Port Augusta West

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Port Augusta West's population is estimated at around 4,333 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 287 people (7.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,046 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,305 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 8 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 5.9 persons per square kilometer. Port Augusta West's growth of 7.1% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (4.7%), along with the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 70.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. 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 and based on 2021 data, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Looking at population projections moving forward, lower quartile growth of regional areas across the nation is anticipated, with the suburb expected to grow by 27 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a reduction of 1.8% in total 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, allocated from statistical area data, shows Port Augusta West has experienced around 8 dwellings receiving development approval annually over the past five financial years ending June 2021. This totals an estimated 40 homes. In the current financial year FY-26 (July 2021 to June 2022), 3 approvals have been recorded so far. Despite population decline during this period, development activity has been adequate relative to population changes, which is positive for buyers.

New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $318,000. There have also been $2.5 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to the Rest of SA, Port Augusta West shows moderately higher development activity, with 37.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period ending June 2021. This preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand.

However, building activity has slowed in recent years. Nationally, this activity is lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity shows 75.0% standalone homes and 25.0% 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 1694 people in the area 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 in the future.

Port Augusta West has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 28thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects likely to affect this region. Notable projects include St Eyre Estate, Regional Key Worker Housing Scheme - Port Augusta (commenced May 2017), McKinnon Court Residential Development (scheduled completion Dec 2018), and Cleary Street Residential Subdivision (expected completion Mar 2019). 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 West face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Port Augusta West has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, well-represented essential services sectors, and an unemployment rate of 10.8% as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation in September 2025. There are 1,882 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 5.4% higher than Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of SA's 58.5%.

Census responses show that only 2.3% of residents work from home. Key industries include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training. Public administration & safety has a particularly strong share of employment at 2.9 times the regional level. However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented with only 1.4% of Port Augusta West's workforce compared to Rest of SA's 14.5%.

Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by the working population vs resident population count. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, labour force increased by 4.4% while employment decreased by 0.6%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 4.5 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of SA had employment growth of 0.3% and labour force growth of 2.3%, with a 1.9 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. 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.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released in financial year 2023, Port Augusta West had a median income among taxpayers of $53,702 with an average level of $63,935. Both figures are below the national average. In comparison, Rest of SA had levels of $48,920 and $58,933 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, estimated median income for Port Augusta West as of September 2025 would be approximately $58,428, with average income estimated at $69,561. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Port Augusta West rank modestly, between the 28th and 32nd percentiles. Income distribution data shows that 30.6% of the population (1,325 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, but disposable income sits below average at the 33rd percentile.

Port Augusta West is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

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). In comparison, Non-Metro SA had 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Augusta West was at 31.6%, with the rest being mortgaged (27.2%) or rented (41.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,279, higher than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,153. The median weekly rent figure was $213, compared to Non-Metro SA's $220. Nationally, Port Augusta West's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,279 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Port Augusta West features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical 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%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the Rest of SA average.

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%. This indicates a need for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are prominent, 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%, with primary education at 13.6%, secondary education at 8.2%, and tertiary education at 2.3%.

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 AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age groups.

The area has a private health cover rate of approximately 52%, slightly higher than the average SA2 area's 48.9%. Asthma and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 10.2% and 9.5% of residents respectively. However, 64.4% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 62.5% across Rest of SA. The working-age population in particular faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 19.7%, compared to Rest of SA's 27.1%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings generally in line with the overall 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 lower 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%. The 'Other' category was overrepresented at 2.3%, compared to Rest of SA's 0.8%.

Top ancestry groups were Australian (31.5%), English (28.0%), and Australian Aboriginal (12.4%), significantly higher than the regional average of 3.3%. Notable divergences included German (5.2% vs regional 8.2%), South African (0.4% vs 0.2%), and Polish (0.6% vs 0.4%).

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 Rest of SA's 47 years but slightly higher than the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of SA, Port Augusta West has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (12.7%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (11.0%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 35 to 44 has increased from 10.9% to 13.1%, while the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 12.7% to 11.4%. The 25 to 34 age group has also declined, from 13.9% to 12.7%. By 2041, Port Augusta West's population is expected to experience notable shifts in its age composition. The number of residents aged 85 and above is projected to grow by 92%, reaching 183 from the current 95. This growth will be led by demographic aging, with residents aged 65 and older representing 80% of the anticipated population increase. Conversely, both the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 age groups are expected to decrease in number.