Pooraka (SA)

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Pooraka's overall head count is estimated to be approximately 7,742 as of May 2026, calculated from regional census data adjustments and recent building locations verified by Districts. Compared to the 2021 Census population of 7,583, this represents an addition of 159 residents, or a 2.1% expansion. The estimate builds on a base of 7,728 tracked by Districts from June 2025 official counts, supplemented by 33 validated new addresses registered after the census date. The resulting density stands at 1,447 individuals per square kilometer, outstripping typical values across national comparison points. With a 2.1% post-census growth rate, the suburb of Pooraka trailed the broader SA3 region (3.9%) by 1.8 percentage points, indicating competitive local growth dynamics. The expansion was largely propelled by arriving international migrants, who made up roughly 68.0% of the overall population gains in recent times.

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Data shows Pooraka has a skilled labor force with strong representation in critical public service roles, an unemployment rate of 5.8%, and steady job counts over the prior year. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 3,533, while the local jobless rate was 2.0% higher than the Greater Adelaide level of 3.8%. Labor force participation is also notably lower, sitting at 58.3% compared to 66.6% across the Adelaide metro area. Census surveys indicated that a small 6.4% proportion of the workforce operated from home, though this figure was likely influenced by public health restrictions at the time.

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Tax filings from FY 2023 show Pooraka residents had a median income of $50,567 and an average income of $58,130. These figures are below national averages and trail Greater Adelaide's median of $54,808 and average of $66,852. Adjusting for a 10.17% rise in the Wage Price Index since FY 2023 suggests estimated figures of $55,710 for the median and $64,042 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census placed household, family, and individual incomes in the suburb between the 9th and 15th percentiles nationally. The largest income group comprises 31.1% of residents (2,407 individuals) earning in the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which is highly consistent with the metropolitan rate of 31.8%. Financial strain from housing costs is significant, with residents retaining only of their income, placing the area in the th percentile.

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At the time of the last census, the housing mix in Pooraka consisted of 85.9% standalone houses and 14.0% alternative housing forms like semi-detached buildings and apartments, compared to 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings across the Adelaide metro area. Outright home ownership stood at 33.9%, which exceeded metropolitan averages, while mortgaged properties accounted for 35.7% and rental properties made up 30.4%. Typical monthly mortgage costs were $1,300, which was lower than the Adelaide metro average of $1,562, while median weekly rent was recorded at $300, compared to the metropolitan benchmark of $320. Compared to national figures, Pooraka's monthly mortgage bills are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents remain well below the national median of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households at 67.7%, consisting of couples with children at 30.1%, couples without children at 22.1%, and single-parent households at 14.0%. The remaining 32.3% of properties are occupied by non-family households, with single-person households representing 28.8% and group living situations making up 3.6%. The typical household size of 2.5 residents is identical to the average across Greater Adelaide.

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The local population displays lower levels of tertiary education, with 19.2% of residents holding a university qualification compared to the national rate of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.7%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 5.3% and graduate diplomas at 1.2%. Vocational and technical qualifications are common, with 31.3% of residents aged 15 and over holding credentials in these fields, consisting of advanced diplomas at 8.3% and certificates at 23.0%.

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Public transport options include 59 active stops within the local area, serviced by bus routes. A total of 41 distinct routes run through these stops, providing 2,322 passenger trips weekly. Transport access is convenient, with residents living an average of 148 meters from their nearest stop. Because of the suburb's residential nature, the majority of workers travel outside the area for employment, with private vehicles being the primary mode of travel for 89% of workers, followed by buses for 8%. Households own an average of 1.3 vehicles. A small share of 6.4% of residents worked from home during the 2021 Census, which was likely affected by pandemic restrictions.

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Health indicators point to challenges in the community, with chronic conditions and mortality rates showing elevated patterns across both younger and older residents, alongside a low rate of private health coverage at roughly 50% of the population (~3,871 individuals). This compares to 52.7% coverage across Greater Adelaide and a national benchmark of 55.7%.

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The suburb exhibits high cultural diversity, with 39.5% of residents born outside Australia and 41.4% using a non-English language at home. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, represented by 43.8% of the population. The most distinct religious concentration is Islam, which accounts for 10.6% of residents, representing a much higher share than the Greater Adelaide average of 3.0%.

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The median age of residents is 38, which is close to Greater Adelaide's 39 and matches the national average of 38. Young children aged 0 to 4 are overrepresented at 6.3% of the local population compared to metropolitan averages, while residents aged 45 to 54 are underrepresented at 11.3%. Since 2021, the 65 to 74 demographic has increased from 9.8% to 10.6%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 12.1% to 11.3%. Demographic trends indicate the suburb's age structure will change by 2041, with the 75 to 84 cohort projected to increase by 188 people (), growing from to . Older age groups ( and over) are expected to drive of total population growth, pointing to an aging local profile, while the to youth demographic is projected to decrease by individuals.

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Pooraka currently has an estimated 487 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 283 children aged 0-2 and 188 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 1% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 2% by 2041 (to approximately 497 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 691. Birth rates in the area have averaged 14.4 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a high rate (among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally).