Port Pirie West

Port Pirie West 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 Port Pirie West statistical area as of November 2025 is around 2,651. This reflects an increase of 95 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,556. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of resident population at 2,615 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 6 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 103 persons per square kilometer. Port Pirie West's 3.7% growth since census positions it within 0.6 percentage points of the SA3 area (4.3%). 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 areas not covered and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation. Looking at population projections moving forward, over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population by 43 persons by 2041. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to increase by 43 people.

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 seen limited development activity with an average of one approval per year over five years (nine approvals total). This low level is typical in rural areas due to modest housing needs and infrastructure capacity. The small sample size means individual projects can significantly impact annual growth statistics.

Port Pirie West's development levels are notably lower than the Rest of SA and national averages. With a stable or declining population expected, there may be reduced pressure on housing, 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 30thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects that may affect this region. Notable ones are the Port Pirie Riverbank Precinct project, the Port Pirie Masterplan/Yorke Peninsula and Mid North Regional Plan initiative, Green Iron SA's Port Pirie Hub, and Greening Port Pirie Program. The following details those most relevant.

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

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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 both white and blue collar jobs, with essential services well represented. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 17.8%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

The area has 852 residents in work, but its unemployment rate is 12.5% higher than Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%. Workforce participation is significantly lower at 43.7%, compared to Rest of SA's 54.1%. Key industries for employment are 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.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 1.2%, compared to 14.5% regionally. Many residents may commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population counts. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels increased by 1.3%, while employment decreased by 2.6%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 3.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of SA saw employment rise by 0.3% and labour force grow by 2.3%, with unemployment rising by 1.9 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Port Pirie West. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary 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, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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 in Port Pirie West, median income is $39,561 and average income is $46,427. Nationally, these figures are lower than the median of $48,920 and average of $58,933 for Rest of SA. By September 2025, adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 8.8%, estimated median income in Port Pirie West would be approximately $43,042 and average income $50,513. Census 2021 data indicates that incomes in Port Pirie West fall between the 0th and 2nd percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. In this suburb, 35.9% of residents (951 individuals) earn within the $400 - $799 income range, contrasting with Rest of SA where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 27.5%. The concentration of 49.0% in sub-$800 weekly brackets highlights economic challenges faced by a significant portion of Port Pirie West's community. After housing costs, 85.0% of income remains, ranking at the 3rd percentile nationally for disposable income.

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

Port Pirie West's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.1% houses and 12.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro SA had 89.8% houses and 10.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Pirie West was at 28.3%, with mortgaged dwellings also at 28.3% and rented ones at 43.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $693, below Non-Metro SA's average of $888. The median weekly rent figure was $180, compared to Non-Metro SA's $182. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $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%, consisting of 44.2% lone person households and 3.0% group households. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Rest of SA average of 2.2.

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 most common at 4.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (0.8%) and graduate diplomas (0.3%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 34.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (6.4%) and certificates (28.3%).

A total of 23.9% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 9.3% in primary, 8.8% in secondary, 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, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low at approximately 45%, covering around 1,204 people, compared to 48.5% in the rest of South Australia (SA) and a national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis, impacting 12.8% of residents, and mental health issues, affecting 12.1%.

A total of 54.3% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 59.4% in the rest of SA. The area has 23.5% of residents aged 65 and over (622 people), lower than the 26.5% in the rest of SA. Health outcomes among seniors are generally aligned with those of the broader 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 91.6% of its population being citizens born in Australia who speak English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 37.2% of the population. The most notable overrepresentation was in the 'Other' category, which constituted 0.6% compared to 0.5% regionally.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (34.5%), Australian (34.4%), and Irish (6.1%). Notably, German ancestry was overrepresented at 5.3%, Australian Aboriginal at 4.2%, and Welsh at 0.6%.

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

Port Pirie West's median age is 45, lower than South Australia's (SA) figure of 47 but higher than Australia's national average of 38 years. The proportion of residents aged 15-24 in Port Pirie West is notably higher at 13.2% compared to the Rest of SA average, while those aged 5-14 are under-represented at 10.1%. Between 2021 and the present day, the proportion of residents aged 75-84 has increased from 7.3% to 8.3%, while the 45-54 age group has decreased from 12.6% to 11.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Port Pirie West's age structure. The number of residents aged 75-84 is projected to increase by 35 people (16%), from 220 to 256. Residents aged 65 and above will contribute entirely to population growth, highlighting trends towards demographic aging. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 25-34 and 35-44 age cohorts.