Port Augusta West

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

Population of Port Augusta West as of Nov 2025 estimated at around 4,316. This reflects an increase of 270 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,046. The change is inferred from resident population of 4,305 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of latest ERP data release by ABS (June 2024) and additional 8 validated new addresses since Census date. Population density ratio is 5.9 persons per square kilometer. Port Augusta West's growth rate of 6.7% since the 2021 census exceeded SA3 area's 4.4%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 70.0% of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with base year 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. Population projections anticipate lower quartile growth of regional areas nationally, with Port Augusta West expected to grow by 1 person to 2041, reflecting a reduction of 1.9% over the 17 years.

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 indicates Port Augusta West has received approximately 8 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling about 40 homes. So far in FY-26, 3 approvals have been recorded. Despite population decline during this period, development activity has been relatively adequate, benefiting buyers while new properties are constructed at an average cost of $318,000. There have also been $2.5 million in commercial approvals this financial year, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature.

Compared to Rest of SA, Port Augusta West shows moderately higher development activity (36.0% above regional average per person over the 5-year period), maintaining reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. Nationally, this activity is lower, indicating market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity comprises 75.0% standalone homes and 25.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated population count of 1694 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Given stable or declining population forecasts, Port Augusta West may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Port Augusta West has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 33rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects likely to impact the region. Notable projects include St Eyre Estate, Regional Key Worker Housing Scheme - Port Augusta (2021-2023), McKinnon Court Residential Development (commencing Q2 2022), and Cleary Street Residential Subdivision (expected completion in late 2023). The following list details projects most relevant to the area.

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

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

Port Augusta West has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training.

The area shows strong specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share 2.9 times the regional level. However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 1.4% compared to Rest of SA's 14.5%. As of September 2025, there are 1,879 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 10.8%, which is 5.5% higher than Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%. Workforce participation is standard at 56.5%.

Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population data. Between May 2024 and April 2025, labour force increased by 4.3%, while employment decreased by 0.7%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 4.6 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of SA saw employment growth of 0.3% and labour force growth of 2.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these 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, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, the suburb of Port Augusta West had a median income among taxpayers of $53,702 with the average level standing at $63,935. This is below the national average and compares to levels of $48,920 and $58,933 across Rest of SA respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% from financial year ended June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $58,428 (median) and $69,561 (average) as of September 2025. According to the Census conducted in August 2021, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Port Augusta West, between the 28th and 32nd percentiles. Distribution data shows that 30.6% of the population (1,320 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring regional levels where 27.5% occupy this bracket. Housing costs are manageable with 88.0% retained, though 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

Dwelling structure in Port Augusta West, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 79.9% houses and 20.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares 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 accounted for 27.2% and rented dwellings made up 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 Non-Metro SA's $187. 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, which is 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 the Australian 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, including advanced diplomas (7.9%) and certificates (28.8%). Educational participation is high at 29.4%, comprising 13.6% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 2.3% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.6% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 2.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Port Augusta West faces significant health challenges, as indicated by data from the area.

Both younger and older age groups have notable prevalence rates for common health conditions. The proportion of residents with private health cover is approximately 52%, slightly higher than the average SA2 area figure. Asthma and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions in Port Augusta West, affecting 10.2% and 9.5% of residents respectively. However, 64.4% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 68.2% across Rest of SA. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 18.5%, with 798 people falling into this age group, compared to the Rest of SA's 16.3%. Health outcomes among seniors in Port Augusta West present some challenges, generally aligning with the overall health profile of the population.

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 low cultural diversity, with 87.7% citizens, 90.7% born in Australia, and 92.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, at 41.1%. Notably, the 'Other' category comprised 2.3%, higher than Rest of SA's 1.9%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (31.5%), English (28.0%), and Australian Aboriginal (12.4%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: German at 5.2% (regional average 4.8%), South African at 0.4% (0.2%), and Polish at 0.6% (0.3%).

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

Port Augusta West's median age is 40 years, which is significantly lower than the Rest of SA's 47 years but slightly higher than Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of SA, Port Augusta West has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (13.0%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (10.5%). Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the population aged 35 to 44 increased from 10.9% to 12.8%, while the proportion of those aged 25 to 34 decreased from 13.9% to 13.0%. By 2041, Port Augusta West's age composition is expected to change significantly. The population aged 85 and over is projected to grow by 102%, reaching 183 people from the current 90. This demographic aging will be led by residents aged 65 and older, who are expected to represent 87% of the total growth. Conversely, both the 0-4 and 15-24 age groups are projected to decrease in number.