Mortlake (Vic.)

An assessment of population growth drivers in Mortlake reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

By Nov 2025, Mortlake's population was estimated at around 1,550. This figure reflects a growth of 73 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded 1,477 residents. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 1,453 residents based on ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and seven validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 4.4 persons per square kilometer. Mortlake's growth rate of 4.9% exceeded the SA4 region's 3.4%, positioning it as a growth leader. Natural growth contributed approximately 39.0% to overall gains, with other factors like overseas and interstate migration also positive.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, it employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Projected growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the suburb of Mortlake (Vic.) is expected to have a population decline of 383 persons according to these projections.

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

Mortlake averaged three development approvals per year between 2016 and 2020, totalling 17 approvals. These low levels reflect the area's rural nature, with development driven by local housing needs rather than broad market demand. Yearly growth figures and relativities can vary considerably due to the low approval numbers.

Mortlake has substantially lower development levels compared to the rest of Victoria and nationally. Recent building activity consisted entirely of detached dwellings, aligning with rural living preferences for space and privacy. The estimated population per dwelling approval was 746 people as of 2021. Population projections indicate stability or decline in Mortlake, reducing housing demand pressures and potentially benefiting buyers.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Mortlake should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Mortlake has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 38thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects that may impact this region. Notable projects include the Mortlake Service Station and Rural Store, Mortlake Energy Hub, Mt Fyans Wind Farm, and Mortlake Recreation Reserve Changerooms. 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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While Mortlake retains a healthy unemployment rate of 2.9%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Mortlake's workforce spans diverse sectors with balanced white and blue-collar jobs. Its unemployment rate of 2.9%, as per AreaSearch data aggregation, is below Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%.

As of June 2025671 residents are employed, with a participation rate of 50.9% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Key sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing (3.3 times regional level), health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Manufacturing employs 4.9%, lower than Rest of Vic.'s 7.7%. Between Jun-24 and Jul-25, labour force decreased by 2.3% while employment fell by 1.9%, reducing unemployment by 0.4%.

In contrast, Rest of Vic. saw employment fall by 0.9% with a slight labour force contraction and unemployment rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's Sep-22 forecasts project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mortlake's mix suggests local employment could increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.2% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022, Mortlake had a median income among taxpayers of $35,757. The average income stood at $42,811. This is below the national average. In comparison, Rest of Vic had levels of $48,741 and $60,693 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $40,105 (median) and $48,017 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Mortlake all fall between the 2nd and 8th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that the $400 - 799 bracket dominates with 31.7% of residents (491 people). This contrasts with the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 30.3%. Economic circumstances reflect widespread financial pressure, with 40.1% of households operating within modest weekly budgets below $800. While housing costs are modest with 88.9% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 6th percentile nationally.

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

Mortlake's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 97.7% houses and 2.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Non-Metro Vic.'s figures of 87.6% houses and 12.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mortlake stood at 49.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.7% and rented ones at 18.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $932, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Mortlake was recorded at $220, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $283. Nationally, Mortlake's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 63.2% of all households, including 18.4% couples with children, 32.0% couples without children, and 11.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 36.8%, with lone person households at 35.1% and group households comprising 1.5%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

Educational outcomes in Mortlake fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area has university qualification rates of 15.2%, significantly lower than the Victorian average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are held by 39.6% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 11.0% and certificates at 28.6%. Educational participation is high, with 26.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.1% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 1.7% pursuing tertiary education. The area has two schools serving 229 students: St Colman's School and Mortlake P-12 College. These schools provide balanced educational opportunities, with an ICSEA score of 984, typical for Australian schools. The educational mix includes one primary school and one K-12 school.

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

Mortlake has four active public transport stops, all offering bus services. These stops are served by five different routes that collectively offer eleven weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility in Mortlake is rated as good, with residents typically located 328 meters from the nearest transport stop.

On average, each route provides one trip per day, resulting in approximately two weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Mortlake is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Mortlake faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Only approximately 44% (~680 people) have private health cover, compared to 50.0% across Rest of Vic., and the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.1%) and mental health issues (9.7%).

However, 60.8% report no medical ailments, compared to 65.9% in Rest of Vic.. Mortlake has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 27.8% (430 people), compared to 21.5% in Rest of Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors are generally aligned with the overall population's health profile.

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

Mortlake had a cultural diversity level below average, with 88.7% of its population being citizens, 90.9% born in Australia, and 97.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Mortlake, comprising 54.4% of the population. Judaism, however, was overrepresented, making up 0.4% compared to the regional average of 0.1%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (35.6%), Australian (31.6%), and Scottish (10.3%). There were notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Irish was overrepresented at 9.9% compared to the regional average of 14.4%, Dutch remained at 1.5%, and Serbian had a presence of 0.3%.

Mortlake hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Mortlake's median age of 48 years is significantly older than Rest of Vic.'s 43 and the Australian median of 38. The age profile shows that 65-74 year-olds make up 15.1%, which is particularly prominent compared to other areas. This concentration is well above the national average of 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 8.9% to 11.3%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.4% to 9.9%, and the 55 to 64 group has dropped from 14.7% to 13.3%. Demographic modeling suggests that Mortlake's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow steadily, expanding by -10 people (-18%) from 57 to 47. Population declines are projected for the 85+ and 0 to 4 cohorts.