Chart Color Schemes
This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
Sales Activity
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Sales Detail
What it costs to rent in Port Macquarie - East
Median weekly rents, year-on-year movement and bond-lodgement activity for Port Macquarie - East (2444). Sourced from the NSW Rental Bond Board, DCJ Family & Community Services.
Median rent
$592
per week · Q4 2025
YoY change
▲+13.2%
vs same quarter last year
Active bonds
≈5,472
est. · currently held
New bonds
≈486
est. · this quarter
Latest Quarter Breakdown · Q4 2025
| Dwelling | Bedrooms | Median $/wk | Active bonds | New bonds (Qtr) | YoY | Quality |
|---|
SOURCE: NSW Rental Bond Board (DCJ Family & Community Services), processed by AreaSearch. Imputed values are flagged. Latest publication:
Population
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, as per AreaSearch's analysis, is approximately 11,912 as of May 2026. This figure represents a rise of 148 individuals (1.3%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 11,764 people. The increase is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 11,908 in June 2025 and an additional 167 validated new addresses post-Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,680 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration accounted for roughly 80.4% of overall population growth during recent periods.
For projections, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia's data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. Where data is unavailable, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, the area is expected to grow by approximately 1,034 persons by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 8.7% over the 16-year period.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
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 has seen approximately 39 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 197 homes. As of FY26, 10 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.3 people moved to the area per dwelling built each year between FY21 and FY25, indicating supply meeting or exceeding demand. The average construction value of new properties was $437,000.
Commercial development activity has been minimal this financial year, with $2.0 million in approvals recorded. Compared to Rest of NSW, Port Macquarie - East has lower building activity, at 58.0% below the regional average per person. Recent construction comprises 38.0% detached dwellings and 62.0% attached dwellings, differing from existing housing patterns which are currently 55.0% houses. The area has approximately 398 people per dwelling approval. Future projections estimate an addition of 1,030 residents by 2041 in Port Macquarie - East. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.
Future projections show Port Macquarie - East adding 1,030 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Present construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Port Macquarie - East
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
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 impacting the area. Key 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.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Port Macquarie Aquatic Facility
The Port Macquarie Aquatic Facility (PMAF) is a planned regional sports hub intended to replace the ageing Port Macquarie War Memorial Olympic Pool. As of May 2026, the project remains the Council's highest priority recreational infrastructure project with full development consent from the Northern Regional Planning Panel. Stage 1 features a 10-lane 50m outdoor pool, a 25m pool with a transparent roof, a 20m indoor program pool with a moveable floor, a gym, and 128 parking spaces. Stage 2 includes a splash pad, water slides, and further gym and parking expansions. While construction was initially targeted for 2026, the project is currently in a funding-dependent holding phase following a declined federal grant in 2025. Council continues to actively advocate for State and Federal funding to commence works.
Port Macquarie Base Hospital Mechanical and Clinical Infrastructure Upgrade
The NSW Government is investing $265 million to upgrade Port Macquarie Base Hospital. The project is in master planning and concept design and will deliver a new four-storey inpatient unit building, an expanded and refurbished Emergency Department, new maternity and neonatal units, link bridges, a landscaped courtyard and essential mechanical system upgrades across existing hospital buildings. Survey works have been undertaken to support planning, with community feedback invited on the proposed designs.
Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy
Comprehensive NSW state planning reforms designed to increase housing density in well-located areas. The policy mandates mid-rise apartment buildings (3-6 storeys) and low-rise multi-dwelling housing (terraces, townhouses, and dual occupancies) within 800m of 171 high-frequency transport hubs and town centres. As of May 2026, the policy is fully operational following the phased rollout of dual occupancy provisions in July 2024 and mid-rise apartment provisions in early 2025. Recent updates include refined floor space ratios (FSR) and non-refusal standards to streamline local council assessments.
Salt Town Beach
A masterpiece in contemporary design, its gentle curves harmonising with the adjacent rolling surf. Recognising the significance of the 'SALT' project, multi award-winning developers Harbourland harnessed the acclaimed skills of architects King + Campbell to create a centre of residential excellence with 15 luxury three-bedroom + study apartments offering uninterrupted coastal views.
Tara Port Macquarie
Tara delivers exceptional luxury, comfort and craftsmanship to the dramatic coastal landscape of Port Macquarie's cosmopolitan Town Beach precinct. Just footsteps from the surf, this architecturally designed boutique building encompasses a collection of 24 wonderfully generous, beautifully appointed two and three-bedroom apartments inspired by the natural elements of their surroundings.
Akoya Apartments
Modern apartment development featuring luxury residential units with ocean views and premium amenities. From acclaimed developer Bloc, this grand landmark of forty premium two and three-bedroom apartments is purpose-designed to embrace a magnificent panorama of nearby harbour foreshores and far northern waterways.
Ocean Drive Duplication
The Ocean Drive Duplication project involved the transformation of a 3.4km stretch of Ocean Drive from two lanes into a four-lane divided carriageway between Greenmeadows Drive and Matthew Flinders Drive. This $123 million infrastructure upgrade aimed to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety for the rapidly growing Port Macquarie-Hastings region. Key features included the upgrade of five intersections (three converted to signals), new shared user paths, on-road cycle lanes, and specialized environmental protections such as koala exclusion fencing and dedicated fauna underpasses. The project also integrated five kilometers of upgraded water and wastewater pipeline infrastructure.
Port Macquarie Southern Breakwall Repair
Critical repair work to 600 metres of the southern breakwall along the river section, maintenance of the breakwall head, installation of a new five-metre-wide footpath with improved disability access, safety features, lighting, seating, viewing platforms, and landscaping with over 6000 plants and 43 mature trees. Project has obtained approval to proceed but is facing ongoing delays due to site access issues.
Employment
The employment environment in Port Macquarie - East shows above-average strength when compared nationally
Port Macquarie - East has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 3.0%. As of December 2025, 6,242 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.9% lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.
Workforce participation stands at 64.2%, slightly higher than Regional NSW's 60.5%. 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 Regional NSW's 5.3%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between December 2024 and January 2025, labour force decreased by 1.3%, employment by 1.5%, resulting in a 0.2 percentage point unemployment rate rise. In contrast, Regional NSW experienced a 1.2% employment decline and 0.8% labour force decline with a 0.4 percentage point unemployment rate increase. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts 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 suggests local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.7% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment
AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows Port Macquarie - East SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $49,519 and an average income of $62,880. These figures are below the national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively for Regional NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $54,629 (median) and $69,369 (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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
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 evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 54.6% houses and 45.4% other dwellings. In Regional NSW, this was 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Macquarie - East was 34.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.9% and rented dwellings at 41.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,753, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733. Median weekly rent in Port Macquarie - East was $350, against Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Port Macquarie - East's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,753 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less at $350 than the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
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 constitute 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 Regional NSW average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
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 significantly higher than broader benchmarks. As of 2016, 28.8% of residents aged 15 years and over held university qualifications, compared to 16.9% in the SA4 region and 19.8% in the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees were most common at 19.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.9%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials were also prominent, with 37.2% of residents aged 15 years and over holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas accounted for 11.8% and certificates for 25.4%.
Educational participation was notably high, with 27.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of 2016. This included 9.1% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 5.0% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
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. These stops are served by 100 individual bus routes, collectively providing 1,310 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 147 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to the area's primarily residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 92%, with 4% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, below the regional average.
According to the 2021 Census, some 15.7% of residents work from home, which 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 map accompanying the analysis shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
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 low across both young and old age cohorts.
Private health cover was found to be relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~6,003 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area were mental health issues (9.6%) and arthritis (9.4%), while 64.7% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age residents showed above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. As of June 20XX, the area had 25.1% of residents aged 65 and over (2,992 people), higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors were above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
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 below average cultural diversity, with 84.7% of its population born in Australia, 90.2% being citizens, and 94.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 51.4% of people in Port Macquarie-East, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.2%), Australian (28.0%), and Irish (10.8%).
Notably, Scottish representation was higher at 8.8%, French at 0.6%, and Australian Aboriginal lower at 3.0%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Port Macquarie - East hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide
The median age of Port Macquarie - East is 46, which is slightly higher than Regional NSW's figure of 43 and significantly higher than the national average of 38. The 45-54 age group has strong representation at 13.0%, compared to Regional NSW, while the 15-24 cohort is less prevalent at 10.4%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 25 to 34 age group grew from 9.8% to 11.5% of the population, and the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 7.2% to 8.5%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 15.1% to 13.1%. By 2041, Port Macquarie - East is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition, with the 25 to 34 group growing by 26% (354 people), reaching 1,728 from 1,373. Meanwhile, the 15-24 and 65-74 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.