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 was 11,764 as of 2021 Census. As of Nov 2025, it is around 11,928, an increase of 164 people (1.4%). This change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population of 11,823 in June 2024 and additional 161 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is 1,682 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 73.0% of overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, 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, based on latest annual ERP population numbers, Port Macquarie - East is expected to increase by 1,207 persons, reflecting a total increase of 9.2% 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, four approvals have been recorded. The average number of new residents per year arriving for each new home in this period (FY21 to FY25) was 0.3. This indicates that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average construction value of these properties was $580,000, which is moderately higher than 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 the area 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, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. The location has approximately 398 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area with a population density of around 24 residents per hectare.

Future projections estimate that Port Macquarie - East will add 1,091 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Present construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Port Macquarie - East has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 12thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Ocean Estate Port Macquarie, Port Macquarie Aquatic Facility, Hastings Residences Port Macquarie, and Port Macquarie Southern Breakwall Repair, with further details provided for 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 well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.1% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 0.6%.

As of June 2025, 6,382 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 0.5% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation was fairly standard at 59.5%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Leading employment industries among residents included health care & social assistance, education & training, and accommodation & food. Health care & social assistance had notably high concentration with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented at 0.7% of Port Macquarie - East's workforce compared to Rest of NSW's 5.3%. Many residents commuted elsewhere for work based on Census working population data. In the period from June 24 to June 25, employment increased by 0.6%, labour force grew by 0.8%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. Meanwhile, Rest of NSW experienced employment decline of 0.1% and labour force growth of 0.3%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. State-level data from Nov-25 showed NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. This compared favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Port Macquarie - East's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.7% over ten years, though this was a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and did not account for localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The AreaSearch postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Port Macquarie - East SA2 had incomes below the national average. The median income was $46,603 and the average income stood at $61,152. In comparison, Rest of NSW's figures were a median income of $49,459 and an average income of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $52,480 (median) and $68,863 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Port Macquarie - East ranked modestly, between the 28th and 40th percentiles. The predominant income cohort spans 28.3% of locals (3,375 people) with incomes ranging from $1,500 to $2,999. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.5% of income remaining after housing costs, 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

Port Macquarie - East's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, were 54.6% houses and 45.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Non-Metro NSW had 75.9% houses and 24.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Macquarie - East was 34.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.9% and rented ones at 41.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,753, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent was $350, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $375. Nationally, Port Macquarie - East had lower mortgage repayments ($1,753 vs Australia's $1,863) and rents ($350 vs Australia's $375).

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

Family households account for 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 make up the remaining 37.8%, with lone person households at 33.9% and group households comprising 3.9%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

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

Educational attainment in Port Macquarie - East is notably high. As of the latest data, 28.8% of residents aged 15 years and above hold university qualifications, surpassing both the SA4 region (16.9%) and SA3 area (19.8%). Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 19.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.9%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 37.2% of residents aged 15 years and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 11.8%, while certificates make up 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 97 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 100 unique routes that together facilitate 1,285 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 147 meters to the nearest stop.

Across all routes, there is an average service frequency of 183 trips per day, which equates to approximately 13 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Port Macquarie - East is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Port Macquarie - East faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50%, affecting around 5,964 people, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues impact 9.6% of residents, while arthritis affects 9.4%. Around 64.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, higher than the Rest of NSW's rate of 59.9%. As of 2016, 23.9% of residents are aged 65 and over (2,849 people), lower than the Rest of NSW's 28.7%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Port Macquarie - East are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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 showed lower 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%. This figure is lower than the 57.5% recorded 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%, compared to the regional average of 8.3%. French ancestry stood at 0.6% versus the regional 0.4%, and Australian Aboriginal ancestry was recorded at 3.0%, slightly lower than the regional 3.8%.

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 Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and significantly higher than Australia's national norm of 38. The 45-54 age group makes up 13.6% of the population in Port Macquarie - East, 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 significant shifts in its age composition. The 25 to 34 group is projected to grow by 33%, reaching 1,858 people from 1,399. Meanwhile, the 15-24 and 65-74 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.