Port Lincoln

Port Lincoln is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Port Lincoln's population is estimated at around 15,423 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 965 people (6.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,458 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 15,169 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 193 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 468 persons per square kilometer. Port Lincoln's growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (5.7%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 65.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors.

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 for 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. Moving forward with demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of national non-metropolitan areas is expected. The suburb is expected to grow by 1,322 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 6.7% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Port Lincoln recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Port Lincoln has seen approximately 54 dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 272 homes were approved, with an additional 22 in FY-26 so far. This translates to about 1.6 new residents per year per new home over the past five financial years.

The average construction cost of new homes is $435,000, indicating a focus on premium developments. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $31.0 million, reflecting strong commercial development momentum.

Detached dwellings account for 95% of new building activity, maintaining the area's low-density character and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 387 people. By 2041, Port Lincoln is projected to grow by 1,026 residents, with current development patterns suggesting that housing supply will meet demand, potentially facilitating further population growth.

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

Eleven projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area, notable among them being the Port Lincoln Housing Strategy Implementation, 2025 Port Lincoln Master Plan, Eyre Peninsula Network Road Upgrades, and Porter Street, Liverpool Street and Railway Place Intersection Upgrade. The following list details those expected to be most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Port Lincoln recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Port Lincoln has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs. The unemployment rate is 5.2%, with an estimated employment growth of 2.4% in the past year (AreaSearch data). As of September 2025, there are 7,392 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.1%.

Workforce participation is 62.0%. According to Census responses, 4.7% of residents work from home. The leading employment industries are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. Retail trade has a notable concentration, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 9.5%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data. Over the past year (September 2024 to September 2025), employment increased by 2.4% and labour force increased by 4.4%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.9 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Port Lincoln's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

The median taxpayer income in Port Lincoln is $46,723 and the average is $57,692 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than the national averages of $48,920 (median) and $58,933 (average). By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $50,835 and average income would be around $62,769 based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census 2021 data shows that incomes in Port Lincoln fall between the 16th and 31st percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The income distribution in Port Lincoln is similar to broader trends, with 29.3% of individuals earning between $1,500 and $2,999. After housing costs, 85.5% of income remains, which ranks at the 18th percentile nationally.

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

Port Lincoln's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 81.9% houses and 18.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro SA's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Lincoln stood at 32.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.7% and rented ones at 35.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, higher than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,153. The median weekly rent was $240, compared to Non-Metro SA's $220. Nationally, Port Lincoln's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,863 and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Port Lincoln features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 64.5% of all households, including 22.6% that are couples with children, 28.5% that consist of couples without children, and 12.4% that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 35.5%, with lone person households comprising 32.3% and group households making up 3.2%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which matches the average for the Rest of South Africa.

Port Lincoln faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 14.3%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (30.9%). Educational participation is high at 26.3%, comprising primary education (11.6%), secondary education (7.5%), and tertiary education (1.9%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.6% in primary education, 7.5% in secondary education, and 1.9% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health outcomes in Port Lincoln are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Port Lincoln's health indicators show below-average results based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are slightly more common than average across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 50% of Port Lincoln's total population (~7,685 people) has private health cover, which is lower than the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are asthma (affecting 8.3% of residents) and arthritis (8.1%), while 67.6% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments compared to 62.5% across Rest of SA. Health outcomes among working-age residents are generally typical. Port Lincoln has 22.8% of its population aged 65 and over (3,516 people), which is lower than the 27.1% in Rest of SA. However, health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.

Port Lincoln is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Port Lincoln, surveyed in June 2016, had a cultural diversity index below the average. Its population was predominantly Australian citizens (90.6%), born in Australia (90.5%), and speaking English at home (95.2%). Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 42.6% of residents.

Judaism, however, was not represented in Port Lincoln's population, mirroring the regional figure of 0%. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (31.5%), English (31.5%), and Scottish (7.1%). Notably, German ancestry was overrepresented at 6.9% compared to the regional average of 8.2%, Croatian ancestry was at 1.2% versus 0.3%, and Australian Aboriginal ancestry was at 4.6% against a regional figure of 3.3%.

Port Lincoln's median age exceeds the national pattern

Port Lincoln's median age is 41 years, which is lower than Rest of SA's 47 but higher than the national average of 38. The 25-34 age group is over-represented in Port Lincoln at 12.5%, compared to the Rest of SA average, while the 65-74 year-olds are under-represented at 12.1%. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 11.3% to 12.8% of the population, and the 75-84 cohort has grown from 6.6% to 7.8%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has declined from 12.3% to 10.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Port Lincoln's age profile. The 85+ age cohort is projected to increase by 507 people (114%), from 447 to 955. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 73% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 5-14 and 15-24 cohorts.