Port Elliot

Population growth drivers in Port Elliot are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

The population of the Port Elliot statistical area (Lv2) is estimated to be around 2,574 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 323 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,251. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,498 following examination of the ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 16 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 121 persons per square kilometer. The Port Elliot (SA2) experienced a growth rate of 14.3% since the 2021 Census, exceeding the non-metro area's growth rate of 7.3%. Interstate migration contributed approximately 83.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the Port Elliot (SA2) is expected to increase by 430 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 11.2% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Port Elliot among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data indicates Port Elliot averaged approximately 35 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 175 homes. As of FY-26, 14 approvals have been recorded. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an average of 1.6 people moved to the area per dwelling built.

This suggests a balance between supply and demand, maintaining stable market dynamics. The average expected construction cost value for new dwellings is $401,000, indicating developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, there have been $8.0 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to Rest of SA, Port Elliot has slightly more development, at 18.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period.

This preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. The level is well above national averages, indicating strong developer confidence in the area. Recent construction comprises 98.0% detached dwellings and 2.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining Port Elliot's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 75 people per approval, Port Elliot reflects a developing area. Population forecasts indicate it will gain 288 residents by 2041 (based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Port Elliot has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 22ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified a single project likely affecting the region: Victor Harbor Baptist Church Expansion, Granite Island Causeway Project, SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts, and SA Public Housing Maintenance and Services Contracts are key projects, with the following details focusing on 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.

AreaSearch analysis places Port Elliot well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Port Elliot has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 1.9% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.8%.

As of September 2025885 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 3.5% lower than Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%. Workforce participation lags at 40.1%, compared to Rest of SA's 54.1%. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Health care & social assistance has employment levels 1.5 times the regional average, but agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 2.3% compared to Rest of SA's 14.5%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.8%, labour force by 2.4%, leading to a 0.5 percentage point rise in unemployment. In contrast, Rest of SA saw employment rise by 0.3%, labour force grow by 2.3%, and unemployment increase by 1.9 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Port Elliot's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that in Port Elliot, median income is $41,588 and average income is $55,842. This is lower than Rest of SA's median income of $48,920 and average income of $58,933. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $45,248 (median) and $60,756 (average). The 2021 Census reports that household, family, and personal incomes in Port Elliot fall between the 6th and 10th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that the largest segment comprises 33.9% earning $800 - $1,499 weekly, with 872 residents falling into this category, unlike regional levels where the $1,500 - $2,999 category predominates at 27.5%. Housing costs are modest, with 86.8% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 9th percentile nationally.

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

Port Elliot's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 92.3% houses and 7.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is comparable to Non-Metro SA's figures of 92.1% houses and 7.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Elliot was at 49.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 26.3% and rented ones at 24.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,210, lower than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,300. Weekly rent in Port Elliot was recorded at $280, matching Non-Metro SA's figure. Nationally, Port Elliot's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Port Elliot has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 69.2% of all households, including 17.1% couples with children, 43.7% couples without children, and 8.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 30.8%, with lone person households at 29.2% and group households comprising 1.5%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Rest of SA average of 2.2.

Educational outcomes in Port Elliot fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 23.9%, higher than the Rest of SA average of 13.9% and the SA4 region average of 14.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 15.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 4.5% and graduate diplomas at 3.7%. Vocational credentials are held by 36.0% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.1% and certificates at 24.9%.

School and university attendance is 17.9%, including primary education at 7.5%, secondary education at 4.5%, and tertiary education at 1.9%.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Port Elliot is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Port Elliot faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately 49% (~1,264 people) have private health cover, lower than the Rest of SA's 46.7%, but higher than the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (13.4%) and mental health issues (9.5%).

However, 53.6% report no medical ailments, compared to 58.3% in Rest of SA. As of 2021, 46.4% (~1,194 people) are aged 65 and over, higher than the 37.0% in Rest of SA. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Port Elliot exceed averages, outperforming even the general population's metrics.

Port Elliot ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Port Elliot, surveyed in August 2016, had a culturally diverse population that was below average. 79.2% of its residents were born in Australia, with 92.0% being citizens and 96.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 46.3% of Port Elliot's population.

The 'Other' religious category, however, was overrepresented at 1.4%, compared to the Rest of SA's 0.5%. In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (38.9%), Australian (25.1%), and Scottish (9.0%). Notably, German ancestry was higher than average at 7.8% versus 6.7% regionally, Welsh at 0.7% compared to 0.6%, and French at 0.6% against 0.4%.

Port Elliot ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Port Elliot's median age is 61 years, significantly higher than Rest of SA's average of 47 and Australia's median of 38. The 75-84 age group makes up 20.1% of Port Elliot's population, compared to Rest of SA's figure and well above the national average of 6.0%. This group has grown from 17.8% in the 2021 Census to 20.1%. Conversely, the 55-64 age cohort has declined from 14.3% to 12.3%. By 2041, Port Elliot's population aged 85+ is projected to increase by 254 people (123%) from 205 to 460. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 89% of the population growth. Meanwhile, the populations aged 0-4 and 25-34 are expected to decrease.