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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of Port Melbourne is around 18,891, reflecting a 7.1% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 17,633 people. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 18,274 in June 2024 and an additional 349 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,953 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Port Melbourne's growth rate since the census is within 2.8 percentage points of the national average (9.9%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 79.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. For projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area.

For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted 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. Looking ahead, exceptional growth is predicted for Port Melbourne over the period up to 2041, with an expected increase of 10,131 persons, reflecting a total increase of 53.4% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Port Melbourne recorded approximately 219 residential property approvals each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 1096 homes. As of FY-26, 92 approvals have been granted. On average, 0.5 people moved to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating new supply is meeting or exceeding demand. The average construction cost value of new homes was $662,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment.

Commercial approvals totalled $18.6 million in FY-26, reflecting moderate commercial development levels. New developments consisted of 2% detached houses and 98% medium to high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. Port Melbourne had an average of 44 people per approval, indicating a developing area.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the suburb is expected to grow by 10,090 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Infrastructure projects significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 70 such projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives include Barak Beacon at Port Melbourne, Defence Science Technology Group Redevelopment, University of Melbourne Fishermans Bend Campus, and Port Lane. The following list details those expected to have the most relevance.

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 Melbourne has been broadly consistent with national averages

Port Melbourne has a highly educated workforce, with the technology sector being particularly prominent. Its unemployment rate is 4.4%, having seen an estimated employment growth of 3.9% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 11,601 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.2% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation is similar to that of Greater Melbourne at 75.7%. Census responses indicate that 50.7% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries among residents are professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and finance & insurance. Port Melbourne shows strong specialization in professional & technical services with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level, while health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 10.3% compared to the regional average of 14.2%.

There are 1.7 workers for every resident, indicating that the area functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 3.9%, while labour force increased by 4.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0% and a similar increase in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Port Melbourne's employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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

Port Melbourne's median income among taxpayers was $75,353 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $112,559 during the same period. These figures are higher than Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. As of September 2025, estimates based on an 8.25% increase since financial year 2023 suggest a median income of approximately $81,570 and an average income of around $121,845 in Port Melbourne. According to Census 2021 data, incomes in Port Melbourne rank highly nationally, with household, family, and personal incomes between the 86th and 96th percentiles. The majority of residents, 29.1%, fall into the $4000+ income bracket, with 5,497 people. Unlike metropolitan trends where 32.8% earn between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, a substantial number in Port Melbourne, 41.5%, exceed $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consume 17.2% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income 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

Port Melbourne's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 6.0% houses and 94.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Melbourne metro's figures of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Melbourne stood at 26.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.1% and rented dwellings at 44.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,500, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Port Melbourne was recorded at $540, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Port Melbourne's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above 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 account for 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, 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

Educational attainment in Port Melbourne is notably higher than broader benchmarks. 50.2% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 33.4% in Victoria. University qualifications include bachelor degrees (31.9%), postgraduate qualifications (13.6%), and graduate diplomas (4.7%). Vocational pathways account for 23.8%, comprising advanced diplomas (11.8%) and certificates (12.0%).

Educational participation is 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. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 138 meters from the nearest stop. The area, predominantly residential, sees most commuters traveling outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport 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, 50.7% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 1,112 trips per day, translating to approximately 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 demonstrates excellent health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups. Approximately 71% of Port Melbourne's total population (13,423 people) has private health cover, compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 7.5% and 7.1% of residents respectively. 74.0% of residents 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 17.3% of residents aged 65 and over (3,268 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. 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 is notable, with 21.9% speaking a language other than English at home and 32.0% born overseas. Christianity dominates religiously, comprising 45.4%. Judaism shows slight overrepresentation 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%). Greek (5.0%) and French (0.9%) are notably overrepresented, while Russian shows slight overrepresentation at 0.7%.

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 average of 38 years. The 45-54 age group constitutes 15.7% of the population in Port Melbourne, compared to a lower prevalence of the 5-14 cohort at 8.3%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 15-24 age group has grown from 7.8% to 9.4%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 5.2% to 6.3%. Conversely, the 35-44 age group has declined from 17.7% to 16.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Port Melbourne, with the 45-54 age group projected to grow by 82%, adding 2,428 people and reaching a total of 5,394 from the current figure of 2,965.