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, as of February 2026, is approximately 3,503. This figure indicates a growth of 168 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,335. The increase is inferred from an estimated resident population of 3,412 in June 2024 and an additional 48 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 of 5.0% since the 2021 census exceeds that of the SA3 area (4.4%), positioning it as a leader in regional growth. Interstate migration was the primary driver of this population increase.

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, adjusted using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels based on 2021 data released in 2023. Future demographic trends suggest lower quartile growth for regional areas nationally. Port Pirie Surrounds is projected to expand by 7 persons by 2041, reflecting a decline of 2.4% over the 17-year period based on the latest annual ERP 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 11 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 58 homes were approved, with an additional nine approved in FY26 so far. On average, about 0.3 people have moved to the area each year for every dwelling built over these five years.

This suggests that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and potential for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average expected construction cost of new dwellings in the area is $209,000, which is lower than regional levels, indicating more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY26, $3.1 million worth of commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's predominantly residential nature. Compared to the rest of South Australia, Port Pirie Surrounds has seen 74.0% more new home approvals per person, offering buyers ample choice. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods.

Recent building activity consists solely of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character and focusing on family homes that appeal to those seeking space. As of now, there are an estimated 397 people in the area for every dwelling approval, indicating a quiet, low-activity development environment. Given that population is expected to remain stable or decline, Port Pirie Surrounds should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers in the future.

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 region. Key initiatives include 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. Its unemployment rate is 5.6%. Over the past year, employment stability has been relative.

As of September 2025, 1,461 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 55.1%. According to Census responses, a low 11.7% work from home. Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have influenced this figure.

Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and education & training. Health care & social assistance has notable concentration with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. Construction has limited presence with 5.8% employment compared to 8.1% regionally. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Over a 12-month period, employment increased by 0.4%, labour force grew by 2.1%, leading to an unemployment rise of 1.6 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of SA where employment rose by 0.3%, labour force grew by 2.3%, and unemployment rose by 1.9 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary between 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. These projections are illustrative extrapolations based on national figures and do not account for localised population projections.

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 of $62,727 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This was lower than the national average, with Rest of SA's median income being $48,920 and average income $58,933. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $55,834 (median) and $68,247 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Port Pirie Surrounds fell between the 8th and 9th percentiles nationally. Distribution data showed that 27.2% of locals (952 people) earned between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to the surrounding region where 27.5% were in this bracket. Housing costs were modest, with 90.1% of income retained, but total disposable income ranked 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, consisted of 94.4% houses and 5.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro SA's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Pirie Surrounds was 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 figure was $200, compared to Non-Metro SA's $220. Nationally, Port Pirie Surrounds' mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $997 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents 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 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 30.5%, with lone person households at 28.7% and group households comprising 1.8%. The median household size is 2.4 people, 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%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.4%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.6%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including 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 well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Port Pirie Surrounds faces substantial health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts.

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, affecting 10.4 and 9.6% of residents respectively. Conversely, 60.4% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.5% across Rest of 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 Rest of 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, surveyed in 2016, had a population with 91.8% 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 the population, compared to 45.2% regionally. 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 8.2% regionally; Dutch ancestry was also higher at 1.8%, versus 1.3%; Greek ancestry stood at 1.2%, against a regional average of 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, which matches the Rest of SA average but is considerably older than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Rest of SA average, the 5-14 cohort is notably over-represented at 13.1% locally, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 7.8%. 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 9.3%. 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 this demographic shift, the 85+ group will grow by 105%, reaching 178 people from 86. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 69% of projected growth. Conversely, both the 0 to 4 and 15 to 24 age groups are expected to have reduced numbers.