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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Port Macquarie Surrounds' population is around 5391 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 90 people (1.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5301 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5297 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 94 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1.9 persons per square kilometer. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 77.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Examining future population trends, a population increase just below the median of locations outside capital cities is expected, with the area expected to expand by 261 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 3.1% in total 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 recorded approximately 15 residential properties granted approval per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, a total of 76 homes were approved, with an additional 14 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 expected construction cost value of new properties is $408,000, slightly above the regional average, indicating a focus on quality developments. This financial year, $572,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting minimal commercial development activity compared to residential. When measured against 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. The recent building activity consists entirely 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, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Port Macquarie Surrounds is expected to grow by 166 residents through to 2041. 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 27thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 36 projects likely influencing the region. Notable projects include Beechwood Road Upgrade Stage 6 including Steels Bridge Wauchope, The Sanctuary Port Macquarie, Sovereign Hills Master Planned Community, and Thrumster Business Park. Below is a list of most relevant ones.

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 has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation and an unemployment rate of 2.9% as of September 2025. There are 2,770 residents in work, which is 1.0% below the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. The workforce participation rate is 63.5%, compared to the Rest of NSW's 61.5%.

According to Census responses, 20.9% of residents work from home. The leading employment industries are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has particularly notable concentration, with employment levels at 3.3 times the regional average. In contrast, accommodation & food employs only 4.9% of local workers, below the Rest of NSW's 7.8%.

The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Between September 2024 and August 2025, labour force remained stable at 0.0%, while employment declined by 0.7%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW experienced an employment decline of 0.5% and a 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 suggest that 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 Surrounds' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years.

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

The median income in Port Macquarie Surrounds SA2 was $45,244 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $55,050 during the same period. In comparison, Rest of NSW had a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $49,253 (median) and $59,927 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86%. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Port Macquarie Surrounds fell between the 16th and 22nd percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captured 29.2% of individuals (1,574), consistent with surrounding regions at 29.9%. Housing costs were modest, with 87.0% of income retained, but total disposable income ranked at the 27th percentile nationally.

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

In Port Macquarie Surrounds, as per the latest Census evaluation, 96.8% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 3.1% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. This is in contrast to Non-Metro NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Macquarie Surrounds stood at 52.0%, with mortgaged properties making up 34.2% and rented dwellings accounting for 13.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,668, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in the area was $300, compared to Non-Metro NSW's figure of $330. 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 comprising 2.6%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

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 prevalent, with 46.4% of residents aged 15 and above holding them - advanced diplomas account for 11.9% and certificates for 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 154 operational public transport stops, serving a mix of train and bus services. These stops are covered by 46 routes, offering 309 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is considered moderate, with residents living an average of 406 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily, primarily using cars (93%), while 5% walk to their destinations. On average, there are 1.9 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, 20.9% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency across all routes averages 44 trips per day, equating to roughly two weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Port Macquarie Surrounds's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Port Macquarie's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are seen at a standard level across both young and old age cohorts. Private health cover is found to be low, at approximately 47% of the total population (around 2,555 people), compared to 51.9% in Rest of NSW and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.6%) and mental health issues (8.5%). About 65.5% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Rest of NSW. Working-age residents show a higher-than-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 28.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,542 people), which is higher than the 23.4% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

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, surveyed in 2016, had a culturally diverse population that was below average. Of its residents, 90.6% were Australian citizens, 90.6% were born in Australia, and 97.6% spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Port Macquarie Surrounds, with 56.1% of people identifying as such, compared to 55.9% 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 at 3.5% in Port Macquarie Surrounds than the regional average of 4.6%. Scottish ancestry also had a slightly higher representation at 8.1%, compared to 8.0% regionally, while German ancestry was similarly represented at 3.3%, close to the regional average of 3.1%.

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 above the national average of 38. The 65-74 age group makes up 18.5% of its population, compared to 12.9% in the Rest of NSW and 9.5% nationally. Meanwhile, the 25-34 age group is less prevalent at 7.4%. Post the 2021 Census, the 75-84 age group grew from 6.3% to 8.3%, while the 65-74 cohort increased from 16.7% to 18.5%. Conversely, the 55-64 group declined from 18.5% to 16.6% and the 45-54 group dropped from 13.7% to 11.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Port Macquarie Surrounds' age profile. The 75-84 age cohort is expected to grow by 149 people (33%), from 447 to 596. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 62% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 65-74 and 55-64 cohorts.