Longford (Vic.)

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

Based on ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the estimated population of Longford (Vic.) is around 1,537 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 48 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 1,489 people. The change was inferred from the resident population of 1,537 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 32 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 4.9 persons per square kilometer. Longford's growth of 3.2% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 2.4%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing 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 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises 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. A significant population increase is forecast for the top quartile of Australia's non-metropolitan areas, with Longford expected to increase by 547 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 35.3% in total over the 16 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, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Longford has experienced approximately 13 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Over the past five financial years, between FY2021 and FY2025, around 67 homes have been approved, with an additional four approved in FY2026 so far. On average, about 0.8 new residents arrive per new home each year over these five years, suggesting supply is meeting or exceeding demand.

The average construction value of new homes is $375,000, which is moderately above regional levels, indicating an emphasis on quality construction. In FY2026, $544,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the rest of Victoria, Longford records elevated construction activity, with 49.0% more approvals per person over the five-year period ending FY2025.

This has preserved reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. However, construction activity has eased recently. All recent development has been comprised of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character and focusing on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 257 people per approval, Longford reflects a low-density area. Future projections from AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate suggest Longford will add approximately 543 residents by 2041. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Longford has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 11 projects that may impact the area. Key projects include Longford Development Plan, Fulham Solar Farm, Sale Integrated Centre for Children and Families, and Gippsland Renewable Energy Park (GREP). 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.

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

Longford's workforce is skilled with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 7.7%. As of December 2025800 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.2% below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%, and workforce participation was 67.9% compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.0%.

A low 12.6% of residents worked from home, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Mining has notably high employment levels at 8.7 times the regional average, while manufacturing employs only 4.3% of local workers compared to Regional Vic.'s 7.7%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data.

In the 12-month period ending December 2025, employment increased by 7.7% alongside labour force increasing by 7.4%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Vic. recorded an employment decline of 0.6%, labour force decline of 0.7%, and a fall in unemployment of 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry 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.

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 on 30 June 2023, the suburb of Longford had a median income among taxpayers of $57,752 with the average level standing at $76,191. Nationally, these figures are high compared to regional Victoria's median and average incomes of $50,954 and $62,728 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% from financial year 2023 to March 2026, estimated median and average incomes for Longford would be approximately $63,308 and $83,521 respectively by that date. Census data indicates household income ranks at the 66th percentile ($2,024 weekly) and personal income at the 47th percentile in Longford. Income analysis shows that 33.3% of residents (511 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, similar to regional patterns where 30.3% occupy this range. After housing costs, residents retain 89.3% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power in the area. The suburb'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

The dwelling structure in Longford, as per the latest Census, consisted entirely of houses with no other dwellings recorded. This contrasts with Regional Vic., which had 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Longford was at 40.9%, similar to Regional Vic.'s level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (54.3%) or rented (4.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,625, higher than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent figure for Longford was $274, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Longford's median monthly mortgage repayments were lower at $1,625 versus the Australian average of $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 account for 86.1% of all households, consisting of 41.2% couples with children, 35.8% couples without children, and 6.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 13.9%, with lone person households at 12.9% and group households comprising 1.4% of the total. 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 common at 12.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 45.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (35.0%). Educational participation is high, with 30.6% 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 served by two routes. These routes combined offer ten weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents generally 1423 meters from the nearest stop. Most Longford residents commute outward daily, primarily by car at a rate of 95%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 2.3, higher than the regional norm. In 2021 Census data, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions, only 12.6% of residents worked from home.

Service frequency averages one trip per day across all routes, resulting in approximately one weekly trip 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. AreaSearch's assessment indicates low prevalence of common health conditions across both young and old age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population, which totals around 874 people. This compares to a rate of 50.5% across Regional Victoria. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.2% and 7.4% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 71%, declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Regional Victoria. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. Longford has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 20.5%, with around 315 people, compared to the 23.9% in Regional Victoria. 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 population shows low cultural diversity, with 91.0% born in Australia, 94.3% being citizens, and 97.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, practiced by 47.3%, matching Regional Vic.'s average. Ancestry reveals Australian as the top group at 34.8%, higher than regional average of 29.6%.

English ancestry follows at 32.2%, with Irish at 8.8%. Dutch (2.5%) and Maltese (0.8%) are overrepresented compared to Regional Vic.'s averages of 1.7% and 0.5% respectively, while Scottish representation is notably high at 8.7%.

Longford's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Longford's median age is 41 years, which is lower than Regional Vic.'s average of 43 but exceeds the national average of 38. The 5-14 age group comprises 14.1%, higher than Regional Vic., while the 25-34 cohort makes up 7.2%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75-84 age group grew from 3.1% to 5.9%, and the 55-64 cohort increased from 13.6% to 15.0%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 15.4% to 13.7%, and the 15-24 group dropped from 11.4% to 10.1%. Demographic modeling indicates significant changes in Longford's age profile by 2041. The 25-34 cohort is projected to grow by 88%, adding 97 residents to reach 208. Meanwhile, the 85+ cohort shows minimal growth of 0% (adding 0 people).