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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Port Augusta West has an estimated 4,252 residents, up from 4,046 at the 2021 Census — a change of 206 people, or 5.1%. Overseas migration accounts for 70.0% of that increase. Fewer than ten people live on each square kilometre, across a boundary that takes in surrounding rural land. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Port Augusta West has a projected occupancy of approximately 4,252 residents in May 2026, calculated through AreaSearch's evaluation of ABS population adjustments for the surrounding region alongside newly verified addresses. Comparing this to the 2021 Census, which registered 4,046 individuals, the community has expanded by 206 people, representing a 5.1% rise. This estimation stems from a resident base of 4,247 computed by AreaSearch via the ABS June 2025 ERP release, combined with 6 validated new addresses documented after the Census. This population size results in a density of 5.8 persons per square kilometer, indicating a spacious living environment.
The local 5.1% growth rate since the 2021 census outpaced both the SA3 area (3.9%) and the SA4 region, establishing the suburb as a primary pocket of regional expansion. Overseas migration served as the principal driver of this upward trajectory, accounting for roughly 70.0% of the net population increase over recent times. Projections utilize ABS and Geoscience Australia forecasts issued in 2024 with a 2022 baseline for each SA2. For areas lacking this data or for periods after 2032, figures incorporate the SA State Government's Regional/LGA age-cohort projections published in 2023 utilizing 2021 data, adjusted via a weighted aggregation of population expansion from LGA to SA2 levels. Future expectations align with the bottom national quartile for regional population growth, with local numbers forecast to rise by 11 individuals by 2041, representing a total gains of 0.1% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
26 new dwellings have been approved in Port Augusta West over the past five years, an average of 5 a year. That is 1.2 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 2, well below that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Analysis of statistical area building approvals indicates that the suburb of Port Augusta West averaged approximately 5 new home approvals yearly, accumulating an estimated 26 residential approvals over the preceding 5 financial years. Thus far in FY-26, 2 approvals have been registered. With an average of only 0.5 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is meeting or surpassing demand, providing greater buyer choice while supporting potential for population growth above projections, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $318,000.
Also, $2.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature. Building activity per capita in the suburb of Port Augusta West is 12.0% lower than in the Rest of SA, placing it in the 6th percentile of all examined locations in the country, which constrains choices for buyers but bolsters the value of pre-existing homes. This volume of construction also lags behind national levels, indicating a mature market and highlighting possible development restrictions. Standalone houses comprise 67.0% of new residential starts, with the remaining 33.0% consisting of high and medium-density designs, showcasing an expanding array of semi-detached options that cater to varied budgets, from large family residences to compact units. The ratio of 4245 residents per single dwelling approval highlights a quiet development environment with minimal construction activity. Long-term forecasts suggest the suburb of Port Augusta West will add 6 residents by 2041 based on the most recent quarterly estimate. Given current construction volumes, the available housing stock should comfortably satisfy residential demand, creating positive conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating growth that surpasses current projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Port Augusta West
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 8 current infrastructure and development projects inside Port Augusta West, worth an estimated $12 million. A further 26 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $303 million. 12 are already under construction and 10 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, ports, marinas, fisheries & aquaculture and education & training. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, major works, and urban planning changes represent key drivers of regional performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 developments poised to influence the locality. The most relevant projects include the St Eyre Estate, the Regional Key Worker Housing Scheme - Port Augusta, the Cleary Street Residential Subdivision, and the McKinnon Court Residential Development.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
St Eyre Estate
A residential estate development located in Port Augusta West, offering vacant allotments allowing for custom home builds set against the scenic Baxter Ranges. Infrastructure for Stages 4 & 5A is already in place, including sealed roads, curbing, power, and water, with 60 spacious allotments each approximately 1200 square meters.
Regional Key Worker Housing Scheme - Port Augusta
Construction of 35 new homes as part of the Regional Key Worker Housing Scheme to address the critical need for purpose-built government worker housing. Four two-and-three-bedroom homes are being built in Port Augusta west of the Joy Baluch AM Bridge. The program will deliver 35 new regional homes across several locations in SA to address the critical need for purpose-built government worker housing.
McKinnon Court Residential Development
A 3,100 sqm residential infill development site being marketed for residential subdivision or a small housing development, subject to council consent. As of 2026 the land remains listed for sale and there is no evidence of a lodged development application or construction commencing.
McIntosh Crescent Road Resealing
Sections of roadway on McIntosh Crescent in Port Augusta West require resealing due to deterioration and wear. The project will use a two-coat bitumen spray seal with a crumbed rubber binder.
Cleary Street Residential Subdivision
A development opportunity in Port Augusta West comprising a 1.4 hectare R-Residential zoned site at 3-5 Cleary Street. A preliminary development plan exists to subdivide the land into 18 allotments, subject to council approval. The land is listed for sale at $499,000-$548,000.
Bunnings Warehouse Port Augusta
The new Bunnings store in Port Augusta has officially opened, featuring a 5000 square meter space with a nursery, landscaping area, two-lane trade drive-through timber yard, and an outdoor living and barbecue area. The store was staffed almost entirely by Spencer Gulf locals.
Port Augusta Industry Hub
Redevelopment of the former Port Augusta power station site into a regional hub for mineral processing and manufacturing, with a potential to develop into a full-fledged Industrial Park. Aims to add significant value to South Australia's mineral resources by harnessing affordable renewable energy and offering miners direct market access via a multimodal road, rail, and port terminal. The project aims to transform the entire area into a regional hub for mineral processing and manufacturing. It includes the Hallett Group's green cement manufacturing plant and Bowen Rail's Logistics Storage.
Joy Baluch AM Bridge Duplication
Duplication of the Joy Baluch AM Bridge to improve road safety and efficiency for all users, improve freight productivity, and improve the resilience of this critical road link. It will also address the current bridge speed restrictions and safety for people walking or cycling across the bridge. The project is part of the Port Wakefield to Port Augusta (PW2PA) Regional Projects Alliance. The duplication of the bridge is an important link in the National Land Transport Network at Port Augusta.
1,791 residents of Port Augusta West are employed, from a labour force of 2,055. Unemployment sits at 12.8%, with participation at 58.8%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.3% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Workforce data reveals a balanced distribution between professional and manual occupations, with robust representation in vital services and an unemployment rate of 12.8%. Active workers numbered 1,791 as of March 2026, though the local unemployment rate sits 7.3% above the Regional SA average of 5.5%, indicating a need for job growth. Participation in the labor force matches the Regional SA benchmark of 58.4%. Census records show a minimal 2.3% of workers operating from home, though this figure was likely influenced by pandemic-related lockdowns. Healthcare & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training constitute the primary employment sectors for local workers.
Public administration & safety is exceptionally prominent, with a workforce share 2.9 times higher than the regional benchmark. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is minimally represented at only 1.4% of the local workforce, compared to 14.5% across Regional SA. Discrepancies between the Census day working population and the resident workforce suggest that the local area offers few jobs internally. According to AreaSearch evaluations of SALM and ABS figures compiled from larger statistical regions, a twelve-month span witnessed the labour force shrink by 1.6% alongside an 8.8% decline in employment, which drove the unemployment rate up by 6.8 percentage points. By comparison, the Regional SA sector recorded a 1.2% increase in employment and a 2.6% expansion of the labour force, accompanied by a 1.4 percentage point increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia’s national employment forecasts dated May-25 provide additional context regarding anticipated future demand in Port Augusta West. These outlooks span five and ten year horizons and have been overlaid on the local employment composition to project growth trajectories. Although national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, sectoral growth rates vary considerably. When these industry-specific forecasts are applied to Port Augusta West’s employment structure, local employment is expected to rise by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Port Augusta West is $1,396 a week (about $73,000 a year), with median personal income at $720 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $53,702 a year against an average of $63,935. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Tax records from the ATO for the 2023 financial year show that the suburb of Port Augusta West had a median taxpayer income of $53,702 and an average income of $63,935. These figures are lower than the national benchmarks and compare to regional averages of $48,920 (median) and $58,933 (average). Adjusting for a Wage Price Index rise of 10.17% since the 2023 financial year yields estimated values of approximately $59,163 for the median and $70,437 for the average as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual incomes are modest, falling between the 28th and 32nd percentiles nationally.
Income distribution shows that 30.6% of residents (1,301 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, mirroring the 27.5% share in Regional SA. Households retain 88.0% of their income after housing costs, but disposable income remains low, placing in the 33rd percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Port Augusta West had 1,542 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 80% detached houses and 6% apartments. 27% are owned with a mortgage, 41% rented and 32% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $213 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,279 a month. Rent absorbs 15.3% of household income here and mortgage repayments 21.1%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
At the time of the last Census, the local housing mix consisted of 79.9% detached houses and 20.1% semi-detached, apartment, or alternative dwelling types, compared to 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings across Regional SA. Homeownership rates in the suburb of Port Augusta West lagged behind the regional average, sitting at 31.6%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with mortgages (27.2%) or tenants renting (41.2%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,279 was notably higher than the Regional SA average of $1,153, while the median weekly rent of $213 was slightly lower than the regional rate of $220.
Compared to national figures, local mortgage costs are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are considerably below the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Port Augusta West counted 1,542 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 1,621 today, averaging 2.3 people each. 24% are couples with children, against 27% couples without children. 32% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.9 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families comprise 66.0% of local households, consisting of couples with children (24.0%), couples without children (27.0%), and single parents (13.4%). The remaining 34.0% are non-family households, which are predominantly single-person households (31.5%) alongside group households (2.6%). The average household size of 2.3 individuals aligns with the Regional SA average.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
15.5% of adults in Port Augusta West hold a university qualification, including 10.2% with a bachelor degree and 3.3% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 92% of areas nationally. A further 28.8% hold a vocational qualification. 4 schools serve the area, with 830 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 898 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational attainment levels present challenges, as the university qualification rate of 15.5% falls significantly short of the national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are held by 10.2% of the population, followed by postgraduate degrees at 3.3% and graduate diplomas at 2.0%. Vocational education is highly prevalent, with 36.7% of residents aged 15 and over possessing trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (7.9%) and certificate-level qualifications (28.8%). A significant portion of the population is engaged in study, with 29.4% of residents enrolled in an educational program. This student population includes 13.6% in primary school, 8.2% in high school, and 2.3% attending tertiary institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Port Augusta West means driving: households keep an average of 1.4 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
64.4% of residents in Port Augusta West report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 89% of areas nationally. 6.2% need daily assistance with core activities, and 52.3% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 7.2 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health assessments indicate notable issues within the suburb of Port Augusta West, based on local mortality statistics and the incidence of chronic conditions across different age groups. Approximately 52% of the population (~2,222 residents) hold private health insurance, slightly exceeding the SA2 average, compared to 48.9% in Regional SA. Asthma and arthritis represent the most prevalent chronic health issues, affecting 10.2% and 9.5% of residents respectively. Conversely, 64.4% of the population reported no long-term medical conditions, compared to 62.5% across Regional SA. The working-age cohort shows elevated rates of chronic illness, indicating notable health challenges.
Residents aged 65 and older represent 19.9% of the population (846 people), which is lower than the Regional SA proportion of 27.1%. Senior health outcomes align generally with national standards, though they present some challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Port Augusta West is largely Australian-born, at 90.7% of residents, with 7.5% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (31.5%) and English (28.0%). 12.4% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity metrics are low, with citizens making up 87.7% of the population, 90.7% of residents born in Australia, and 92.5% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the predominant religious affiliation, representing 41.1% of the population. The most distinct variance from regional norms is found in the 'Other' category, which accounts for 2.3% of residents compared to 0.8% across Regional SA. Regarding parental birthplace, the three largest ancestry groups are Australian (31.5%), English (28.0%), and Australian Aboriginal (12.4%), with the Aboriginal proportion significantly exceeding the regional average of 3.3%.
Other ethnic groupings show notable differences: German ancestry accounts for 5.2% of the population (compared to 8.2% regionally), South Australian accounts for 0.4% (compared to 0.2%), and Polish accounts for 0.6% (compared to 0.4%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Port Augusta West is 40. 23.8% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of 40 years is lower than the Regional SA median of 47, but slightly higher than the national median of 38. Compared to Regional SA, the area has a larger share of 25 - 34 year-olds (12.5%) and fewer residents in the 65 - 74 bracket (11.1%). Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age bracket expanded from 10.9% to 13.2%, whereas the 25 to 34 group contracted from 13.9% to 12.5%, and the 45 to 54 group decreased from 12.7% to 11.6%. Significant demographic shifts are expected by 2041, led by an 83% increase in the 85+ cohort (adding 84 people) to reach 187 residents, up from 102.
Aging trends will see residents aged 65 and older account for 76% of all projected population growth, while the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 cohorts are forecast to shrink.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Port Augusta West
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Jun 2026 2 months ago all 8 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Jun 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 6 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (4,046 at the 2021 Census → 4,252 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL41190). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.