Port Macquarie - South
Statistical Area - sa2

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 was 17,284 as of the 2021 Census. By Nov 2025, it had increased to around 17,593, reflecting a growth of 309 people (1.8%). This increase is inferred from ABS estimates: Port Macquarie - South's population was 17,461 in June 2024 and there were an additional 120 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density as of Nov 2025 is approximately 502 persons per square kilometer. Interstate migration contributed around 54.1% of overall population gains during recent periods, primarily driving growth in Port Macquarie - South. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, 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. By 2041, Port Macquarie - South's population is expected to increase by 1,468 persons, a gain of approximately 7.6% over the 17-year period.

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

Port Macquarie - South has seen approximately 39 new homes approved each year over the past five financial years, totalling 198 homes. As of FY26, 10 approvals have been recorded. On average, one new resident arrives per new home annually between FY21 and FY25, indicating balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. The average construction value for these properties is $355,000.

In FY26, $2.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded. Compared to the rest of NSW, Port Macquarie - South has significantly less development activity, which is 71.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, this activity is also below average, suggesting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 78.0% detached houses and 22.0% medium to high-density housing, preserving the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 758 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. By 2041, Port Macquarie - South is forecasted to gain 1,335 residents. Development is keeping pace with projected growth, though increasing competition among buyers may arise as the population expands.

Port Macquarie - South has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Ocean Estate Port Macquarie, Port Macquarie Base Hospital Redevelopment Stage 2, Ocean Drive Duplication, and Port Macquarie Aquatic Facility. 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 June 2025, its unemployment rate is 2.1%, with an estimated employment growth of 0.8% over the past year.

In this period, 8,225 residents are in work. The unemployment rate is 1.5% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation is somewhat below standard at 52.8%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Leading employment industries among residents include 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. In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.4% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 5.3%. Analysis over a 12-month period shows employment increasing by 0.8% alongside labour force increasing by 0.9%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. This contrasts with Rest of NSW, which experienced an employment decline of 0.1% and labour force growth of 0.3%, along with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 offer insight into potential future demand within Port Macquarie - South. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Port Macquarie - South's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 7.1% over five years and 14.5% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Port Macquarie - South had lower income levels than the national average, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest ATO data for financial year 2022. Its median income among taxpayers was $46,603 and average income stood at $61,152, compared to Rest of NSW's $49,459 and $62,998 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% from financial year 2022 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $52,480 (median) and $68,863 (average). The 2021 Census figures showed household, family, and personal incomes ranked modestly in Port Macquarie - South, between the 27th and 27th percentiles. Income brackets indicated that 28.2% of individuals earned between $1,500 to $2,999 (4,961 individuals), consistent with surrounding regions at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 84.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 28th 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

The dwelling structure in Port Macquarie - South, as per the latest Census, consisted of 80.0% houses and 20.0% 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 - South was at 47.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.2% and rented ones at 22.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,814, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure was $420, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $375. Nationally, Port Macquarie - South's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher at $420 versus the national figure of $375.

Port Macquarie - South has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average 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 make up the remaining 28.9%, with lone person households at 26.3% and group households comprising 2.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

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

Educational qualifications in Port Macquarie - South trail regional benchmarks. As of 2021, 23.4% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees, compared to the NSW average of 32.2%. This gap suggests potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most common at 16.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%).

Vocational credentials are prominent, with 39.6% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 12.0% and certificates at 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. As of 2020, Port Macquarie - South's four schools have a combined enrollment reaching 1,759 students. The area demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions with an ICSEA score of 1056. The educational mix includes one primary school, two secondary schools, and one K-12 school. School places per 100 residents (10.0) fall below the regional average (14.2), indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Port Macquarie - South has 127 active public transport stops. These are served by a mix of buses operating along 92 individual routes. Together, these routes facilitate 1,536 weekly passenger trips.

The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically residing 181 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 219 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 12 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Port Macquarie - South is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Port Macquarie - South faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Approximately half of its total population (~8796) has private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most frequent medical issues are arthritis (11.7%) and mental health problems (9.1%). About 61.1% report no medical ailments, compared to 59.9% in Rest of NSW. Around 28% of residents are aged 65 or over (4911 people). Health outcomes among seniors show some challenges but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

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, as per data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census 2016, exhibited lower cultural diversity with 85.7% of its population born in Australia, 93.2% being citizens, and 95.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 60.2%, compared to 57.5% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (33.3%), Australian (29.1%), and Irish (10.3%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry was slightly overrepresented at 8.5% versus the regional average of 8.3%, Welsh at 0.6% compared to 0.5%, and Dutch at 1.4% compared to 1.1%.

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 are particularly prominent at 10.8%, while the 25-34 group is smaller at 8.3% compared to Rest of NSW. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 35-44 age group has grown from 10.6% to 11.9% of the population, and the 15-24 cohort increased from 9.5% to 10.7%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort has declined from 13.7% to 12.4%. Demographic modeling suggests that Port Macquarie - South's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 35-44 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, expanding by 637 people (30%) from 2,098 to 2,736. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 15-24 and 75-84 cohorts.