Pooraka

An assessment of population growth drivers in Pooraka reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

The population of the Pooraka statistical area (Lv2) was estimated at 7,583 people as of the Census conducted on Nov 10, 2021. By Nov 2025, this figure had increased to around 7,711, reflecting a rise of 128 people or approximately 1.7%. This growth is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 7,706 following their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in Jun 2024, combined with an additional 35 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,441 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Pooraka (SA2)'s growth rate of 1.7% since the Census positions it within 2.3 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 4.0%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 68.0% of overall population gains in recent periods, driving primary population growth for the area.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population trends suggest an increase just below the median of national statistical areas, with the Pooraka (SA2) expected to grow by 615 persons to reach 8,316 by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of approximately 9.7% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Pooraka according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Pooraka averaged around 25 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 127 homes. As of FY-26, 13 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, an average of 2.1 people moved to the area per new home constructed. New homes are built at an average cost of $283,000.

This financial year has seen $20.1 million in commercial approvals. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Pooraka maintains similar construction rates per person, indicating market balance consistent with the broader area, which is below the national average. New development consists of 76% standalone homes and 24% attached dwellings, preserving the area's suburban nature. Population forecasts indicate Pooraka will gain 749 residents by 2041, suggesting current construction rates align with future demand.

Population forecasts indicate Pooraka will gain 749 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Present construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Pooraka has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 43rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Pooraka Enterprise Park Expansion - Stage 2 (Various Sites), Montague Farm Estate, Pooraka Triangle Masterplan Redevelopment, and Mawson Lakes Technology Precinct Expansion. 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 analysis reveals Pooraka recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Pooraka has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 5.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.3%.

As of September 2025, 3,654 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 1.6% higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was lower at 56.8%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. The dominant employment sectors among residents included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Manufacturing had a particularly high share of employment, at 1.5 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services employed only 4.5% of local workers, lower than Greater Adelaide's 7.3%. Many residents appeared to commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the past year, employment increased by 1.3%, while labour force also grew by 1.3%, keeping unemployment relatively stable. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 2.9%, with a slight drop in unemployment. State-level data from 25-Nov showed SA's employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.0%. National forecasts from May-25 projected national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.1% over ten years. Applying these projections to Pooraka's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though this was a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

The suburb of Pooraka's median income among taxpayers was $50,567 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $58,130 during the same period. For Greater Adelaide, these figures were $54,808 and $66,852 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Pooraka would be approximately $55,017 (median) and $63,245 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household incomes in Pooraka fell between the 9th and 15th percentiles nationally. The predominant income cohort spanned 31.1% of locals (2,398 people), earning between $1,500 - 2,999 annually. This is similar to the metropolitan region where 31.8% occupy this income range. In terms of housing affordability, only 83.8% of income remained in Pooraka, ranking at the 16th percentile nationally.

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

In Pooraka, as per the latest Census evaluation, 85.9% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 14.0% consisting of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types of dwellings. This distribution is similar to Adelaide's metropolitan area, which has 83.9% houses and 16.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Pooraka stood at 33.9%, with mortgaged properties at 35.7% and rented dwellings at 30.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, aligning with Adelaide's metropolitan average, while the median weekly rent was $300, also matching the metro average. Nationally, Pooraka's median monthly mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and its median weekly rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Pooraka has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 67.7% of all households, including 30.1% couples with children, 22.1% couples without children, and 14.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 32.3%, with lone person households at 28.8% and group households comprising 3.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.7.

Educational outcomes in Pooraka fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 19.2%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 31.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.3%) and certificates (23.0%). Educational participation is high at 28.7%, with 9.6% in primary education, 7.0% in secondary education, and 5.5% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.6% in primary education, 7.0% in secondary education, and 5.5% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Public transport analysis shows that there are 59 active transport stops operating within Pooraka. These stops offer a mix of bus services. They are served by 41 individual routes, collectively providing 2,322 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 148 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 331 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 39 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Pooraka is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Pooraka faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~3855 people), compared to 47.1% across Greater Adelaide and a national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues impact 8.2% of residents, while arthritis affects 8.1%, with 68.6% declaring themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 68.1% in Greater Adelaide.

The area has 18.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1457 people), higher than the 16.1% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Pooraka is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Pooraka's cultural diversity is notable, with 39.5% of its residents born overseas and 41.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Pooraka, accounting for 43.8% of the population. Islam, however, is overrepresented compared to Greater Adelaide, comprising 10.6% versus 8.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (20.4%), Australian (19.3%), and Other (17.6%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences: Polish at 1.5% in Pooraka (versus 1.1% regionally), Vietnamese at 6.9% (versus 3.1%), and Serbian at 0.7% (versus 0.5%).

Pooraka's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Pooraka has a median age of 38, closely matching Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 and Australia's median age of 38. Compared to Greater Adelaide's average, Pooraka has an over-representation of the 25-34 age cohort (14.9% locally) and an under-representation of the 45-54 age group (11.2%). Between 2021 and present, the proportion of residents aged 25 to 34 has increased from 13.8% to 14.9%, while the percentage of those aged 45 to 54 has decreased from 12.1% to 11.2%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Pooraka's age profile. The 75-84 age cohort is expected to grow by 208 people (45%), reaching a total of 671 residents. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above are projected to account for 55% of the population growth in the area, reflecting its aging demographic trend. The 5-14 age group is expected to grow modestly at 1%, adding only 5 residents.