Longford (Vic.)

Population growth drivers in Longford are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Longford (Vic.) is around 1,619. This figure reflects an increase of 130 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,489. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 1,555 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 32 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 5.2 persons per square kilometer. Longford's growth rate of 8.7% since the 2021 census exceeded that of the SA3 area (8.1%) and the Rest of Vic., positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 53.0% 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 from these aggregations are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering projected demographic shifts, the suburb of Longford (Vic.) is forecasted to experience a significant population increase in the top quartile of non-metropolitan areas nationally. By 2041, based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the area is expected to expand by 588 persons, reflecting an overall increase of 32.2% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Longford according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Longford recorded around 13 residential properties approved each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 67 homes. So far in FY2025-26, 4 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.7 people moved to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY2020-21 and FY2024-25. New construction matched or outpaced demand, with new homes valued at an average of $375,000.

In FY2025-26, $544,000 in commercial approvals were registered. Compared to the rest of Victoria, Longford had moderately higher building activity, 48.0% above the regional average per person over five years. Building activity slowed in recent years and consisted entirely of detached houses, preserving low density nature.

As of now, Longford has around 253 people per approval. By 2041, AreaSearch estimates a growth of 522 residents. Current development levels align with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Longford has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Eleven projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area's performance. Among these key projects are the Longford Development Plan, Fulham Solar Farm, Sale Integrated Centre for Children and Families, and Gippsland Renewable Energy Park (GREP). The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch analysis places Longford well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Longford has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 3.1%. Over the past year, estimated employment growth was 5.5%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of December 2025785 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.6% lower than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation stands at 65.0%, slightly higher than Regional Vic.'s 61.5%. Census responses reveal that 12.6% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training.

Mining is particularly notable with employment levels at 8.7 times the regional average. Manufacturing employs only 4.3% of local workers, below Regional Vic.'s 7.7%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 5.5%, labour force by 5.2%, reducing unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Vic. saw employment contract by 0.6% with a labour force fall of 0.7% and unemployment falling by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates between sectors. Applying these projections to Longford's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Longford had a median income among taxpayers of $57,752. The average income stood at $76,191 in this period. Nationally, median and average incomes were lower at $50,954 and $62,728 respectively for Regional Vic. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes as of September 2025 are approximately $62,517 (median) and $82,477 (average). Census 2021 income data shows household income ranks at the 66th percentile with a weekly income of $2,024. Personal income sits at the 47th percentile. Distribution data indicates that 33.3% of Longford's population falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, comprising 539 individuals. This mirrors Regional Vic., where 30.3% occupy this bracket. After housing costs, residents retain 89.3% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Longford is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Longford's dwellings, as per the latest Census, were entirely houses (100.0%) with no other dwelling types recorded (0.0%). This contrasts with Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Longford stood at 40.9%, aligning with Regional Vic., while mortgaged dwellings comprised 54.3% and rented ones were 4.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,625, exceeding the Regional Vic. average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in Longford was $274, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Longford's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,625 vs Australia's $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Longford features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 86.1% of all households, including 41.2% couples with children, 35.8% couples without children, and 6.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 13.9%, with lone person households at 12.9% and group households comprising 1.4%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

Longford performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

The area's university qualification rate is 18.4%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 12.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are common, with 45.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them; advanced diplomas account for 10.9% and certificates for 35.0%. Educational participation is high, with 30.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 10.6% in primary, 10.3% in secondary, and 2.9% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.6% in primary education, 10.3% in secondary education, and 2.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Longford has seven active public transport stops serviced by two routes offering ten weekly passenger trips. Residents have limited access to these stops, with an average distance of 1423 meters to the nearest one. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area, relying predominantly on cars (95%). On average, there are 2.3 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 12.6% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages one trip per day across all routes, resulting in approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

Service frequency averages 1 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 1 weekly trips per individual stop.

Longford's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Longford. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low across both young and old age cohorts.

Private health cover was found to be very high at approximately 57% of the total population (around 921 people), compared to 50.5% across Regional Vic.. The most common medical conditions in the area were arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.2 and 7.4% of residents respectively. 71.0% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic.. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. As of the latest data (2021), the area has 19.2% of residents aged 65 and over (310 people), which is lower than the 23.9% in Regional Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The latest Census data sees Longford placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Longford's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 91.0% of its population born in Australia, 94.3% being citizens, and 97.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Longford, comprising 47.3% of people, which is similar to the regional average of 47.3%. In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups were Australian (34.8%), English (32.2%), and Irish (8.8%).

Notably, Dutch was overrepresented at 2.5%, Maltese at 0.8%, and Scottish at 8.7% compared to regional averages of 1.7%, 0.5%, and 8.8% respectively.

Longford's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Longford is 40 years, which is slightly below Regional Victoria's average of 43 but above Australia's median of 38. Comparing with Regional Vic., the 55-64 age group is notably higher at 15.3% locally, while the 75-84 year-olds are underrepresented at 5.4%. From the 2021 Census to present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 3.1% to 5.4%, and the 55-64 cohort has risen from 13.6% to 15.3%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has decreased from 15.4% to 13.4%, and the 5-14 age group has fallen from 14.9% to 13.6%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Longford. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to grow substantially, adding 111 people (an 83% increase) from 134 to 246. Meanwhile, the 85+ cohort is projected to decline by 3 people.