Port Augusta

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

The population of the Port Augusta statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 6,724 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 287 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,437 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 6,685 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 6 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 331 persons per square kilometer. Port Augusta's growth rate of 4.5% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA3 area (4.4%). Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 70.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. Future population trends anticipate lower quartile growth for Australia's non-metropolitan areas. The Port Augusta (SA2) is expected to grow by 60 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 0.9% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Port Augusta, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Port Augusta has seen approximately 10 residential properties approved annually, with a total of 53 homes approved between FY-21 and FY-25. No approvals have been recorded in FY-26 as of yet. On average, 0.7 people moved to the area per dwelling built over the past five financial years.

This suggests that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost value of new homes is $318,000. In FY-26, Port Augusta has recorded $13.2 million in commercial development approvals, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the rest of South Australia, Port Augusta has slightly more development activity, with 14.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years.

However, this activity is below the national average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. All new construction in Port Augusta since FY-21 has been comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes. This preference for detached housing (75.0%) is higher than current patterns suggest, indicating robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. The estimated population per dwelling approval in the area is 1119 people. Future projections estimate Port Augusta will add 64 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 33rdth percentile nationally

Area's performance is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure. AreaSearch has identified 12 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects 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. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 13.3%.

This is based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. There are 2,727 residents in work, while the unemployment rate is 7.9% higher than Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation is broadly similar to Rest of SA's 54.1%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and public administration & safety.

The area shows strong specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share of 2.2 times the regional level. Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with 3.3% employment compared to 14.5% regionally. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data for the wider area during the year to September 2025, the labour force increased by 4.0%, while employment declined by 2.0%, resulting in an unemployment rate rise by 5.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of SA saw employment grow by 0.3%, labour force expand by 2.3%, and unemployment rise by 1.9 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insight into potential future demand within Port Augusta. These projections suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates varying 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 account for localised population projections.

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

The suburb of Port Augusta had an income level below the national average according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers was $47,363 and the average income stood at $56,386, compared to figures for Rest of SA's of $48,920 and $58,933 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $51,531 (median) and $61,348 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Port Augusta all fall between the 7th and 16th percentiles nationally. The data shows the $400 - 799 bracket dominates with 27.0% of residents (1,815 people), contrasting with the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 27.5%. While housing costs are modest with 87.1% of income retained, 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, with the remaining 25.3% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Non-Metro SA's dwelling structure, which was 85.7% houses and 14.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Augusta stood at 31.2%, aligning with Non-Metro SA's figure. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 24.2%, while rented dwellings made up 44.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $979, significantly lower than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,138 and the national average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Port Augusta was recorded at $194, compared to Non-Metro SA's $187 and 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 making up 3.9%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is 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's university qualification rate is 12.1%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are 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 at 27.6%, comprising 11.8% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 2.3% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.8% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 2.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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 a notable prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is relatively low in Port Augusta, with approximately 49% of the total population (~3,316 people) having it, compared to 53.3% across the rest of South Australia (SA).

Nationally, this figure stands at 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, affecting 10.2 and 9.6% of residents respectively. However, 61.4% of residents claim to have no medical ailments, compared to 68.2% in the rest of SA. Port Augusta has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, with 19.4% (1,304 people) compared to 16.3% in the rest of SA. The health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally aligning with the overall population's health profile.

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, assessed in 2016, showed low cultural diversity with 85.5% citizens, 88.7% born in Australia, and 90.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion at 39.9%. The 'Other' category was overrepresented at 1.4%, compared to 1.9% regionally.

Top ancestral groups were Australian (29.9%), English (25.1%), and Aboriginal Australian (16.6%). Notably, German (5.3%) and Korean (0.1%) groups were overrepresented.

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

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 years are particularly prominent at 14.6%, while the 65-74 group is smaller at 9.6% compared to the Rest of SA. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 35-44 age group has grown from 11.1% to 13.2% of the population, while the 45-54 cohort has declined from 11.9% to 11.0%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Port Augusta's age structure. The 85+ group is expected to grow by 101%, reaching 352 people from 174. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 81% of total population growth, indicating an aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 15-24 and 25-34 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.