Port Adelaide

Population growth drivers in Port Adelaide are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Population of the Port Adelaide statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 1,665 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 327 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 1,338 people. The change was inferred from the resident population of 1,470 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 259 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 352 persons per square kilometer. Port Adelaide's growth since the 2021 census exceeded the state (8.7%) and metropolitan area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 56% during recent periods although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, post-2032 projections are based on SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category released in 2023 and adjusted employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth is projected for the Port Adelaide (SA2), expected to grow by 258 persons to 2041 reflecting an increase of 2.8% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Port Adelaide when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Port Adelaide recorded around 22 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 114 homes. In FY-26 so far, 11 approvals have been recorded. Between FY-21 and FY-25, on average, 1.4 people moved to the area for each dwelling built. This suggests a well-balanced supply and demand creating stable market conditions.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $363,000, slightly above the regional average, indicating a focus on quality developments. In FY-26, $7.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating Port Adelaide's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Port Adelaide records 99.0% more new home approvals per person, offering buyers greater choice. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods. This is substantially higher than the national average, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. New development consists of 48.0% detached houses and 52.0% medium and high-density housing, providing accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers.

Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (28.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. Port Adelaide reflects a developing area with around 102 people per approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Port Adelaide is forecasted to gain 46 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.

Port Adelaide has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 29thth percentile nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Dock One, Our Port, Quest Hotel Port Adelaide (Second Quest), Large Retail Precinct, and Port Civic Precinct. The following details projects expected to be 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.

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

Port Adelaide has a skilled workforce with notable representation from essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 10.9% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.5%.

As of September 2025782 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 7.0% higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation in Port Adelaide is broadly similar to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key industries of employment among residents include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area has a particularly notable concentration in public administration & safety, with employment levels at 1.9 times the regional average.

Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 13.4% compared to the regional average of 17.7%. There are 4.0 workers for every resident, indicating that the area functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. In the past year, employment increased by 4.5% alongside labour force increasing by 4.0%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.4 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 3.0%, labour force growth of 2.9%, with unemployment falling 0.1 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov shows SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, adding 10,710 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.0%. This compares favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%, with the state's employment growth outpacing the national average of 0.14%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Port Adelaide's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.9% over ten years.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, the suburb of Port Adelaide had a median income among taxpayers of $58,414. The average level stood at $64,036. This was below the national average and compared to levels of $54,808 and $66,852 across Greater Adelaide respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $63,554 (median) and $69,671 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household incomes sat at the 15th percentile, while personal income performed better at the 39th percentile. Distribution data showed that 27.4% of the population (456 individuals) fell within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen regionally where 31.8% similarly occupied this range. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 79.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 12th percentile.

Port Adelaide displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Port Adelaide, as recorded at the latest Census, consisted of 28.5% houses and 71.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Adelaide metro had 69.1% houses and 30.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Adelaide was at 20.9%, with the rest being mortgaged (23.4%) or rented (55.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Port Adelaide was $1,672, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure for Port Adelaide was recorded at $293, compared to Adelaide metro's $295. Nationally, Port Adelaide's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Port Adelaide features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 50.7% of all households, including 11.3% couples with children, 26.2% couples without children, and 11.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 49.3%, with lone person households at 43.5% and group households comprising 5.8%. The median household size is 1.9 people, smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.3.

Port Adelaide shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational qualifications in Port Adelaide trail regional benchmarks, with 25.0% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. The most common qualifications are bachelor degrees at 17.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 5.0% and graduate diplomas at 3.0%. Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 36.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 11.7% and certificates at 24.8%. Educational participation is high, with 25.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 6.8% in primary education, 6.5% in tertiary education, and 6.0% pursuing secondary education.

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

Port Adelaide has 36 active public transport stops. These include train and bus services. There are 26 different routes operating in total, providing 2,191 weekly passenger trips combined.

The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 186 meters. On average, there are 313 trips per day across all routes, which equates to around 60 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Port Adelaide is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Port Adelaide faces significant health challenges, as indicated by health data.

Both younger and older age groups have notable prevalence of common health conditions. The area has private health cover at approximately 52%, which is higher than the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Adelaide's 67%. Mental health issues affect 10.8% of residents, while arthritis impacts 9.5%. Conversely, 62.1% report no medical ailments, compared to 66.1% in Greater Adelaide. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 20.3% (337 people), than Greater Adelaide's 19.2%. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges similar to those faced by the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Port Adelaide was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Port Adelaide's cultural diversity was above average, with 14.3% speaking a language other than English at home and 25.2% born overseas. Christianity dominated as the main religion, comprising 40.4%. Islam was overrepresented at 2.9%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 3.3%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (29.7%), Australian (22.7%), and Other (8.3%). Notably, Russian (0.9% vs regional 0.6%), Welsh (0.8% vs 0.5%), and Serbian (0.6% vs 0.8%) were overrepresented in Port Adelaide.

Port Adelaide hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Port Adelaide's median age is 45 years, which is higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The 55-64 age group comprises 15.5% of Port Adelaide's population compared to Greater Adelaide, while the 5-14 cohort makes up 7.1%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 35-44 age group has increased from 13.5% to 15.0%, and the 65-74 cohort has risen from 12.7% to 13.8%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 17.7% to 15.5%. By 2041, Port Adelaide's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 75-84 cohort is expected to grow by 48%, adding 42 residents to reach 131. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 66% of population growth. Meanwhile, the 15-24 and 0-4 age cohorts are projected to decline in population.