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, as of November 2025, the estimated population of Port Lincoln is around 15,515. This reflects an increase of 1,057 people (7.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,458. The change is inferred from the resident population of 15,143 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 187 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 471 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Port Lincoln's growth of 7.3% since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area (6.8%) and the state, 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.

However, all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors. 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 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. 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 1,316 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 6.0% 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 received approximately 54 dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 270 homes were approved, with a further 20 approved in FY26 up until now. On average, each new home has attracted about 1.6 new residents per year over these five years, suggesting balanced supply and demand dynamics.

The average construction cost value of new homes is approximately $435,000. In the current financial year, Port Lincoln has seen $32.6 million in commercial development approvals, indicating significant local commercial activity.

The majority of new building activity consists of detached dwellings at 95.0%, with townhouses or apartments making up the remaining 5.0%. This maintains the area's low-density character and caters to space-seeking buyers. As of now, there are an estimated 397 people in the area for each dwelling approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Port Lincoln is projected to add 932 residents by 2041. Given current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Port Lincoln has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 23rdth percentile nationally

Eleven projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Key projects include 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 likely to be most relevant.

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

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The employment landscape in Port Lincoln shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Port Lincoln has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The unemployment rate in the area is 4.2%.

Over the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 5.2%. As of June 2025, 7,465 residents are employed, which is 0.4% lower than the Rest of SA's unemployment rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation in Port Lincoln is 57.8%, slightly higher than the Rest of SA's 54.1%. The leading employment industries among Port Lincoln residents include health care and social assistance, retail trade, and agriculture, forestry, and fishing.

Retail trade has a particularly notable concentration with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry, and fishing show lower representation at 9.5% compared to the regional average of 14.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending Sep-22, employment increased by 5.2%, while the labour force grew by 5.8%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Port Lincoln's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Port Lincoln's median taxpayer income was $46,723 and average was $57,692 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than the national averages of $51,888 (median) and $64,225 (average). In comparison, Rest of SA had median income of $46,889 and average income of $56,582 in 2022. As of September 2025, current estimates project Port Lincoln's median income to be approximately $52,718 and average income to be around $65,094, based on a 12.83% growth since financial year 2022. According to Census 2021 data, incomes in Port Lincoln fall between the 16th and 31st percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. In income distribution, 29.3% of Port Lincoln residents earn between $1,500 - 2,999, which aligns with broader trends in the area showing 27.5% in the same category. After accounting for housing costs, 85.5% of income remains in Port Lincoln, ranking at the 18th percentile nationally.

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

In Port Lincoln, as per the latest Census evaluation, 81.9% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 18.1% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. In contrast, Non-Metro SA reported no houses or other dwellings in its evaluation. Home ownership in Port Lincoln stood at 32.8%, with mortgaged properties at 31.7% and rented dwellings at 35.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, matching Non-Metro SA's average, while the median weekly rent was $240, unlike Non-Metro SA which had no recorded figures. Nationally, Port Lincoln's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Port Lincoln features high concentrations of lone person households, with a median household size of 2.3 people

Family households account for 64.5% of all households, including 22.6% couples with children, 28.5% couples without children, and 12.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 35.5%, with lone person households at 32.3% and group households comprising 3.2%. The median household size is 2.3 people.

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 Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 39.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (30.9%). Educational participation is high at 26.3%, including primary (11.6%), secondary (7.5%), and tertiary education (1.9%).

There are 8 schools in Port Lincoln educating approximately 2,888 students, with varied educational conditions (ICSEA: 914). The school mix includes 4 primary, 1 secondary, and 3 K-12 schools. The area has a strong educational infrastructure with 18.6 school places per 100 residents, serving both local and surrounding communities.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Port Lincoln faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 50% (~7,731 people) of its total population has private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma (8.3%) and arthritis (8.1%). About 67.6% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 0% in the Rest of SA. Around 22.2% (~3,444 people) of residents are aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, better than those for 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 has a lower than average cultural diversity, with 90.6% of its population being citizens, 90.5% born in Australia, and 95.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Port Lincoln, comprising 42.6% of the population. Notably, Judaism, which makes up 0.0% of Port Lincoln's population, is overrepresented compared to None% across Rest of SA.

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups are Australian (31.5%), English (31.5%), and Scottish (7.1%). There are also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: German at 6.9%, Croatian at 1.2%, and Australian Aboriginal at 4.6% are overrepresented compared to None% regionally.

Port Lincoln hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Port Lincoln's median age is 41 years, which is lower than Rest of SA's 47 but higher than Australia's national norm of 38. The 25-34 age cohort is notably over-represented in Port Lincoln at 12.7%, while the 65-74 year-olds are under-represented at 11.9%. Between 2021 and present, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 11.3% to 12.5% of the population, while the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 12.3% to 10.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Port Lincoln's age profile will change significantly. The 85+ age cohort is projected to increase by 505 people (112%), from 449 to 955. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 77% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 5 to 14 cohorts.