Port Fairy

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area around Port Fairy, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of May 2026, the suburb's population is estimated at around 3,881. This reflects an increase of 139 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,742. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,870, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, and an additional 26 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 34 persons per square kilometer. Port Fairy's growth rate of 3.7% since the 2021 census exceeded that of the SA4 region at 0.4%, and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 48.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Over this period, projections indicate an overall decline in population, with the area's population expected to reduce by 1,036 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to increase by 40 people.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates that Port Fairy has recorded approximately 9 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 45 homes. In FY-26 so far, 4 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.7 people per year moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, suggesting stable market conditions with balanced supply and demand. However, this has decreased to -2 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, indicating more balanced supply conditions. Development projects have an average construction value of $614,000, demonstrating a focus on premium segment properties.

Additionally, $2.7 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Port Fairy shows substantially reduced construction levels, at 63.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes, with levels also below national averages, suggesting maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 352 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, Port Fairy may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Port Fairy has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 41stth percentile nationally

Ten projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area's performance. Key projects include Quality Water for Wannon Program (Port Fairy component), Port Fairy East Beach Landfill Coastal Adaptation Plan, Port of Port Fairy Master Plan Implementation, and East Beach Upgrades. The following list details those likely to be 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.

Port Fairy ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Port Fairy has a well-educated workforce. Essential services sectors are well represented. The unemployment rate is 1.3%, based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data as of December 2025.

There are 1,757 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 2.3% below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation lags significantly at 54.7%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.0%. According to Census responses, 21.1% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and construction.

The area has a particular specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level. Transport, postal & warehousing has limited presence at 2.3%, compared to 3.9% regionally. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 6.2%, and employment fell by 6.5%, resulting in an unemployment rate rise of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Port Fairy's employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data shows Port Fairy had a median taxpayer income of $48,237 and an average of $62,155 in financial year 2023. These figures are lower than national averages of $50,954 (median) and $62,728 (average) for Regional Vic. Applying a 9.62% Wage Price Index growth since FY2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $52,877 (median) and $68,134 (average). Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly in Port Fairy, between the 32nd and 37th percentiles. The $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominates with 30.9% of residents (1,199 people), similar to metropolitan trends at 30.3%. Housing costs are manageable with 88.2% retained, but disposable income is below average at the 37th percentile, and SEIFA income ranking places Port Fairy in the 6th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Port Fairy, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 90.5% houses and 9.5% other dwellings. In comparison, Regional Vic.'s dwelling structure was 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership level in Port Fairy was 52.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.6% and rented ones at 20.4%. Median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, while median weekly rent figure was $300. Nationally, Port Fairy's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 68.1% of all households, including 24.3% couples with children, 34.7% couples without children, and 8.2% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 31.9%, with lone person households at 30.0% and group households comprising 1.7%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

Port Fairy shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Port Fairy's residents aged 15+ have a higher university qualification rate of 31.8%, compared to the SA4 region's 19.0% and Rest of Vic's 21.7%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 21.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.9%) and graduate diplomas (4.1%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 35.4% holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (13.4%) and certificates (22.0%). Educational participation is high, with 27.5% currently enrolled in formal education, including 11.1% in primary, 8.7% in secondary, and 2.8% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.1% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Port Fairy has 21 active public transport stops. These are serviced by three routes offering a total of 130 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good with residents typically located 332 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward using cars at 89%, while 8% walk. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.4. According to the 2021 Census, 21.1% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 18 trips daily across all routes, equating to around six weekly trips per stop.

Port Fairy'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 Port Fairy.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low across both young and old age cohorts. Private health cover was found to be relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~1,996 people). The most common medical conditions in the area were arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.3 and 8.1% of residents respectively. 65.4% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 33.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,315 people), which is higher than the 23.9% in Regional Vic. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Port Fairy's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 91.2% of its population being Australian citizens and 91.2% born in Australia. English was spoken as the only language at home by 97.8%. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 54.3%, compared to Regional Vic's 47.3%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (30.0%), Australian (29.0%), and Irish (16.9%), which is significantly higher than the regional average of 9.7%. Notably, Scottish ancestry was overrepresented at 11.2% compared to Regional Vic's 8.8%, Welsh at 0.6% versus 0.4%, and Dutch at 1.3% against 1.7%.

Port Fairy ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Port Fairy's median age stands at 51 years, notably higher than the Regional Victoria average of 43 and considerably older than the Australian median of 38. The 65-74 cohort is significantly overrepresented in Port Fairy at 17.7%, compared to the Regional Victoria average, while those aged 25-34 are underrepresented at 8.2%. This concentration of those aged 65-74 is well above the national average of 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 75-84 age group has grown from 9.7% to 11.6%, and the 15-24 cohort has increased from 7.3% to 8.6%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 11.2% to 9.3%, and the 55-64 group has dropped from 13.9% to 12.3%. By 2041, Port Fairy is projected to see significant shifts in its age composition. Leading this demographic shift, the 85+ group is expected to grow by 22%, reaching 217 people from 178. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising all of the projected growth. Conversely, both the 0-4 and 25-34 age groups are anticipated to decrease in numbers.