Pooraka

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

The estimated population of the suburb of Pooraka is around 7,742 as of May 2026. This figure reflects an increase from the 2021 Census population of 7,583 people, representing a growth of 159 individuals (2.1%). The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch, following examination of the June 2025 ABS ERP data release and validation of new addresses since the Census date, is 7,728. This results in a population density ratio of 1,447 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Pooraka's growth rate of 2.1% since the census is within 1.8 percentage points of the SA3 area (3.9%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 68.0% to recent population gains in the suburb.

For future projections, 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 by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data released in 2023 and adjusted using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. By 2041, Pooraka is expected to grow by approximately 560 persons, reflecting an increase of around 7.0% over the 16-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 indicates Pooraka averaged approximately 24 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 124 homes. As of FY-26, 18 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, an average of 1.1 new residents arrived per new home, suggesting balanced supply and demand. The average construction value for new dwellings was $283,000.

In FY-26, $20.1 million in commercial approvals were registered, indicating steady commercial development activity. Comparatively, Pooraka records 10.0% less building activity per person than Greater Adelaide and ranks at the 39th percentile nationally for assessed areas, leading to relatively constrained buyer choice and interest in existing properties. This reflects the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New development consists of 74.0% standalone homes and 26.0% attached dwellings, preserving Pooraka's suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The population density is approximately 427 people per dwelling approval. Future projections estimate Pooraka will add 546 residents by 2041, based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

Pooraka has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 41stth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects likely affecting the area. Notable ones 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 assessment indicates Pooraka faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Pooraka has a skilled workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 5.6% as of December 2025, with relative employment stability over the past year according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. In comparison, Greater Adelaide had an unemployment rate of 3.8%.

Pooraka's workforce participation rate was lower at 58.0%, versus Greater Adelaide's 66.0%. Census responses indicated that only 6.4% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The dominant employment sectors in Pooraka were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Manufacturing was particularly specialized with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services employed only 4.5% of local workers, below Greater Adelaide's 7.3%. Many residents appeared to commute elsewhere for work based on Census data comparing working population to local population. Between December 2024 and November 2025, employment in Pooraka increased by 0.3%, while the labour force grew by 0.2%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide experienced employment growth of 4.2% and labour force growth of 3.9%, with a larger drop in unemployment rate of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Pooraka. These projections indicate that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific 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 latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Pooraka is $50,567 and the average income stands at $58,130. These figures compare to those for Greater Adelaide of $54,808 (median) and $66,852 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $55,710 (median) and $64,042 (average) as of March 2026. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Pooraka all fall between the 9th and 15th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows that 31.1% of locals (2,407 people) have incomes ranging from $1,500 to 2,999 per week, reflecting patterns seen in metropolitan regions where 31.8% similarly occupy 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

The dwelling structure in Pooraka, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 85.9% houses and 14.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Adelaide metro's 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Pooraka was higher than that of Adelaide metro, at 33.9%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (35.7%) or rented (30.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, below the Adelaide metro average of $1,562. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $300, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Pooraka's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 percent of all households, including 30.1 percent couples with children, 22.1 percent couples without children, and 14.0 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 32.3 percent, with lone person households at 28.8 percent and group households comprising 3.6 percent of the total. 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 the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are 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% in 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 59 active stops operating within Pooraka, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by 41 individual routes, collectively offering 2,322 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 148 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Car remains dominant at 89%, while bus accounts for 8%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling.

Only 6.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census). Service frequency averages 331 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 39 weekly trips per 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 (~3,871 people), compared to 52.7% across Greater Adelaide and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are mental health issues (8.2%) and arthritis (8.1%). 68.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 19.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,532 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'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, comprising 43.8% of the population. However, Islam is overrepresented compared to the Greater Adelaide average, making up 10.6% of Pooraka's population.

The top three ancestry groups are English (20.4%), Australian (19.3%), and Other (17.6%). Notably, Polish (1.5%) and Vietnamese (6.9%) residents in Pooraka exceed the regional averages of 1.0% and 1.2%, respectively, while Serbian residents (0.7%) are also higher than the regional average of 0.4%.

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

Pooraka has a median age of 38, closely matching both 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 0-4 age cohort (6.3% locally) and an under-representation of the 45-54 age group (11.3%). Between 2021 and now, the population aged 65 to 74 has increased from 9.8% to 10.6%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age cohort has decreased from 12.1% to 11.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling predicts significant changes in Pooraka's age profile. The 75-84 age group is projected to expand by 188 people (37%), from 510 to 699. Notably, the combined population aged 65 and over will account for 64% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. Meanwhile, the 5-14 age cohort is projected to decline by 5 people.