Port Elliot

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

As of February 2026, the estimated population of Port Elliot is around 2,582. This figure reflects an increase of 331 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,251. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 2,498 in June 2024, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS and an additional 19 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 121 persons per square kilometer. Port Elliot's population growth of 14.7% since the 2021 Census exceeded both the Rest of SA (7.6%) and the SA4 region, making it a growth leader in the area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 83.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 by age category are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, with adjustments made using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Future demographic trends project an above median population growth for regional areas nationally, with the suburb expected to increase by 429 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 10.9% 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, shows Port Elliot averaged around 35 new dwelling approvals each year over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 175 homes. So far in FY-26, 14 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.6 people moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating balanced supply and demand dynamics. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $401,000, suggesting a focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

This year has seen $8.0 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to Rest of SA, Port Elliot has slightly more development, 18.0% above regional average per person over the past 5 years, offering reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. This level is well above national average, 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.

With around 75 people per approval, Port Elliot reflects a developing area. Population forecasts indicate it will gain 281 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth.

Port Elliot has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 16thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely impacting the area. Key projects include Victor Harbor Baptist Church Expansion, Granite Island Causeway Project, SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts, and SA Public Housing Maintenance and Services Contracts. 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.

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 2025883 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 3.5% lower than Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%.

Workforce participation is significantly lower at 41.2%, compared to Rest of SA's 58.5%. According to Census responses, 14.2% of residents work from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Leading employment industries are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade, with healthcare particularly notable at 1.5 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, at 2.3% compared to Rest of SA's 14.5%.

Local employment opportunities appear limited based on working population vs resident population count. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.8%, labour force by 2.3%, leading to a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. This contrasts with Rest of SA's 0.3% employment growth, 2.3% labour force growth, and 1.9 percentage point unemployment rise. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment expansion by 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 simple weighting 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 median income in Port Elliot 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, current estimates for Port Elliot are approximately $45,248 (median) and $60,756 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Port Elliot fall between the 6th and 10th percentiles nationally. The largest income bracket comprises 33.9% earning $800 - $1,499 weekly, with 875 residents in this category. Housing costs are modest, with 86.8% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at the 9th percentile nationally.

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

In Port Elliot, as per the latest Census, 92.3% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 7.6% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to Non-Metro SA's figures of 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Elliot stood at 49.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 26.3% and rented ones at 24.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,210, higher than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,153. Weekly rent in Port Elliot was recorded at $280, compared to Non-Metro SA's $220. 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 comprise 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%, consisting of 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 South Africa average of 2.3.

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

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates of 23.9% among residents aged 15+, surpassing 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 (4.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.7%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 36.0% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas comprise 11.1%, while certificates account for 24.9%.

School and university attendance encompasses 17.9% of the community, including 7.5% in primary education, 4.5% in secondary education, and 1.9% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Port Elliot is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Port Elliot faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~1,268 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (13.4%) and mental health issues (9.5%). 53.6% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.5% across Rest of SA. Working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 47.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,216 people), higher than the 27.1% in Rest of SA. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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, as per the census conducted on Tuesday 9 June 2016, exhibited below-average cultural diversity. The population comprised 79.2% born in Australia, with 92.0% being citizens and 96.8% speaking English exclusively at home. Christianity dominated religious affiliation, accounting for 46.3%.

Notably, the 'Other' category overrepresented Port Elliot's population at 1.4%, compared to Rest of SA's 0.8%. In terms of ancestry, top groups were English (38.9%), Australian (25.1%), and Scottish (9.0%). German (7.8%) was notably higher than the regional average, as were Welsh (0.7%) and French (0.6%).

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 comprises 20.3% of Port Elliot's population, compared to Rest of SA's percentage and well above the national average of 6.1%. From the 2021 Census to present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 17.8% to 20.3%, while the 85+ cohort increased from 7.1% to 8.5%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 14.3% to 11.7%, and the 25-34 group dropped from 6.3% to 5.2%. By 2041, Port Elliot's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 85+ age cohort is projected to increase dramatically by 237 people (108%), from 219 to 457. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 89% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, the 25-34 and 0-4 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.