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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Port Pirie Surrounds's population is around 3,503 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 168 people (5.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,335 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,412 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 48 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2.2 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Port Pirie Surrounds's 5.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (4.4%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

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. Regarding demographic trends, lower quartile growth of regional areas across the nation is anticipated, with the area expected to expand by 7 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a decline of 2.4% 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 around 11 new homes approved per year, with 58 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 11 so far in FY-26. With an average of only 0.3 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $209,000—under regional levels—indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. Additionally, $3.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

Compared to the Rest of SA, Port Pirie Surrounds has 74.0% more new home approvals (per person), which should provide buyers with ample choice, though development activity has moderated in recent periods. This is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. Meanwhile, 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 the 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 15thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 16 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Bungama Battery Project, the Key Worker Housing Initiative, the Port Pirie Masterplan / Yorke Peninsula and Mid North Regional Plan, and the Green Iron SA Port Pirie Hub, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Port Pirie Surrounds recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Port Pirie Surrounds features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 5.6%, and 1.5% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 1,472 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is in line with Regional SA's rate of 5.7%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (55.5% compared to Regional SA's 58.8%). Based on Census responses, a low 11.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and education & training. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in health care & social assistance, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. Meanwhile, construction has a limited presence with 5.8% employment compared to 8.1% regionally. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 1.5% alongside the labour force increasing by 3.2%, resulting in unemployment rising by 1.6 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional SA, where employment rose by 0.7%, the labour force grew by 3.1%, and unemployment rose 2.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Port Pirie Surrounds. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Port Pirie Surrounds's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Port Pirie Surrounds SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $51,318 and an average of $62,727 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is lower than average on a national basis, contrasting with Regional SA's median income of $48,920 and average income of $58,933. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $55,834 (median) and $68,247 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Port Pirie Surrounds all fall between the 8th and 9th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows the predominant cohort spans 27.2% of locals (952 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, mirroring the surrounding region where 27.5% occupy this bracket. 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

Dwelling structure within Port Pirie Surrounds, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 94.4% houses and 5.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional SA's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Port Pirie Surrounds was well beyond that of Regional SA, at 48.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (36.0%) or rented (15.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional SA average at $997, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $200, compared to Regional SA's $1,153 and $220. Nationally, Port Pirie Surrounds's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 69.5% of all households, comprising 25.5% couples with children, 33.4% couples without children, and 9.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 30.5%, with lone person households at 28.7% and group households comprising 1.8% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people is larger than the Regional SA average of 2.3.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (13.2%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 10.4%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.6%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.2%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (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.

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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Port Pirie Surrounds, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~1,765 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.4% and 9.6% of residents, respectively, while 60.4% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 62.5% across Regional SA. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 25.4% of residents aged 65 and over (890 people), which is lower than the 27.1% in Regional SA. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.

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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 91.8% of its population born in Australia, 94.0% being citizens, and 96.5% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Port Pirie Surrounds is Christianity, which makes up 51.6% of people in Port Pirie Surrounds. This compares to 45.2% across Regional SA.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Port Pirie Surrounds are Australian, comprising 34.6% of the population, English, comprising 32.4% of the population, and Irish, comprising 7.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 6.8% of Port Pirie Surrounds (vs 8.2% regionally), Dutch at 1.8% (vs 1.3%) and Greek at 1.2% (vs 0.6%).

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

At 47 years, Port Pirie Surrounds's median age matches the Regional SA average of 47, though it is considerably older than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Regional SA average, the 5 - 14 cohort is notably over-represented (13.1% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (7.8%). Post-2021 Census data shows the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 8.7% to 11.1% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 8.0% to 9.3%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 14.7% to 13.1%. By 2041, Port Pirie Surrounds is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 85+ group will grow by 105% (91 people), reaching 178 from 86. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 69% of projected growth. Conversely, both 0 to 4 and 15 to 24 age groups will see reduced numbers.