Port Augusta

Port Augusta has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Port Augusta is around 6,752, reflecting a 4.9% increase since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 6,437. This growth was inferred from an AreaSearch estimate of 6,743 residents following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2025 and validation of 46 new addresses since the Census date. The population density is approximately 333 persons per square kilometer. Port Augusta's growth exceeded that of its SA3 area (3.9%) and SA4 region, making it a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed about 70% to recent population gains. 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, SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Future trends suggest lower quartile growth for national regional areas; Port Augusta is expected to grow by 62 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 0.8% over the 16 years.

The level of residential development activity in Port Augusta is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis indicates Port Augusta averaged around 9 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 49 homes. As of FY-26, 1 approval has been recorded. Despite population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice. The average value of new homes being built is $318,000.

This financial year has seen $13.2 million in commercial approvals, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the Rest of SA, Port Augusta shows comparable new home approvals per person, supporting market stability aligned with regional patterns. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods, which is lower than nationally, suggesting possible development constraints and market maturity. All new construction in the area has been detached houses, preserving its low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

Notably, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests, indicating strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 1484 people, reflecting a quiet, low-activity development environment. Future projections from AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate suggest Port Augusta will add 53 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Port Augusta has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 31stth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 12 projects likely influencing the region. Notable initiatives include Eucalypt Village - Stirling North Accommodation Development, Port Augusta Technical College, Port Augusta Wharf Upgrade, and St Eyre Estate. 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.

Employment conditions in Port Augusta face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Port Augusta has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 15.3%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, there are 2,660 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 9.6% higher than Regional SA's rate of 5.7%.

Workforce participation in Port Augusta is somewhat lower at 55.7%, compared to Regional SA's 58.3%. Census responses show that only 2.0% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have influenced this figure. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and public administration & safety. The area has a notably high concentration in public administration & safety, with employment levels at 2.2 times the regional average.

In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 3.3% of local workers, significantly lower than Regional SA's 14.5%. The limited employment opportunities locally are indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels increased by 1.7%, but employment declined by 8.0%, causing unemployment to rise by 8.9 percentage points. In contrast, Regional SA experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 3.1%, with a 2.2 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insight into potential future demand within Port Augusta. These projections suggest that national employment will 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 Augusta's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates that Port Augusta's median income among taxpayers is $47,363. The average income in the suburb is $56,386. Both figures are below the national average. In comparison, Regional SA has a median income of $48,920 and an average of $58,933. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Port Augusta's median income would be approximately $52,180 by March 2026, with the average estimated at around $62,120 during the same period. According to Census 2021 data, incomes in Port Augusta fall between the 7th and 16th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The earnings profile shows that 27.0% of residents (1,823 people) earn between $400 - 799, which differs from the regional trend where the $1,500 - 2,999 category is predominant at 27.5%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 87.1% income retention, Port Augusta's total disposable income ranks at just the 10th percentile nationally.

Port Augusta is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Port Augusta's dwelling structure in the latest Census showed 74.7% houses and 25.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional SA's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Augusta was 31.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.2% and rented ones at 44.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $979, below Regional SA's average of $1,153. Median weekly rent in Port Augusta was $194, compared to Regional SA's $220. Nationally, Port Augusta's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 58.0% of all households, including 18.3% couples with children, 23.8% couples without children, and 14.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 42.0%, with lone person households at 38.0% and group households comprising 3.9%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Regional SA average of 2.3.

Port Augusta faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 12.1%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 37.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.3%) and certificates (29.9%). Educational participation is high, with 27.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary education (11.8%), secondary education (7.5%), and tertiary education (2.3%).

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Port Augusta is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Port Augusta faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Multiple health conditions impact both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~3,330 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (10.2%) and arthritis (9.6%), with 61.4% of residents reporting no medical ailments, slightly lower than Regional SA's 62.5%. The working-age population experiences notable health challenges due to higher chronic condition rates. The area has 20.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,370 people), lower than Regional SA's 27.1%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally in line with national rankings for the general population.

Port Augusta ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Port Augusta's cultural diversity was below average, with 85.5% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (88.7%), and speaking English only at home (90.3%). Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 39.9% of Port Augustans. Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprised 1.4%, slightly higher than Regional SA's 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, Australians formed the largest group (29.9%), followed by English (25.1%) and Australian Aboriginals (16.6%). The latter was significantly higher than the regional average of 3.3%. Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: German representation was higher in Port Augusta at 5.3% compared to 8.2% regionally, while Samoan and Korean populations were present but not reflected in Regional SA figures (0.1% each).

Port Augusta's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Port Augusta has a median age of 39, which is younger than Regional SA's figure of 47 and comparable to Australia's national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 make up 14.4% of the population, while those aged 65-74 constitute 10.0%. In comparison, Regional SA has a larger proportion in the 65-74 age group. Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 11.1% to 13.8%, while the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 13.3% to 12.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Port Augusta's age structure. The 85+ group is expected to grow by 98%, reaching 348 people from 175. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 80% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, the 0 to 4 and 15 to 24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.