Port Noarlunga

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

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Port Noarlunga is around 3,428. This figure reflects an increase of 183 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,245. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,409 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 10 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,371 persons per square kilometer, which is above average national levels assessed by AreaSearch. Port Noarlunga's growth rate of 5.6% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA3 area (4.9%) and SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 71.0% 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, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, an above median population growth is projected for statistical areas across the nation. The suburb of Port Noarlunga is expected to grow by 532 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 14.7% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, Port Noarlunga has received around 17 dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 89 homes were approved, with an additional 10 approved in FY-26. Each new dwelling is estimated to bring about 2.5 new residents annually over the past five financial years.

The average construction cost of these dwellings is around $350,000. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $1.5 million. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Port Noarlunga has a moderately higher rate of new home approvals, with 10.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years.

New development comprises 68.0% standalone homes and 32.0% townhouses or apartments. By 2041, Port Noarlunga is forecasted to gain around 504 residents, with current development trends aligning well with future population needs.

Port Noarlunga has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 38thth percentile nationally

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

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Employment conditions in Port Noarlunga remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Port Noarlunga has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 4.9% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.3%.

As of June 2025, 1,796 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 0.9% higher than Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was similar to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key industries of employment among residents were health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Construction had notable concentration with levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Professional & technical services employed only 5.0% of local workers, below Greater Adelaide's 7.3%. The area offered limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. In the 12-month period ending Sep-22, employment increased by 3.3%, and labour force grew by 3.2%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasted with Greater Adelaide where employment rose by 2.1%, labour force grew by 2.1%, and unemployment marginally rose. National employment forecasts from Sep-22 projected a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Port Noarlunga's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not consider localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Port Noarlunga had a median taxpayer income of $52,382 and an average of $60,118 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is lower than national averages, with Greater Adelaide's median income being $52,592 and average income being $64,886. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $59,103 (median) and $67,831 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Port Noarlunga rank modestly, between the 25th and 31st percentiles. Income brackets show that 28.7% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999, mirroring regional levels where 31.8% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, 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 dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 79.6% houses and 20.4% other dwellings such as semi-detached units, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This contrasts with Adelaide metro's figures of 89.2% houses and 10.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Noarlunga stood at 32.1%, similar to Adelaide metro's level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (40.1%) or rented (27.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,534, higher than the Adelaide metro average of $1,452. 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, while rents were substantially lower at $320 compared to 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 making up 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

Educational qualifications in Port Noarlunga show 21.1% of residents aged 15+ have university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 15.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are held by 40.9% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.6% and certificates at 29.3%. In total, 23.9% of the population is actively pursuing education: 8.0% in primary, 7.0% in secondary, and 4.1% in tertiary levels.

Port Noarlunga Primary School has an enrollment of 371 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1005). It focuses on primary education only; secondary options are available nearby. There are 10.8 school places per 100 residents, below the regional average of 13.6, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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 are served by a mix of buses along 14 different routes. Together, these provide 627 weekly passenger trips.

The transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents on average located 207 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 89 trips per day across all routes, equating 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 notable health challenges, as indicated by health data. A variety of health conditions significantly impact both younger and older age groups in the area.

Approximately 51% (~1,740 people) have private health cover, which is relatively low compared to Greater Adelaide's 48.6%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 10.4% of residents) and mental health issues (10.3%). Conversely, 60.9% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Adelaide's 62.9%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 21.7% (743 people), compared to the general population. Health outcomes among seniors present similar challenges to those faced by the broader community.

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 population, as of the 2016 Census, was predominantly born in Australia (72.6%), with a citizenship rate of 90.8%, and English spoken exclusively at home by 93.9%. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 36.7% of residents. While Judaism's representation was similar to Greater Adelaide (0.1%), other religious groups showed variations: Dutch were overrepresented at 2.4% compared to 1.7% regionally; Welsh remained constant at 0.8%; and German slightly exceeded the regional average, with 5.8% versus 5.4%.

Ancestry-wise, English was the largest group (38.3%), followed by Australian (22.5%), which was lower than Greater Adelaide's average of 27.5%, and Scottish (8.3%).

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

Port Noarlunga's median age is 45, which is higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and exceeds the national average of 38. The 55-64 age group makes up 14.0% of Port Noarlunga's population, compared to Greater Adelaide's figure. Meanwhile, the 25-34 cohort constitutes only 11.9%. Post-2021 Census data reveals that the 35-44 age group has grown from 11.1% to 12.4%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 10.3% to 11.6%. However, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 15.2% to 13.9%. Demographic modeling indicates that Port Noarlunga's age profile will significantly change by 2041, with the 85+ cohort projected to grow by 79%, adding 116 residents to reach a total of 264.