Port Fairy

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

Port Fairy's population is estimated at around 3,927 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase from the 2021 Census figure of 3,742 people, marking a 4.9% growth. AreaSearch validated this increase using resident population data from June 2024 and new addresses since the Census date. The suburb's population density is approximately 34 persons per square kilometer. Port Fairy's growth rate exceeded that of its SA4 region (4.5%), making it a growth leader in the area. Overseas migration contributed about 48.0% to this growth, with other factors like natural growth and interstate migration also being positive contributors.

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, AreaSearch employs the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends indicate a decline in overall numbers, with the suburb's population expected to decrease by 1,062 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are projected to grow, notably the 85 and over group, which is anticipated to increase by 25 people.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Port Fairy recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers derived from statistical area data, Port Fairy averaged approximately 9 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 49 homes were approved, with an additional 2 approved so far in FY-26. On average, for every home built over the past five financial years, there have been about 3.9 new residents.

This indicates a significant demand exceeding supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction value of these new properties is around $614,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, $2.7 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting Port Fairy's primarily residential nature. Compared to Rest of Vic., Port Fairy shows a substantial reduction in construction activity, with 59.0% fewer approvals per person than the regional average. This scarcity of new dwellings usually strengthens demand and prices for existing properties.

Additionally, Port Fairy's development level is below the national average, indicating its established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Recent development has been entirely comprised of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 333 people per approval, Port Fairy reflects a low-density area. Given the expected stable or declining population, Port Fairy should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Port Fairy has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 40thth percentile nationally

Ten projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly. These 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 considered 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.

The labour market in Port Fairy shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Port Fairy has a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 1.4% as of AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. By September 2025, there were 1,777 residents employed while the unemployment rate stood at 2.4% below Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation was somewhat lower than the state average (58.9% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%). According to Census responses, a moderate 21.1% of residents worked from home, with potential Covid-19 lockdown impacts considered. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and construction. Notably, the area had a high concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average.

Conversely, transport, postal & warehousing was under-represented, with only 2.3% of Port Fairy's workforce compared to Rest of Vic.'s 3.9%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by a comparison of Census working population and resident population figures over a 12-month period. During this time, labour force decreased by 2.7%, alongside a 3.1% employment decline, causing unemployment to rise by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. experienced an employment decline of 0.7% and labour force decline of 0.6%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 provide further insight into potential future demand within Port Fairy. These projections suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Port Fairy's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows that median income in Port Fairy is $48,237 and average income stands at $62,155. This contrasts with Rest of Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year ending June 2023, current estimates for Port Fairy would be approximately $52,217 (median) and $67,283 (average) as of September 2025. According to the Census conducted in August 2021, incomes in Port Fairy rank modestly, between the 32nd and 37th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The largest income bracket comprises 30.9% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (1,213 residents), similar to the regional figure of 30.3%. Housing costs allow for retention of 88.2%, but disposable income is below average at the 37th percentile, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the sixth decile.

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

Port Fairy's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, were 90.5% houses and 9.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Fairy was 52.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.6% and rented ones at 20.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average, while the median weekly rent was $300, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Port Fairy's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,733 versus Australia's $1,863, and rents were 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 account for the remaining 31.9%, with lone person households at 30.0% and group households comprising 1.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of 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 proportion with university qualifications (31.8%) compared to the SA4 region (19.0%) and Rest of Vic (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.

This includes primary education (11.1%), secondary education (8.7%), and tertiary education (2.8%).

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 served by three different routes that together offer 130 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents typically living 332 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outside Port Fairy, primarily using cars (89%). Walking accounts for 8% of commutes. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 21.1% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 18 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately six weekly trips per individual 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. The rate of private health cover was relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (around 2,020 people). The most common medical conditions were arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 10.3 and 8.1% of residents respectively. Sixty-five point four percent declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Rest of Vic.. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 32.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,288 people), which is higher 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 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 had a cultural diversity score below the average, with 91.2% citizens and 91.2% born in Australia. English was spoken at home by 97.8%. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 54.3%, compared to 47.3% across Rest of Vic..

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

Port Fairy ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Port Fairy has a median age of 50, which is higher than Victoria's overall median age of 43 and the national average of 38. The strongest representation in Port Fairy is among those aged 65-74, at 17.4%, compared to 9.5% nationally and 12.3% in the rest of Victoria. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has a lower prevalence in Port Fairy at 8.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 75-84 grew from 9.7% to 11.1%, while those aged 35-44 increased from 10.9% to 12.1%. However, the 45-54 age group declined from 11.2% to 8.9%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 13.9% to 12.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Port Fairy's age profile. The 85+ age cohort is expected to grow by 27 people, from 168 to 196, a 16% increase. Notably, all population growth will come from the combined 65+ age groups. Conversely, population declines are projected for those aged 0-4 and 25-34.