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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area around Port Melbourne, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since May 2026, the suburb's population is estimated at around 18,327. This reflects an increase of 694 people (3.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 17,633. The change is inferred from the resident population of 18,327, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 379 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,895 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 79.0% 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 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, a significant population increase in the top quartile of statistical areas across the nation is forecast, with the suburb expected to expand by 5,981 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 32.2% in total over the 16 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 ending June 2021, totalling around 1,096 homes. In the current fiscal year, FY-26, 92 approvals have been recorded as of this date. The population has decreased during this period, yet housing supply remains adequate relative to demand, indicating a balanced market with varied buyer options. The average construction cost for new properties is $662,000, suggesting developers target the premium segment.

Commercial development approvals amount to $18.6 million in FY-26, demonstrating consistent commercial investment activity. Detached houses account for 2.0% of new building activity, with attached dwellings at 98.0%, reflecting a preference for compact living that attracts various buyer types. With around 43 people per dwelling approval, Port Melbourne exhibits low-density characteristics.

Population projections estimate an increase of 5,905 residents by 2041. Current development levels appear aligned with future needs, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

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 67 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Fishermans Bend Innovation Precinct, Barak Beacon Port Melbourne, Local South Melbourne, and The Canopy on Normanby. Relevant projects are detailed below.

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 Melbourne remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Port Melbourne has a highly educated workforce, with the technology sector notably represented. Its unemployment rate was 4.6% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.9%. As of December 2025, 10,808 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, slightly below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation is similar to Greater Melbourne's at 69.9%. According to Census responses, 50.7% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in professional & technical (23.1%), health care & social assistance (10.3%), and finance & insurance sectors. Port Melbourne specializes in professional & technical jobs, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level, while health care & social assistance has a limited presence at 10.3% compared to 14.2% regionally.

The area hosts more jobs than residents, with 1.7 workers per resident. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 1.9%, labour force grew by 2.3%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. In Greater Melbourne, employment rose by 2.4%, labour force grew by 2.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Port Melbourne's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch reports that according to its aggregation of recent ATO data released for the financial year ended June 2023, Port Melbourne had a median income among taxpayers 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 9.62% from June 2023 to March 2026, estimated current incomes would be approximately $82,602 (median) and $123,387 (average). The 2021 Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Port Melbourne rank between the 86th and 96th percentiles nationally. Notably, 29.1% of individuals earn over $4,000 per week, compared to the region's leading bracket of $1,500 - $2,999 at 32.8%. This indicates a substantial proportion of high earners in Port Melbourne, with strong economic capacity. Despite high housing costs consuming 17.2% of income, disposable income ranks at the 83rd percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Port Melbourne features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Port Melbourne, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 6.0% houses and 94.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Port Melbourne was at 26.4%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (29.1%) or rented (44.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,500, higher than the Melbourne metro average of $2,000 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $540, compared to Melbourne metro's $390 and the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for 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, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

Port Melbourne's residents aged 15+ have a higher proportion with university qualifications (50.2%) compared to Australia (30.4%) and Victoria (33.4%). Bachelor degrees are the most common (31.9%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.6%) and graduate diplomas (4.7%). Vocational pathways account for 23.8%, with advanced diplomas at 11.8% and certificates at 12.0%. Educational participation is high, with 26.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: primary (7.9%), secondary (6.1%), and tertiary (6.0%).

Educational participation is notably high, 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, offering a mix of light rail and bus services. These are served by 10 different routes, collectively facilitating 7,788 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located just 138 meters from their nearest stop. Primarily residential, most inhabitants commute outward. Cars remain the dominant mode of travel at 71%, while walking and cycling account for 9% and 6% respectively. Vehicle ownership averages 0.8 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 50.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 1,112 trips per day, translating to roughly 79 weekly trips per individual stop.

Port Melbourne's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Port Melbourne's health outcomes show excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, with very low prevalence across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 71% of the total population (13,023 people), compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions, affecting 7.5% and 7.1% of residents respectively, while 74.0% report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne.

Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 18.2% of residents aged 65 and over (3,335 people), higher than the 15.0% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

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's cultural diversity surpasses most local areas, with 21.9% speaking languages other than English at home and 32.0% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 45.4%. Judaism is slightly overrepresented at 0.9%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 1.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (24.7%), Australian (18.0%), and Other (10.6%). Notably, Greek (5.0%) and French (0.9%) populations exceed regional averages of 2.7% and 0.5%, respectively, while Russian is slightly higher at 0.7%.

Port Melbourne's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Port Melbourne is 43 years, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 45-54 are particularly prominent, making up 16.1% of the population, while those aged 15-24 are comparatively smaller at 8.9%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.2% to 6.7%, and the 55 to 64 cohort increased from 12.7% to 14.1%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age group has declined from 15.4% to 13.7%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Port Melbourne's age structure. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to rise substantially, increasing by 1,643 people (56%) from 2,950 to 4,594. Meanwhile, the 0 to 4 age group grows by a modest 6% (42 people).