Port Macquarie

Population growth drivers in Port Macquarie are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, the Port Macquarie statistical area's population is estimated at around 51,513, reflecting an increase of 3,820 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents an 8.0% increase from the previous population figure of 47,693. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 49,747 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 724 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 972 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Port Macquarie statistical area's growth of 8.0% since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area's growth rate of 5.7%. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 80.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the Port Macquarie statistical area is expected to increase by 7,630 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 11.6% in total over these 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Port Macquarie among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Port Macquarie averaged approximately 279 new dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 1,397 homes were approved, with an additional 123 approved in FY-26 to date. Each dwelling has supported an average of 2.5 new residents per year over the past five financial years, indicating strong demand that may positively impact property values.

The average construction cost value of new homes is around $497,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. This fiscal year has seen approximately $68.1 million in commercial approvals, reflecting robust local commercial activity. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Port Macquarie exhibits about 75% of construction activity per person and ranks among the 68th percentile nationally based on areas assessed.

New development comprises roughly 67.0% standalone homes and 33.0% medium to high-density housing, offering a mix of attached housing types catering to various price ranges. With approximately 199 people per dwelling approval, Port Macquarie exhibits characteristics of a growth area. Population forecasts suggest the region will gain around 5,970 residents by 2041 based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, providing favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond existing projections.

Port Macquarie has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Local infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 19 projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives include the Port Macquarie Base Hospital Mechanical and Clinical Infrastructure Upgrade, Ocean Estate Port Macquarie, Port Macquarie Aquatic Facility, and Hastings Residences Port Macquarie. The following list 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.

The labour market in Port Macquarie demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Port Macquarie has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.0%, with relative employment stability over the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of September 2025, 23,868 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate at 0.9% below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation is somewhat lower at 52.4%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The area has a strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.6% versus the regional average of 5.3%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. In the year to September 2025, labour force increased by 0.4%, while employment declined by 0.2%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of NSW where employment fell by 0.5%, labour force contracted by 0.1%, and unemployment rose 0.4 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National unemployment rate is 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Port Macquarie's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 on March 15. Port Macquarie's median income among taxpayers was $46,231 with an average of $60,664. Both figures are below the national average. Rest of NSW had a median income of $52,390 and average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth from March 2023 to September 2025, estimated median and average incomes for Port Macquarie would be approximately $50,327 and $66,039 respectively. The 2021 Census shows household, family, and personal incomes in Port Macquarie between the 19th and 24th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile indicates that 27.4% of locals (14,114 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually. In metropolitan regions, 29.9% fall into this income category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.1% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 17th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Port Macquarie displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Port Macquarie's dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 66.2% houses and 33.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Non-Metro NSW had 75.9% houses and 24.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Macquarie was 41.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.9% and rented ones at 32.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,751, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Port Macquarie was $380, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $375. Nationally, Port Macquarie's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,751 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher at $380 against the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 65.0% of all households, including 21.7% couples with children, 31.3% couples without children, and 11.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 35.0%, with lone person households at 31.6% and group households comprising 3.4%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

Educational attainment in Port Macquarie aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

Educational qualifications in Port Macquarie trail regional benchmarks; 22.5% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees compared to NSW's 32.2%. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 15.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently; 39.4% of residents aged 15+ hold vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (11.5%) and certificates (27.9%).

Educational participation is notably high; 26.9% of residents are currently enrolled in formal education, including 8.9% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 4.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Port Macquarie has 406 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 156 different routes that together facilitate 2,490 weekly passenger trips. The city's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents on average located 182 meters from the nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 355 trips across all routes, which equates to approximately six weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Port Macquarie faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent among both younger and older age groups. Approximately 51% (~26,245 people) have private health cover, lower than Rest of NSW's 48.9%.

The most frequent conditions are arthritis (11.4%) and mental health issues (9.8%). About 60.0% report no medical ailments, similar to Rest of NSW's 59.9%. Around 27.8% (~14,320 people) are aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors show some challenges but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

Port Macquarie ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Port Macquarie had a cultural diversity level below average, with 84.9% of its population born in Australia, 91.0% being citizens, and 94.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Port Macquarie, accounting for 57.3% of people, which is similar to the 57.5% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.7%), Australian (29.2%), and Irish (9.8%).

Notably, certain ethnic groups had different representations: Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 3.6% compared to 3.8% regionally, Scottish remained the same at 8.3%, and French was slightly higher at 0.5% versus 0.4%.

Port Macquarie hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Port Macquarie's median age is 47 years, significantly higher than the Rest of NSW average of 43 years and substantially exceeding the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 75-84 years are particularly prominent, comprising 10.3% of the population, while those aged 5-14 years are comparatively smaller at 10.7%. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of the population aged 25 to 34 has grown from 9.3% to 10.6%, while the percentage of those aged 55 to 64 has declined from 13.1% to 11.8%. By 2041, Port Macquarie is expected to experience notable shifts in its age composition. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 31%, adding 1,673 people to reach a total of 7,134 from the current 5,460. Meanwhile, the 65 to 74 and 55 to 64 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.