Port Macquarie - West
Statistical Area - sa2

Port Macquarie - West lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Port Macquarie - West's population is around 24,089 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 2,942 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 21,147 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 23,575 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 1,276 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 444 persons per square kilometer. Port Macquarie - West's growth rate of 13.9% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (4.7%) and the non-metro area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 90.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on demographic trends and latest population numbers, a significant increase is forecast for Port Macquarie - West, with an expected rise of 5,884 persons to 2041, recording a gain of 21.5% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Port Macquarie - West was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Port Macquarie - West averaged approximately 299 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, a total of 1,495 homes were approved, with an additional 102 approved in FY-26 to date. Each year, around 2.5 new residents were gained per dwelling built over the past five financial years (FY-21 to FY-25).

The average construction cost value of new homes was $311,000. In FY-26, $79.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Port Macquarie - West demonstrates 77.0% higher building activity per person. New development consists primarily of standalone homes (71.0%) and townhouses or apartments (29.0%). The area has approximately 94 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

By 2041, Port Macquarie - West is projected to grow by 5,184 residents. Current construction levels are expected to adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially exceeding current housing supply forecasts.

Port Macquarie - West has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 20thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 21 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Port Macquarie Base Hospital Redevelopment Stage 2, Ocean Drive Duplication, Pacific Highway - Oxley Highway Interchange Upgrade, and Tara Port Macquarie. The following list details those most relevant.

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.

Employment conditions in Port Macquarie - West remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Port Macquarie - West has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 3.2% in June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 0.6% over the past year.

As of this date, 10,675 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.5% below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation was lower at 49.9%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food, with a strong specialization in health care & social assistance (1.4 times the regional level). Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.9% employment compared to the regional average of 5.3%.

The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.7, indicating above-norm local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 0.6%, labour force increased by 1.0%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.1% during the same period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project national growth rates of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Port Macquarie - West's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 7.1%% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Port Macquarie - West had a median taxpayer income of $46,603 and an average of $61,152. These figures are lower than national averages. In comparison, Rest of NSW had a median income of $49,459 and an average of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimated median and average incomes for Port Macquarie - West by September 2025 would be approximately $52,480 and $68,863 respectively. The 2021 Census figures indicate that household, family, and personal incomes in Port Macquarie - West fall between the 13th and 18th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 27.3% of locals (6,576 people) earn between $800 and $1,499, unlike regional trends where 29.9% earn between $1,500 and $2,999. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Port Macquarie - West, with only 79.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 11th percentile nationally.

Port Macquarie - West displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Port Macquarie - West, as per the latest Census, consisted of 64.4% houses and 35.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 75.9% houses and 24.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Macquarie - West was at 38.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.1% and rented ones at 36.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,820, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Port Macquarie - West was $385, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $375. Nationally, mortgage repayments were lower at $1,863 and rents higher at $375.

Port Macquarie - West features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 63.4% of all households, including 19.9% couples with children, 30.5% couples without children, and 12.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 36.6%, with lone person households at 33.0% and group households comprising 3.6%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

Port Macquarie - West shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 18.2%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.0% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (30.0%). Educational participation is high, with 27.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 8.6% in primary, 7.1% in secondary, and 5.6% in tertiary education. The area has 13 schools serving 5,191 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 996) offering balanced educational opportunities. There are 5 primary, 4 secondary, and 3 K-12 schools, plus a specialist school for specific learning needs. As an education hub, the area has 21.6 school places per 100 residents, higher than the regional average of 14.2, attracting students from nearby communities. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Port Macquarie - West has 134 active public transport stops. All these stops are serviced by buses. There are 129 individual routes operating in total, providing 2,129 weekly passenger trips collectively.

The report rates transport accessibility as good, with residents typically located 223 meters from the nearest stop. On average, there are 304 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 15 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Port Macquarie - West is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Port Macquarie - West faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately 50% (~12,044 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.6%) and mental health issues (10.5%). Conversely, 57.5% report no medical ailments, compared to 59.9% in Rest of NSW. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 27.7% (6,682 people). Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are challenging but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

Port Macquarie - West ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Port Macquarie-West had a below average cultural diversity, with 84.4% of its population born in Australia, 89.8% being citizens, and 93.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Port Macquarie-West, comprising 57.6% of people, compared to 57.5% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.4%), Australian (30.1%), and Irish (8.6%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 4.7%, Maltese at 0.5%, and Filipino at 0.9%.

Port Macquarie - West hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Port Macquarie - West has a median age of 46, which is slightly higher than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and significantly higher than Australia's national norm of 38. The age group of 75-84 shows strong representation at 10.5%, compared to Rest of NSW, while the 55-64 cohort is less prevalent at 10.3%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 11.7% to 13.2% of the population, and the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 11.3% to 12.6%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 11.5% to 10.3%, and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 14.1% to 13.0%. By 2041, Port Macquarie - West is expected to experience notable shifts in its age composition. The 25 to 34 group will grow by 38%, adding 1,161 people and reaching a total of 4,197 from the previous figure of 3,035. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 cohort is projected to grow by a modest 5%, with an increase of 116 people.