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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Sales Activity
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Population
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
As of May 2026, the estimated population of Port Lincoln is around 15,262, reflecting a growth of 804 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 5.6% rise from the previous population count of 14,458. The current population estimate of 15,175 by AreaSearch is based on their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 250 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 463 persons per square kilometer for Port Lincoln. The suburb's population growth of 5.6% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region's growth rate of 4.2%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 65.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration being positive factors.
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 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. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, Port Lincoln is expected to grow by just below the median rate of national non-metropolitan areas, with an increase of 1,279 persons projected by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 7.8% over the 16-year period.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Port Lincoln recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide
AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Port Lincoln has averaged around 54 dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 271 homes were approved, with a further 30 in FY-26 so far. This translates to about 1.4 new residents per year per new home over the past five financial years.
The average construction cost value of new homes is $435,000, indicating a focus on premium market developments. In FY-26, commercial approvals totaled $31.0 million, suggesting strong commercial development momentum.
Detached dwellings comprise 95% of new building activity, preserving Port Lincoln's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The area has an estimated 393 people per dwelling approval. Looking ahead, AreaSearch projects Port Lincoln's population to grow by 1,192 residents by 2041, with current development patterns expected to meet demand and potentially facilitate further growth.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Port Lincoln
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
Port Lincoln has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 37thth percentile nationally
Eleven projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. These include 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.
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INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Eyre Peninsula Desalination Plant
A reverse osmosis seawater desalination plant under construction at Billy Lights Point on the southern edge of Port Lincoln, designed to secure long-term, climate-independent drinking water for around 35,000 customers across the Eyre Peninsula. The plant will produce 5.3 gigalitres per year (16 megalitres per day), with capacity to expand to 8 gigalitres per year (24 megalitres per day) subject to future approvals. It will supplement the at-risk Uley South groundwater basin and reduce regional reliance on the River Murray. Marine infrastructure includes a 435 metre micro-tunnel beneath the shoreline, currently being excavated by tunnel boring machine 'Janette' to house intake and outfall pipes. A 7 kilometre transfer pipeline linking the plant to the Northside Hill storage tanks is now complete. SA Water is the project owner, with Acciona delivering the reverse osmosis plant and overall construction, McConnell Dowell delivering the marine infrastructure, and Leed Engineering delivering the transfer pipeline. First water is expected by the end of 2026.
SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts 2024-28
SA Water's record $3.3 billion capital delivery program for the 2024-28 regulatory period, covering water and wastewater infrastructure across South Australia. The program targets water main replacements, sewerage network upgrades, dam upgrades, water tank refurbishments, and treatment process upgrades across metropolitan and regional areas. A central $1.5 billion component supports the South Australian Premier's Housing Roadmap, expanding network capacity to unlock up to 40,000 new allotments, with major focus on Adelaide's northern growth corridors including Angle Vale, Riverlea, and Roseworthy. Six major framework partners (Fulton Hogan Utilities, John Holland and Guidera O'Connor JV, McConnell Dowell and Diona JV, BMD, Diona, and Leed Engineering and Construction) are delivering works across approximately 120 projects. In Year 1 (to June 2025), $681.6 million in capital was invested. The program runs to June 2028.
Port Lincoln Hospital Redevelopment
Federally funded hospital redevelopment in 2015 featuring upgraded consulting rooms for visiting specialists, combined Chemotherapy & Renal Dialysis Clinic, and modern 50-bed complex with high dependency unit, maternity services and operating facilities.
2025 Port Lincoln Master Plan
A 30-year strategic framework for Port Lincoln's long-term growth. The plan focuses on eight themes including residential, employment, and tourism, and identifies three priority areas for rezoning to support expansion. Key infrastructure includes the Future Western Link Road and potential water and wastewater extensions to support new growth areas. Community consultation on the draft plan concluded in late 2024, with final adoption by Council scheduled for early 2026.
Port Lincoln Housing Strategy Implementation
Comprehensive housing strategy addressing availability and affordability concerns through sustainable residential development, social housing initiatives, and planning reforms to meet growing demand in Port Lincoln region.
Eyre Peninsula Network Road Upgrades
Major road infrastructure project upgrading roads across lower Eyre Peninsula including pavement upgrades, safety improvements, and network connectivity enhancements to support economic growth and improved transport access.
SA Housing Trust Maintenance Contracts Review and Service Program
Statewide maintenance and service contracts for SA Housing Trust public housing properties, covering reactive maintenance, vacancy restoration and minor works across metropolitan and regional South Australia. The program is delivered by Spotless Facility Services, RTC Facilities Maintenance and Torrens Facility Management. A 2024 SA Government review examined payment, timeliness, dispute resolution and contract performance issues, and the government provided additional funding to accelerate maintenance and upgrades on vacant public housing homes.
Porter Street, Liverpool Street and Railway Place Intersection Upgrade
Upgrade of the Porter Street, Liverpool Street (Lincoln Highway) and Railway Place intersection including installation of traffic signals, new pedestrian push-button crossing facilities, improved footpaths, and enhanced safety measures for all road users. Part of the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program.
Employment
AreaSearch assessment indicates Port Lincoln faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets
Port Lincoln has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, well-represented essential services sectors, and an unemployment rate of 6.0% as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of December 2025, there are 7,295 employed residents, with an unemployment rate at 0.2% above Regional SA's rate of 5.7%. Workforce participation is 60.9%, close to Regional SA's 58.3%.
Census data shows 4.7% work from home, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. Retail trade stands out with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing is lower at 9.5%. The area may have limited local job opportunities, indicated by Census working population vs resident population counts.
Over a 12-month period ending in December 2025, labour force increased by 2.0%, but employment declined by 1.3%, raising unemployment by 3.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional SA's growth of 0.7% in employment and 3.1% in labour force, with a 2.2 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Port Lincoln's industry mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data
The suburb of Port Lincoln had a median taxpayer income of $46,723 and an average of $57,692 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is below the national average, contrasting with Regional SA's median income of $48,920 and average income of $58,933. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $51,475 (median) and $63,559 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Port Lincoln all fall between the 16th and 31st percentiles nationally. Looking at income distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 29.3% of the community (4,471 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the broader area showing 27.5% in the same category. After housing, 85.5% of income remains, though this ranks at only the 18th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Port Lincoln is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region
Dwelling structure in Port Lincoln, as per the latest Census, consisted of 81.9% houses and 18.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional SA's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Lincoln was 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 Regional SA's average of $1,153. The median weekly rent in Port Lincoln was $240, compared to Regional SA's $220. Nationally, Port Lincoln's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,300 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $240 compared to the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Port Lincoln features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size
Family households compose 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 account for the remaining 35.5%, with lone person households at 32.3% and group households comprising 3.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which matches the Regional SA average.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
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 prevalent, with 39.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (30.9%). Educational participation is high, with 26.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 11.6% in primary, 7.5% in secondary, and 1.9% in tertiary education.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
No public transport data available for this catchment area.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Port Lincoln's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts
Port Lincoln's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are assessed as standard across both young and old age cohorts.
Approximately 50% (~7,605 people) of Port Lincoln residents have private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (8.3%) and arthritis (8.1%). 67.6% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 62.5% in Regional SA. Health outcomes among working-age individuals are typical. Port Lincoln has 23.4% (~3,571 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than the 27.1% in Regional SA. Health outcomes among seniors in Port Lincoln rank above average nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
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's cultural diversity was below average, with 90.6% citizens, 90.5% born in Australia, and 95.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 42.6%. Judaism was not present (0.0%), similar to Regional SA's 0.0%.
Top ancestry groups were Australian (31.5%), English (31.5%), and Scottish (7.1%). Notably, German (6.9%) and Croatian (1.2%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 8.2% and 0.3%, respectively. Australian Aboriginal representation was also higher at 4.6%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Port Lincoln's median age exceeds the national pattern
Port Lincoln's median age is 41 years, which is lower than Regional SA's median age of 47 but higher than the national norm of 38. The proportion of people aged 25-34 in Port Lincoln is notably higher at 12.2% compared to the Regional SA average, while those aged 65-74 are under-represented at 12.3%. Between 2021 and present, the population share of the 35-44 age group has increased from 11.3% to 13.0%, and the 75-84 cohort has grown from 6.6% to 8.0%. Conversely, the proportion of people aged 45-54 has decreased from 12.3% to 10.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Port Lincoln's age profile. The number of people aged 85 and above is projected to increase by 527 individuals (112%), from 473 to 1,001. Notably, the combined total growth in population will be driven largely by the aging demographic, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 71% of this growth. In contrast, population declines are projected for those aged 5-14 and 15-24.