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's population is around 5,391 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 90 people (1.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,301 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,297 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 94 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1.9 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed 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. As we examine future population trends, a population increase just below the median of locations outside of capital cities is expected, with the area expected to expand by 261 persons by 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 around 15 residential properties granted approval per year, with 76 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 14 so far in FY-26. With population declining over recent years, development activity has been adequate in relative terms, which is a positive for buyers, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $408,000—slightly above the regional average—suggesting a focus on quality developments. Additionally, $572,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity.

When measured against the Rest of NSW, Port Macquarie Surrounds has significantly less development activity (64.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. Meanwhile, recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, preserving the area's low-density nature, with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 376 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low-activity development environment.

Looking ahead, Port Macquarie Surrounds is expected to grow by 166 residents through to 2041 (from 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 27thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 36 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Beechwood Road Upgrade Stage 6 including Steels Bridge Wauchope, The Sanctuary Port Macquarie, Sovereign Hills Master Planned Community, and Thrumster Business Park, with the list below detailing those likely to be of 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 assessment positions Port Macquarie Surrounds ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Port Macquarie Surrounds has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation and an unemployment rate of just 2.8%. As of December 2025, 2,732 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 1.1% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional NSW's 61.3%. Based on Census responses, a moderate 20.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with employment levels at 3.3 times the regional average. In contrast, accommodation & food employs just 4.9% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 7.8%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 1.4% while employment declined by 1.9%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW experienced an employment decline of 1.2% and a labour force decline of 0.8%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Port Macquarie Surrounds. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Port Macquarie Surrounds's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Port Macquarie Surrounds SA2's income level is lower than the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Port Macquarie Surrounds SA2's median income among taxpayers is $45,244 and the average income stands at $55,050, compared to figures for Regional NSW of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $49,253 (median) and $59,927 (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 22nd 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 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 within Port Macquarie Surrounds, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 96.8% houses and 3.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Port Macquarie Surrounds was higher than that of Regional NSW, at 52.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (34.2%) or rented (13.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional NSW average at $1,668, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $300, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Port Macquarie Surrounds's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 75.3% of all households, comprising 29.4% couples with children, 36.0% couples without children, and 9.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 24.7%, with lone person households at 22.0% and group households comprising 2.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people is larger than the Regional 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (17.3%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 12.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 46.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.9%) and certificates (34.5%).

Educational participation is notably 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

Public transport analysis reveals 154 active transport stops operating within Port Macquarie Surrounds, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 46 individual routes, collectively providing 309 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 406 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 93%, with 5% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 20.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 44 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 2 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location 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 Surrounds's health metrics sit close to national benchmarks, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a standard level of common health conditions across both young and old age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~2,555 people). This compares to 51.9% across Regional NSW. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.6 and 8.5% of residents, respectively, while 65.5% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age residents show an above 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 Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.

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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 90.6% of its population being citizens, 90.6% born in Australia, and 97.6% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Port Macquarie Surrounds is Christianity, which makes up 56.1% of the population. This compares to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Port Macquarie Surrounds are Australian, comprising 33.4% of the population, English, comprising 32.7% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is notably overrepresented at 3.5% of Port Macquarie Surrounds (vs 4.6% regionally), Scottish at 8.1% (vs 8.0%) and German at 3.3% (vs 3.1%).

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

With a median age of 50, Port Macquarie Surrounds notably exceeds the Regional NSW figure of 43 and is well above the 38-year national average. The 65 - 74 age group shows strong representation at 18.5% compared to Regional NSW, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less prevalent at 7.4%. This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. Following the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.3% to 8.3% of the population, while the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 16.7% to 18.5%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 18.5% to 16.6% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 13.7% to 11.9%. Demographic modeling suggests Port Macquarie Surrounds's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to experience strong growth, expanding by 149 people (33%) from 447 to 597. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 62% 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.