Port Noarlunga South

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of Port Noarlunga South is around 3,098 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 40 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,058. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,082 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 10 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 968 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Port Noarlunga South has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 2.7%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 41.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Anticipating future population dynamics, an above median population growth is projected for statistical areas across the nation, with Port Noarlunga South expected to grow by 517 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 22.1% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Port Noarlunga South averaged around 25 new dwelling approvals each year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 129 homes were approved, with a further 4 approved so far in FY-26. This averages out to approximately 2.4 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built over the past five financial years, indicating healthy demand which supports property values.

New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $380,000. There have also been $1.1 million in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Relative to Greater Adelaide, Port Noarlunga South has 73.0% more development activity per person. This should provide buyers with ample choice, though construction activity has eased recently.

Recent construction comprises 92.0% detached houses and 8.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space. Port Noarlunga South reflects a low density area, with around 324 people per approval. Looking ahead, AreaSearch estimates that Port Noarlunga South is expected to grow by 683 residents through to 2041. Existing development levels seem aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

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

Three projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area: Sunset Residential Development, Fleurieu Connections - Main South Road Duplication (commenced 2018), Seaford Rail Extension (planned for 2026), and Main South Road Duplication Stage 1 - Aldinga Project (scheduled for completion in 2023).

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The employment environment in Port Noarlunga South shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Port Noarlunga South has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 3.2% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.0%.

As of June 2025, 1,763 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 0.8% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area specializes in construction with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level, but professional & technical services show lower representation at 5.4% compared to the regional average of 7.3%.

Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data comparison of working population versus resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 3.0%, while labour force also grew by 3.0%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 3.2%. In contrast, Greater Adelaide experienced employment growth of 2.1% with a marginal rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Port Noarlunga South's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localized population projections.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

Port Noarlunga South's median income among taxpayers was $53,317 in the financial year 2022. The average income stood at $60,215 during this period. This compares to figures for Greater Adelaide of $52,592 and $64,886 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83%, current estimates would be approximately $60,158 (median) and $67,941 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Port Noarlunga South, between the 37th and 46th percentiles. The largest income bracket comprises 34.9% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,081 residents). After housing costs, 85.0% of income remains for other expenses. Port Noarlunga South's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

In Port Noarlunga South, as per the latest Census, 91.9% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 8.1% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Adelaide metro's 89.2% houses and 10.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Noarlunga South stood at 34.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 42.6% and rented ones at 23.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, exceeding Adelaide metro's average of $1,452. The median weekly rent in Port Noarlunga South was $350, higher than Adelaide metro's $314. Nationally, Port Noarlunga South had lower mortgage repayments at $1,517 compared to Australia's average of $1,863 and lower rents at $350 versus the national figure of $375.

Port Noarlunga South has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households comprise 73.9% of all households, including couples with children (29.9%), couples without children (29.5%), and single parent families (12.7%). Non-family households make up the remaining 26.1%, with lone person households at 23.4% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 2.5 people, matching the Greater Adelaide average.

Educational outcomes in Port Noarlunga South fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 18.9%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 13.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 44.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.5%) and certificates (33.5%).

Educational participation is high at 28.0%, comprising primary education (10.8%), secondary education (6.6%), and tertiary education (4.5%). South Port Primary School serves the area with an enrollment of 296 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 958) offering balanced educational opportunities. The area has one primary-focused school; secondary options are available nearby. School places per 100 residents (9.6) fall below the regional average (13.6), with some students likely attending schools in adjacent areas.

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

Port Noarlunga South has 20 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 14 different routes that together facilitate 627 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated excellent, with residents on average located just 171 meters from the nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 89 trips across all routes, equating to approximately 31 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Port Noarlunga South shows below-average health indicators with common conditions more prevalent than average across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 51% of its total population (~1,574 people) has private health cover, compared to Greater Adelaide's 48.6%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma (9.1%) and arthritis (9.0%). 66.3% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to Greater Adelaide's 62.9%. The area has 19.0% of residents aged 65 and over (588 people), lower than Greater Adelaide's 21.0%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

Port Noarlunga South ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Port Noarlunga South had a cultural diversity index below average, with 79.6% of its population born in Australia, 91.0% being citizens, and 95.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 33.3% of people in Port Noarlunga South. Judaism, however, was not represented (0.0%) compared to Greater Adelaide's 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (35.3%), Australian (28.2%), and Scottish (8.2%). Notably, Dutch representation was higher at 2.5% in Port Noarlunga South than regionally at 1.7%, Welsh was equally represented at 0.8%, and German was slightly higher at 5.6% compared to Greater Adelaide's 5.4%.

Port Noarlunga South's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Port Noarlunga South's median age is 39, matching Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and closely aligned with Australia's median of 38. Locally, the 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented at 11.6%, while the 15-24 year-olds are under-represented at 10.9%. According to the 2021 Census, the 15-24 age group has increased from 10.2% to 10.9%, while the 5-14 cohort has declined from 12.5% to 11.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Port Noarlunga South's age profile. The 45-54 cohort is expected to grow by 34%, adding 139 residents to reach 555. Meanwhile, the 0-4 group is projected to grow by 9%, adding only 17 residents.