Port Augusta (SA)

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According to evaluations of ABS population releases for the wider region, alongside recent address records validated by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Port Augusta contains a population estimated at approximately 6,752 in May 2026. This represents a rise of 315 residents (4.9%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 6,437 residents. This adjustment is calculated based on a resident population of 6,743, calculated by Districts following analysis of the latest ERP data release from the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 46 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level translates to a density ratio of 333 persons per square kilometer, offering ample room per resident and potential capacity for future growth. The 4.9% expansion in the suburb of Port Augusta since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (3.9%), as well as the SA4 region, establishing it as a regional growth leader. Population growth in the suburb of Port Augusta was mostly fueled by overseas migration, which accounted for approximately of all population increases during recent intervals.

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Port Augusta features a balanced labor force consisting of white and blue collar jobs, with a solid representation in essential services, and an unemployment rate of 15.4% according to Districts aggregations of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 2,619 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 9.9% higher than the rate in Regional SA of 5.5%, indicating room for growth, and participation in the labor force is somewhat below average (54.9% compared to 58.4% in Regional SA). Census responses show that a low 2.0% of residents worked from home, though the effects of Covid-19 lockdowns should be taken into account.

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Based on the most recent postcode level ATO statistics released by Districts for financial year 2023, the suburb of Port Augusta features a median taxpayer income of $47,363, with an average income of $56,386. This stands below the national benchmark, and compares with a median of $48,920 and average of $58,933 across Regional SA. Accounting for Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, current estimates indicate figures of approximately $52,180 (median) and $62,120 (average) as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census reveals that household, family, and individual incomes in Port Augusta all sit between the 7th and 16th percentiles nationally. The income distribution shows that the $400 - 799 range is the most common, accounting for 27.0% of residents ( people), which differs from the wider region where the - bracket is most common at . Although housing costs are low with of income being kept, the total disposable income ranks at only the th percentile nationally.

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Residential structures in Port Augusta, as recorded in the most recent Census, consisted of 74.7% detached houses and 25.3% other dwelling types (such as semi-detached properties, apartments, and alternative housing), compared to Regional SA which has 88.5% detached houses and 11.5% other dwelling types. At the same time, home ownership in Port Augusta was lower than in Regional SA at 31.2%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (24.2%) or rented (44.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was significantly lower than the Regional SA average at $979, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $194, compared to Regional SA averages of $1,153 and $220. On a national level, mortgage repayments in Port Augusta are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rent costs are significantly below the national figure of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households at 58.0% of the total, which includes 18.3% couples with children, 23.8% couples without children, and 14.4% single parents. Non-family households account for the remaining 42.0%, with single-person households representing 38.0% and group households making up 3.9% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 residents is slightly below the Regional SA average of 2.3.

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The locality experiences some educational hurdles, with university graduation rates (12.1%) sitting well below the national average of 30.4%. This highlights both a challenge and an opportunity for focused educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.2%, followed by postgraduate degrees (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational and technical training is highly represented, with 37.2% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (7.3%) and certificates (29.9%).

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Significant health issues are apparent throughout Port Augusta, according to Districts estimates of mortality rates and the prevalence of chronic illnesses, which have noticeable impacts on both younger and older demographics, while the rate of private health insurance is low at approximately 49% of the total population (~3,330 people). The national benchmark stands at 55.7%.

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Port Augusta was shown to have lower levels of cultural diversity, with citizens making up 85.5% of the population, 88.7% of residents born in Australia, and 90.3% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion in the area, representing 39.9% of the population. The most notable overrepresentation is found in the Other category, which accounts for 1.4% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Regional SA.

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With a median age of 39, the suburb of Port Augusta is notably younger than the Regional SA average of 47 and close to the national average of 38. The age distribution reveals that 25 - 34 year-olds are highly represented (14.4%), while the 65 - 74 age bracket is smaller (10.0%) than in Regional SA. Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age bracket has risen from 11.1% to 13.8% of the population. On the other hand, the 55 to 64 group has fallen from 13.3% to 12.1%. Looking ahead to 2041, population projections show major changes in the age profile in the suburb of Port Augusta. Leading these changes, the 85+ group will expand by 98% ( people), growing to from . Notably, the combined + age brackets will make up of all population growth, highlighting the aging profile of the community. Conversely, the to and to cohorts are projected to see population declines.

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Port Augusta currently has an estimated 364 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 218 children aged 0-2 and 145 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 6% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 1% by 2041 (to approximately 360 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 654. Birth rates in the area have averaged 11.5 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a moderate rate (within the middle tier nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.