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 3,505 as of November 2025, reflecting an increase of 170 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 5.1% rise from the previous population count of 3,335. The change can be 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 population density ratio of 2.2 persons per square kilometer. Port Pirie Surrounds' growth rate exceeded that of its SA3 area (4.3%), indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration was the primary driver for this population growth.

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 are adopted, based on 2021 data and adjusted using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Future demographic trends anticipate lower quartile growth in regional areas nationwide. Based on latest annual ERP population numbers, Port Pirie Surrounds is expected to expand by 7 persons to reach a total of 3,512 by the year 2041, reflecting an overall decline of 2.5% over the 17-year period.

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, 58 homes were approved, with a further 9 approved in FY26 so far. On average, only 0.3 people moved to the area each year for every dwelling built during these years, indicating that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand and providing ample buyer choice while allowing for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings was $209,000, which is below regional levels, offering more affordable housing options for buyers. This financial year has seen $3.1 million in commercial approvals registered, reflecting the area's predominantly residential nature. Compared to the Rest of SA, Port Pirie Surrounds has 74.0% more new home approvals per person, providing ample choice for buyers. However, development activity has moderated recently, suggesting possible constraints. All recent building activity consists of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character and focusing on family homes that appeal to those seeking space.

With an estimated 397 people in the area per dwelling approval, it reflects a quiet, low-activity development environment. Given that population is expected to remain stable or decline, Port Pirie Surrounds should experience 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 16 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are Bungama Battery Project, Key Worker Housing Initiative, Port Pirie Masterplan/Yorke Peninsula and Mid North Regional Plan, Green Iron SA Port Pirie Hub. The following list details those most relevant.

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 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. The unemployment rate is 5.6%. Over the past year, employment stability has been relative.

As of September 2025, 1461 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.2% higher than Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%. Workforce participation is lower at 55.4%, compared to Rest of SA's 58.5%. Census responses show that only 11.7% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and education & training.

Health care & social assistance has notable concentration with levels at 1.3 times the regional average. Construction has limited presence at 5.8%, compared to 8.1% regionally. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 0.4% while labour force grew by 2.1%, resulting in unemployment rising by 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. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia for May-25 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Port Pirie Surrounds' employment mix suggests 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 Port Pirie Surrounds SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $51,318 and an average income of $62,727 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than the national average, with Rest of SA having a median income of $48,920 and an average income of $58,933 in the same period. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $55,834 (median) and $68,247 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023. The 2021 Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Port Pirie Surrounds falling between the 8th and 9th percentiles nationally. Income distribution indicates that 27.2% of locals (953 people) earn between $1,500 - 2,999, similar to the surrounding region where 27.5% are in this bracket. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 90.1% income retention, total disposable income ranks at only 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, consisted of 94.4% houses and 5.6% other dwellings (including semi-detached properties, apartments, and 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro SA's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Pirie Surrounds stood at 48.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.0% and rented dwellings at 15.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $997, lower than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,153. The median weekly rent in the area was $200, compared to Non-Metro SA's figure of $220. Nationally, Port Pirie Surrounds' median monthly mortgage repayment is significantly lower at $997 than the Australian average of $1,863. Similarly, 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 constitute 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 account for 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 2.3.

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 the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.4%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.6%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 9.2% and certificates at 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 well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Port Pirie Surrounds faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts.

Approximately 50% (~1,766 people) of the total population has private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are arthritis (affecting 10.4% of residents) and mental health issues (9.6%), while 60.4% claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.5% across Rest of SA. Working-age population health challenges include elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 25.1% of residents aged 65 and over (878 people), lower than the 26.5% in Rest of SA. Health outcomes among seniors present notable challenges, with national rankings even higher than those for 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, surveyed in 2016, showed low cultural diversity: 91.8% were Australian-born, 94.0% were citizens, and 96.5% spoke English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, at 51.6%, compared to 45.2% regionally. Ancestry-wise, Australians comprised 34.6%, English 32.4%, and Irish 7.5%.

Notable differences existed for German (6.8% vs regional 8.2%), Dutch (1.8% vs 1.3%), and Greek (1.2% vs 0.6%).

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

Port Pirie Surrounds has a median age of 47 years, matching the Rest of SA average but significantly higher than Australia's median age of 38. The 5-14 age group is notably over-represented at 13.6% locally compared to the Rest of SA average, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 7.6%. According to data from the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 8.7% to 11.1%, and the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 8.0% to 9.2%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 14.7% to 13.6%. By 2041, Port Pirie Surrounds is projected to experience significant shifts in its age composition. The 85+ age group is expected to grow by 115%, reaching 178 people from the current 82. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 71% of the projected growth. Conversely, both the 0 to 4 and 15 to 24 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.