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 since the Census, the suburb's population is estimated at around 3,927 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 185 people (4.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,742 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,694 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 22 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 4.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (4.5%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed 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, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. As we examine future population trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the suburb's population expected to contract by 1,016 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 expand by 29 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

Port Fairy's dwelling approvals averaged around 9 per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 45 homes were approved, with 2 more in FY-26. Each home built resulted in an average of 4.4 new residents over the past five financial years.

This demand significantly outpaces supply, driving price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average value of $614,000, targeting the premium market segment with higher-end dwellings. 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 reduced construction (62.0% below regional average per person), which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This level is also under the national average, suggesting established area characteristics and potential planning limitations.

Recent development has been entirely standalone homes, maintaining Port Fairy's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 365 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. With population expected to remain stable or decline, 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.

Employment conditions in Port Fairy demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Port Fairy has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 1.4%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data as of December 2025. There are 1,740 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.3% below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation is lower at 56.7% compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%. In the 2021 Census, 21.1% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries are health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and construction. The area has a notable concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average.

However, transport, postal & warehousing is under-represented at 2.3% compared to Regional Vic.'s 3.9%. There appears to be limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Port Fairy's labour force decreased by 6.3%, with employment decreasing by 6.7%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Vic. experienced an employment decline of 0.6% and a labour force decline of 0.7%, with a drop in unemployment of 0.1 percentage point. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Port Fairy's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Port Fairy is below the national average. The median income is $48,237 while the average income stands at $62,155. This contrasts with Regional Vic.'s figures of a median income of $50,954 and an average income of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $52,217 (median) and $67,283 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Port Fairy rank modestly, between the 32nd and 37th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that the largest segment comprises 30.9% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,213 residents), mirroring the region where 30.3% occupy this bracket. Housing costs are manageable with 88.2% retained, though disposable income sits below average at the 37th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it 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 per the latest Census, consisted of 90.5% houses and 9.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Fairy stood at 52.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.6% and rented ones at 20.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, higher than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in Port Fairy was $300, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Port Fairy's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $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 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 educational attainment is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 31.8% have university qualifications 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% of residents holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 13.4% and certificates at 22.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.5% 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 served by three routes offering a total of 130 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good with residents typically living 332 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, using cars predominantly (89%), with 8% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 21.1% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions.

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 indicates robust performance across Port Fairy.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low for both young and elderly cohorts. Private health cover was relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (around 2,020 people). The most prevalent conditions were arthritis (10.3%) and mental health issues (8.1%). About 65.4% of residents reported no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Regional Vic. Health outcomes among working-age individuals are generally typical. Port Fairy has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 33.5% (around 1,315 people), compared to 23.9% in Regional Vic. Senior health outcomes are particularly strong, aligning with national rankings for 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 born in Australia, while 97.8% spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Port Fairy, accounting for 54.3% of the population compared to the regional average of 47.3%. The top three ancestry groups were English (30.0%), Australian (29.0%), and Irish (16.9%), with a substantially higher percentage of Irish ancestry than the regional average of 9.7%.

Notably, Scottish ancestry was overrepresented at 11.2% compared to the regional average of 8.8%, Welsh ancestry was slightly overrepresented at 0.6% versus 0.4%, and Dutch ancestry was underrepresented at 1.3% compared to the regional average of 1.7%.

Port Fairy ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Port Fairy has a median age of 50, which is higher than Regional Vic.'s figure of 43 and above the national average of 38. The 65-74 age group constitutes 17.7%, notably higher than Regional Vic., while the 25-34 cohort stands at 8.5%. This 65-74 concentration is well above the national figure of 9.5%. As per the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 9.7% to 11.4%, and the 15 to 24 cohort has risen from 7.3% to 8.6%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 11.2% to 9.1%, and the 55 to 64 group has dropped from 13.9% to 12.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Port Fairy's age profile. The 85+ age cohort is expected to grow by 23 people (13%), reaching 196. Notably, all population growth will come from the 65+ age groups. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 25-34 and 0-4 cohorts.