Port Pirie South

Port Pirie South has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of the suburb of Port Pirie South is around 3,966 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 88 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,878 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,952 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 32 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 256 persons per square kilometer. The suburb's 2.3% growth since census positions it within 0.1 percentage points of the SA3 area (2.4%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration.

AreaSearch is adopting 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, projections indicate a decline in overall population for the suburb of Port Pirie South, expected to decline by 24 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to increase by 102 people.

The level of residential development activity in Port Pirie South is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Port Pirie South experienced an average of three dwelling approvals per year between 2016 and 2020, totalling 19 dwellings over the five-year period. This low development activity is characteristic of rural areas like Port Pirie South, where housing needs are typically specific to local residents rather than driven by broader market demand. The small sample size means individual projects can significantly influence annual growth statistics.

Compared to the Rest of SA and national averages, Port Pirie South has notably lower development activity. Recent developments have consisted solely of detached houses, catering to families seeking a rural lifestyle. With an estimated 871 people per dwelling approval in the area, its development environment is quiet and low-key. Given stable or declining population forecasts, housing pressure may remain relatively low in Port Pirie South, potentially creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, Port Pirie South may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Port Pirie South has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 27thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects expected to influence this region. Notable ones are Green Iron SA Port Pirie Hub, Port Pirie Riverbank Precinct, Greening Port Pirie Program, and Port Pirie Masterplan / Yorke Peninsula and Mid North Regional Plan. The following list details those most relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment drivers in Port Pirie South are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Port Pirie South has a balanced workforce comprising both white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include essential services, with an unemployment rate of 10.1% as of the past year. Employment growth was estimated at 1.2%.

As of December 2025, 1,701 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.4%, above Regional SA's 5.7%. Workforce participation was similar to Regional SA's 58.3%. Only 2.6% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Major employment areas were health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade.

Manufacturing had a significant presence with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence at 1.2% compared to 14.5% regionally. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. In the 12-month period ending in May-25, employment increased by 1.2%, labour force by 3.3%, and unemployment rose by 1.8 percentage points. This compares to Regional SA where employment grew by 0.7%, labour force expanded by 3.1%, and unemployment rose 2.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Port Pirie South's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

The suburb of Port Pirie South had a median income among taxpayers of $51,305 and an average income of $60,209 in the financial year 2023. These figures are lower than those for Regional SA, which were $48,920 and $58,933 respectively. By March 2026, estimates suggest the median income will be approximately $56,523 and the average income will be around $66,332, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 10.17%. According to Census 2021 data, incomes in Port Pirie South fall between the 9th and 13th percentiles nationally for household, family, and personal incomes. The predominant income cohort in Port Pirie South is 28.7% (1,138 people) earning between $400 and $799, unlike the regional trend where 27.5% earn between $1,500 and $2,999. Residents retain 88.3% of their income after housing costs, but this places total disposable income at only the 14th percentile nationally.

Port Pirie South is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Port Pirie South's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 89.0% houses and 11.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Regional SA's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Pirie South was at 37.1%, with the rest being mortgaged (34.3%) or rented (28.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $975, below Regional SA's average of $1,153. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $200, compared to Regional SA's $220. Nationally, Port Pirie South's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 64.2% of all households, consisting of 21.9% couples with children, 28.1% couples without children, and 13.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 35.8%, with lone person households at 33.5% and group households comprising 2.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Regional SA average of 2.3.

Port Pirie South faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 11.9%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.8%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 36.0% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 6.4% and certificates at 29.6%.

A notable 24.8% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 9.6% in primary, 9.3% in secondary, and 1.7% in tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Port Pirie South is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Port Pirie South faces substantial health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 51% of the total population (~2,015 people) has private health cover, which is relatively low compared to other areas. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (impacting 11.3%) and mental health issues (9.6%). Conversely, 60.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.5% across Regional SA. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 24.4% of residents aged 65 and over (967 people), lower than the 27.1% in Regional SA. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

Port Pirie South is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Port Pirie South's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 92.0% of its population born in Australia, 93.3% being citizens, and 94.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Port Pirie South, comprising 49.3% of people there. However, Islam's representation stood out at 1.2%, compared to Regional SA's 0.5%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.2%), English (31.6%), and Scottish (6.2%). Notably, German (5.8%) was overrepresented in Port Pirie South compared to the regional average of 8.2%. Similarly, Italian at 5.0% (vs regional 1.7%) and Australian Aboriginal at 3.4% (vs regional 3.3%) showed significant divergences.

Port Pirie South hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Port Pirie South's median age is 43 years, which is significantly below Regional SA's average of 47 but substantially exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 are particularly prominent at 12.9%, while the 65-74 group is comparatively smaller at 11.9% than in Regional SA. Between 2021 and the present, the proportion of the population aged 25 to 34 has grown from 12.0% to 12.9%. Conversely, the proportion of those aged 45 to 54 has declined from 12.6% to 11.0%. By 2041, Port Pirie South is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The demographic shift will be led by the 85+ group, which is projected to grow by 68 people to reach 246 from 146. This growth reflects an aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above comprising 97% of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 cohort.