Port Augusta

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

As of November 2025, Port Augusta's population is estimated at around 6,724, reflecting an increase of 287 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 6,437. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and six validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is approximately 331 persons per square kilometer. Port Augusta's growth rate of 4.5% exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 4.2%. Overseas migration contributed about 70.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch adopted 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 were used, based on 2021 data and adjusted employing a method of weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Future population trends anticipate lower quartile growth for Australia's non-metropolitan areas, with Port Augusta expected to grow by 68 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 1.1% in total over the 17 years.

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

Port Augusta recorded approximately 8 residential properties granted approval per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Around 40 homes were approved over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with none yet approved in FY-26.

On average, 1 person moved to the area for each dwelling built annually during these years. This suggests new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and potential for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost value of new homes was $318,000, consistent with regional patterns. Compared to the Rest of SA, Port Augusta had 14.0% less new development per person.

Nationally, it ranked at the 6th percentile of assessed areas, indicating limited buyer options but strengthening demand for established dwellings. This reflects market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent development consisted entirely of standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. Interestingly, developers built more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (75.0% at Census), despite density pressures. The estimated population per dwelling approval was 4477 people in Port Augusta, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is expected to grow by 72 residents through to 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 32ndth percentile nationally

Twelve projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to influence the local area's performance. 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 projects likely to have the most relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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AreaSearch assessment indicates Port Augusta faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Port Augusta has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs. The unemployment rate was 10.4% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.7%.

As of June 2025, 2825 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 5.8%, higher than Rest of SA's 4.6%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of SA at 54.1%. Dominant sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and public administration & safety, with a notable concentration in the latter at 2.2 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 3.3% of local workers, below Rest of SA's 14.5%.

The area may have limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 3.7%, while labour force increased by 5.4%, raising the unemployment rate by 1.5 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of SA saw a fall in employment by 1.2% with an unemployment rise of 1.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-2022 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth varies significantly between sectors. Applying these 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 extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Port Augusta had a median taxpayer income of $47,363 and an average income of $56,386. These figures are below the national averages of $49,768 (median) and $61,234 (average). In Rest of SA, the median was $46,889 and the average was $56,582. Based on a 12.83% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 are approximately $53,440 (median) and $63,620 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Port Augusta range between the 7th and 16th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile indicates that 27.0% of Port Augusta residents earn between $400 and $799 annually (1,815 individuals), contrasting with regional levels where the leading bracket is $1,500 to $2,999 at 27.5%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 87.1% income retention, total disposable income ranks at just the 10th percentile nationally.

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

In Port Augusta, as per the latest Census evaluation, 74.7% of dwellings were houses while 25.3% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Non-Metro SA's figures of 85.7% houses and 14.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Augusta stood at 31.2%, similar to Non-Metro SA. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (24.2%) or rented (44.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $979, lower than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,138 and significantly below the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure for Port Augusta was recorded at $194, compared to Non-Metro SA's $187 and substantially lower than 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 comprise 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, smaller than the Rest of SA average of 2.4.

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

The area has lower university qualification rates (12.1%) compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 37.2% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas (7.3%) and certificates (29.9%).

Educational participation is high at 27.6%, including primary education (11.8%), secondary education (7.5%), and tertiary education (2.3%). Six schools operate in Port Augusta, educating approximately 1,262 students. These include two primary, one secondary, and three K-12 schools. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs at 18.8 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 15.4, indicating the area serves as an educational center for the broader region.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Port Augusta faces significant health challenges, as indicated by its health data. Both younger and older age groups have notable prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is relatively low, at approximately 49% of the total population (around 3,316 people), compared to 53.1% across the rest of South Australia and a national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, affecting 10.2% and 9.6% of residents respectively. Conversely, 61.4% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 68.2% across the rest of South Australia. Port Augusta has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over, at 19.4% (around 1,304 people), than the rest of South Australia, which stands at 16.3%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, largely reflective of the general population's health profile in the area.

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% citizens, 88.7% born in Australia, and 90.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 39.9%. The category 'Other' was overrepresented at 1.4%, compared to Rest of SA's 1.9%.

Top ancestry groups were Australian (29.9%), English (25.1%), and Australian Aboriginal (16.6%). Notably, German was overrepresented at 5.3% compared to the regional 4.8%, while Samoan and Korean were both present at 0.1% despite being absent regionally.

Port Augusta's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Port Augusta has a median age of 39, which is younger than the Rest of SA figure of 47 and comparable to the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 make up 14.6% of the population, while those aged 65-74 comprise 9.6%. Since the 2021 Census, the 35-44 age group has grown from 11.1% to 13.2%, and the 55-64 cohort has declined from 13.3% to 12.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Port Augusta's age structure. The 85+ group is expected to grow by 101% (177 people), reaching 352 from 174. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 82% of total population growth. In contrast, the 15-24 and 25-34 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.