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

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of the Port Noarlunga South statistical area (Lv2) is around 3,333. This reflects a growth of 275 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,058. The latest estimate of 3,201 residents by AreaSearch, based on ERP data release by ABS in June 2024 and validated new addresses, indicates this increase. This results in a density ratio of 1,041 persons per square kilometer. The Port Noarlunga South (SA2) saw a 9.0% growth since the 2021 Census, exceeding the SA3 area's 6.2% and the SA4 region's growth rate, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 41.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration being positive factors.

For future projections until 2032, ABS/Geoscience Australia projections are adopted for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. Beyond 2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are used with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the area is expected to grow by 525 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 13.7% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Port Noarlunga South averaged around 28 new dwelling approvals each year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 143 homes were approved, with a further 14 approved so far in FY-26. Over the past five financial years, an average of 2.1 new residents per year was gained for each dwelling built, suggesting strong demand that supports property values.

New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $380,000, reflecting a focus on premium properties by developers. In FY-26, there have been $237,000 in commercial approvals, indicating limited commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Port Noarlunga South has 90.0% more development activity per person. This should provide buyers with ample choice.

Building activity shows 88.0% detached houses and 12.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes. With around 135 people per approval, Port Noarlunga South reflects an area experiencing development growth. Future projections estimate Port Noarlunga South will add 456 residents by 2041, indicating that current development rates should comfortably meet demand and potentially support population growth beyond existing projections.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects potentially impacting the region: Sunset Residential Development, Fleurieu Connections - Main South Road Duplication (commencing January 2019), Seaford Rail Extension (due for completion by December 2025), and Main South Road Duplication Stage 1 - Aldinga Project (scheduled to start in mid-2023).

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

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AreaSearch analysis places Port Noarlunga South well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Port Noarlunga South has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 3.2%, and there was an estimated employment growth of 4.0% in the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of September 2025, 1,810 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.8% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction shows strong specialization with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 5.4% compared to the regional average of 7.3%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. In the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.0% and labour force grew by 3.9%, keeping unemployment broadly flat. Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 3.0% with a slight fall in unemployment. State-level data from 25-Nov shows SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, adding 10,710 jobs, and the state unemployment rate is 4.0%. This compares favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%, with SA's employment growth outpacing the national average of 0.14%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Port Noarlunga South's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

In AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Port Noarlunga South's median income among taxpayers is $53,317. The average income in the suburb is $60,215. Nationally, incomes are higher on average. In Greater Adelaide, the median income is $54,808 and the average is $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Port Noarlunga South would be approximately $58,009 (median) and $65,514 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Port Noarlunga South rank modestly, between the 37th and 46th percentiles. The largest earnings segment comprises 34.9% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (1,163 residents), similar to the metropolitan region where this cohort represents 31.8%. After housing expenses, 85.0% of income remains for other expenses. The area'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

Port Noarlunga South's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.9% houses and 8.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Adelaide metro's 89.2% houses and 10.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Noarlunga South was higher at 34.3%, with the rest being mortgaged (42.6%) or rented (23.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, above Adelaide metro's average of $1,452. Median weekly rent was $350, compared to Adelaide metro's $314. Nationally, Port Noarlunga South's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 73.9% of all households, including 29.9% couples with children, 29.5% couples without children, and 12.7% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 26.1%, with lone person households at 23.4% and group households at 3.0%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with 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 Australia's average of 30.4%. 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 - advanced diplomas at 10.5% and certificates at 33.5%. Educational participation is high, with 28.0% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.8% in primary, 6.6% in secondary, and 4.5% in tertiary education.

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 provide 627 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as excellent, with residents typically living just 171 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 89 trips per day across all routes, which equates 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

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Port Noarlunga South.

Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population, which consists of around 1,693 people. The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, impacting 9.1 and 9.0% of residents respectively. A total of 66.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.9% across Greater Adelaide. The area has 19.1% of residents aged 65 and over, which amounts to 636 people. This is lower than the 21.0% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors are above average and perform even 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 was found to have a below average cultural diversity, with 79.6% of its population born in Australia and 91.0% being citizens. English was spoken as the only language at home by 95.1% of residents. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 33.3% of the population.

However, Judaism was not represented in Port Noarlunga South, compared to 0.1% across Greater Adelaide. The top three ancestry groups were English (35.3%), Australian (28.2%), and Scottish (8.2%). Notably, Dutch ethnicity was overrepresented at 2.5%, Welsh at 0.8%, and German at 5.6%.

Port Noarlunga South's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Port Noarlunga South's median age is 39 years, matching Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and closely aligned with Australia's median of 38. The 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented at 11.7%, while the 15-24 year-olds are under-represented at 11.0%. Post-2021 Census, the 15-24 age group has increased from 10.2% to 11.0%, whereas the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 12.5% to 11.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Port Noarlunga South's age profile. The 45-54 cohort is expected to grow by 24%, adding 109 residents to reach 556. Conversely, the 5-14 group is projected to contract by 1 resident.