately 48% of the total population (~6,942 people) having it, compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.7%) and mental health issues (10.7%). Conversely, 58.8% of residents report being free from medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of SA's 62.5%. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (23.7%, or 3,396 people) compared to Rest of SA (27.1%). While national rankings for senior health outcomes are broadly in line with the general population, some challenges exist among this age group.

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 born in Australia who speak English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 45.6% of Port Pirie's population. Islam, however, showed an overrepresentation compared to the rest of South Australia (SA), making up 0.7% versus 0.5%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.4%), English (32.3%), and Irish (5.9%). Notably, German (5.8%) and Italian (4.7%) groups were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 8.2% and 1.7%, respectively. Additionally, the Australian Aboriginal population was slightly higher in Port Pirie at 3.7% compared to SA's average of 3.3%.

Port Pirie's median age exceeds the national pattern

Port Pirie's median age is 43 years, which is significantly below the Rest of SA average of 47 but substantially exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 15-24 are particularly prominent at 12.6%, while the 65-74 group is comparatively smaller at 11.8% than in the Rest of SA. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of Port Pirie's population aged 25 to 34 has grown from 11.6% to 12.7%. Conversely, the proportion of those aged 45 to 54 has declined from 12.8% to 11.0%. By 2041, Port Pirie's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 85+ group will grow by 65%, reaching 752 people from the current 456. This growth is driven entirely by an aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above comprising all of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 65-74 and 35-44 age cohorts.