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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Frankston South has an estimated 19,394 residents, up from 18,801 at the 2021 Census — a change of 593 people, or 3.2%. 114 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. That puts 1,332 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Demographic assessments by AreaSearch incorporating broader ABS updates and 114 validated new addresses post-Census place the population of the suburb of Frankston South at approximately 19,394 as of Aug 2026. This total represents an expansion of 593 people (3.2%) from the 18,801 people recorded in the 2021 Census. The calculation stems from an estimated resident population of 19,374 derived via ABS ERP data released in June 2025 alongside post-Census address additions. With 1,332 persons per square kilometer, the suburb of Frankston South records a density level exceeding the AreaSearch national benchmark average.
Moreover, the area's 3.2% expansion since the Census tracks closely within 0.1 percentage points of the wider SA4 region (3.3%), highlighting sound growth dynamics that were almost entirely spurred by overseas migration over recent periods. Longer-term demographic modeling for the suburb of Frankston South utilizes 2024 ABS/Geoscience Australia SA2 projections based on 2022 benchmarks, supplemented where needed by 2023 VIC State Government LGA projections aggregated to SA2 levels with age-group weighting applied across all localities for 2032 to 2041. These aggregated SA2-level figures anticipate a demographic trajectory slightly beneath the national statistical area median, projecting the suburb of Frankston South to expand by 1,890 persons by 2041, which equates to an aggregate growth rate of 9.6% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
217 new dwellings have been approved in Frankston South over the past five years, an average of 43 a year. That is 2.9 approvals per 1,000 residents. Of the 57 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 54% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 83, running ahead of that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Residential building approval records from the ABS analyzed by AreaSearch indicate that Frankston South has averaged approximately 43 new dwellings approved annually, totaling 217 homes across the prior 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) alongside 83 approvals recorded to date in FY-25. The area registered an average influx of only 0.7 people per year for every residential unit constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), suggesting construction has matched or outpaced population gains to provide substantial buyer choice and future capacity. Newly approved dwellings carry an average construction value of $577,000, standing somewhat above the regional benchmark to indicate an emphasis on higher-end development, while $11.6 million in commercial approvals during this financial year underscores continuing commercial development.
Per capita residential development in Frankston South sits 19.0% below Greater Melbourne levels and places at the 53rd percentile nationally, reflecting an established urban landscape and planning limits despite a recent pickup in activity. Recent residential approvals comprise 54.0% detached houses and 46.0% medium and high-density housing, delivering a broader selection of attached formats and accessible options alongside traditional family properties. This marks a clear transition from the existing housing profile of 86.0% houses, prompted by diminishing greenfield land and growing demand for diverse housing formats. Overall, an approval ratio of around 268 people per dwelling approval characterizes the locality as a low density environment. According to the latest quarterly projections from AreaSearch, Frankston South is projected to add 1,870 residents by 2041. Should current construction volumes persist without accelerating, residential supply could fall behind demographic growth, potentially tightening market conditions and reinforcing upward pressure on prices.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Frankston South
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks one current infrastructure or development project inside Frankston South, worth an estimated $3 million. A further 85 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $9.97 billion. 22 are already under construction and 29 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, transport & logistics and communities, precincts & urban renewal. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure programs, major developments, and strategic planning initiatives significantly shape community outcomes. AreaSearch has pinpointed 10 notable projects relevant to the locality, highlighted by the 59 Culcairn Drive Townhouse Development - Frankston South, Towerhill Road Schools Precinct Shared Path, Bayside Mixed-Use Precinct Development, and Peninsula Link Freeway.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
59 Culcairn Drive Townhouse Development - Frankston South
A permit-approved 4-unit townhouse development on a 1,177sqm site in Frankston South. The project provides quality medium-density housing with 3-bedroom dwellings in a leafy suburban setting close to schools, parks, and Frankston amenities. Property recently sold in November 2024 with planning permits in place for construction.
Towerhill Road Schools Precinct Shared Path
Upgrade of approximately 1km of existing footpath into a wider shared user path along Towerhill Road between Overport Road and Frankston-Flinders Road. The active transport project enhances safety and connectivity for students and local residents walking and cycling to surrounding schools and community facilities.
Stotts Hill Estate
Premium residential land subdivision by Pask delivering 44 lots in a hillside setting at Frankston South. Lots range from 512m2 to 1,369m2 across three tree-lined loop roads, with elevated northern boundary sites and split-level opportunities to the south. The estate is titled, with civil works complete and construction underway; the current release is the final stage of lots remaining for sale. Marketing is by Oliver Hume, with design guidelines published by the developer.
35-41 Hastings Road Apartment Development
Demolition of existing buildings and construction of a 5-storey building comprising 52 apartments, office space, and food and drink premises. The development provides modern residential accommodation close to Frankston Hospital and CBD, contributing to urban consolidation and housing diversity.
Peninsula University Hospital (Frankston Hospital Redevelopment)
The $1.1 billion redevelopment, now officially known as Peninsula University Hospital, reached practical completion and opened to patients on 20 January 2026. The project delivered a new 12-storey clinical services tower, 130 additional beds, 15 new operating theatres, and a rooftop helipad. Key enhancements include expanded women's and children's services, a dedicated paediatric emergency zone, and a new mental health and oncology hub. While the main tower is operational, minor refurbishment of existing hospital areas will continue throughout 2026, with a new community and childcare centre expected by 2028.
36 Sanders Road Townhouses
A boutique development comprising eight luxurious four-bedroom townhouses over two storeys, featuring premium finishes, multiple living areas, studies, and glimpses of the bay, designed for sophisticated family living in the prestigious suburb of Frankston South.
Bayside Mixed-Use Precinct Development
Major ongoing transformation of Bayside Shopping Centre into a contemporary mixed-use precinct by Vicinity Centres. The project includes retail reconfiguration with elevated precincts, enhanced dining and entertainment offerings, and activated laneways. A significant component is the planned 8-storey A-Grade office tower at 12 Balmoral Walk, providing 14,000 sqm of office space and ground-floor retail. The development targets a 5-Star Green Star rating. As of 2026, the office tower component remains in the planning and leasing phase pending an anchor tenant pre-commitment.
Harbour Frankston
A 14-level luxury apartment development by Urban DC designed by Fraser & Partners. Features 94 luxury apartments, ground floor retail spaces including a wellness centre and dining, plus a 25-metre rooftop infinity pool, jacuzzi, gym, sauna, wine room, and private dining facilities. Construction commenced May 2025.
10,046 residents of Frankston South are employed, from a labour force of 10,265. Unemployment sits at 2.1%, with participation at 65.3%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.6% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 15,709, about 81% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Workforce data aggregated by AreaSearch illustrates an educated local labour pool in Frankston South with strong representation across essential services and an unemployment rate of only 2.1%. As of March 2026, 10,046 residents are actively employed, with local unemployment sitting 2.6% lower than the Greater Melbourne benchmark of 4.8%. The local participation rate of 65.3% trails the metropolitan figure of 70.1%, while Census returns revealed that 31.8% of employed residents worked remotely from home, reflecting conditions during Covid-19 lockdowns. The primary sectors employing local residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training.
Local concentration in construction is particularly pronounced, registering an employment share 1.4 times greater than the regional benchmark. In contrast, transport, postal & warehousing represents a smaller share locally at 2.8% compared to the regional figure of 5.2%. A comparison of Census working population counts against resident workers indicates that local employment capacity within the residential area remains fairly contained. SALM and ABS datasets compiled by AreaSearch reveal that during the year to March 2026, both employment and the labour force grew by 0.3%, maintaining a stable unemployment profile. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment expansion of 2.1% and labour force gains of 2.3%, alongside a 0.2 percentage point uptick in unemployment. Applying national industry projections from Jobs and Skills Australia as of Mar-26—which forecast overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years—to the local industry structure suggests equivalent projected increases of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years for Frankston South.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Frankston South is $2,038 a week (about $106,000 a year), with median personal income at $862 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $55,710 a year against an average of $68,441. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
ATO taxation statistics for financial year 2023 aggregated by AreaSearch indicate that taxpayers in the suburb of Frankston South recorded a median income of $55,710 and an average income of $68,441, sitting close to nationwide norms and comparing to $57,688 and $75,164 across Greater Melbourne. Factoring in 9.62% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, modeled estimates reach approximately $61,069 (median) and $75,025 (average) as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census placed local personal, family, and household earnings around the 64th percentile nationally. The predominant individual weekly earnings bracket is $1,500 - 2,999, capturing 28.5% of residents (5,527 people) against 32.8% regionally, while 31.8% of households generate more than $3,000 per week.
Housing costs absorb 14.4% of income, placing local disposable income in the 71st percentile nationally and locating the area in the 7th decile of the SEIFA income index.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Frankston South had 6,820 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 86% detached houses and 2% apartments. 45% are owned with a mortgage, 17% rented and 39% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $420 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,167 a month. Rent absorbs 20.6% of household income here and mortgage repayments 24.5%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census, the residential landscape of Frankston South was composed of 86.0% houses and 14.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings across Melbourne metro. Outright property ownership stood at 38.7%, notably exceeding the metropolitan standard, while mortgaged properties accounted for 44.5% and rental accommodation comprised 16.9%. The median monthly mortgage payment was $2,167 compared to $2,000 in Melbourne metro and $1,863 nationally. Meanwhile, median weekly rent reached $420, above the metropolitan level of $390 and the Australian average of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Frankston South counted 6,820 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.6 people each. 37% are couples with children, against 27% couples without children. 23% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.7 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family arrangements constitute 75.5% of households, consisting of 37.0% couples with children, 27.4% couples without children, and 10.6% single parent families. The remaining 24.5% comprise non-family living arrangements, with lone person households representing 22.9% and group households making up 1.6%. The typical household size stands at 2.6 people, matching the average for Greater Melbourne.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
30.3% of adults in Frankston South hold a university qualification, including 20.7% with a bachelor degree and 5.6% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 21.0% hold a vocational qualification. 5 schools serve the area, with 1,764 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,046 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational attainment in the area is prominent across the region, with 30.3% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees, surpassing both the SA3 benchmark of 21.6% and the SA4 regional average of 23.5%. Bachelor degrees account for the largest proportion at 20.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 5.6% and graduate diplomas at 4.0%. In addition, vocational education is widespread, with 34.6% of residents aged 15+ holding technical credentials, including 13.6% with advanced diplomas and 21.0% with certificates. Participation across educational institutions is substantial, with 29.4% of the local population actively enrolled in formal study.
This comprises 10.5% attending primary education, 9.0% engaged in secondary education, and 4.2% undertaking tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Frankston South reaches 65 stops on 11 routes, timetabled for about 3,200 services a week. The typical home sits about 270 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.6 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transit infrastructure in Frankston South incorporates 65 active bus stops across 11 distinct bus routes, delivering 3,199 weekly passenger trips. Transit access is favorable, with residents typically located 267 meters from their nearest stop. Reflecting outward commuter travel from the residential area, private vehicles serve as the main travel mode at 94%, with vehicle ownership averaging 1.6 per dwelling (above regional norms), while 31.8% of workers worked from home at the 2021 Census during COVID-19 conditions. Transit services maintain an average frequency of 457 trips per day across all local routes, which translates to roughly 49 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
67.4% of residents in Frankston South report no long-term health condition. 5.6% need daily assistance with core activities, and 53.9% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.1 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health evaluations conducted by AreaSearch show broadly positive outcomes for Frankston South, aligning with national averages for general mortality and medical conditions. Incidence rates for common ailments remain modest among younger cohorts but elevate among older demographics, while private health insurance coverage sits at approximately 54% of the population (~10,451 people), just above the SA2 average and comparing to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. Arthritis and mental health issues represent the most prevalent diagnosed conditions, affecting 8.7% and 7.9% of the local population respectively, whereas 67.4% of residents reported no chronic medical conditions compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne.
Residents under 65 exhibit favorable health indicators. Those aged 65 and over make up 22.6% of the population (4,383 people), above the 15.1% share in Greater Melbourne, presenting distinct health requirements that rank below the wider population on national metrics.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Frankston South is largely Australian-born, at 77.7% of residents, with 9.3% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (31.5%) and Australian (25.7%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity in Frankston South tracks regional averages, with 77.7% of residents born in Australia, 90.2% holding Australian citizenship, and 90.7% speaking only English in the home. Christianity constitutes the leading religious affiliation at 42.8% of the populace, while Judaism represents 0.2% locally compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne. Regarding reported parental ancestry, English heritage leads at 31.5% of the population (exceeding the regional benchmark of 20.1%), followed by Australian ancestry at 25.7% (above the 18.4% regional rate) and Irish ancestry at 8.9%. Other recorded ancestries include Dutch at 1.9% (versus 1.2% regionally), alongside Hungarian at 0.4% (versus 0.3%) and Russian at 0.4% (versus 0.4%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Frankston South is 44, older than 76% of areas nationally. 19.4% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
Frankston South exhibits an older age demographic than Greater Melbourne. Updated estimates to August 2026 indicate that 22.6% of residents belong to retiree and elderly cohorts (65+), compared to 15.1% across Greater Melbourne, while young to middle aged adults (25 - 44) comprise 19.3% against a metropolitan share of 32.1%. The estimated median age is 44, matching the 2021 Census figure and sitting 7 years above the Greater Melbourne median of 37 and higher than the Australian median of 38. The population aged 0 - 24 has increased from 30.0% at the Census to an estimated 31.7%.
Projections to 2041 indicate the retiree and elderly cohorts will see the largest expansion, rising by 1,481 residents (34%) to 5,864, whereas young to middle aged adults and children and young adults are expected to decrease.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Frankston South
8 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 8 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Oct 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 3 sections | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Aug 2025 about a year ago all 1 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Aug 2025. | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 114 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (18,801 at the 2021 Census → 19,394 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL20949). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.