Port Macquarie

Population growth drivers in Port Macquarie are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Port Macquarie's population is estimated at around 49,864 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 2,171 people (4.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 47,693 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 49,196, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 724 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 941 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Port Macquarie has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.4%, outpacing the SA4 region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed 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 any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the area expected to expand by 7,687 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 15.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

Port Macquarie recorded approximately 276 residential properties granted approval annually between FY-21 and FY-25. A total of 1,382 homes were approved during this period, with an additional 75 approved in FY-26. On average, 2.5 people moved to the area per new home constructed over these years, indicating solid demand for properties.

The average construction cost value of new homes was $499,000. In FY-26, commercial development approvals amounted to $33.0 million. Compared to Rest of NSW, Port Macquarie had around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranked in the 62nd percentile nationally.

Recent construction comprised 68.0% detached dwellings and 32.0% medium and high-density housing, offering choices across price ranges. The area has approximately 238 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Port Macquarie is expected to grow by 7,676 residents through to 2041. Existing development levels appear aligned with future requirements, suggesting stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

Port Macquarie has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 19 projects that could impact the area. Notable ones include Port Macquarie Base Hospital Redevelopment Stage 2, Ocean Estate Port Macquarie, Port Macquarie Aquatic Facility, and Hastings Residences Port Macquarie. The following list details those most likely to be 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 performance in Port Macquarie has been broadly consistent with national averages

Port Macquarie has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.9%, with an estimated employment growth of 0.6% in the past year (AreaSearch aggregation).

As of June 2025, 23,800 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 0.8% lower than Rest of NSW's 3.7%. Workforce participation is 52.4%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Health care & social assistance has notable concentration with levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.6% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 5.3%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. In the 12-month period ending Sep-22, employment increased by 0.6%, labour force by 0.9%, raising unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of NSW where employment contracted by 0.1%, labour force grew by 0.3%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth at 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, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022. Port Macquarie's median income among taxpayers was $46,147, with an average of $60,554. This is below the national average. Rest of NSW had a median income of $49,459 and an average of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Port Macquarie would be approximately $51,966 (median) and $68,190 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census showed household, family and personal incomes in Port Macquarie fell between the 19th and 24th percentiles nationally. Income analysis revealed that 27.4% of residents earned $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, mirroring the surrounding region where 29.9% occupied this bracket. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 82.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 17th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed 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

The dwelling structure in Port Macquarie, as assessed at the 2016 Census, consisted of 66.2% houses and 33.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 75.9% houses and 24.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Macquarie stood at 41.3%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (25.9%) or rented (32.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,751, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure was $380, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $375. Nationally, Port Macquarie's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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, 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

Port Macquarie has 22.5% of residents aged 15+ with university degrees, compared to NSW's 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 15.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are held by 39.4%, including advanced diplomas (11.5%) and certificates (27.9%). Current educational participation is high at 26.9%, with 8.9% in primary, 7.7% in secondary, and 4.5% in tertiary education.

There are 20 schools serving 8,298 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1006). The educational mix includes 10 primary, 6 secondary, and 4 K-12 schools. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Port Macquarie operates 345 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 157 individual routes that collectively facilitate 2,459 weekly passenger trips. The city's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 183 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 351 daily trips across all routes, equating to approximately seven weekly trips per 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. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~25,385 people), compared to 48.6% across the rest of NSW.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (11.4%) and mental health issues (9.8%). Approximately 60.0% of residents report no medical ailments, similar to the 59.9% reported in the rest of NSW. As of 2021, around 27.8% of Port Macquarie's population is aged 65 and over (13,862 people). Health outcomes among seniors present 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, as per the census data from June 2016, showed lower-than-average cultural diversity with 84.9% of its population born in Australia and 91.0% being citizens. English was spoken at home by 94.6%. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 57.3%, comparable 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, Australian Aboriginal people were overrepresented at 3.6% compared to the regional average of 3.8%, Scottish people had similar representation at 8.3%, and French people were slightly more represented at 0.5% versus the regional 0.4%.

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

Port Macquarie's median age is 47 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of NSW average of 43 and substantially exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 75-84 are particularly prominent at 10.3%, while the 5-14 age group is comparatively smaller at 10.7% compared to the Rest of NSW. Between 2021 and now, the population of Port Macquarie aged 25 to 34 has grown from 9.3% to 10.6%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group has declined from 13.1% to 11.8%. By 2041, Port Macquarie is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 35%, adding 1,860 people and reaching a total of 7,146 from the current 5,285. The 55 to 64 age group is expected to grow modestly at 1%, with an increase of 46 residents.