Port Macquarie Surrounds
Statistical Area - sa2

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 is approximately 5,391 as of Nov 2025. This figure represents an increase of 90 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,301. The change is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 5,296 in June 2024 and an additional 91 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1.9 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed approximately 77.3% of overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses 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. Future population trends suggest an increase just below the median of locations outside capital cities, with the area expected to expand by 261 persons to 2041 based on latest numbers, recording a gain of approximately 3.1% over the 17 years.

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 granted approximately 15 residential property approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 76 homes were approved, with an additional 11 approved in FY26 so far. Despite a declining population in recent years, development activity has been adequate relative to other areas, benefiting buyers while new properties are constructed at an average value of $408,000, slightly above the regional average, indicating focus on quality developments.

This year, $572,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting minimal commercial development activity compared to the rest of NSW, where Port Macquarie Surrounds has significantly less development activity, 64.0% below the regional average per person. The scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This is also lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and potential development constraints. Recent building activity consists solely of detached houses, preserving the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population density is 376 people per dwelling approval, indicating a quiet, low-activity development environment.

Looking ahead, Port Macquarie Surrounds is expected to grow by 166 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand readily, 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 30thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 36 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Beechwood Road Upgrade Stage 6 including Steels Bridge Wauchope, The Sanctuary Port Macquarie, Sovereign Hills Master Planned Community, and Thrumster Business Park. The following list details projects of particular 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 assessment positions Port Macquarie Surrounds ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Port Macquarie Surrounds has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 2.8% as of June 2025.

This rate is 0.8% lower than the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation in Port Macquarie Surrounds is similar to that of the Rest of NSW, at 56.4%. Leading employment industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has particularly high concentration with employment levels at 3.3 times the regional average.

In contrast, accommodation & food employs only 4.9% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 7.8%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over a 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 0.1%, labour force grew by 0.7%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, 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 rate. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published May 2025, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Port Macquarie Surrounds' industry mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.0%% over five years and 12.8% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Port Macquarie Surrounds' income level is lower than average nationally according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. Port Macquarie Surrounds' median income among taxpayers was $42,365 and the average income stood at $53,425. This compares to figures for Rest of NSW's of $49,459 and $62,998 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $47,707 (median) and $60,162 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Port Macquarie Surrounds all fall between the 16th and 23rd percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 29.2% of the community (1,574 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 29.9% in the same category. While housing costs are modest with 87.0% of income retained, the 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

Port Macquarie Surrounds' dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, comprised 96.8% houses and 3.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Non-Metro NSW had 75.9% houses and 24.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Macquarie Surrounds was 52.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.2% and rented ones at 13.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,668, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Port Macquarie Surrounds was $300, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $375. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,668 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $300 compared to 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 comprise 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, 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 faces educational challenges with university qualification rates at 17.3%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 2.3% and graduate diplomas at 2.2%. Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 46.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 11.9% and certificates at 34.5%.

Educational participation is high at 27.0%, including 10.6% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 2.5% pursuing tertiary education. Port Macquarie Surrounds has 5 schools with a combined enrollment of 258 students, focusing exclusively on primary education with secondary options available in surrounding areas. Local school capacity is limited at 4.8 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 14.2, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

The analysis of public transport in Port Macquarie Surrounds indicates that there are currently 156 active transport stops operating. These include both train and bus services. The area is served by 46 individual routes which collectively provide a total of 304 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in the region is rated as moderate, with residents typically located approximately 406 meters from their nearest transport stop. On average, service frequency across all routes stands at around 43 trips per day, equating to roughly 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 declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 59.9% across Rest of NSW. 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 had a cultural diversity score below average, with 90.6% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia, and speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 56.1% of the population, 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 Aboriginal representation was higher than regional averages at 3.5%, while Scottish (8.1%) and German (3.3%) also had slightly higher percentages compared to Rest of NSW figures.

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 also above the national average of 38. The 65-74 age group makes up 18.3% of the population in Port Macquarie Surrounds, compared to 9.4% nationally and 12.0% in the Rest of NSW. Meanwhile, the 25-34 age cohort is less prevalent at 7.1%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.3% to 8.0%, while the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 16.7% to 18.3%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 18.5% to 16.9% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 13.7% to 12.2%. Demographic modeling suggests that by 2041, Port Macquarie Surrounds' age profile will change significantly. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow by 165 people (38%), from 431 to 597. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 63% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 65 to 74 and 55 to 64 cohorts.