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 Nov 2025, Pooraka's population is estimated at around 7,848, reflecting an increase of 265 people since the 2021 Census. The ABS ERP estimate for surrounding areas applied to Pooraka by AreaSearch in June 2024 indicated a resident population of 7,844, with additional validation of 35 new addresses contributing to this figure. This results in a population density ratio of 1,466 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Pooraka's growth rate of 3.5% since the Census is within 0.2 percentage points of the SA3 area (3.7%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 68.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth in the suburb. 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, released in 2023 based on 2021 data, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking ahead, population projections indicate an increase just below the median of national statistical areas, with Pooraka expected to grow by 615 persons to reach approximately 8,463 inhabitants by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 7.8% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Pooraka recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, Pooraka has seen around 30 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 152 homes were approved, with an additional 14 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 1.7 new residents arrive per new home each year over the past five financial years, indicating a balanced supply and demand market that supports stable conditions.

The average construction cost of new dwellings is $283,000, reflecting more affordable housing options compared to regional norms. In FY-26, $20.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Pooraka maintains similar construction rates per person, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas.

New building activity comprises 73.0% detached dwellings and 27.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character focused on family homes. With around 289 people per dwelling approval, Pooraka shows characteristics of a low density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Pooraka is expected to grow by 612 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Pooraka has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

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

Pooraka shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Pooraka has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.5% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.0% over the previous year.

This is based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. In comparison to Greater Adelaide's unemployment rate of 4.0%, Pooraka's rate was 1.4% higher. The workforce participation rate in Pooraka was 56.8%, lower than Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing.

Manufacturing is particularly strong, with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level. However, 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. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.0% and labour force grew by 1.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points in Pooraka. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment rise by 2.1%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in Sep-22, project national employment growth of 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.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2022, Pooraka had a median income among taxpayers of $50,567 with the average level standing at $58,130. This is lower than national averages which stood at $52,592 and $64,886 respectively across Greater Adelaide for the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth rate of 12.83% since financial year ended June 2022, current estimates project median income to be approximately $57,055 and average income to be around $65,588 as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household incomes in Pooraka fall between 9th and 15th percentiles nationally with family and personal incomes following similar patterns. Income brackets indicate that 31.1% of locals (2,440 people) predominantly earn within $1,500 - 2,999 range, reflecting metropolitan region's pattern where 31.8% occupy this income bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Pooraka with only 83.8% of income remaining after expenses, ranking at the 16th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Pooraka, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 85.9% houses and 14.0% other dwellings. In comparison, Adelaide metro had 83.9% houses and 16.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Pooraka was 33.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.7% and rented dwellings at 30.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, aligning with the Adelaide metro average. The median weekly rent figure was $300, matching Adelaide metro's figure. 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 lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 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 account for 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 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 the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 12.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 31.3% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (8.3%) and certificates (23.0%).

Educational participation is high, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 9.6% in primary, 7.0% in secondary, and 5.5% pursuing tertiary education. Pooraka Primary School serves the local community, with an enrollment of 190 students as of a recent report. The school's ICSEA score is 972, indicating typical Australian school conditions with balanced educational opportunities. It caters exclusively to primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas. However, there are fewer school places per resident locally (2.4 vs 13.9 regionally), leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

Transport analysis shows 58 active transport stops in Pooraka, served by a mix of buses. These stops are covered by 37 individual routes, offering a total of 2,316 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 149 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 330 trips per day 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, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 50% of its total population (~3,924 people) has private health cover, compared to 47.1% across Greater Adelaide, which is lower than the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 8.2 and 8.1% of residents respectively.

However, 68.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, slightly higher than the 68.1% across Greater Adelaide. The area has 18.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,483 people), which is 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 has a high level of cultural diversity, with 39.5% of its population born overseas and 41.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Pooraka, making up 43.8% of people. Islam is overrepresented compared to Greater Adelaide, comprising 10.6% of Pooraka's population versus 8.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (20.4%), Australian (19.3%), and Other (17.6%). Notably, Polish (1.5%) and Vietnamese (6.9%) populations are higher in Pooraka compared to regional averages of 1.1% and 3.1%, respectively. Serbian population is also slightly higher at 0.7%.

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

Pooraka has a median age of 38 years, nearly matching Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 years and Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group is notably over-represented in Pooraka at 14.9%, compared to the Greater Adelaide average, while the 45-54 age group is under-represented at 11.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has increased from 13.8% to 14.9% of Pooraka's population, while the 45-54 age group has decreased from 12.1% to 11.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Pooraka's age profile will change significantly. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to expand by 200 people (42%), growing from 470 to 671 individuals. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 62% of total population growth, reflecting Pooraka's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 5-14 age cohort is projected to decline by 10 people.