Port Lincoln (SA)

Detail

According to ABS population updates for the wider region and address verification by Districts since the Census, the resident population of the suburb of Port Lincoln is estimated to be approximately 15,262 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 804 people (5.6%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 14,458 people. This shift is calculated from the local population of 15,175, estimated by Districts using the ABS June 2025 ERP data release and an additional 250 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population size yields a density ratio of 463 persons per square kilometer, indicating ample individual space and opportunities for further development. The 5.6% growth rate of the suburb of Port Lincoln since the 2021 census outpaced the SA4 region (4.2%), positioning it as a growth leader in the vicinity. Overseas migration was the primary contributor to population growth, accounting for approximately 65.0% of total gains in recent times, though natural growth and interstate migration also registered positive trends.

Detail

Port Lincoln has a balanced workforce distributed across white and blue collar jobs, with a solid representation of essential services and an unemployment rate of 6.0%, according to Districts aggregations of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 7,165 residents are employed. The local unemployment rate sits 0.5% higher than the Regional SA average of 5.5%, while participation in the workforce is generally close to the Regional SA average of 58.4%. Census records show that a minor 4.7% of residents worked from home, though the influence of Covid-19 lockdowns should be noted.

Detail

The income level in the suburb of Port Lincoln is below the national average according to ATO data aggregated by Districts for financial year 2023. The median income for taxpayers in the suburb of Port Lincoln is $46,723 and the average income is $57,692, compared to Regional SA benchmarks of $48,920 and $58,933 respectively. Adjusting for Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, current estimates correspond to roughly $51,475 (median) and $63,559 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census reports that household, family, and personal incomes in Port Lincoln all place between the 16th and 31st percentiles nationally. In terms of income distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is the largest, containing 29.3% of residents (4,471 people), which matches the metropolitan region where this group accounts for . After accounting for housing costs, of income remains, placing the area in the th percentile nationally.

Detail

According to the latest Census, residential structures in Port Lincoln consisted of 81.9% houses and 18.1% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and alternative structures, compared to Regional SA's profile of 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Lincoln stood at 32.8%, trailing the rate in Regional SA, with the remaining dwellings occupied by households with a mortgage (31.7%) or tenants (35.4%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was $1,300, which is notably higher than the Regional SA average of $1,153, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $240, compared to the Regional SA average of $220. Nationally, mortgage repayments in Port Lincoln are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are also well below the national median of $375.

Detail

Family households constitute the majority at 64.5%, consisting of couples with children (22.6%), couples without children (28.5%), and single parents (12.4%). Non-family households represent the remaining 35.5%, made up of single person households (32.3%) and group households (3.2%). The median household size of 2.3 individuals is equal to the Regional SA average.

Detail

The locality presents educational disparities, with university graduation rates (14.3%) falling far below the national average of 30.4%, representing a potential focus area for targeted educational strategies. Bachelor degrees are the most common credential at 10.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational and technical training is prominent, with 39.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, comprising advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (30.9%).

Detail

Health indicators for Port Lincoln align closely with national averages according to Districts' evaluation of mortality rates and chronic illness prevalence, showing a standard distribution of common health issues across both younger and older demographics. The rate of private health insurance coverage is relatively low, encompassing approximately 50% of the population (~7,605 people) compared to the national average of 55.7%.

Detail

Port Lincoln displays below-average levels of cultural diversity, with citizens making up 90.6% of the population, 90.5% of residents born in Australia, and 95.2% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 42.6% of the local population. The most distinct statistical overrepresentation is observed in Judaism, which accounts for natural zero percent of the population, matching the natural zero percent recorded across Regional SA.

Detail

The median age in Port Lincoln is 41 years, which is notably lower than the Regional SA average of 47 years but slightly older than the national median of 38 years. Relative to Regional SA, the 25 - 34 age bracket is over-represented locally (12.2%), while the 65 - 74 age bracket is under-represented (12.3%). Since 2021, the 35 to 44 age cohort has expanded from 11.3% to 13.0% of the population, and the 75 to 84 cohort has grown from 6.6% to 8.0%. On the other hand, the 45 to 54 cohort has shrunk from 12.3% to 10.9%. Demographic models project that Port Lincoln's age structure will change significantly by . The group aged and over is forecast to grow significantly, increasing by people () from to . The combined cohorts aged and over are expected to represent of total population growth, illustrating the aging profile of the area. Conversely, the cohorts aged to and to are projected to experience population decreases.

Detail

Port Lincoln currently has an estimated 839 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 497 children aged 0-2 and 332 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 2% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 7% by 2041 (to approximately 896 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,466. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 10.7 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.