Chart Color Schemes
This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
Find a Recent Sale
Sales Detail
Port Pirie West has an estimated 2,619 residents, up from 2,556 at the 2021 Census — a change of 63 people, or 2.5%. That puts 103 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Port Pirie West has an estimated residency of approximately 2,619 individuals in May 2026, calculated from ABS population updates and new addresses verified by AreaSearch. Compared to the 2,556 citizens documented in the 2021 Census, this represents a gain of 63 people, or 2.5%. This calculation is based on an estimated resident population of 2,615 from AreaSearch using June 2025 ABS ERP figures, supplemented by 10 validated new address listings since the Census. With a population density of 102 persons per square kilometer, the locality offers ample space and capacity for expansion.
The growth rate of 2.5% since the 2021 Census outpaced the broader SA3 region at 2.4%, making the suburb a local growth leader. Overseas migration was the primary driver of these gains, serving as the sole source of population growth in recent times. Projections for each SA2 region utilize 2024 releases from the ABS and Geoscience Australia based on 2022 numbers. For locations missing from these releases, or for the period past 2032, calculations apply 2023 SA State Government Regional and LGA age-cohort projections based on 2021 data, adjusted via a weighted aggregation of population changes from the LGA level down to SA2 zones. Over the forecast horizon, the model indicates a general contraction, with a projected reduction of 43 people by 2041. Even so, specific cohorts are set to expand, particularly the 75 to 84 age category, which is expected to grow by 43 residents. Detailed age-specific data can be found in the relevant section.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Residential building activity remains very low in Port Pirie West, averaging 2 home approvals each year, which translates to 12 approvals across a five-year timeframe. This quiet pace of construction is typical for rural communities where housing demand is minor and building is constrained by local needs and infrastructure. Because the volume of approvals is so small, individual projects can dramatically alter annual statistics and comparative metrics. Residential construction volume in Port Pirie West is substantially lower than the Rest of SA average, and sits below nationwide figures. Recent construction has consisted entirely of detached houses, matching the rural character of the locality where larger lots and open space are standard.
The ratio of 1307 residents per building approval highlights the quiet, low-scale development environment. Given that the population is projected to stabilize or contract, Port Pirie West is likely to experience less pressure on its housing stock, which may offer favorable conditions for prospective purchasers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Port Pirie West
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 34 current infrastructure and development projects close to Port Pirie West, worth an estimated $303 million. 12 are already under construction and 10 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, ports, marinas, fisheries & aquaculture and education & training. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Developments in public infrastructure, regional master plans, and major projects are key drivers of local performance. AreaSearch has identified 9 projects with potential local impacts. Principal initiatives include the Greening Port Pirie Program, the Port Pirie Riverbank Precinct, the Green Iron SA Port Pirie Hub, and the Port Pirie Masterplan / Yorke Peninsula and Mid North Regional Plan, with details of the most significant works listed below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Balmoral Park Estate Expansion
A two-stage expansion of an existing estate in Risdon Park, Port Pirie, delivering 10 fit-for-purpose rental homes for key workers and 42 additional serviced housing allotments. The 10 homes will be leased to the Government Employee Housing scheme for a minimum of 10 years to support essential workforce retention, backed by 1 million dollars in funding from Renewal SA's Regional Housing Initiatives Program.
Port Pirie Riverbank Precinct
The Port Pirie Riverbank Precinct project is a multi-staged renewal of the city's foreshore area. Stage 1 focuses on Solomontown Beach and the creation of a vibrant youth precinct. Key features include a connected promenade, new picnic shelters and BBQs, upgraded toilet facilities, a beach deck with shade structures, a pump track, and a basketball half-court. The project aims to revitalize the waterfront, providing modern recreational facilities for the local community and enhancing the area's appeal to tourists.
Balmoral Park Estate Expansion
Renewal SA selected Graycar Contractors to deliver 10 rental homes for key workers and 42 residential allotments at Balmoral Park Estate. The two-stage expansion is supported by a 1 million AUD grant from the Regional Housing Initiatives Program. Chelsea Homes will construct the homes and civil works within 30 months from August 2025.
Southfields Rural Estate
A rural acreage estate offering 17 large land allotments (approx. 5,000m2 - 5,232m2) with mains water, electricity, and NBN connection, providing country living opportunities 5km from Port Pirie in the Mid North region of South Australia. The current stage is available for sale.
Port Pirie Wharf Upgrades
Infrastructure upgrade project involving sealing of 19,350 square metres of previously unsurfaced port area with 6,100 tonnes of asphalt. Removal of 8,800 tonnes of contaminated material and addition of 9,100 tonnes of new material. Focus on Berths 5 and 7 to enhance port capacity and economic benefits to Mid North region.
South-West Drainage Scheme
A stormwater drainage system and outfall proposed to address flood risk on vacant land south of Risdon Park South, unlocking approximately 600 allotments for future residential development in Port Pirie. The scheme follows a 2012 Tonkin Consulting engineering investigation into an outfall alignment through rural land west of the site, incorporating a potential storage area near Port Davis Road. Port Pirie Regional Council has committed initial funding for land acquisition and to advance project requirements, with the initiative listed in the Council's economic development investment program across both the 2024/25 and 2025/26 Annual Business Plans.As of the 2025/26 Business Plan, the project remains in its initial stages, with land negotiations and scheme advancement ongoing ahead of any construction of the drainage infrastructure itself.
Whyalla Foreshore Centre Building
Construction of a new Foreshore Centre building incorporating the Whyalla Surf Life Saving Club, public kiosk, cafe, function space and community facilities as part of the Whyalla Foreshore Master Plan. Following completion of detailed design and development approval, construction tenders opened in July 2026. The project is funded by the South Australian Government together with Whyalla City Council and complements the adjacent Splash and Play Plaza.
Kloeden Reserve Development
Development of two land parcels totaling 4.2 hectares at Kloeden Reserve in Whyalla to unlock up to 70 new homes, including at least 10 houses to be built immediately and leased back to the government for essential workers, supporting the region's growth in green energy and manufacturing.
894 residents of Port Pirie West are employed, from a labour force of 1,052. Unemployment sits at 15.0%, with participation at 46.7%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.1% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Port Pirie West maintains a workforce divided between office-based and manual roles, with a strong presence in essential services, a 15.0% jobless rate, and an estimated job growth of 6.0% over the prior year based on AreaSearch statistical compilations. In March 2026, the employed population numbered 894 individuals, while the unemployment rate was 9.6% higher than the Regional SA average of 5.5%, indicating room for employment growth. Furthermore, the participation rate of 46.7% lags the regional level of 58.4%. Census figures indicate that a low 3.0% of the working population worked from home, though this may reflect historical pandemic restrictions.
The primary employment sectors for local workers are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. The suburb exhibits a strong specialization in health care & social assistance, which occupies a share 1.6 times higher than the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 1.2% of the workforce compared to 14.5% across Regional SA. Although local positions exist, a comparison of the Census working population against resident workers suggests a significant number of people travel outside the suburb for work. AreaSearch evaluations of SALM and ABS data across statistical boundaries show that in the 12 months ending March 2026, the local workforce grew by 3.0% and total employment expanded by 6.0%, which lowered the unemployment rate by 2.4 percentage points. This divergence from Regional SA, where employment increased by 1.2%, the labor force expanded by 2.6%, and the jobless rate climbed by 1.4 percentage points. National employment projections from May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide context for future local demand. These five and ten-year forecasts have been applied to the local workforce mix to estimate future trends. While national employment is expected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, trends vary widely by sector. Applying these national projections to the local industry mix suggests employment in Port Pirie West could rise by 6.1% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, representing a basic weighted projection that does not account for localized demographic shifts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Port Pirie West is $822 a week (about $43,000 a year), with median personal income at $475 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $39,561 a year against an average of $46,427. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Tax data compiled by AreaSearch for the 2023 financial year indicates that personal income levels in the suburb of Port Pirie West are below the national average. The median taxpayer income is $39,561 and the average is $46,427, compared to Regional SA averages of $48,920 and $58,933. Adjusted for a 10.17% rise in the Wage Price Index since the 2023 financial year, current estimates for March 2026 are approximately $43,584 for median earnings and $51,149 for average earnings. Census details place household, family, and individual incomes in the suburb of Port Pirie West within the lowest 0th to 2nd percentiles nationally.
The local earnings profile shows that 35.9% of the population, representing 940 residents, earn within the $400 - 799 weekly range, in contrast to metropolitan areas where 27.5% earn between $1,500 - 2,999. With 49.0% of residents receiving less than $800 weekly, the community experiences notable budget constraints that influence local commerce. Disposable income after housing costs stands at 85.0%, which ranks in the 3rd percentile nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Port Pirie West had 1,157 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 87% detached houses and 0% apartments. 28% are owned with a mortgage, 44% rented and 28% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $180 a week and the median mortgage repayment $693 a month. Rent absorbs 21.9% of household income here and mortgage repayments 19.5%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
At the time of the latest Census, the housing mix in Port Pirie West consisted of 87.1% standalone houses and 12.9% alternative housing types, such as townhouses, units, and other dwellings, compared to Regional SA averages of 88.5% and 11.5%. Home ownership rates in Port Pirie West trailed the regional average at 28.3%, with the remaining properties split between those with a mortgage at 28.3% and rental properties at 43.5%. The median monthly mortgage payment of $693 and median weekly rent of $180 were both below the Regional SA averages of $1,153 and $220.
These figures are also lower than the national median mortgage payment of $1,863 and the national median rent of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Port Pirie West counted 1,157 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.0 people each. 14% are couples with children, fewer than in 95% of areas nationally, against 20% couples without children. 44% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.0 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up 53.2% of all households, consisting of couples with children at 14.1%, couples without children at 19.8%, and single parents at 17.3%. Non-family households account for the remaining 46.8% of dwellings, dominated by single-person households at 44.2% and group houses at 3.0%. The median household occupancy of 2.0 people is lower than the Regional SA average of 2.3.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
5.9% of adults in Port Pirie West hold a university qualification, including 4.8% with a bachelor degree and 0.8% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 97% of areas nationally. A further 28.3% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 209 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 878 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational attainment levels present challenges, as the proportion of residents with a university degree is 5.9%, which is lower than the national benchmark of 30.4%. This gap offers a target for future educational programs. Among degree holders, bachelor degrees are the most common at 4.8%, with postgraduate qualifications at 0.8% and graduate diplomas at 0.3%. Vocational and technical training is common, with 34.7% of residents aged 15+ holding a qualification, consisting of advanced diplomas at 6.4% and certificates at 28.3%. A total of 23.9% of the local population is enrolled in formal education.
This group includes 9.3% in primary schooling, 8.8% in secondary schooling, and 1.4% in higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Port Pirie West means driving: households keep an average of 0.9 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
54.3% of residents in Port Pirie West report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 95% of areas nationally. 11.3% need daily assistance with core activities, and 45.4% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 7.2 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Port Pirie West experiences significant health challenges based on AreaSearch assessments of mortality and chronic illness rates, which affect both younger and older residents. The proportion of the population with private health insurance is low at approximately 45%, representing about 1,189 people, compared to 48.9% in Regional SA and a national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions among residents are arthritis and mental health conditions, affecting 12.8% and 12.1% of the population. Conversely, 54.3% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 62.5% across Regional SA.
Chronic health issues are also elevated among the working-age population. Residents aged 65 and older make up 23.8% of the community, totaling 623 people, which is lower than the Regional SA average of 27.1%. Senior health measures generally align with national averages for the older population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Port Pirie West is largely Australian-born, at 91.9% of residents, with 3.7% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (34.5%) and Australian (34.4%). 4.2% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity measures in Port Pirie West are lower than average, with citizens representing 91.6% of the population, 91.9% born in Australia, and 96.3% speaking only English at home. The main religious affiliation is Christianity, accounting for 37.2% of residents. The most distinct relative overrepresentation is in the Other category, which accounts for 0.6% of the local population compared to 0.8% across Regional SA. Looking at parental country of birth, the three largest ancestry groups are English at 34.5%, Australian at 34.4%, and Irish at 6.1%. Distinct local patterns include a German ancestry representation of 5.3% compared to 8.2% regionally, Australian Aboriginal ancestry at 4.2% compared to 3.3% regionally, and Welsh ancestry at 0.6% compared to 0.5% regionally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Port Pirie West is 45, older than 80% of areas nationally. 24.5% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of residents is 45, which is slightly younger than the Regional SA average of 47 but older than the Australian median of 38. The 15 - 24 age group is relatively large at 13.2% of the population, while seniors aged 85 and over are relatively small at 1.8%. Since 2021, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 increased from 7.3% to 8.3%, while the 45 to 54 cohort decreased from 12.6% to 11.5%. Projections to 2041 suggest shifts in the local age structure, with the 75 to 84 cohort expected to grow by 38 people, or 18%, from 217 to 256.
Residents aged 65 and older are projected to account for the entirety of local population growth, reflecting broader aging trends, while the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 age groups are expected to contract.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Port Pirie West
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 10 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (2,556 at the 2021 Census → 2,619 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL41211). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.