Port Augusta West

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

Port Augusta West's population, as estimated by AreaSearch based on ABS updates and new addresses validated since November 2025, is around 4,267. This figure reflects a growth of 221 people, representing a 5.5% increase from the 2021 Census population of 4,046. The estimated resident population of 4,266, as per AreaSearch's examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and eight validated new addresses since the Census date, indicates a density ratio of 5.8 persons per square kilometer. Port Augusta West's growth rate exceeded that of its SA3 area (4.2%) and SA4 region, positioning it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 70% to the overall population gains in recent periods. AreaSearch's projections for Port Augusta West are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia figures from 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 adjusted to SA2 levels are used. According to these projections, the suburb's population is expected to contract by 1 person by 2041, with growth anticipated in specific age cohorts, notably the 85 and over group which is projected to increase by 99 people.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Port Augusta West has recorded around 9 residential properties granted approval each year over the past 5 financial years ending June 2021. This totals an estimated 47 homes. As of July 2026, 2 approvals have been recorded in FY-26. The population fall during this period suggests new supply has likely kept up with demand, offering buyers good choice, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $318,000, consistent with regional patterns.

In the current financial year, $11.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Rest of SA, Port Augusta West shows 60.0% higher new home approvals per person, offering buyers greater choice. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods. Nationally, this is lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent construction comprises 80.0% standalone homes and 20.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated count of 770 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. With population expected to remain stable or decline, Port Augusta West should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Port Augusta West has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 13 projects potentially impacting the region. Notable projects include St Eyre Estate, Regional Key Worker Housing Scheme - Port Augusta (commencing Q2 2022), McKinnon Court Residential Development (scheduled completion in late 2023), and Cleary Street Residential Subdivision (expected start in early 2024). The following list details projects likely 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.

The labour market performance in Port Augusta West lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Port Augusta West has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented.

The unemployment rate in June 2025 was 7.9%. Employment grew by an estimated 4.3% over the past year. Compared to Rest of SA's rate of 4.6%, Port Augusta West's unemployment rate is 3.3% higher, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation is fairly standard at 56.5%, compared to Rest of SA's 54.1%.

Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training. The area specializes in public administration & safety, with an employment share 2.9 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 1.4%, compared to the regional average of 14.5%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 4.3% and labour force by 5.8%, leading to an unemployment rise of 1.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of SA saw a 1.2% fall in employment, a 0.1% labour force expansion, and a 1.2 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 provide further insight into potential future demand within Port Augusta West. These projections suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Port Augusta West's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years.

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

Port Augusta West's median income among taxpayers was $53,702 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $63,935 during the same period. This compares to figures for Rest of SA's of $46,889 and $56,582 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $60,592 (median) and $72,138 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household incomes rank at the 28th percentile in Port Augusta West. Family incomes rank at the 32nd percentile, while personal incomes also rank modestly at the 32nd percentile. The data shows that 30.6% of residents (1,305 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket. This is consistent with broader trends across the region showing 27.5% in the same category. Housing costs are manageable with 88.0% retained. However, disposable income sits below average at the 33rd percentile.

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

The dwelling structure in Port Augusta West, as per the latest Census, consisted of 79.9% houses and 20.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Non-Metro SA's 85.7% houses and 14.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Augusta West was at 31.6%, similar to Non-Metro SA. Mortgaged dwellings made up 27.2% and rented dwellings accounted for 41.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,279, higher than the Non-Metro SA average of $1,138. Median weekly rent in Port Augusta West was $213, compared to $187 in Non-Metro SA. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,863 and rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 66.0% of all households, including 24.0% couples with children, 27.0% couples without children, and 13.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 34.0%, with lone person households at 31.5% and group households comprising 2.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Rest of SA average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 15.5%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 36.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 7.9% and certificates for 28.8%. Educational participation is high at 29.4%, including 13.6% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 2.3% pursuing tertiary education.

The four schools in Port Augusta West have a combined enrollment of 830 students. The area's educational conditions index (ICSEA) is 898. It has two primary schools and two K-12 schools, with school capacity exceeding typical residential needs at 19.4 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 15.4, indicating that it serves as an educational center for the broader region.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Health data shows significant challenges for Port Augusta West, with high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover stands at approximately 52%, slightly higher than the average SA2 area (~2,230 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (10.2%) and arthritis (9.5%). However, 64.4% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 68.2% in Rest of SA. Port Augusta West has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 18.5% (789 people), compared to 16.3% in Rest of SA. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly aligned with the general population's health profile.

Port Augusta West is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Port Augusta West had a lower than average cultural diversity, with 87.7% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (90.7%), and speaking English only at home (92.5%). Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 41.1% of the population. The most notable overrepresentation was in the 'Other' category, which made up 2.3% compared to 1.9% across South Australia.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were Australian (31.5%), English (28.0%), and Australian Aboriginal (12.4%). There were notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: German was overrepresented at 5.2%, compared to 4.8% regionally; South African at 0.4%, compared to 0.2%; and Polish at 0.6%, compared to 0.3%.

Port Augusta West's median age exceeds the national pattern

Port Augusta West's median age is 40 years, which is significantly below Rest of SA's 47 and slightly above the national average of 38. Compared to Rest of SA, Port Augusta West has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (13.0%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (10.5%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 35 to 44 has grown from 10.9% to 12.8%, while the 25 to 34 age group has decreased from 13.9% to 13.0%. By 2041, Port Augusta West's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 85+ age group will grow by 104 people, reaching 183 from the current 89. Residents aged 65 and older will represent 83% of this growth. Conversely, both the 0 to 4 and 15 to 24 age groups are expected to decrease in number.