Port Macquarie - East

An assessment of population growth drivers in Port Macquarie - East reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Port Macquarie - East's population is around 11,943 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 179 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,764. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,812 in June 2024 and an additional 161 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,684 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 73.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the area is expected to increase by 1,207 persons based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 9.0% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Port Macquarie - East according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Port Macquarie - East averaged approximately 39 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 197 homes. As of FY26, 8 approvals have been recorded. The average number of new residents per year arriving per new home in this period was 0.3. This indicates that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and allowing for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average construction value of these properties was $437,000, which is moderately above regional levels, suggesting an emphasis on quality construction. In FY26, $2.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating minimal commercial development activity compared to residential development. Relative to the rest of NSW, Port Macquarie - East records significantly lower building activity, with 58.0% fewer approvals per person than the regional average. This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Recent construction in Port Macquarie - East comprises 38.0% detached dwellings and 62.0% attached dwellings, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 55.0% houses. This skew towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. The location has approximately 398 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area.

Future projections estimate that Port Macquarie - East will add 1,076 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Port Macquarie - East has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 23rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects likely to impact the area. Major projects include Ocean Estate Port Macquarie, Port Macquarie Aquatic Facility, Hastings Residences Port Macquarie, and Port Macquarie Southern Breakwall Repair. The following list details those most relevant:.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

The labour market in Port Macquarie - East demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Port Macquarie - East has a highly educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 3.2%. Employment stability has been relatively consistent over the past year.

As of September 2025, 6,319 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.7% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation stands at 65.9%, slightly higher than Rest of NSW's 61.5%. According to Census responses, 15.7% of residents work from home. Key industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and accommodation & food.

The area specializes in health care & social assistance with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 0.7% compared to Rest of NSW's 5.3%. While local opportunities exist, many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the 12-month period ending September 2025, labour force remained unchanged while employment decreased by 0.4%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Port Macquarie - East's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.7% over ten years, although this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Port Macquarie - East SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $49,519 and an average income of $62,880. This is lower than the national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 for Rest of NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $53,906 (median) and $68,451 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Port Macquarie - East rank modestly, between the 28th and 40th percentiles. Income distribution data shows 28.3% of the population falls within the $1,500-$2,999 range, similar to regional levels at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.5% of income remaining, ranking at the 26th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Port Macquarie - East displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Port Macquarie - East, as per the latest Census, consisted of 54.6% houses and 45.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Macquarie - East stood at 34.1%, with the rest either mortgaged (24.9%) or rented (41.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,753, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Port Macquarie - East was $350, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, mortgage repayments were lower at $1,863 and rents were less at $375.

Port Macquarie - East features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 62.2% of all households, including 21.6% couples with children, 28.8% couples without children, and 11.1% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 37.8%, with lone person households at 33.9% and group households at 3.9%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

Educational attainment in Port Macquarie - East aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Port Macquarie - East has a higher percentage of residents aged 15 and above with university qualifications than the broader SA4 region and SA3 area. Specifically, 28.8% of its residents have university qualifications, compared to 16.9% in the SA4 region and 19.8% in the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees are most common at 19.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.9%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 37.2% of residents aged 15 and above holding them.

Advanced diplomas account for 11.8% and certificates for 25.4%. Educational participation is high, with 27.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.1% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 5.0% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Port Macquarie - East has 114 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 100 individual routes that collectively facilitate 1,310 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 147 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Cars remain the dominant mode of transportation, used by 92% of residents, while walking accounts for 4%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling in the area, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, some 15.7% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 187 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 11 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Port Macquarie - East's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Port Macquarie - East. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were assessed by AreaSearch, revealing low prevalence of common health conditions across both young and old age cohorts.

Approximately 50% (~6,019 people) of the total population had private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues impacted 9.6% of residents, while arthritis affected 9.4%. A total of 64.7% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, slightly higher than the Rest of NSW's figure of 63.3%. Working-age residents showed above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 23.9% (2,853 people) of residents aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Port Macquarie - East ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Port Macquarie - East had a low cultural diversity, with 84.7% of its residents born in Australia, 90.2% being citizens, and 94.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 51.4% of the population, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.2%), Australian (28.0%), and Irish (10.8%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry was higher at 8.8%, French at 0.6%, and Australian Aboriginal at 3.0%.

Port Macquarie - East hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Port Macquarie - East has a median age of 46, which is higher than the Rest of NSW figure of 43 and significantly higher than the national norm of 38. The 45-54 age group makes up 13.6% of the population compared to Rest of NSW, while the 15-24 cohort is less prevalent at 10.4%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 9.8% to 11.7% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 15.1% to 13.2%. By 2041, Port Macquarie - East is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 25 to 34 group is projected to grow by 33%, reaching 1,858 people from the current 1,400. Meanwhile, both the 15-24 and 65-74 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.