Port Melbourne

Port Melbourne lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

The population of the Port Melbourne statistical area (Lv2) was estimated to be around 18,888 as of November 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 1,255 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,633. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 18,274 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 346 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,953 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Port Melbourne (SA2) saw a growth rate of 7.1% since census, positioning it within 2.6 percentage points of the national average of 9.7%. This growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 79.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and for areas not covered, utilizing 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 are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends predict exceptional growth, placing the Port Melbourne (SA2) in the top 10 percent of statistical areas nationally, with an expected expansion of 10,126 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 53.4% over the 17 years.

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

Port Melbourne has seen approximately 219 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 1,096 homes. As of FY-26, 92 approvals have been recorded. On average, each new home accommodates about 0.5 new residents per year between FY-21 and FY-25. The estimated construction cost for these dwellings is $662,000 on average, indicating a focus on the premium market segment.

In this financial year, commercial development approvals amount to $18.6 million. The majority of new constructions are attached dwellings (98%), with detached houses comprising only 2%. This trend suggests affordable entry pathways for various buyer types.

With around 44 people per dwelling approval, Port Melbourne exhibits characteristics of a growth area. By 2041, the population is forecasted to increase by 10,087 residents. If current construction levels continue, housing supply may lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Port Melbourne has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 73 projects that could impact this region. Notable ones include Barak Beacon Port Melbourne, Defence Science Technology Group Redevelopment, University of Melbourne Fishermans Bend Campus, and Port Lane. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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

Port Melbourne has a highly educated workforce with the technology sector being notably represented. Its unemployment rate was 4.4% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.9%.

As of September 2025, 11,602 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, 0.2% below Greater Melbourne's rate. Workforce participation is 67.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Employment is concentrated in professional & technical (1.6 times the regional level), health care & social assistance (10.3%), and finance & insurance sectors. There are 1.7 workers for every resident, indicating it functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 3.9% while labour force grew by 4.2%, resulting in a unemployment rise of 0.3 percentage points. State-level data shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year as of 25-Nov, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National employment forecasts suggest growth of 6.6% over five years and 14.0% over ten years for Port Melbourne, based on its current employment mix.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023, Port Melbourne had a median taxpayer income of $75,353 and an average income of $112,559. These figures place Port Melbourne in the top percentile nationally, compared to Greater Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $81,570 (median) and $121,845 (average). The 2021 Census shows household, family, and personal incomes in Port Melbourne rank between the 86th and 96th percentiles nationally. In Port Melbourne, 29.1% of individuals earn over $4,000 per week, contrasting with the region's leading bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 at 32.8%. High earnings mean disposable income is at the 83rd percentile despite high housing costs consuming 17.2% of income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Port Melbourne features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living

The dwelling structure in Port Melbourne, as per the latest Census, consisted of 6.0% houses and 94.1% other dwellings including semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. Home ownership stood at 26.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.1% and rented ones at 44.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,500, and the median weekly rent was $540. Nationally, Port Melbourne's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Port Melbourne features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a median household size of 2.1 people

Family households comprise 58.6% of all households, including 20.9% couples with children, 28.3% couples without children, and 8.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 41.4%, with lone person households at 37.4% and group households comprising 4.0%. The median household size is 2.1 people.

Port Melbourne demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

In Port Melbourne, the proportion of residents aged 15 and above with university qualifications is notably higher than national and state averages, standing at 50.2% compared to 30.4% in Australia and 33.4% in Victoria. This educational advantage is predominantly driven by Bachelor degrees, which are held by 31.9% of residents. Postgraduate qualifications and graduate diplomas follow, accounting for 13.6% and 4.7% respectively. Vocational pathways also contribute significantly to educational attainment, with advanced diplomas at 11.8% and certificates at 12.0%.

Educational participation is notably high in the area, with 26.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 7.9% in primary education, 6.1% in secondary education, and 6.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Port Melbourne has 98 active public transport stops. These are a mix of light rail and bus services, operated by 10 different routes. Together, these routes provide 7,788 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in Port Melbourne is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 138 meters from the nearest stop. On average, there are 1,112 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 79 weekly trips per individual stop.

Port Melbourne's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis shows Port Melbourne's health metrics are strong. Both young and elderly cohorts have low prevalence of common conditions.

Private health cover is high at approximately 71% of total population (13,421 people), compared to national average of 55.7%. Most common medical conditions are mental health issues (7.5%) and asthma (7.1%). 74.0% report no medical ailments, higher than Greater Melbourne's 0%. The area has 16.9% residents aged 65 and over (3,192 people). Health outcomes among seniors exceed general population metrics.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Port Melbourne was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Port Melbourne has a higher cultural diversity compared to most local markets, with 21.9% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 32.0% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Port Melbourne, accounting for 45.4% of the population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented in Port Melbourne at 0.9%, compared to None% across Greater Melbourne.

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups are English (24.7%), Australian (18.0%), and Other (10.6%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences: Greeks comprise 5.0% of Port Melbourne's population versus None% regionally, French at 0.9% (versus None%), and Russian at 0.7% (versus None%).

Port Melbourne's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Port Melbourne is 42 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's national median age of 38 years. The age group of 45-54 shows strong representation in Port Melbourne at 16.0%, compared to Greater Melbourne. Conversely, the 15-24 age group is less prevalent in Port Melbourne at 9.1%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15-24 age group has grown from 7.8% to 9.1% of Port Melbourne's population. Meanwhile, the 0-4 age group has declined from 4.7% to 4.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Port Melbourne. Notably, the 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 78%, increasing from 3,022 people to 5,393 people by 2041.