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Port Augusta

SA 5700 • Rest of SA

6,437
Population (2021)
$56,784
Median Household Income
20.27 km²
Area
$194/wk
Median Rent
AffordableMulticulturalOutbackHistoricRegional Hub

About Port Augusta

Port Augusta is a regional city situated at the head of Spencer Gulf, approximately 300 kilometres north of Adelaide within the Port Augusta City Council area. With a population of 6,437, the city is home to a notably diverse community including a significant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population representing more than 22 per cent of residents. The median age of 39 and a median weekly household income of $1,092 reflect a broad demographic mix, and the affordable median rent of $194 per week makes it one of South Australia's most accessible regional centres.

Often called the "Crossroads of Australia", Port Augusta sits at the junction of major highways and rail lines connecting Adelaide to Darwin, Perth, and Sydney, giving it an outsized importance as a service and logistics hub for outback South Australia. The city offers Coles and Woolworths supermarkets, public and private schools, hospital facilities, and government services for a wide surrounding region. Its position at the gateway to the Flinders Ranges and the Eyre Peninsula makes it a popular base for outback travellers and workers in regional industries, while local parks and the waterfront foreshore provide recreational spaces for residents.

Port Augusta falls under postcode 5700 and is governed by Port Augusta Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Giles electorate.

📰 Featured In

📰 South Australia Suburbs with the Most Housing Commission

📍 Location

State
South Australia
Postcode
5700
Urban Area
Port Augusta - Central
LGA / Council
Port Augusta
Federal Electorate
Grey
State Electorate
Giles
Type
Urban
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-32.50°, 137.79°
Statistical Area
Rest of SA
Area
20.27 km²
Elevation
5m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$194
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$979
Avg Household Size
2.2 people
Median Age
39 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
13.5%

316 state housing + 36 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited regional services — Nearest regional centre Varies

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
300 km
By Train
No train service
By Car (Peak)
240-300 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
210-255 min

🛣️ Car essential; limited or no public transport in this rural area

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

This rural locality has no walkable retail or services; a car is essential for all daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    Cnr Jervois Street & Marryatt Street Port Augusta 5700 SA
  • Woolworths
    25 Tassie Street Port Augusta 5700 SA

🎓 Schools

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
6,562
Census 2021
6,437
▼ 1.9% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$28,392
Personal Income 2021
$33,020
▲ 16.3% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$33,020 / yr
$635/wk
Household
$56,784 / yr
$1092/wk
Family
$75,608 / yr
$1454/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 5,212
Born Overseas 664

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 118
  • 2. India 95
  • 3. Germany 32
  • 4. New Zealand 32
  • 5. Vietnam 28
  • 6. Philippines 27
  • 7. Italy 23
  • 8. China 22
  • 9. Netherlands 17
  • 10. Nepal 14

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 2,458
English 2,061
Australian Aboriginal 1,366
Irish 527
German 432
Scottish 402
Italian 148
Dutch 66
Indian 56
Chinese 49

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

4,575
Both parents born in Australia
824
Both parents born overseas
459
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
50.9%
Christianity
35.7%
Hinduism
0.9%
Sikhism
0.7%
Buddhism
0.6%
Islam
0.4%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
388 (6.0%)
5-14 years
789 (12.3%)
15-19 years
374 (5.8%)
20-24 years
388 (6.0%)
25-34 years
944 (14.7%)
35-44 years
718 (11.2%)
45-54 years
770 (12.0%)
55-64 years
857 (13.3%)
65-74 years
630 (9.8%)
75-84 years
439 (6.8%)
85+ years
153 (2.4%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Port Augusta known for? +

Port Augusta is a regional city situated at the head of Spencer Gulf, approximately 300 kilometres north of Adelaide within the Port Augusta City Council area. Often called the "Crossroads of Australia", Port Augusta sits at the junction of major highways and rail lines connecting Adelaide to Darwin, Perth, and Sydney, giving it an outsized importance as a service and logistics hub for outback Sou

How far is Port Augusta from Adelaide CBD? +

Port Augusta is approximately 300 kilometres from Adelaide CBD, with a typical drive taking around 360-540 minutes depending on traffic and route taken.

Does Port Augusta have public transport? +

Port Augusta has limited public transport options. The area is best accessed by private vehicle, with connections to larger regional centres for broader services.

What is the population of Port Augusta? +

According to the 2021 Census, Port Augusta has a population of approximately 6,437 residents, reflecting a well-established community. The suburb falls within the Port Augusta (City) local government area.

Is Port Augusta a good place to live? +

Port Augusta is a diverse and vibrant suburb with a strong multicultural identity, local dining scene, and community spirit. It suits those who appreciate cultural diversity and an accessible suburban lifestyle.

What is the postcode for Port Augusta? +

The postcode for Port Augusta, SA is 5700. This postcode covers Port Augusta and may also serve nearby localities within the same postcode zone.

What is the average income in Port Augusta? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Port Augusta is about $635 per week (around $33,000 per year). The median household income is $1,092 per week and the median family income is $1,454 per week.

What is the age profile of Port Augusta? +

The median age in Port Augusta is 39. The largest age group is 25–34 (944 residents, around 15%). Around 24% of residents are under 20 and about 19% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in Port Augusta? +

In Port Augusta, the median weekly rent is $194, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $979 (2021 Census).