Port Adelaide

Population growth drivers in Port Adelaide are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for Port Adelaide, the estimated population as of November 2025 is around 1,681 people. This reflects an increase of 343 people (25.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,338 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,612 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 259 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 355 persons per square kilometer. Port Adelaide's growth since the 2021 census exceeded the state (7.1%) and metropolitan area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 56% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Moving forward, an above median population growth is projected for Port Adelaide, with the area expected to grow by 261 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 2.0% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Port Adelaide averaged approximately 24 new dwelling approvals annually. Between financial years FY-21 to FY-25, an estimated 124 homes were approved, with a further 12 approved in FY-26. Over these five years, an average of 1.2 people moved to the area per dwelling built.

This suggests balanced supply and demand, stable market conditions, and an average new home construction value of $363,000. In FY-26, $7.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Port Adelaide has 116.0% more new home approvals per person, offering buyers greater choice. This reflects strong developer confidence in the area. New building activity shows 48.0% standalone homes and 52.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating a focus on higher-density living. The location has approximately 58 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market.

Population forecasts indicate Port Adelaide will gain 33 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond projections.

Port Adelaide has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

The performance of a region is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects that could potentially impact this area. Notable among these are Dock One, Our Port, Quest Hotel Port Adelaide (Second Quest), Large Retail Precinct, and the Port Civic Precinct project. The following list provides details on those considered 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 Port Adelaide faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Port Adelaide has a skilled workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 11.6% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 0.9%.

As of June 2025760 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 7.6%, higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was broadly similar to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key industries of employment among residents included public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Notably, public administration & safety had employment levels at 1.9 times the regional average.

Conversely, health care & social assistance showed lower representation at 13.4% compared to the regional average of 17.7%. The area functioned as an employment hub with 4.0 workers for every resident, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. During the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 0.9% and labour force increased by 2.4%, resulting in a rise in unemployment of 1.3 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 2.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer insight into potential future demand within Port Adelaide. These projections suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022, Port Adelaide had a median income among taxpayers of $58,414. The average income stood at $64,036. This was just below the national average and compared to levels of $52,592 and $64,886 across Greater Adelaide respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $65,909 (median) and $72,252 (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 (460 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

In Port Adelaide, as per the latest Census evaluation, 28.5% of dwellings were houses while 71.4% were other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In contrast, Adelaide metropolitan area had 69.1% houses and 30.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Adelaide stood at 20.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.4% and rented ones at 55.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,672, higher than the Adelaide metro average of $1,517. Median weekly rent in Port Adelaide was $293, similar to Adelaide metro's $295. Nationally, Port Adelaide's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,672 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $293 versus 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 account for 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 constitute 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, which is 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 lag behind regional averages. As of 2016, 25.0% of residents aged 15 and above held university degrees, compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees were the most common at 17.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.0%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials were prominent, with 36.5% of residents holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas accounted for 11.7% and certificates for 24.8%.

Educational participation was high, with 25.4% of residents enrolled in formal education as of 2016. This included 6.8% in primary education, 6.5% in tertiary education, and 6.0% pursuing secondary education. Indie School Port Adelaide Campus, established in 2010, provided local educational services within Port Adelaide but had no enrolled students as of 2016. Secondary education dominated with one school, while primary students typically attended schools in adjacent catchments due to the lack of schools located within Port Adelaide. Residents must travel to neighboring areas for educational services. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to parent campus.

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

The Port Adelaide area has 36 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 25 different routes that together facilitate 2,186 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these stops is rated as excellent, with residents on average being located just 187 meters from the nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 312 transport trips across all routes, which amounts to approximately 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

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Port Adelaide. Both younger and older age groups have high prevalence of common health conditions.

The area has a private health cover rate of approximately 52%, slightly higher than the average SA2 area's 49.8%. This compares to Greater Adelaide's 49.8%. Mental health issues affect 10.8% of residents, while arthritis impacts 9.5%. About 62.1% report no medical ailments, compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.1%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 20.2%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 19.2%. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

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

The top three ancestry groups are 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%) are overrepresented.

Port Adelaide hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Port Adelaide's median age is 45 years, higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and the national average of 38. The 55-64 age group comprises 15.5%, compared to Greater Adelaide, while the 5-14 cohort is at 7.1%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 35-44 age group grew from 13.5% to 15.0%, and the 55-64 cohort declined 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 132. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 67% of population growth. Meanwhile, declines are projected for the 15-24 and 0-4 age cohorts.