Port Pirie Surrounds

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

Port Pirie Surrounds' population was around 3,481 as of November 2025. This shows an increase of 146 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,335. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,412 in June 2024 and an additional 51 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2.2 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Port Pirie Surrounds had a compound annual growth rate of 0.2%, outpacing the SA3 area. Interstate migration was the primary driver of population growth during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted with adjustments made using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on demographic trends, regional areas across the nation are expected to have lower quartile growth. Port Pirie Surrounds is anticipated to expand by 7 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a decline of 1.8% in total over the 17 years.

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 11 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 58 homes were approved, with an additional 6 approved in FY26 so far. On average, about 0.3 people per year moved to the area for each dwelling built during these years.

This suggests that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings was $209,000, which is under regional levels, indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. In FY26, around $3.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of SA, Port Pirie Surrounds has 74.0% more new home approvals per person, which should provide buyers with ample choice. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods.

This is also lower than national levels, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 397 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects 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 limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 8thth percentile nationally

The performance of a region is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 16 such projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable among these are the 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 outlines those projects deemed most relevant.

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

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

Port Pirie Surrounds has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, prominent essential services sectors, and an unemployment rate of 5.6% as of September 2025. The area's unemployment rate is 0.2% higher than Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%, while workforce participation is similar at 54.1%.

Key employment sectors among residents 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 with 5.8% employment compared to 8.1% regionally. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count.

Over the past year, from September 2024 to September 2025, employment increased by 0.4%, labour force grew by 2.1%, leading to an unemployment rise of 1.6 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of SA saw employment rise by 0.3%, labour force grow by 2.3%, and unemployment increase by 1.9 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 provide insight into potential future demand within Port Pirie Surrounds. These projections suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Port Pirie Surrounds' employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.5% over ten years.

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

The median taxpayer income in Port Pirie Surrounds SA2 was $48,972, and the average was $59,470 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2022. This is lower than national averages; Rest of SA's median income was $46,889 with an average of $56,582. Based on a Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since the financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $55,255 (median) and $67,100 (average). According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Port Pirie Surrounds fell between the 8th and 9th percentiles nationally. Income distribution showed that 27.2% of locals (946 people) earned between $1,500 - 2,999 annually, similar to surrounding regions at 27.5%. Housing costs were modest with 90.1% of income retained, but total disposable income ranked at the 16th percentile nationally.

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

In Port Pirie Surrounds, as per the latest Census evaluation, 94.4% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 5.6% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This differs from Non-Metro SA's composition of 89.8% houses and 10.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Pirie Surrounds stood at 48.9%, with mortgaged properties 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. Weekly rent in the area averaged $200, compared to Non-Metro SA's $182. Nationally, Port Pirie Surrounds' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, recorded as of the latest available data. Rents in the area were 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's university qualification rate is 13.2%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This figure presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.4%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.6%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.2%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (30.5%).

Educational participation is 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.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Port Pirie Surrounds is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Health challenges are prominent across Port Pirie Surrounds, affecting various age groups. Approximately half of the population has private health cover, with a rate of around 50%, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting about 10.4% and 9.6% of residents respectively. Around 60.4% of residents report having no medical ailments, slightly higher than the Rest of SA's 59.4%. The area has approximately 25.1% of residents aged 65 and over, totaling around 872 people, which is lower than the Rest of SA's 26.5%. Health outcomes among seniors in Port Pirie Surrounds are challenging but perform better than the general population in health 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 2021, showed lower 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, 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 (6.8% vs regional 6.8%), Dutch (1.8% vs 1.0%), and Greek (1.2% vs 0.7%) ethnicities were overrepresented in Port Pirie Surrounds compared to the regional averages.

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 considerably older than the Australian median of 38. The 5-14 cohort is notably over-represented at 13.6%, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 7.6% compared to the Rest of SA average. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 15 to 24 age group grew 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 declined from 14.7% to 13.6%. By 2041, Port Pirie Surrounds is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 85+ group will grow by 117%, reaching 178 people from 82. Those aged 65 and above will comprise 70% of projected growth. Conversely, both the 0 to 4 and 15 to 24 age groups are expected to have reduced numbers.