Port Elliot

Population growth drivers in Port Elliot are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, Port Elliot's population is estimated at around 2,471, reflecting a growth of 220 people since the 2021 Census. The 2021 Census reported a population of 2,251 in the suburb. This increase was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 2,421 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 16 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 116 persons per square kilometer. Port Elliot's growth rate of 9.8% since the 2021 census exceeded both the non-metro area's 6.8% and the state's growth, making it a growth leader in the region. 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 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, based on 2021 data and released in 2023, with adjustments made using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Future demographic trends anticipate an above median population growth for regional areas nationally, with Port Elliot projected to increase by 437 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 16.1% over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Port Elliot when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers for Port Elliot shows an average of approximately 29 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling around 149 homes. As of FY-26, 8 approvals have been recorded. Between FY-21 and FY-25, on average, 1.9 people moved to the area for each dwelling built.

The average construction cost value of new dwellings is $401,000. Port Elliot's building activity per person is comparable to that of the Rest of SA, indicating a balanced market consistent with the broader area. This level is significantly above the national average, suggesting robust developer interest in the area. Recent construction comprises 97% detached dwellings and 3% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes.

Port Elliot reflects a developing area with around 96 people per approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Port Elliot is expected to grow by approximately 398 residents through to 2041. Based on 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 23rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely impacting this 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 other key projects, with the following list detailing 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 assessment positions Port Elliot ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Port Elliot has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 1.7%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025855 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.9% below Rest of SA's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation in Port Elliot lags significantly at 40.1%, compared to Rest of SA's 54.1%. Key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area has a particular specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 2.3% of local workers, below Rest of SA's 14.5%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, the labour force decreased by 1.6%, alongside a 1.8% employment decline, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of SA experienced an employment decline of 1.2% and labour force growth of 0.1%, with a 1.2 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer insights into potential future demand within Port Elliot. These projections suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates varying significantly between industry sectors. 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.

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

Port Elliot had a median taxpayer income of $41,588 and an average of $55,842 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was below the national average, compared to Rest of SA's median income of $46,889 and average income of $56,582. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $46,924 (median) and $63,007 (average). According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Port Elliot all fell between the 6th and 10th percentiles nationally. The predominant income bracket spanned 33.9% of locals ($800 - 1,499), differing from metropolitan patterns where $1,500 - 2,999 dominated with 27.5%. Housing costs were modest, with 86.8% of income retained, but total disposable income ranked 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 dwellings, as per the latest Census, comprised 92.3% houses and 7.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison to Non-Metro SA, which had 92.1% houses and 7.9% other dwellings, Port Elliot's dwelling structure was similar. 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, 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, while 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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 30.8%, with lone person households at 29.2% and group households comprising 1.5% of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is 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 educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 23.9% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of SA average of 13.9%. This figure also exceeds that of the SA4 region (14.2%), indicating a community emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 15.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 4.5% and graduate diplomas at 3.7%.

Vocational credentials are prominent, with 36.0% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 11.1% and certificates at 24.9%. School and university attendance comprises 17.9% of the community, including 7.5% in primary education, 4.5% in secondary education, and 1.9% pursuing tertiary education. Port Elliot Primary School serves the local educational needs within Port Elliot, with an enrollment of 374 students as of a recent report. The area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 999), offering balanced educational opportunities. There is one primary school in the area, focusing exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding regions. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs, with 15.1 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 11.1, suggesting the area serves as an educational hub for the broader region.

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% (~1,213 people) have private health cover, compared to 46.8% across Rest of SA and a national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (13.4%) and mental health issues (9.5%).

Conversely, 53.6% report no medical ailments, compared to 58.3% in Rest of SA. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 46.4% (1,146 people), higher than the 37.0% in Rest of SA. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are above average, outperforming general population 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 between July 2016 to June 2021, had a below average cultural diversity with 79.2% of its population born in Australia. 92.0% were citizens, and 96.8% spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 46.3%.

The 'Other' category showed overrepresentation at 1.4%, compared to 0.5% regionally. Top ancestral groups were English (38.9%), Australian (25.1%), and Scottish (9.0%). Notably, German ancestry was higher at 7.8% than the regional average of 6.7%. Welsh ancestry also showed a slight overrepresentation at 0.7%, compared to 0.6% regionally, as did French ancestry at 0.6% versus 0.4%.

Port Elliot ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Port Elliot's median age is 61 years, significantly higher than the Rest of SA average of 47 and substantially above the Australian median of 38. The 75-84 age group makes up 20.1% of Port Elliot's population, compared to Rest of SA, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 5.6%. This concentration in the 75-84 age group is well above the national average of 6.0%. Between the 2021 Census and present day, the 75-84 age group has grown from 17.8% to 20.1%, while the 55-64 cohort has declined from 14.3% to 12.3%. By 2041, Port Elliot's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 85+ age cohort is projected to increase dramatically by 263 people (133%), from 197 to 461. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 88% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 25-34 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.