Mortlake (Vic.)

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

As of Feb 2026, Mortlake's population is estimated at around 1,568. This reflects a growth from the 2021 Census figure of 1,477 people, an increase of 91 (6.2%). The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of resident population based on latest ERP data release by ABS in June 2024 and validation of seven new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 4.4 persons per square kilometer. Mortlake's growth exceeded the SA4 region's 4.5%, making it a growth leader. Natural growth contributed approximately 39% to overall population gains recently, with all migration factors also positive.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections adjusted employing weighted aggregation method for areas not covered by ABS data. For years 2032 to 2041, projections indicate a decline in population, expecting a decrease of 374 persons by 2041 according to this methodology.

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

Mortlake has averaged three development approvals per year between 2016 and 2020 inclusive, totalling 19 approvals. This low level of activity reflects the rural nature of the area, with development primarily driven by local housing needs rather than broader market demand. Due to the small number of approvals, yearly growth figures may vary significantly based on individual projects.

Mortlake's development levels are substantially lower compared to the rest of Victoria and below national averages. Recent building activity has consisted solely of detached dwellings, aligning with rural living preferences for space and privacy. As of 2021, the estimated population per dwelling approval is 426 people. Population projections indicate stability or decline in Mortlake, suggesting reduced housing demand pressures, which may benefit potential 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 39thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Mortlake Service Station and Rural Store, Mortlake Energy Hub, Mt Fyans Wind Farm, and Mortlake Recreation Reserve Changerooms. The following 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.

While Mortlake retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.8%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Mortlake's workforce spans diverse sectors and has an unemployment rate of 3.8%, according to AreaSearch data aggregation. As of December 2025650 residents are employed with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is lower at 55.3% compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%.

A moderate 15.5% work from home. Dominant sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs 3.3 times more residents than the regional level. Manufacturing employs 4.9%, below Regional Vic.'s 7.7%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities as Census data shows fewer working residents than population. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, labour force decreased by 6.8% and employment by 7.3%, raising unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mortlake's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.2% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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 ending June 2023, Mortlake had a median income among taxpayers of $35,757. The average income stood at $42,811. This is below the national average. In Regional Vic., the median and average incomes were $50,954 and $62,728 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% from financial year ending June 2023 to September 2025, current estimates for Mortlake would be approximately $38,707 (median) and $46,343 (average). From the Census conducted in August 2021, incomes in Mortlake fell between the 2nd and 8th percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $400 - 799 dominated with 31.7% of residents. This contrasts with the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket led at 30.3%. Economic circumstances showed widespread financial pressure, with 40.1% of households having weekly budgets below $800. Despite modest housing costs, with 88.9% of income retained, total disposable income ranked 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), compared to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% 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 Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in Mortlake was recorded at $220, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Mortlake's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 comprise 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, smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 15.2%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them. Advanced diplomas account for 11.0% and certificates for 28.6%.

Educational participation is high at 26.5%, including 11.1% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 1.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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 served by three different routes, offering a total of nine weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 328 meters to the nearest stop. The area is predominantly residential, with outward commuting being the norm. Car remains the primary mode of transportation for 91% of residents, while 7% walk. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 15.5% 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 two weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Mortlake is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Mortlake faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, at approximately 44% of the total population (around 688 people), compared to Regional Vic.'s 50.5% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.1%) and mental health issues (9.7%). Around 60.8% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Regional Vic.'s 63.4%. Working-age population health is particularly challenging due to high chronic condition rates. Mortlake has a higher proportion of seniors (28.0%, around 439 people) compared to Regional Vic.'s 23.9%. Senior health outcomes align with national rankings, presenting some challenges.

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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.7% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (90.9%), and speaking English only at home (97.0%). Christianity was the predominant religion in Mortlake, comprising 54.4% of the population. However, Judaism was overrepresented at 0.4%, compared to Regional Vic's 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (35.6%), Australian (31.6%), and Scottish (10.3%). Notably, Irish ancestry was overrepresented in Mortlake at 9.9% compared to the regional average of 9.7%, Dutch at 1.5% vs 1.7%, and Serbian at 0.3% vs 0.2%.

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

Mortlake's median age is 48 years, which is significantly older than Regional Vic.'s median of 43 years and the Australian median of 38 years. The age profile shows that residents aged 65-74 years are particularly prominent at 15.2%, while those aged 45-54 years make up a smaller proportion at 9.8% compared to Regional Vic.. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national average of 9.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows that younger residents have shifted the median age down by 1 year to 48 years. Notably, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 8.9% to 11.9%, and the 25 to 34 cohort has increased from 9.8% to 11.4%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 14.7% to 12.7%, and the 45 to 54 age group has dropped from 11.4% to 9.8%. Population forecasts for Mortlake in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes, with the strongest projected growth in the 85+ cohort at -14%, adding approximately -8 residents to reach around 50. Both the 85+ and 0 to 4 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.