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, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Port Pirie South's population is estimated at around 3,962 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 84 people (2.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,878 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,922 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 26 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 256 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Port Pirie South's 2.2% growth since census positions it within 2.2 percentage points of the SA3 area (4.4%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

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, 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. Moving forward with demographic trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population for the suburb, with its population expected to decline by 23 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 94 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, totaling 18 dwellings over the five-year period. This limited development activity reflects the rural nature of the area, with development primarily driven by local housing needs rather than broader market demand. The small sample size means individual projects can significantly influence annual growth statistics.

Compared to the Rest of South Australia and national averages, Port Pirie South has much lower development activity. Recent developments have been exclusively detached houses, catering to families seeking a rural lifestyle. As of 2021, the area had an estimated population of 985 people per dwelling approval, indicating its quiet, low-activity development environment. With stable or declining population forecasts, Port Pirie South may face less housing pressure in the future, 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 24thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 10 such projects that are likely to impact the area. Notable among them are Port Pirie Masterplan / Yorke Peninsula and Mid North Regional Plan, Green Iron SA Port Pirie Hub, Port Pirie Riverbank Precinct, Key Worker Housing Initiative. The following list details those projects deemed 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 conditions in Port Pirie South face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Port Pirie South has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, and an unemployment rate of 10.5% as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation in September 2025. The employment rate is 5.1% higher than Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation stands at 56.5%, below the Rest of SA average of 58.5%.

Census responses show that only 2.6% of residents work from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. The leading employment industries are health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing is particularly prominent, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 1.2% compared to Rest of SA's 14.5%. The area may have limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the working population vs resident population count from Census data.

Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, labour force increased by 2.0%, while employment decreased by 0.6%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 2.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of SA saw employment rise by 0.3% and unemployment increase by 1.9 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Port Pirie South's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, median income among taxpayers in Port Pirie South was $51,305. Average income stood at $60,209. This is lower than national averages of $48,920 and $58,933 across Rest of SA respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% from June 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $55,820, and average income around $65,507 by September 2025. Census data from 2021 shows household, family, and personal incomes in Port Pirie South fall between the 9th and 13th percentiles nationally. Most residents (28.7%, or 1,137 individuals) earn $400 - $799 weekly, differing from regional patterns where $1,500 - $2,999 is dominant at 27.5%. Housing costs are modest, with 88.3% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at 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 compares to Non-Metro SA's 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Pirie South was at 37.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.3% and rented ones at 28.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $975, below Non-Metro SA's average of $1,153. Median weekly rent in Port Pirie South was $200, compared to Non-Metro SA's $220. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $975 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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 account for 64.2% of all households, including 21.9% couples with children, 28.1% couples without children, and 13.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 35.8%, with lone person households at 33.5% and group households comprising 2.2%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of 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 at 1.8% and postgraduate qualifications at 1.3%. Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 36.0% of residents aged 15 and above holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 6.4% and certificates at 29.6%.

A substantial 24.8% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 9.6% in primary education, 9.3% in secondary education, 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 significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (around 2013 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis, affecting 11.3%, and mental health issues, impacting 9.6% of residents. Notably, 60.9% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.5% across the rest of South Australia. Working-age population health challenges include elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 24.2% of residents aged 65 and over (958 people), lower than the 27.1% in the rest of SA. Health outcomes among seniors present notable challenges, with national rankings higher than those of 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 had a cultural diversity 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, comprising 49.3% of people in Port Pirie South. Islam was overrepresented at 1.2%, compared to 0.5% across Rest of SA.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.2%), English (31.6%), and Scottish (6.2%). Notably, German was overrepresented at 5.8% (vs regional 8.2%), Italian at 5.0% (vs regional 1.7%), and Australian Aboriginal at 3.4% (vs regional 3.3%).

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

Port Pirie South's median age at 43 years is notably lower than Rest of SA's average of 47 but higher than Australia's national average of 38. The age distribution indicates that individuals aged 15-24 are prominently present, making up 13.0% of the population, while those aged 65-74 constitute a relatively smaller proportion at 11.8%, compared to Rest of SA. Between 2021 and the present, the percentage of the population aged 25-34 has increased from 12.0% to 13.2%. Conversely, the percentage of those aged 45-54 has decreased from 12.6% to 10.8%. By the year 2041, Port Pirie South is projected to experience significant changes in its age composition. Notably, the group aged 85 and above is expected to grow by 62%, increasing from 146 to 238 people. This growth will be driven by an aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above accounting for all of the projected population growth. Conversely, population declines are anticipated for individuals aged 35-44 and 65-74.