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 and AreaSearch validation, the estimated population of Longford (Vic.) as of February 2026 is around 1,619. This reflects an increase of 130 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,489. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 1,555 residents following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and additional validation of 32 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 5.2 persons per square kilometer. Longford's population growth rate of 8.7% since the 2021 census exceeded that of the SA3 area (8.1%) and Rest of Vic., indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 53.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch projections for Longford are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections adjusted to SA2 levels for areas not covered by this data. Considering these projections, the suburb is forecasted to have a significant population increase in the top quartile of non-metropolitan areas nationally, expanding by 610 persons to reach approximately 2,229 by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 31.8% 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 approximately 13 residential properties approved each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 68 homes. As of FY26, 4 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.8 people moved to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25. New construction has matched or outpaced demand, offering buyers more options while enabling population growth that could exceed current expectations.

The average new home construction value is $375,000, higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. This financial year, $544,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of Vic., Longford shows 52.0% higher building activity per person. Building activity has slowed in recent years, consisting entirely of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

With around 252 people per approval, Longford reflects a transitioning market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Longford is expected to grow by 515 residents through to 2041. Existing development levels seem aligned 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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 11 projects that are likely to impact the area. Notable among these 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 projects deemed 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 has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.9%, lower than the national average of 3.8%. Over the past year, employment growth was estimated at 4.4%.

As of September 2025784 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.9% below the Rest of Vic.'s rate. Workforce participation is 65.3%, slightly higher than Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%. Only 12.6% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 impacts may affect this figure. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training.

Mining has a particularly high concentration with employment levels at 8.7 times the regional average. Manufacturing employs only 4.3% of local workers, lower than Rest of Vic.'s 7.7%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparisons. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 4.4%, while labour force grew by 4.0%, leading to a decrease in unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic.'s employment contracted by 0.7% during the same period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a growth rate of 6.6% over five years and 13.2% over ten years for Longford, based on industry-specific projections applied to its current employment mix.

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 ended June 2023, Longford suburb had a median income among taxpayers of $57,752 and an average income of $76,191. Nationally, these figures are high compared to Rest of Vic's median of $50,954 and average of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% from financial year ended June 2023 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $62,517 (median) and $82,477 (average). Census data from 2021 shows household income ranks at the 66th percentile ($2,024 weekly), with personal income at the 47th percentile. Income distribution indicates that 33.3% of Longford's population falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to the regional figure of 30.3%. 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

Longford's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, were entirely houses with 0.0% other dwellings. This contrasts with Non-Metro Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Longford stood at 40.9%, similar to Non-Metro Vic., 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 $1,430. Median weekly rent in Longford was $274, compared to Non-Metro 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 comprise 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 2.4.

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 and above holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (35.0%). Educational participation is high, with 30.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary education (10.6%), secondary education (10.3%), and tertiary education (2.9%).

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 accessibility to these stops, with an average distance of 1423 meters to the nearest one. The area is primarily residential and most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 95%. Vehicle ownership averages 2.3 per dwelling, higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 12.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

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. 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, which is around 921 people. This compares to a state average of 50.5%. The most common medical conditions in the area were arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.2 and 7.4% of residents respectively. A total of 71.0% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Rest of Vic.. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 17.9% of residents aged 65 and over, which is around 289 people, lower than the 23.9% in Rest of 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 population showed low cultural diversity, with 91.0% born in Australia, 94.3% being citizens, and 97.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 47.3%, similar to the Rest of Vic's 47.3%. Ancestry-wise, Australian (34.8%) and English (32.2%) were top groups, higher than regional averages of 29.6% and 25.0% respectively.

Irish ancestry was at 8.8%. Notably, Dutch (2.5%), Maltese (0.8%), and Scottish (8.7%) groups had higher representation in Longford 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 Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 but above Australia's median of 38. In comparison to Rest of Vic., the 5-14 age group is notably higher at 14.1% locally while the 75-84 year-olds are lower at 5.2%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 3.1% to 5.2%, and the 55 to 64 cohort has risen from 13.6% to 14.7%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 15.4% to 13.3%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Longford. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow by 115 people (82%), from 140 to 256, while the 85+ cohort is projected to decline by 0 people.