Port Pirie West

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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Port Pirie West is around 2,652, reflecting a growth of 96 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 3.8% rise from the previous figure of 2,556 inhabitants. The current resident population estimate of 2,615, as per AreaSearch's analysis following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024, and validation of additional eight new addresses since the Census date, indicates a person density ratio of approximately 103 persons per square kilometer. This growth rate is comparable to the SA3 area's 4.4%, demonstrating competitive fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver for this population growth. AreaSearch adopts 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, SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are used, adjusted employing weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. According to these projections, the suburb's population is expected to decline by 38 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts like the 75 to 84 group are projected to grow by 45 people during this period.

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

Port Pirie West has had limited development activity, with an average of one approval per year over five years (9 approvals). This low level is typical in rural areas due to modest housing needs and demand-limited construction. The small sample size means annual growth can be significantly influenced by individual projects.

Port Pirie West has much lower development activity than the rest of South Australia, with levels also below national averages. With a stable or declining population expected, pressure on housing should remain low, potentially benefiting buyers.

With population expected to remain stable or decline, Port Pirie West should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Port Pirie West has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 26thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified nine projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include the Port Pirie Riverbank Precinct, Port Pirie Masterplan/Yorke Peninsula Mid North Regional Plan, Green Iron SA Port Pirie Hub, and Greening Port Pirie Program. The following list details those projects most likely to be 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 West face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Port Pirie West has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented, but the unemployment rate is high at 17.6%. As of September 2025854 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 12.3% higher than Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%.

Workforce participation lags significantly at 46.1%, compared to Rest of SA's 58.5%. Only 3.0% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have influenced this figure. Key industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. The area specializes in health care & social assistance with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 1.2%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force levels increased by 1.5% but employment decreased by 2.2%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 3.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Port Pirie West's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.4% over ten years.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Port Pirie West is lower than average on a national basis. The median income is $39,561 and the average income stands at $46,427. This contrasts with Rest of SA's figures where the median income is $48,920 and the average income is $58,933. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Port Pirie West would be approximately $43,042 (median) and $50,513 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data reveals that household, family and personal incomes in Port Pirie West all fall between the 0th and 2nd percentiles nationally. Specifically, 35.9% of the population (952 individuals) fall within the $400 - 799 income range, contrasting with the region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 27.5%. The concentration of 49.0% in sub-$800 weekly brackets highlights economic challenges facing a significant portion of the community. After housing costs, 85.0% of income remains, ranking at only the 3rd percentile nationally.

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

In Port Pirie West, as recorded in the latest Census, 87.1% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 12.9% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments and other dwelling types. This is compared to Non-Metro SA's figures of 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Pirie West stood at 28.3%, with mortgaged properties also at 28.3% and rented dwellings making up the majority at 43.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $693, significantly lower than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,153. Weekly rent in Port Pirie West was recorded at $180, compared to Non-Metro SA's figure of $220. Nationally, mortgage repayments were substantially higher at $1,863 and rents stood at $375.

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

Family households account for 53.2% of all households, including 14.1% couples with children, 19.8% couples without children, and 17.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 46.8%, with lone person households at 44.2% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 2.0 people, smaller than the Rest of SA average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 5.9%, 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 4.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (0.8%) and graduate diplomas (0.3%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 34.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (6.4%) and certificates (28.3%).

A notable 23.9% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 9.3% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 1.4% in tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Port Pirie West is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Port Pirie West faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Multiple health conditions impact both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 45% of the total population (~1,204 people), compared to 48.9% across Rest of SA and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.8%) and mental health issues (12.1%). Conversely, 54.3% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.5% across Rest of SA. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 23.6% of residents aged 65 and over (625 people), lower than the 27.1% in Rest of SA. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly aligning with national rankings for the general population.

The latest Census data sees Port Pirie West placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Port Pirie West, as per the census on June 2016, showed low cultural diversity with 91.6% of its population being citizens, 91.9% born in Australia, and 96.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 37.2%. The category 'Other' was slightly overrepresented at 0.6%, compared to 0.8% regionally.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (34.5%), Australian (34.4%), and Irish (6.1%). Notably, German ancestry was higher than regional averages (5.3% vs 8.2%), as were Australian Aboriginal (4.2% vs 3.3%) and Welsh (0.6% vs 0.5%).

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

Port Pirie West has a median age of 45, which is slightly lower than the Rest of South Australia's figure of 47 but higher than Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the Rest of SA average, individuals aged 15-24 are notably over-represented in Port Pirie West at 13.2%, while those aged 75-84 are under-represented at 8.2%. Between 2021 and present, the population aged 25 to 34 has increased from 10.5% to 11.5%, while the 45 to 54 age group has declined from 12.6% to 11.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Port Pirie West's age structure. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to grow by 36 people (17%), from 217 to 254. Residents aged 65 and above will contribute entirely to population growth, highlighting trends of demographic aging. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 35-44 and 25-34 age cohorts.