Median house price
—
No data available
SA · Grant Council
Port Macdonnell, 5291
Est. population · Jun 2025
813
Growth (1 yr)
+0.7%
Growth (5 yr)
+4.2%
Median age
53
Median income
$1,288/wk
Employment rate
51.5%
Languages at home
0.6%non-English
Mostly English at home
2021 Census · usual residence
Desirability score
- National parks
- Heritage area
- Green suburb
- High desirability
Suburb profile
Port Macdonnell is a quieter smaller community in Grant Council, where peace, space and a country-town pace still dominate. An older demographic makes it especially popular with retirees, with families and grandchildren still a visible part of community life. Everyday life leans local, with a handful of trusted shops, a familiar main street and neighbours who know your name.
Green space punches above what many regional towns offer, with parks and playgrounds woven through the suburb. Day-to-day life is more car-oriented here than in denser, more walkable pockets. Purchase and rent costs sit on the more affordable side of the local range.
Crime reports are up on the previous period. Renewal is happening in measured doses, with new development complementing what is already there.
Desirability sits below average overall, with local dining and lifestyle amenities the main drag compared with similar regional towns. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.
At a glance
Port Macdonnell snapshot
A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk
Median rent
$400/wk
Population (ERP)
813
+0.7% annual growth
Dwelling vacancy
39.4%
Census unoccupied dwellings
Livability profile
Desirability pillars vs the peer median (50th percentile)
How it compares
Relative standing using percentiles, ranks, and national deciles
Desirability
#131
among Country & regional · Mature
Safety
41st
percentile in state (higher = safer)
Pop. growth
63rd
percentile in SA
Advantage (IRSAD)
3/10
national SEIFA decile
Population growth
Recent ERP change over 1 and 5 years
Housing mix
Dwelling types from the 2021 Census
Risks & flags
Quick scan — open a section below for full context
Living here
Desirability
Ranks & confidence
- Desirability score
- 24.4/100 — Below average
- National rank
- 6362nd in Australia
- State rank
- 636th in SA
- Peer rank
- #131 among Country & regional · Mature suburbs
- Cohort rank
- #221 among Country & regional suburbs
- Data confidence
- 62%
Data sources & freshness
- Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
Housing
- Houses (01/01/26 to 31/03/26)
- $400
Median weekly rent from SA Housing Authority rental bond data. Figures can be unreliable where few bonds were lodged in the quarter.
Median house sale prices cover metropolitan Adelaide and selected fringe councils (19 LGAs, including Adelaide Hills and Gawler), not all of regional South Australia.
Contributes to desirability score · Housing (15%) · Future Growth (7%)
Median price, rental yield and vacancy Recent price momentum
Data sources & freshness
- SA rent report & metro median house sales — Government of South Australia · 1 January - 31 March 2026 · Updated · Quarterly; metro-fringe sales only
Population
Estimated resident population
813(June 2025)
+0.7% annual · +4.2% over 5 years · 63th percentile in SA
Growth figures & methodology
- Annual growth
- +0.7%
- 5-year growth
- +4.2%
- Change in 1 year
- +6
- Change in 5 years
- +33
- Growth rank in SA
- 63th percentile
ABS Estimated Resident Population allocated to this suburb from SA2-level data. Not an official ABS suburb count.
Methodology
Figures are allocated from ABS Estimated Resident Population at Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2), using 2021 Census share within overlapping SA2 regions. Where Census data is unavailable, area overlap is used instead.
The dashed chart line is a simple growth-trend estimate to June 2030 (~850), extrapolated at +1.3% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.
2021 Census figures
2021 Census
- Population
- 859
- Median age
- 53
- Median household income / week
- $1,288
- Dwelling vacancy
- 39.4%
- Unoccupied private dwellings
- 224 of 569
- Median monthly mortgage
- $1,300
- Employment rate
- 51.5%
- Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
- 338 / 11 / 4
Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)
Employment, household income and age diversity (2021 Census)
Data sources & freshness
- 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.
- Estimated Resident Population — Australian Bureau of Statistics · 2025 · Updated · SA2 ERP allocated to suburb boundaries
Community & culture
No 2021 Census cultural diversity data for this suburb yet.
Data sources & freshness
- 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.
Crime & safety
Reported offences increased compared with the previous period.
Offence counts & rates
- Total offences (2024–25)
- 22
- Against the person
- 4
- Against property
- 18
- Rate per 1,000 residents
- 27.1
- Person-crime prevalence
- About 1 in 215 residents
- State safety percentile
- 41.3th (lower crime is better)
- Family & domestic abuse offences
- 42
- Increase (daily rate)
- +83.8%
Most common offence types
- Other Property Damage And Environmental4
- Other Theft6
- Other Unlawful Entry With Intent2
- Serious Assault Not Resulting In Injury4
- Theft From Motor Vehicle3
Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)
Crime rate and year-on-year trend
Data sources & freshness
- SAPOL reported crime statistics — South Australia Police — OpenData · 2023-24 → 2024-25; 2024-25 · Updated · Financial-year releases
Family & Lifestyle
Amenities
6 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km
1 playgrounds · 1 sports centres
Local character & venue list
Local character
- Limited walkable amenities nearby
- Great for outdoor family life — 3 parks mapped in suburb, 1 playgrounds nearby
- Walkability proxy
- 0/100
- Cafés per 1,000 residents
- 0
- Food & drink per 1,000 residents
- 0
- Parks per 1,000 residents
- 3.49
Sport & outdoors(5)
- Port Macdonnell Golf CourseGolf course
- Park
- Playground
- Community GymSports centre
- Sports field
Other(1)
- Public toilets
Names and addresses from OpenStreetMap. Unnamed venues show as their type (e.g. Cafe). Transport stops are summarised by type rather than listed individually.
Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)
Food, shopping, recreation and sport (OpenStreetMap)
Data sources & freshness
- Local amenity insights — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
- OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated
Parks & reserves
1 parks and public open space in this suburb
- Dingley Dell Conservation Park
Data sources & freshness
- National parks & reserves (SA) — Department for Environment and Water (SA) · current · Updated
Green cover
- Parks & woodland (OSM)
- 3
- Parks (OSM)
- 3
OpenStreetMap parks and natural woodland features mapped within the suburb boundary.
Contributes to desirability score · Environment (10%)
Parks and green cover (OpenStreetMap)
Data sources & freshness
- OpenStreetMap green cover — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated
Health access
- Nearest hospital
- Mount Gambier and Districts Health Service (27.0 km)
- Nearest hospital type
- Public Hospital
- Nearest hospital emergency
- Emergency department
Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)
Hospitals and GP clinics
Data sources & freshness
- Hospitals & GP Plus clinics (SA) — SA Health · current · Updated
NDIS participation
- NDIS participants (31 March 2026)
- 14
- Participants per 1,000 residents
- 17.2
Active NDIS participants allocated from NDIA Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2, ASGS 2016) counts to this suburb boundary. Not an official suburb-level NDIS figure · as at 31 March 2026.
For NDIS spend and service-demand exploration by SA2 or postcode, see the Care Sector Demand Map.
Data sources & freshness
- NDIS participants by SA2 — National Disability Insurance Agency · 2026-Q1 · Updated · Quarterly SA2 counts allocated to suburb boundaries
Weather
Typical conditions by season for suburbs in the same ~44 km climate area. Rainfall totals are summed from monthly WorldClim layers; rainy-day counts are approximate.
Summer (Dec–Feb)
- Usual max / min
- 22° / 12°
- Rainfall
- 103 mm · ~13 rainy days
Autumn (Mar–May)
- Usual max / min
- 19° / 10°
- Rainfall
- 186 mm · ~23 rainy days
Winter (Jun–Aug)
- Usual max / min
- 14° / 7°
- Rainfall
- 325 mm · ~41 rainy days
Spring (Sep–Nov)
- Usual max / min
- 17° / 9°
- Rainfall
- 210 mm · ~26 rainy days
Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)
Temperature and humidity comfort
Data sources & freshness
- Seasonal climate normals — WorldClim 2.1 · Updated
Future & Planning
Planning & development
Development applications from PlanSA register and EPA licensed activities.
2026· 26 proposals
August 2026
- Use and development of tourist accommodation.41 MILSTEAD ST PORT MACDONNELL SA 5291Under Assessment
July 2026
- Detached Dwelling30 NAUTILUS DR PORT MACDONNELL SA 5291Under Assessment
- Detached Dwelling and Outbuilding28 NAUTILUS DR PORT MACDONNELL SA 5291Under Assessment
- Outbuilding3 -5 ADMELLA ST PORT MACDONNELL SA 5291Under Assessment
June 2026
- Detached Dwelling11 NAUTILUS DR PORT MACDONNELL SA 5291Under Assessment
- Two-Storey Detached Dwelling and Outbuilding with mezzanineLOT 33 EIGHT MILE CREEK RD PORT MACDONNELL SA 5291Under Assessment
- Dwelling alterations with upper level balconies, deck and external stairs1 SEA PDE PORT MACDONNELL SA 5291Under Assessment
- Outbuilding (Garage) and Carport26 SEA PDE PORT MACDONNELL SA 5291Under Assessment
May 2026
- Outbuilding (Shelter) over existing Fish Cleaning Tables12 BOAT RAMP ACCS PORT MACDONNELL SA 5291Decision Made
April 2026
- Detached DwellingLOT 15 LITHGOWS RD PORT MACDONNELL SA 5291Under Assessment
- Outbuilding (Garage/Carport)27 COMPTON ST PORT MACDONNELL SA 5291Decision Made
- Carport434 EIGHT MILE CREEK RD PORT MACDONNELL SA 5291Decision Made
- Carport extension23 CHURCH ST PORT MACDONNELL SA 5291Decision Made
- Land Division (1 into 2) to excise an existing dwelling102 YOUNGS RD PORT MACDONNELL SA 5291Decision Made
- Land Division - Boundary Realignment37 MILSTEAD ST PORT MACDONNELL SA 5291;50 SEA PDE PORT MACDONNELL SA 5291Decision Made
March 2026
- Land Division - Boundary Realignment60 DINGLEY DELL RD PORT MACDONNELL SA 5291;68 DINGLEY DELL RD PORT MACDONNELL SA 5291Decision Made
- Outbuilding with amenities7 SMITHS RD PORT MACDONNELL SA 5291Decision Made
- Dwelling Addition6 -8 COWRIE CT PORT MACDONNELL SA 5291Decision Made
- Factory Extensions - new Kitchen, Staff Room and Chiller8 ELIZABETH ST PORT MACDONNELL SA 5291Decision Made
- Detached Dwelling and Outbuilding23 NAUTILUS DR PORT MACDONNELL SA 5291Under Assessment
- Detached Dwelling, Carport and Outbuilding with amenities5 NAUTILUS DR PORT MACDONNELL SA 5291Under Assessment
February 2026
- Retaining wall up to 2m high (retrospective)19 -21 SMITHS RD PORT MACDONNELL SA 5291Decision Made
- Replacement Building for storage of Boat20 COMPTON ST PORT MACDONNELL SA 5291Decision Made
January 2026
- Land Division (1 into 3)2 PASCOE RD PORT MACDONNELL SA 5291Decision Made
- In-ground Swimming Pool (Retrospective Approval)12 COMPTON ST PORT MACDONNELL SA 5291Decision Made
- Land division (boundary realignment)27 SEA PDE PORT MACDONNELL SA 5291;53 PASCOE RD PORT MACDONNELL SA 5291Decision Made
2025· 17 proposals
December 2025
- Land division (boundary realignment)43 -45 PASCOE RD PORT MACDONNELL SA 5291;47 PASCOE RD PORT MACDONNELL SA 5291Decision Made
- New shed building (142sqm) to be used as a pilates studio (indoor recreation facility)133 LOWER NELSON RD PORT MACDONNELL SA 5291Decision Made
November 2025
- Replacement building of existing shed (to be demolished) due to storm damage139 LIGHTHOUSE RD PORT MACDONNELL SA 5291Decision Made
- Outbuilding with amenities19 -21 SMITHS RD PORT MACDONNELL SA 5291Decision Made
- Outbuilding42 COMPTON ST PORT MACDONNELL SA 5291Decision Made
- Adding a small verandah to the back of the dwelling (13.2m2)2 COWRIE CT PORT MACDONNELL SA 5291Decision Made
October 2025
- Outbuilding91 SEA PDE PORT MACDONNELL SA 5291Decision Made
- Dwelling additions45 SEA PDE PORT MACDONNELL SA 5291Decision Made
- Extension of existing shed for storage of vehicles12 ELIZABETH ST PORT MACDONNELL SA 5291Decision Made
- Land Division - Realignment of boundaries92 SEA PDE PORT MACDONNELL SA 5291;93 SEA PDE PORT MACDONNELL SA 5291Decision Made
September 2025
- Outbuilding Extension114 SMITHS RD PORT MACDONNELL SA 5291Decision Made
August 2025
- Detached Dwelling, Outbuilding with mezzanine for storage and amenities; and Temporary Living within the Outbuilding whilst the dwelling is under constructionLOT 35 EIGHT MILE CREEK RD PORT MACDONNELL SA 5291Decision Made
- Carport attached to existing Outbuilding13 SHELL DR PORT MACDONNELL SA 5291Decision Made
- Outbuilding16 NAUTILUS DR PORT MACDONNELL SA 5291Decision Made
July 2025
- Outbuilding13 NAUTILUS DR PORT MACDONNELL SA 5291Decision Made
June 2025
- Port MacDonnell Memorial Wall Precinct Area Project including a memorial wall, ship wheel monument, shade sails and associated landscaping12 BOAT RAMP ACCS PORT MACDONNELL SA 5291;Tenterden Reserve - Sea ParadeUnder Assessment
- Convert former Holding Cell to Amenities Block, Building Additions and Internal Alterations3 CHARLES ST PORT MACDONNELL SA 5291Decision Made
Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)
Development and planning activity
Data sources & freshness
- PlanSA development applications & EPA licences — Government of South Australia — PlanSA · 2026 · Updated
Heritage
3 heritage places
- 'The Customs House' (former Port MacDonnell Customs House, Courthouse, Telegraph Station and Police Station)3 Charles Street PORT MACDONNELLState heritage
- Cape Northumberland LighthouseLighthouse Road CAPE NORTHUMBERLANDState heritage
- Dingley Dell Museum (former Dwelling of Adam Lindsay Gordon), Dingley Dell Conservation ParkDingley Dell Road PORT MACDONNELLState heritage
Data sources & freshness
- SA Heritage Places database — Department for Environment and Water (SA) · current · Updated
Hazards
- Bushfire planning zone
- Overlay applies
- Bushfire safer places
- 1
Bushfire overlay checked at suburb centroid against all current SA Planning risk layers (high, medium, general, urban interface, regional, outback). Safer places from CFS designated locations.
Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)
Bushfire hazard overlays
Data sources & freshness
- Bushfire & hazard overlays (SA) — Government of South Australia · current · Updated
Politics & representation
- Federal electorate
- Barker
- Member of Parliament
- Tony PASIN (Liberal)
- Results from
- 2025 federal election
- Electorate enrolment (2025)
- 127,045
- Turnout (2025)
- 92.6%
- Swing since 2022 (2025)
- +3.6 pp toward Labor
Two-party preferred (2025)
Coalition 63.0%Labor 37.0%
Estimated suburb voting profile
Estimated from 8 nearby ordinary polling places (up to 24.8 km away).
Coalition 71.6%Labor 28.4%
8.6 percentage points more Coalition-leaning than the electorate
Estimated swing since 2022: -3.0 pp toward Coalition
Nearest polling places
- Port MacDonnellLabor 28.2% · Coalition 71.8% TPP (2025)1.5 km away
- KongorongLabor 21.4% · Coalition 78.6% TPP (2025)19.0 km away
- MoorakLabor 23.9% · Coalition 76.1% TPP (2025)19.8 km away
- YahlLabor 28.6% · Coalition 71.4% TPP (2025)21.3 km away
- Mount GambierLabor 42.3% · Coalition 57.7% TPP (2025)23.7 km away
Federal electorate from AEC federal division boundaries (2025 redistribution). Division-level results are official AEC figures from the latest general election, with by-election updates where applicable. The estimated suburb profile blends up to eight nearest ordinary polling booths in the same electorate using inverse-distance weighting from the suburb centroid — an approximation, not official AEC data. Nearest polling places are shown for reference.
Data sources & freshness
- Federal election results — Australian Electoral Commission · Updated · 2025 election with by-election overlays
Socio-economic
- IRSAD decile (2021)
- 3/10
- IRSD decile (2021)
- 3/10
ABS Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA), 2021 release — the latest available, derived from the 2021 Census. Deciles rank suburbs nationally from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).
What do IRSAD and IRSD measure?
IRSAD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage. Combines indicators of advantage (e.g. high income, skilled occupations) and disadvantage. Higher decile = more advantaged relative to other Australian areas.
IRSD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage. Focuses on disadvantage only (e.g. low income, unemployment, limited education). Higher decile = less disadvantage nationally.
A new SEIFA edition typically follows each census; the ABS has not announced a release date beyond 2021.
Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)
Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile)
Data sources & freshness
- SEIFA 2021 (IRSAD / IRSD) — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
Compare with
Similar suburbs to weigh up side by side — scores, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
More in Grant Council
Other suburbs in the same local government area.
Comparable suburbs
Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of South Australia.