Port Macquarie - East
Statistical Area - sa2

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, according to AreaSearch's analysis, is approximately 11,913 as of August 2025. This figure represents an increase of 149 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,764. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,821 in June 2024 and an additional 155 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,680 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 73.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth for the area.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on the latest population numbers, the area is expected to increase by 1,207 persons to 2041, with an overall increase of 9.3% over the 17-year period.

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, two approvals have been recorded. The average number of new residents per year arriving per new home in this area was around 0.3 between FY21 and FY25, indicating that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction value of these properties was $580,000, which is moderately above regional levels, suggesting an emphasis on quality construction.

In the current financial year, $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 markedly 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 in the area. Recent construction comprises approximately 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 with future projections showing Port Macquarie - East adding around 1,106 residents by 2041. Present construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Future projections show Port Macquarie - East adding 1,106 residents by 2041. 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 10thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Ocean Estate Port Macquarie, Port Macquarie Aquatic Facility, Akoya Apartments, and Hastings Residences Port Macquarie. 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 well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate was 3.1% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 0.6% over the past year.

At that time, 6,382 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.5% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation stood at 59.5%, slightly higher than Rest of NSW's 56.4%. The leading employment industries among Port Macquarie - East's residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and accommodation & food. Notably, health care & social assistance is particularly concentrated, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, comprising only 0.7% of Port Macquarie - East's workforce compared to Rest of NSW's 5.3%. While local employment opportunities exist, many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the 12 months preceding June 2025, employment increased by 0.6% while labour force grew by 0.8%, resulting in a rise of 0.2 percentage points in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced an employment decline of 0.1% and labour force growth of 0.3%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in May 2025, project 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 growth of approximately 7.2% over five years and 14.7% over ten years. These figures are illustrative extrapolations based on industry-specific projections and do not account for localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows income in Port Macquarie - East is below the national average. The median income is $46,603 and the average income stands at $61,152. This contrasts with Rest of NSW's figures where the median income is $49,459 and the average income is $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 all rank modestly in Port Macquarie - East, between the 28th and 41st percentiles. The predominant income cohort spans 28.3% of locals (3,371 people) in the $1,500 - $2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen in the broader area where 29.9% similarly occupy this range. 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 75.9% houses and 24.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Macquarie - East was at 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 in the area was $350, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $375. Nationally, Port Macquarie - East's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,753 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $350 compared to the national figure of $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

Port Macquarie - East has a higher proportion of residents with university qualifications than both its SA4 region (16.9%) and SA3 area (19.8%), with 28.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications. Bachelor degrees are the 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+ holding them. 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. The five schools in Port Macquarie - East have a combined enrollment of 2,364 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 998) indicating balanced educational opportunities. There are four primary and one secondary school serving distinct age groups, with school capacity exceeding residential needs at 19.8 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 14.2, suggesting the area serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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 different routes that together facilitate 1,285 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from a resident's location to the nearest transport stop is 147 meters, indicating excellent accessibility.

On average, there are 183 trips per day across all routes, which translates to about 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 stands at approximately 50% of the total population (~5,956 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues impact 9.6% of residents, while arthritis affects 9.4%. A total of 64.7% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, higher than the Rest of NSW's 59.9%. The area has 23.9% of residents aged 65 and over (2,846 people), lower than the Rest of NSW's 28.7%. Health outcomes among seniors 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 has a lower cultural diversity, with 84.7% of its population born in Australia, 90.2% being citizens, and 94.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 51.4%, compared to 57.5% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups are English (32.2%), Australian (28.0%), and Irish (10.8%).

Notably, Scottish representation is higher at 8.8% compared to the regional average of 8.3%. French and Australian Aboriginal representations also differ, with 0.6% versus 0.4%, and 3.0% versus 3.8% respectively.

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

Port Macquarie - East has a median age of 46, which is slightly higher than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and significantly higher than the national norm of 38. The 45-54 age group constitutes 13.6% of its population, compared to Rest of NSW, while the 15-24 cohort makes up 10.4%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 9.8% to 11.7% of Port Macquarie - East's population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 15.1% to 13.2%. By 2041, Port Macquarie - East is expected to experience notable shifts in its age composition. The 25 to 34 group is projected to grow by 33%, adding 460 people and reaching a total of 1,858 from the current figure of 1,397. Meanwhile, both the 15-24 and 65-74 cohorts are expected to see population declines.