Port Pirie Surrounds
Statistical Area - sa2

Port Pirie Surrounds is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of August 2025, Port Pirie Surrounds' population is approximately 3,446, reflecting a growth of 111 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 3.3% rise from the previous population count of 3,335. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,413 in June 2024 and an additional 36 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2.2 persons per square kilometer, indicating ample space per person. Port Pirie Surrounds' growth rate of 3.3% since the 2021 census exceeds the SA3 area's growth rate of 2.7%, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate 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 by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data and adjusted using a weighted aggregation method from LGA to SA2 levels. Demographic trends suggest lower quartile growth for regional areas nationally, with Port Pirie Surrounds expected to expand by 7 persons by 2041, reflecting a decline of 0.8% over the 17-year period based on the latest population numbers.

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

Port Pirie Surrounds has seen approximately eight new homes approved annually. Development approval data, produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis, shows 40 homes approved over the past five financial years, from FY20 to FY25. In FY26, three homes have been approved so far. On average, 0.3 people per year have moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY20 and FY25.

This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing buyers with more options and potentially enabling population growth beyond current expectations. The average expected construction cost of new properties is $265,000, which is below the regional average, indicating more affordable housing options for buyers. Additionally, $3.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, reflecting the area's predominantly residential nature. Compared to the Rest of SA, Port Pirie Surrounds has 76.0% more new home approvals per person, which should offer buyers ample choice. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods.

This is also lower than nationally, indicating market maturity and possible development constraints. All recent building activity consists of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes that appeal to those seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 397 people, reflecting its quiet, low-activity development environment. With population expected to remain stable or decline, Port Pirie Surrounds should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Port Pirie Surrounds has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 48thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 16 such projects likely to impact the area, with key projects including Bungama Battery Project, Key Worker Housing Initiative, Port Pirie Masterplan/Yorke Peninsula and Mid North Regional Plan, and Green Iron SA Port Pirie Hub. The following list details those considered most relevant:.

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

AreaSearch assessment indicates Port Pirie Surrounds faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Port Pirie Surrounds has a balanced workforce encompassing white and blue collar jobs, with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 5.1%.

As of June 2025, there are 1,442 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 5.6% compared to Rest of SA's 4.6%. Workforce participation stands at 53.9%, similar to Rest of SA's 54.1%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and education & training. Health care & social assistance has a notable concentration with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Construction, however, has limited presence at 5.8% compared to the regional average of 8.1%. The area shows limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over the past year, labour force increased by 0.1%, while employment declined by 1.3%, leading to a 1.4 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. This contrasts with Rest of SA where employment fell by 1.2%, labour force expanded by 0.1%, and unemployment rose by 1.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Port Pirie Surrounds' employment mix indicates potential local growth of approximately 5.6% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that income in Port Pirie Surrounds is lower than average on a national basis. The median income is $48,972 while the average income stands at $59,470. This contrasts with Rest of SA's figures where the median income is $46,889 and the average income is $56,582. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $54,276 (median) and $65,911 (average) as of March 2025. Census data reveals that household, family and personal incomes in Port Pirie Surrounds all fall between the 9th and 10th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows that the largest segment comprises 27.2% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (937 residents), reflecting patterns seen in the region where 27.5% similarly occupy this range. While housing costs are modest with 90.1% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 16th percentile nationally.

Port Pirie Surrounds is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Port Pirie Surrounds, as per the latest Census, was 94.4% houses and 5.6% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro SA had 89.8% houses and 10.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Pirie Surrounds was 48.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.0% and rented ones at 15.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $997, higher than Non-Metro SA's average of $888. The median weekly rent in Port Pirie Surrounds was $200, compared to Non-Metro SA's $182. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,863 and rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

Port Pirie Surrounds has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 69.5% of all households, including 25.5% couples with children, 33.4% couples without children, and 9.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 30.5%, with lone person households at 28.7% and group households comprising 1.8% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is larger than the Rest of SA average of 2.2.

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

The area has educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 13.2%, significantly below the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.4%, followed by graduate diplomas at 1.6% and postgraduate qualifications at 1.2%. Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 39.7% of residents aged 15 and above holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 9.2% and certificates at 30.5%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.1% in primary education, 8.4% in secondary education, and 1.5% pursuing tertiary education. Port Pirie Surrounds' three schools have a combined enrollment of 193 students. The area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions with balanced educational opportunities (ICSEA: 964). The three schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. Limited local school capacity (5.6 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 14.7) means many families travel to nearby areas for schooling.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Port Pirie Surrounds is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Port Pirie Surrounds faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Approximately half (around 1,705 people) of its total population has private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 10.4% of residents) and mental health issues (9.6%). Conversely, 60.4% report no medical ailments, slightly higher than Rest of SA's 59.4%. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 25.1% (863 people), compared to Rest of SA's 26.5%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors present challenges, performing better than the general population in various metrics.

The latest Census data sees Port Pirie Surrounds placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Port Pirie Surrounds, as per the census data from June 2016, had a low cultural diversity with 91.8% of its population born in Australia, 94.0% being citizens, and 96.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 51.6% of people in Port Pirie Surrounds compared to 49.1% across Rest of SA. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (34.6%), English (32.4%), and Irish (7.5%).

Notably, German ancestry was overrepresented at 6.8% compared to the regional average of 6.8%, Dutch at 1.8% versus 1.0%, and Greek at 1.2% against 0.7%.

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

Port Pirie Surrounds has a median age of 47 years, which matches the Rest of SA average but is older than the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of SA average, the 5-14 cohort is notably over-represented at 13.6% locally, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 7.6%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 8.7% to 11.1%, and the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 8.0% to 9.2%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 14.7% to 13.6%. By 2041, Port Pirie Surrounds is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition, with the 85+ group growing by 119% (from 81 to 178 people). The aging population dynamic is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 68% of projected growth. Conversely, both the 0-4 and 15-24 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.