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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Jamestown has an estimated 1,620 residents, up from 1,549 at the 2021 Census — a change of 71 people, or 4.6%. Fewer than ten people live on each square kilometre, across a boundary that takes in surrounding rural land. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
As of Aug 2026, the suburb of Jamestown is estimated to have approximately 1,620 residents, according to AreaSearch's evaluation of broader regional ABS updates and address validations post-Census. When compared with the 1,549 people counted in the 2021 Census, this demonstrates an expansion of 71 people (4.6%). This demographic shift is derived from an AreaSearch resident estimate of 1,617, established after reviewing the ABS ERP release from June 2025 alongside 47 validated new addresses added post-Census. With 9.2 persons per square kilometer, the population density remains low and offers spacious living conditions.
Outperforming the wider SA3 area figure of 2.4%, the suburb of Jamestown emerged as a regional growth leader with its 4.6% gain since the 2021 census. This upward movement was predominantly fueled by interstate migration, which served as virtually the exclusive catalyst for recent local gains. For each SA2 boundary, AreaSearch incorporates ABS/Geoscience Australia projections published in 2024 using 2022 as their baseline. In instances outside this coverage, as well as projections extending past 2032, figures utilize the SA State Government's Regional/LGA age-cohort datasets published in 2023 (utilizing 2021 data), adjusted via a weighted aggregation methodology from LGA to SA2 zones. Looking ahead, future population projections point to lower quartile growth relative to regional benchmarks across Australia; the suburb of Jamestown is projected to add 39 persons through to 2041 under aggregated SA2-level estimates, representing an overall rise of 2.2% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Residential building activity in Jamestown remains modest, recording 2 new dwellings approved per year, totaling 12 dwellings over the five-year period. Such subdued construction volumes align with the district's rural character, where development activity responds to specific local accommodation needs instead of broader market impulses. Furthermore, because of the small sample size, individual development initiatives can cause significant fluctuations in annual growth rates and comparative metrics. Dwelling construction rates in Jamestown fall considerably below the level observed across Rest of SA, while also trailing broader national averages. In addition, all recent residential approvals have consisted exclusively of detached houses, matching local preferences in rural settings for independent space and privacy.
Demonstrating a tranquil and restrained building market, the locality registers roughly 459 people in the area per dwelling approval. According to the most recent AreaSearch quarterly estimate, future projections indicate Jamestown will add 36 residents leading up to 2041. Given ongoing rates of construction, the pipeline of new dwellings appears well positioned to satisfy local demand, creating favorable buyer conditions while potentially accommodating demographic expansion beyond existing forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Jamestown
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 22 current infrastructure and development projects close to Jamestown, worth an estimated $267 million. 7 are already under construction and 9 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, sports & recreation and tourism. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Community outcomes are significantly shaped by regional planning initiatives, major infrastructure investments, and local works. Currently, AreaSearch has identified no major projects with a direct local footprint. Strategic regional undertakings include the Mid North South Australia REZ Expansion, Silver to Sea Way, SA Housing Trust Maintenance Contracts Review and Service Program, and SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts 2024-28, with key relevant initiatives outlined below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Port Pirie Wharf Upgrades
Infrastructure upgrade project involving sealing of 19,350 square metres of previously unsurfaced port area with 6,100 tonnes of asphalt. Removal of 8,800 tonnes of contaminated material and addition of 9,100 tonnes of new material. Focus on Berths 5 and 7 to enhance port capacity and economic benefits to Mid North region.
Port Pirie Riverbank Precinct
The Port Pirie Riverbank Precinct project is a multi-staged renewal of the city's foreshore area. Stage 1 focuses on Solomontown Beach and the creation of a vibrant youth precinct. Key features include a connected promenade, new picnic shelters and BBQs, upgraded toilet facilities, a beach deck with shade structures, a pump track, and a basketball half-court. The project aims to revitalize the waterfront, providing modern recreational facilities for the local community and enhancing the area's appeal to tourists.
Balmoral Park Estate Expansion
Renewal SA selected Graycar Contractors to deliver 10 rental homes for key workers and 42 residential allotments at Balmoral Park Estate. The two-stage expansion is supported by a 1 million AUD grant from the Regional Housing Initiatives Program. Chelsea Homes will construct the homes and civil works within 30 months from August 2025.
Balmoral Park Estate Expansion
A two-stage expansion of an existing estate in Risdon Park, Port Pirie, delivering 10 fit-for-purpose rental homes for key workers and 42 additional serviced housing allotments. The 10 homes will be leased to the Government Employee Housing scheme for a minimum of 10 years to support essential workforce retention, backed by 1 million dollars in funding from Renewal SA's Regional Housing Initiatives Program.
Southfields Rural Estate
A rural acreage estate offering 17 large land allotments (approx. 5,000m2 - 5,232m2) with mains water, electricity, and NBN connection, providing country living opportunities 5km from Port Pirie in the Mid North region of South Australia. The current stage is available for sale.
South-West Drainage Scheme
A stormwater drainage system and outfall proposed to address flood risk on vacant land south of Risdon Park South, unlocking approximately 600 allotments for future residential development in Port Pirie. The scheme follows a 2012 Tonkin Consulting engineering investigation into an outfall alignment through rural land west of the site, incorporating a potential storage area near Port Davis Road. Port Pirie Regional Council has committed initial funding for land acquisition and to advance project requirements, with the initiative listed in the Council's economic development investment program across both the 2024/25 and 2025/26 Annual Business Plans.As of the 2025/26 Business Plan, the project remains in its initial stages, with land negotiations and scheme advancement ongoing ahead of any construction of the drainage infrastructure itself.
Kloeden Reserve Development
Development of two land parcels totaling 4.2 hectares at Kloeden Reserve in Whyalla to unlock up to 70 new homes, including at least 10 houses to be built immediately and leased back to the government for essential workers, supporting the region's growth in green energy and manufacturing.
Whyalla Foreshore Centre Building
Construction of a new Foreshore Centre building incorporating the Whyalla Surf Life Saving Club, public kiosk, cafe, function space and community facilities as part of the Whyalla Foreshore Master Plan. Following completion of detailed design and development approval, construction tenders opened in July 2026. The project is funded by the South Australian Government together with Whyalla City Council and complements the adjacent Splash and Play Plaza.
825 residents of Jamestown are employed, from a labour force of 850. Unemployment sits at 2.9%, with participation at 63.0%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.8% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 1,258, about 78% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Workforce patterns in Jamestown show a balanced mix across blue and white collar roles in a variety of sectors, accompanied by an unemployment rate of just 2.9% and an estimated 3.9% annual expansion in employment based on aggregated statistical area figures from AreaSearch. Looking at figures from March 2026825 residents are employed, local joblessness is 2.5% lower than the 5.5% recorded across Regional SA, and the participation rate stands at a normal 63.0% (versus 58.3% regionally). Census findings indicated that 7.2% of workers operated from home, though potential distortion from Covid-19 restrictions should be kept in mind.
Primary employment sectors for local workers comprise agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The community shows an exceptional concentration in electricity, gas, water & waste, where local representation is 3.2 times the regional average. By contrast, manufacturing accounts for 6.1% of employment, sitting below the regional average of 9.3%. Comparing the resident workforce to the Census working population suggests that local employment openings within the immediate boundaries remain somewhat constrained. Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, aggregated from broader statistical areas, during the year to March 2026, employment levels increased by 3.9% and labour force increased by 4.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. By comparison, Regional SA recorded employment growth of 1.2%, labour force growth of 2.6%, with unemployment rising 1.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Mar-26 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Jamestown. 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 Jamestown's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.6% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Jamestown is $1,214 a week (about $63,000 a year), with median personal income at $730 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $54,017 a year against an average of $67,575. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Based on aggregated ATO postcode records for financial year 2023 compiled by AreaSearch, taxpayer earnings in the suburb of Jamestown stood at a median of $54,017 and an average of $67,575. These figures track general national levels and sit above the respective benchmarks of $48,920 and $58,933 reported throughout Regional SA. Factoring in an 10.17% rise in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, modeled figures reach approximately $59,511 (median) and $74,447 (average) as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census placed individual earnings at the 34th percentile ($730 weekly), whereas household earnings aligned with the 14th percentile.
A bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 28.3% of local residents (458 individuals), mirroring the broader regional proportion of 27.5%. Despite manageable housing expenses allowing residents to retain 90.3% of income, overall disposable income sits at the 21st percentile nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Jamestown had 679 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 97% detached houses and 0% apartments. 33% are owned with a mortgage, 20% rented and 47% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $215 a week and the median mortgage repayment $982 a month. Rent absorbs 17.7% of household income here and mortgage repayments 18.7%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
At the time of the latest Census, housing stock in Jamestown was overwhelmingly dominated by separate houses at 96.7%, with semi-detached, apartments, and other dwellings comprising 3.3%, contrasting with Regional SA where houses made up 88.5% and alternative dwellings represented 11.5%. Rates of outright ownership reached 47.1%—substantially outpacing the broader regional benchmark—while mortgaged properties stood at 32.5% and rental homes accounted for 20.4%. Typical monthly mortgage payments were notably modest at $982 compared to $1,153 across Regional SA, and weekly median rent was $215 compared to $220 regionally. Relative to countrywide standards, local mortgage repayments fall well below the $1,863 Australian average, and rent costs remain far lower than the national benchmark of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Jamestown counted 679 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.1 people each. 22% are couples with children, fewer than in 79% of areas nationally, against 33% couples without children. 35% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.0 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family units constitute the primary living arrangement across the area at 61.9%, broken down into couples without children (32.8%), couples with children (22.4%), and single parent families (6.9%). Non-family setups make up the remaining 38.1%, with lone person households representing 34.9% and group arrangements comprising 2.2%. The typical household size sits at 2.1 people, slightly smaller than the Regional SA standard of 2.3.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
13.8% of adults in Jamestown hold a university qualification, including 11.0% with a bachelor degree and 1.3% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 75% of areas nationally. A further 27.5% hold a vocational qualification. 2 schools serve the area, with 308 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,012 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Tertiary attainment in the area is relatively low, with university credentials held by 13.8% of the community compared to the Australian benchmark of 30.4%, highlighting a distinct opening for educational development. Within higher education, bachelor degrees account for 11.0%, graduate diplomas represent 1.5%, and postgraduate qualifications stand at 1.3%. Conversely, vocational and practical qualifications are widespread, as 36.7% of people aged 15+ possess technical qualifications, split between certificates (27.5%) and advanced diplomas (9.2%). A significant 21.1% share of the resident base is actively enrolled in formal study. This student cohort comprises 9.1% attending primary school, 6.0% undertaking secondary education, and 1.6% engaged in tertiary studies.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Jamestown means driving: households keep an average of 1.6 vehicles, and scheduled services reach only a handful of stops. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transit infrastructure in Jamestown includes 1 active transit stop, which is connected to 4 distinct routes providing a combined total of 8 weekly passenger trips. Public transit access is fairly constrained, with typical distances to the nearest stop averaging 853 meters. As an outward-commuting residential population, 91% rely on private vehicles for travel, 6% commute on foot, and household vehicle ownership stands at 1.6 per dwelling. Meanwhile, 7.2% of residents reported working from home during the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 settings. Transit service schedules average 1 trips per day across the network, translating to roughly 8 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
62.1% of residents in Jamestown report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 75% of areas nationally. 7.7% need daily assistance with core activities, and 53.7% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 6.0 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
AreaSearch evaluations of mortality statistics and chronic illness indicators highlight noticeable health vulnerabilities locally, with regular conditions affecting younger and older demographics alike, while private health insurance adoption is slightly above typical SA2 standards at roughly 54% of the population (~870 people). By comparison, coverage across Regional SA registers at 48.9%. Arthritis and mental health conditions represent the most prevalent diagnosed ailments in the area, recorded among 10.5 and 8.3% of the community respectively, whereas 62.1% reported no diagnosed medical issues compared to 62.5% across Regional SA. Elevated rates of chronic conditions pose distinct concerns for working-age residents.
Seniors aged 65 and over constitute 30.0% of the population (486 people), exceeding the Regional SA share of 27.1%, with older resident health measures generally tracking standard population metrics across Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Jamestown is largely Australian-born, at 93.7% of residents, with 2.0% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (36.1%) and English (34.9%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity measures in Jamestown remain modest, with 93.7% of residents born in Australia, 95.7% holding Australian citizenship, and 98.0% speaking only English in domestic settings. Christianity represents the primary religious affiliation, accounting for 57.7% of local residents, compared to 45.2% observed across Regional SA. Looking at parent birthplaces, the most common ancestral backgrounds recorded in Jamestown are Australian at 36.1%, English at 34.9%, and Irish at 8.0%. Several other lineages exhibit varying representation, including German ancestry at 6.9% locally (against 8.2% across the wider region), Welsh at 0.8% (versus 0.5%), and Maltese at 0.3% (versus 0.2%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Jamestown is 49, older than 90% of areas nationally. 19.5% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The age profile of Jamestown aligns closely with Regional SA benchmarks across every primary group, exhibiting a maximum difference of 2.9 percentage points across the four broad tiers. Consequently, the estimated median age remains at 49, matching the 2021 Census baseline and sitting 2 years higher than the Regional SA figure of 47 from that Census, while well above the national median of 38 recorded at the same time. Since the Census, the proportion of retirees and older residents (65+) has risen from 27.3% to an estimated 30.0%. Projections through to 2041 indicate older cohorts will drive most population changes, growing by 123 residents (25%) to reach 609, whereas younger demographics, children, middle-aged groups, and younger retirees are projected to contract.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Jamestown
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 5 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 47 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (1,549 at the 2021 Census → 1,620 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL40635). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.