Longford (Vic.)

Population growth drivers in Longford are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of 1 November 2025, the estimated population of Longford is approximately 1638 people. This figure represents a growth of 149 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1489 people in the suburb. AreaSearch validated this estimate based on their analysis of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and an additional 32 new addresses confirmed after the Census date. This results in a population density of about 5.2 persons per square kilometer for Longford. The suburb's growth rate of 10% since the 2021 census exceeds that of its SA3 area (5%) and non-metro areas, indicating it is a region with notable population increase. Interstate migration contributed approximately 53% to this overall growth.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for forecasting future trends. For areas not covered by these data, they utilize the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041 based on demographic shifts. By 2041, Longford is projected to increase by 601 persons, reflecting a total growth of approximately 29.9% over the 17-year period.

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 in Longford shows an average of around 13 residential properties approved each year over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 68 homes. In FY26 so far, three approvals have been recorded. The area has seen an average of 0.8 people moving to it annually for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand. The average expected construction cost value of new homes in Longford is $375,000, which is below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options.

This financial year has seen $1.4 million in commercial approvals registered, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of Vic., Longford has 52.0% higher building activity per person, providing buyers with greater choice. However, building activity has slowed in recent years and all recent activity consists of detached houses, preserving the area's low-density character and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 189 people per approval, Longford is considered a developing area.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Longford is expected to grow by approximately 490 residents by 2041, with current construction levels likely meeting demand and creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects that could impact this region. Notable ones are 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 assessment positions Longford ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Longford has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 3.1%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025777 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.7% lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Longford stands at 67.0%, surpassing Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Notably, mining employs a significant share of local workers, at 8.7 times the regional level.

Conversely, manufacturing's employment share is lower at 4.3%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 7.7%. Over the year to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.5% alongside a 0.9% employment decline, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Vic., where employment fell by 0.9%, labour force contracted by 0.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2022, Longford had a median income among taxpayers of $57,752 with the average level standing at $76,191. Nationally, median income was $48,741 and average was $60,693 for Rest of Vic respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% from financial year ended June 2022 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $64,775 (median) and $85,456 (average). Census data for 2021 shows household income ranks at the 66th percentile with a weekly income of $2,024, while personal income sits at the 47th percentile. Income distribution data shows 33.3% of Longford's population falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, mirroring the region where 30.3% occupy this bracket. After housing costs, residents retain 89.3% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power and 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

The dwelling structure in Longford, as per the latest Census, consisted entirely of houses with no other dwellings. This is compared to Non-Metro Vic., which had 91.9% houses and 8.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Longford was at 40.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 54.3% and rented ones at 4.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,625, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,300. The median weekly rent in Longford was $274, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $260. Nationally, Longford's 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 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 Rest of Vic. average of 2.3.

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 prominent, with 45.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (35.0%). Educational participation is high at 30.6%, comprising primary education (10.6%), secondary education (10.3%), and tertiary education (2.9%).

Longford Primary School serves the area with an enrollment of 169 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1021). It focuses on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. The area has fewer school places per 100 residents (10.3) compared to the regional average (14.5), indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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 currently operating. These are served by buses only, with two distinct routes in total. Together, these routes facilitate 16 weekly passenger trips.

Accessibility to these services is limited for Longford residents, who on average live 1423 meters away from the nearest stop. The service frequency averages out to two trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately two weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Longford is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Longford demonstrates above-average health outcomes with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover in Longford is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~932 people), compared to 49.2% across Rest of Vic..

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.2 and 7.4% of residents respectively, while 71.0% of residents declare themselves as completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.7% across Rest of Vic.. Longford has 18.0% of residents aged 65 and over (294 people), which is lower than the 23.5% in Rest of Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors in Longford are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

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. The predominant religion in Longford is Christianity, accounting for 47.3% of people, compared to 46.9% across the Rest of Vic.. In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are Australian (34.8%), English (32.2%), and Irish (8.8%).

Notably, Dutch ethnicity is overrepresented in Longford at 2.5%, compared to 2.1% regionally, Maltese at 0.8% versus 0.4%, and Scottish at 8.7% versus 8.6%.

Longford's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Longford is 40 years, which is slightly lower than the Rest of Victoria's average of 43 but higher than Australia's median of 38. The proportion of individuals aged 5-14 in Longford is notably higher at 14.2%, compared to the Rest of Victoria's average. Conversely, those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 8.3%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of individuals aged 75-84 has increased from 3.1% to 5.2%, while the 55-64 age group has risen from 13.6% to 15.0%. However, the 45-54 age cohort has decreased from 15.4% to 13.6%. Population forecasts for Longford indicate significant demographic changes by 2041. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow substantially, with an increase of 122 people (90%), from 135 to 258 individuals. Meanwhile, the 85+ age cohort is projected to decline by 1 person.