Port Macquarie Surrounds

Port Macquarie Surrounds is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Port Macquarie Surrounds' population, as of Nov 2025, is approximately 5,391 people. This figure represents an increase of 90 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 5,301. The growth is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 5,296 in June 2024 and 91 validated new addresses post-Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1.9 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed predominantly to recent population gains, accounting for approximately 77.3%.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for SA2 areas released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For uncovered SA2 areas, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 with a base year of 2021 are utilized. Age group growth rates from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the population is expected to increase by approximately 261 persons, reflecting a total gain of around 3.1% over the 17-year period.

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

Port Macquarie Surrounds has recorded approximately 15 residential properties granted approval per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 76 homes were approved, with an additional 13 approved so far in FY26. Despite a declining population in recent years, development activity has been adequate relative to other areas, which is positive for buyers.

The average construction cost value of new properties is $408,000, slightly above the regional average, indicating a focus on quality developments. In terms of commercial development, approvals worth $572,000 have been recorded this financial year, suggesting minimal activity in this sector. When compared to the Rest of NSW, Port Macquarie Surrounds has significantly less development activity, 64.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, development activity is also lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints.

Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature. The estimated population to dwelling approval ratio is 376 people per dwelling, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, Port Macquarie Surrounds is expected to grow by 166 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 36 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Beechwood Road Upgrade Stage 6 incorporating Steels Bridge Wauchope, The Sanctuary Port Macquarie, Sovereign Hills Master Planned Community, and Thrumster Business Park. Relevant projects are detailed below.

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 indicates Port Macquarie Surrounds maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Port Macquarie Surrounds had an unemployment rate of 2.9% as of September 2025. It employed 2,770 residents with a participation rate similar to Rest of NSW's 56.4%.

Key industries were agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. Agriculture, forestry & fishing had notably high concentration, at 3.3 times the regional average. In contrast, accommodation & food employed only 4.9% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 7.8%. The area showed stability in labour force over a 12-month period ending September 2025, but employment declined by 0.7%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.7 percentage points.

State-level data to 25-Nov-25 showed NSW employment contracted by 0.03% with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National forecasts from May-25 projected total employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but local projections based on industry-specific growth rates estimated Port Macquarie Surrounds' employment increase at 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

The median income among taxpayers in Port Macquarie Surrounds SA2 was $42,365 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $53,425 during the same period. For comparison, Rest of NSW's median and average incomes were $49,459 and $62,998 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Port Macquarie Surrounds SA2 would be approximately $47,707 (median) and $60,162 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household incomes in Port Macquarie Surrounds fall between the 16th and 22nd percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 29.2% of individuals earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 band. Housing costs are modest with 87.0% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 27th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Port Macquarie Surrounds, as evaluated at the Census conducted in 2016, comprised 96.8% houses and 3.1% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 75.9% houses and 24.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Macquarie Surrounds was at 52.0%, with the remainder being mortgaged (34.2%) or rented (13.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,668, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure was $300, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $375. Nationally, Port Macquarie Surrounds' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Port Macquarie Surrounds has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 75.3% of all households, including 29.4% couples with children, 36.0% couples without children, and 9.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 24.7%, with lone person households at 22.0% and group households making up 2.6%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

Educational outcomes in Port Macquarie Surrounds fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 17.3%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 46.4% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 11.9% and certificates at 34.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.6% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 2.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Port Macquarie Surrounds has 156 active public transport stops. These include both train and bus services. There are 46 individual routes operating, providing a total of 304 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents typically located 406 meters from the nearest stop. The service frequency averages 43 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

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

Port Macquarie Surrounds faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~2,533 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.6 and 8.5% of residents respectively. Conversely, 65.5% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, higher than the Rest of NSW average of 59.9%. The area has 28.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,518 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

The latest Census data sees Port Macquarie Surrounds placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Port Macquarie Surrounds, as per the 2016 Census, had a cultural diversity index of below average. It reported that 90.6% of its population were Australian citizens, born in Australia, with 97.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 56.1%, compared to 57.5% across Rest of NSW.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.4%), English (32.7%), and Irish (9.3%). Notably, Australian Aboriginals were slightly overrepresented at 3.5% (vs regional 3.8%), Scots at 8.1% (vs 8.3%), and Germans at 3.3% (vs 2.9%).

Port Macquarie Surrounds ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Port Macquarie Surrounds has a median age of 50, which is higher than the Rest of NSW figure of 43 and well above the national average of 38. The 65-74 age group makes up 18.3% of the population in Port Macquarie Surrounds, compared to 12.9% in the Rest of NSW and 9.4% nationally. Meanwhile, the 25-34 age cohort is less prevalent at 7.1%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group grew from 6.3% to 8.0%, while the 65-74 cohort increased from 16.7% to 18.3%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 18.5% to 16.9%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 13.7% to 12.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Port Macquarie Surrounds' age profile. The 75-84 age cohort is expected to grow by 165 people (38%) from 431 to 597. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 63% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 65-74 and 55-64 cohorts.