Port Macquarie - South

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

Port Macquarie - South's population, as of Feb 2026, is approximately 17,776. This figure represents an increase of 492 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 17,284. The growth from June 2024 to Feb 2026 is inferred from the estimated resident population of 17,460 and an additional 122 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 508 persons per square kilometer. Interstate migration contributed approximately 54.1% 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 by this data, AreaSearch uses NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on demographic trends and latest annual ERP population numbers, Port Macquarie - South is expected to increase by approximately 1,468 persons by 2041, reflecting a gain of around 6.5% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Port Macquarie - South, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Port Macquarie - South has seen approximately 39 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 198 homes. As of FY26, 16 approvals have been recorded. On average, one new resident arrives per year for each new home approved between FY21 and FY25, indicating balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. The average construction value of these properties is $355,000.

This financial year has seen $2.4 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to the rest of NSW, Port Macquarie - South has significantly less development activity, 71.0% below the regional average per person, which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This lower-than-average national activity suggests maturity and possible planning constraints in the area. Recent construction consists of 78.0% detached houses and 22.0% medium to high-density housing, preserving its low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 758 people.

By 2041, Port Macquarie - South is forecasted to gain 1,152 residents, with current development appearing well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Port Macquarie - South has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 24thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 15 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Ocean Estate Port Macquarie, Port Macquarie Base Hospital Mechanical and Clinical Infrastructure Upgrade, Port Macquarie Aquatic Facility, 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.

AreaSearch analysis places Port Macquarie - South well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Port Macquarie - South has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 2.2%. Employment stability over the past year is relative.

There are 8,192 residents in work while the unemployment rate is 1.7% below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard at 57.8%. According to Census responses, 15.8% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. The area has a particularly notable concentration in health care & social assistance, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.4% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 5.3%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, labour force increased by 0.2% while employment declined by 0.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced employment decline of 0.5% and labour force decline of 0.1%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insight into potential future demand within Port Macquarie - South. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Port Macquarie - South's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.5% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Port Macquarie - South SA2 had lower than average national incomes according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Its median taxpayer income was $49,519 and average income stood at $62,880. Comparatively, Rest of NSW's figures were $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $53,906 (median) and $68,451 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86%. Incomes in Port Macquarie - South ranked modestly according to 2021 Census figures, between the 26th and 27th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. Income brackets showed that 28.2% (5,012 individuals) earned within $1,500-$2,999 range, consistent with surrounding region's 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 84.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 27th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 5th decile.

Port Macquarie - South is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Port Macquarie - South, as per the latest Census, comprised 80.0% houses and 20.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Macquarie - South was at 47.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.2% and rented ones at 22.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,814, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $420, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Port Macquarie - South's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher than the national figure of $375.

Port Macquarie - South has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 71.1% of all households, consisting of 26.2% couples with children, 33.8% couples without children, and 10.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 28.9%, with lone person households at 26.3% and group households comprising 2.6%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of NSW.

The educational profile of Port Macquarie - South exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Port Macquarie's educational qualifications lag behind NSW state averages. Among residents aged 15+, 23.4% hold university degrees compared to the state average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 16.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are held by 39.6% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas accounting for 12.0% and certificates for 27.6%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.4% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 3.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Port Macquarie - South has 148 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are serviced by 91 individual routes that collectively provide 1,461 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 180 meters from the nearest transport stop. Most residents commute outward due to the area being primarily residential. Cars remain the dominant mode of transportation at 96%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, some 15.8% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 208 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 9 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

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

Port Macquarie's southern region faces notable health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are significant, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~8,959 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.7%) and mental health issues (9.1%). A higher proportion of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments at 61.1%, compared to 63.3% in Rest of NSW. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has a higher percentage of residents aged 65 and over, at 27.6% (4,915 people), compared to the Rest of NSW's 23.4%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Port Macquarie - South is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Port Macquarie-South had a cultural diversity below average, with 85.7% of its population born in Australia, 93.2% being citizens, and 95.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 60.2% of people, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (33.3%), Australian (29.1%), and Irish (10.3%).

Notably, Scottish representation was higher at 8.5%, Welsh at 0.6%, and Dutch at 1.4%, compared to regional averages of 8.0%, 0.5%, and 1.0% respectively.

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

Port Macquarie - South's median age is 48 years, which is older than Rest of NSW's median age of 43 and significantly higher than Australia's median age of 38. The age profile shows that the 75-84 year-olds make up 10.7% of the population, while the 25-34 group comprises 8.5%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 10.6% to 12.2%, and the 15 to 24 cohort has risen from 9.5% to 10.7%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has decreased from 13.7% to 12.2%, and the 55 to 64 group has dropped from 13.1% to 12.1%. Demographic modeling suggests that Port Macquarie - South's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 35 to 44 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, with an increase of 561 people (26%), from 2,174 to 2,736. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 75 to 84 cohorts.