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 was around 17,489 as of May 2026, reflecting an increase of 205 people since the 2021 Census. The population in 2021 was 17,284. This change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data: 17,470 by June 2025 and additional validated new addresses since then. The population density ratio is 499 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed approximately 56.5% of recent population gains.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for SA2 areas from 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for uncovered areas from 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas until 2041. By 2041, the population is expected to increase by approximately 1,162 persons, reflecting a gain of 6.5% over 16 years based on latest ERP numbers.

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, 21 approvals have been recorded. On average, one new resident arrives per year for each new home built between FY21 and FY25, indicating balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. New properties are constructed at an average value of $355,000.

This financial year has seen $2.4 million in commercial development approvals, suggesting 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 activity is also below national averages, reflecting 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 with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 758 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Port Macquarie - South will gain 1,143 residents by 2041. Development is keeping pace with projected growth, though increasing competition among buyers is expected as the population expands.

Port Macquarie - South has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 23rdth percentile nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 15 such projects that are expected to impact the area. Among these key projects are 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 projects likely to have the most relevance.

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 an unemployment rate of 2.1% as of December 2025. It has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. There are 8,083 residents in work and the unemployment rate is 1.9% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation is somewhat lower at 56.9%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census responses, 15.8% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries are health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Health care & social assistance has particularly notable concentration with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.4% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 5.3%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally based on Census data comparison between working population and resident population. In the 12-month period ending in December 2025, labour force decreased by 1.2%, while employment declined by 1.4%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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

The Port Macquarie - South SA2 had a median income of $49,519 and an average income of $62,880 among taxpayers in financial year 2023. These figures are lower than the Regional NSW averages of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. By March 2026, estimates based on a 10.32% Wage Price Index growth suggest median income will be approximately $54,629 and average income $69,369. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Port Macquarie - South rank modestly, between the 26th and 27th percentiles. Income brackets show that 28.2% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999, consistent with surrounding regions at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 27th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places 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, consisted of 80.0% houses and 20.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Macquarie - South was at 47.5%, with the rest being mortgaged (30.2%) or rented (22.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,814, higher than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent was $420, lower than Regional NSW's figure of $330. Nationally, Port Macquarie - South's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were 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, including 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 Regional NSW average.

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

In Port Macquarie, as of the latest data, 23.4% of residents aged 15 and above hold university degrees, compared to 32.2% in New South Wales. The most common educational qualification is a bachelor degree, held by 16.1% of residents. Postgraduate qualifications are held by 4.7%, and graduate diplomas by 2.6%. Vocational credentials are prominent, with 39.6% of residents aged 15 and above holding them.

Advanced diplomas account 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 served by 91 different routes that together facilitate 1,461 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent; residents are typically located just 180 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential region, most commuters travel outward, with cars being the primary mode of transportation at 96%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 15.8% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 208 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately nine weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's 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 south faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~8,814 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (11.7%) and mental health issues (9.1%). 61.1% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 27.9% of residents aged 65 and over (4,886 people), higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. 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, in a cultural diversity assessment conducted on the 27th of June 2016, showed below-average diversity with 85.7% of its population born in Australia, 93.2% being citizens, and 95.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was found to be the predominant religion in Port Macquarie-South as of this date, accounting for 60.2% of people, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. Regarding ancestry, the top three represented groups were English (33.3%), Australian (29.1%), and Irish (10.3%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry was overrepresented 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 Regional NSW's median of 43 years and significantly higher than Australia's median of 38 years. The age profile shows that the 75-84 year-olds are particularly prominent at 10.9%, while the 25-34 group is smaller at 8.0% compared to Regional NSW. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 9.5% to 11.2%, and the 35 to 44 cohort has increased from 10.6% to 11.8%. Conversely, the 65 to 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 to 44 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, increasing by 545 people (26%) from 2,068 to 2,614. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 75 to 84 cohorts.