Pooraka

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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Pooraka is around 7,715, reflecting an increase of 132 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 1.7% change from the previous population figure of 7,583. The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch, based on examination of ERP data released by the ABS in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses, is 7,706. This results in a population density ratio of 1,442 persons per square kilometer, higher than average national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Pooraka's growth since the Census places it within 2.3 percentage points of the SA3 area (4.0%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 68.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in the suburb.

For future projections, AreaSearch adopts 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, SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data released in 2023 and adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. By 2041, the suburb is expected to grow by approximately 616 persons, reflecting an increase of 9.6% over the 17-year period based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

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. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an average of 2.1 people moved to the area per new home constructed. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $283,000.

In FY-26, there have been $20.1 million in commercial approvals, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Pooraka maintains similar construction rates per person relative to Greater Adelaide, suggesting market balance consistent with the broader area. This is below the national average, indicating an established area and potential planning limitations. New development consists of 76.0% standalone homes and 24.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's suburban nature.

The location has approximately 400 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area with a population forecast to gain 744 residents by 2041. 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 42ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 18 projects that could affect the region. Notable initiatives 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.

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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 is 5.5%, with an estimated employment growth of 1.3% over the past year, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, there are 3,657 residents employed while the unemployment rate stands at 1.6%, which is higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Pooraka is lower at 60.7% compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.4%. According to Census responses, only 6.4% of residents work from home. The dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Manufacturing is particularly specialized with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services employ only 4.5% of local workers, below Greater Adelaide's 7.3%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data comparing working population to local population. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, employment increased by 1.3% alongside labour force growth of 1.3%, leaving unemployment broadly unchanged. In contrast, Greater Adelaide experienced employment and labour force growth of 3.0% and 2.9%, respectively, with a slight drop in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Pooraka's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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

The suburb of Pooraka's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Pooraka is $50,567, with an average income of $58,130. These figures compare to Greater Adelaide's median income of $54,808 and average income of $66,852 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $55,017 (median) and $63,245 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Pooraka all fall between the 9th and 15th percentiles nationally. The distribution data shows that 31.1% of locals (2,399 people) have incomes ranging from $1,500 to $2,999, which is similar to the metropolitan region where 31.8% fall within this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Pooraka, with only 83.8% of income remaining after housing costs, 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 assessed in the latest Census, 85.9% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 14.0% being semi-detached homes, apartments or other types of residences. This is distinct from Adelaide's metropolitan area where 75.2% of dwellings were houses and 24.9% were other types. Home ownership in Pooraka stood at 33.9%, with mortgaged properties at 35.7% and rented ones at 30.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, lower than Adelaide's metro average of $1,562. The median weekly rent in Pooraka was $300, compared to Adelaide's metro figure of $320. Nationally, Pooraka's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Pooraka has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical 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 make up the remaining 32.3%, with lone person households at 28.8% and group households comprising 3.6%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the Greater Adelaide average.

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 held by 31.3% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 8.3% and certificates at 23.0%. Educational participation is high, with 28.7% 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 59 active transport stops in Pooraka, consisting of buses. These stops are serviced by 41 unique routes, collectively facilitating 2,322 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically residing 148 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the dominant mode at 89%, while buses account for 8%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 6.4% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 331 trips daily 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 based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~3,857 people), compared to 52.7% across Greater Adelaide and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 8.2% and 8.1% of residents respectively. 68.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 19.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,496 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 has high cultural diversity, with 39.5% of its population born overseas and 41.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The dominant religion is Christianity, comprising 43.8% of the population. Islam is overrepresented at 10.6%, significantly higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 3.0%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are English (20.4%), Australian (19.3%), and Other (17.6%). Notably, Polish (1.5%) and Vietnamese (6.9%) populations are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 1.0% and 1.2%, respectively. Serbian population is also higher at 0.7% versus the region's 0.4%.

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 the Greater Adelaide average, Pooraka has an over-representation of the 65-74 age cohort at 10.5% locally, while the 45-54 age group is under-represented at 11.1%. Between 2021 and present, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 13.8% to 14.7%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 12.1% to 11.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Pooraka's age profile. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to expand by 184 people (38%), growing from 486 to 671 residents. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 51% of total population growth, reflecting Pooraka's aging demographic trend. The 5 to 14 age group is projected to grow modestly by 2%, adding only 17 residents.