Port Noarlunga

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

Port Noarlunga's population, as of November 2025, is estimated at around 3,406 people. This reflects an increase of 161 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,245 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population as 3,346 in June 2024, following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 10 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,362 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Port Noarlunga has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 71.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for 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, an above median population growth is projected for statistical areas across the nation, with Port Noarlunga expected to grow by 519 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 15.1% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Port Noarlunga when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Port Noarlunga has experienced around 17 dwellings receiving development approval each year. Over the past 5 financial years between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 85 homes were approved, with another 12 approved so far in FY-26. Each dwelling built over these years has attracted an average of 2.7 new residents per year, indicating healthy demand which supports property values.

New homes are being constructed at an average value of $350,000, somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. This financial year, $3.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating limited commercial development focus. When compared to Greater Adelaide, Port Noarlunga shows comparable new home approvals per person, supporting market stability inline with regional patterns, although building activity has slowed in recent years.

Recent construction comprises 71.0% detached houses and 29.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 251 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Looking ahead, Port Noarlunga is expected to grow by 513 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Existing development levels seem aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Port Noarlunga has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 20thth percentile nationally

Three projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area: Noarlunga Hospital Mental Health Expansion, Colonnades Shopping Centre Ongoing Upgrades, Noarlunga Residential Development, and Noarlunga Master Planning Housing Project.

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

Port Noarlunga has a skilled workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.7% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.5%.

As of September 2025, 1,821 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, which is 0.7% higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Port Noarlunga is similar to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key industries of employment among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Construction stands out with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average, while professional & technical services employ only 5.0% of local workers, lower than Greater Adelaide's 7.3%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 4.5%, while labour force grew by 3.9%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate of 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 3.0% over the same period. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, outperforming the national average of 0.14%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Port Noarlunga's employment mix indicates local employment growth should be around 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The median taxpayer income in Port Noarlunga is $52,382, with an average of $60,118, based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is lower than the national average, compared to Greater Adelaide's median income of $54,808 and average income of $66,852. Factoring in an 8.8% increase since financial year 2023, as per Wage Price Index growth, current estimates for Port Noarlunga would be approximately $56,992 (median) and $65,408 (average) by September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Port Noarlunga rank modestly, between the 25th and 31st percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 28.7% of the community (977 individuals), similar to regional levels where 31.8% fall into this bracket. Housing affordability is severe in Port Noarlunga, with only 83.1% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 25th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

Port Noarlunga's dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 79.6% houses and 20.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Adelaide metro's 89.2% houses and 10.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Noarlunga was 32.1%, similar to Adelaide metro, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.1% and rented ones at 27.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,534, above Adelaide metro's average of $1,452. Median weekly rent in Port Noarlunga was $320, compared to Adelaide metro's $314. Nationally, Port Noarlunga's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,534 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Port Noarlunga features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 65.9% of all households, including 25.3% couples with children, 27.5% couples without children, and 11.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 34.1%, with lone person households at 31.7% and group households comprising 2.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

Port Noarlunga shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

Port Noarlunga's educational qualifications trail regional benchmarks, with 21.1% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to Australia's 30.4%. This gap indicates potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 40.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (29.3%).

A substantial 23.9% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 8.0% in primary education, 7.0% in secondary education, and 4.1% in tertiary education.

Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Port Noarlunga has 18 active public transport stops. These stops are served by a mix of buses operating along 14 different routes. In total, these routes facilitate 627 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in Port Noarlunga is rated as good, with residents on average located 207 meters from the nearest stop. On average, there are 89 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 34 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Port Noarlunga is well below average with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Port Noarlunga faces significant health challenges, as indicated by data from various sources.

A range of health conditions affect both younger and older age groups within the area. The rate of private health cover stands at approximately 51%, covering around 1,729 people in total. Arthritis and mental health issues are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 10.4% and 10.3% of residents respectively. In contrast, 60.9% of residents reported no medical ailments, compared to 62.9% across Greater Adelaide as a whole. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, with 21.7%, or approximately 739 people, falling into this age category. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, largely mirroring those seen in the general population's health profile.

In terms of cultural diversity, Port Noarlunga records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Port Noarlunga's cultural diversity aligns with its broader region, as indicated by the following figures: 72.6% born in Australia, 90.8% citizens, and 93.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, comprising 36.7%. Judaism, while small at 0.1%, is proportionally equal to Greater Adelaide's average.

The top three ancestry groups are English (38.3%), Australian (22.5%) - lower than the regional average of 27.5% - and Scottish (8.3%). Notable differences exist in Dutch representation, with Port Noarlunga at 2.4% compared to the region's 1.7%, Welsh at 0.8%, and German at 5.8%.

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

Port Noarlunga, at 45 years, has a median age notably higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and also surpasses the national average of 38. The age group of 55-64 is strongly represented at 14.0%, compared to Greater Adelaide, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 12.0%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 11.1% to 12.4% of the population, and the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 10.3% to 11.5%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 15.2% to 13.9%. Demographic modeling suggests that Port Noarlunga's age profile will significantly evolve by 2041, with the 85+ cohort projected to grow by 80%, adding 116 residents to reach a total of 263.