Lakes Entrance

Population growth drivers in Lakes Entrance are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the estimated population of Lakes Entrance as of Feb 2026 is around 5,420. This reflects an increase of 275 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,145. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 5,155 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 147 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 183 persons per square kilometer. Lakes Entrance's growth rate of 5.3% since census positions it within 1.2 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 6.5%. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 78.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends forecast a significant increase in the top quartile of Australia's non-metropolitan areas, with Lakes Entrance expected to increase by 1,857 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 29.4% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Lakes Entrance when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Lakes Entrance averaging around 27 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 138 homes. As of FY-26, 11 approvals have been recorded. Each dwelling has accommodated an average of 2.4 new residents annually between FY-21 and FY-25. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $463,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment.

This financial year has seen $2.5 million in commercial approvals, reflecting Lakes Entrance's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of Vic., Lakes Entrance shows approximately 64% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 66th percentile nationally for assessed areas. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

Developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (82.0% at Census), suggesting persistent strong demand for family homes despite densification trends. The location has approximately 213 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Lakes Entrance is expected to grow by 1,592 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Lakes Entrance has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified seven projects likely affecting this region. Notable initiatives include Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area, Lakes Entrance Foreshore Park Development, Krauatungalung Walk Stage 1, Lakes Entrance - Marine Parade Upgrade, and Lakes Entrance Slipway Redevelopment. The following list details those most relevant:.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Lakes Entrance shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Lakes Entrance has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate is 6.0% and there was an estimated employment growth of 6.3% in the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 1,884 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.3% higher than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation is lower at 45.2%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%. Only 10.9% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade, with a strong specialization in accommodation & food at 2.4 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 4.9% compared to the regional average of 7.5%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 6.3%, labour force increased by 5.4%, causing a fall in unemployment rate by 0.8 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Vic., where employment contracted by 0.6%, labour force fell by 0.7%, and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will 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 Lakes Entrance's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Lakes Entrance has incomes below national average. Median income is $35,521, while average income stands at $45,806. This contrasts with Regional Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Lakes Entrance are approximately $38,451 (median) and $49,585 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that incomes in Lakes Entrance fall between the 0th and 4th percentiles nationally. The predominant income cohort spans 35.5% of locals (1,924 people) earning $400 - $799 per week, differing from surrounding regions where $1,500 - $2,999 is predominant at 30.3%. A significant portion, 46.7%, earns less than $800 per week, indicating constrained household budgets across much of Lakes Entrance. After housing expenses, 85.1% of income remains, ranking at the 3rd percentile nationally.

Lakes Entrance is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Lakes Entrance, as per the latest Census data, 82.4% of dwellings were houses while 17.6% were other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This differs from Regional Vic.'s figures of 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lakes Entrance stood at 51.2%, with mortgaged properties at 20.0% and rented dwellings at 28.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,227, lower than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in Lakes Entrance was recorded as $252, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Lakes Entrance's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Lakes Entrance features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 59.0% of all households, including 15.8% couples with children, 31.5% couples without children, and 11.0% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 41.0%, with lone person households at 38.1% and group households at 2.9%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

Lakes Entrance faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 14.5%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (31.4%). Educational participation is high at 25.4%, comprising 10.6% in primary education, 7.1% in secondary education, and 1.3% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.6% in primary education, 7.1% in secondary education, and 1.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Lakes Entrance has 47 active public transport stops. Seven different routes service these stops, offering a total of 146 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is considered good, with residents typically located 204 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to the area's residential nature. Cars are the dominant mode of transportation at 92%, while 5% walk. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.2, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 10.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. On average, there are 20 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 3 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Lakes Entrance is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Lakes Entrance. AreaSearch's assessment shows high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is notably low at approximately 45% of the total population (around 2,442 people), compared to 50.5% in Regional Vic.

and a national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (13.1%) and mental health issues (9.5%). Conversely, 55.0% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Regional Vic. Working-age residents face significant health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Lakes Entrance has a higher proportion of seniors, with 35.2% aged 65 and over (1,907 people), compared to 23.9% in Regional Vic. Health outcomes among seniors show similar challenges as the general population, aligning with national rankings.

Lakes Entrance ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Lakes Entrance, as per the 2016 Census, showed lower cultural diversity with 85.7% of its residents being Australian citizens, 85.0% born in Australia, and 94.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 47.9%. Judaism, though small at 0.1%, was proportionally similar to Regional Vic (0.1%).

The top three ancestry groups were English (31.4%), Australian (31.0%), and Scottish (8.5%). Notably, Dutch (1.9% vs regional 1.7%), Maltese (0.7% vs 0.5%), and Russian (0.3% vs 0.1%) were overrepresented in Lakes Entrance compared to Regional Vic.

Lakes Entrance ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Lakes Entrance is 54 years, which is significantly higher than Regional Victoria's average of 43 and the national norm of 38. The 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented in Lakes Entrance at 18.3%, compared to Regional Victoria's average of 12.9% and the national figure of 9.5%. Conversely, the 15-24 age group is under-represented at 8.4%. Since the 2021 Census, there have been changes in some age groups: the 35-44 cohort grew from 9.5% to 11.3%, and the 75-84 group increased from 11.6% to 13.0%. However, the 65-74 cohort declined from 20.5% to 18.3%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 15.0% to 13.8%. By 2041, it is projected that Lakes Entrance's age composition will see notable shifts, with the 25-34 age cohort expanding by 273 people (59%) from 466 to 740.