Portarlington

Portarlington lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, Portarlington's estimated population is around 5,954 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,518 people (34.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,436 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,767 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 228 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 238 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Portarlington's growth rate exceeded that of non-metro areas (7.9%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 95.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises 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. Population projections indicate exceptional growth, placing Portarlington in the top 10 percent of non-metropolitan areas nationally over the period with an expected expansion of 2,597 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 27.0% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Portarlington has had approximately 170 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 852 homes. As of FY-26, 81 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, on average, 1.2 people moved to the area for each dwelling built. The average value of new dwellings is $559,000, indicating a focus on premium market developments.

This financial year has seen $10.6 million in commercial approvals. Compared to Rest of Vic., Portarlington shows 131.0% higher development activity per person. Recent construction comprises 86.0% detached houses and 14.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's low density nature. There are approximately 67 people per dwelling approval in the location. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Portarlington to grow by 1,608 residents through to 2041.

Current construction levels should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects likely to affect this region. Key initiatives include Panorama Portarlington, Portarlington Recreation Reserve Master Plan, Qudos Portarlington, and Vista Portarlington Residences. The following list details those most relevant:.

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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 drivers in Portarlington are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Portarlington has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 5.6%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 1,991 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.8% higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation lags significantly at 39.8%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction employment levels are particularly notable, at 1.3 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 2.8% versus the regional average of 7.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.2%, with employment decreasing by 0.6%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.4 percentage points. This compares to Rest of Vic., where employment fell by 0.7% and unemployment rose marginally. State-level data to 25-Nov shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Portarlington. These projections suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates differing significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Portarlington's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows Portarlington had a median taxpayer income of $41,328 and an average income of $56,690. Nationally, the averages were $50,954 (median) and $62,728 (average). By September 2025, with an 8.25% Wage Price Index growth, estimated incomes would be approximately $44,738 (median) and $61,367 (average). The 2021 Census places Portarlington's household, family, and personal incomes between the 5th and 9th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals 29.2% of residents earn between $400 - $799 annually, contrasting with the region where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 30.3%. After housing costs, 85.7% of income remains, ranking at the 8th percentile nationally. Portarlington's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Portarlington is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Portarlington, as evaluated at the 2016 Census, comprised 90.7% houses and 9.3% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Vic.'s dwelling structure was 93.0% houses and 7.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Portarlington stood at 57.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 20.8% and rented dwellings at 21.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,657, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,950. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $331, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $402. Nationally, Portarlington's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 65.5% of all households, including 15.2% couples with children, 41.7% couples without children, and 7.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 34.5%, with lone person households at 32.4% and group households comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 23.0%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (13.5%) and certificates (26.3%). A total of 22.0% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising 7.9% in primary, 6.7% in secondary, and 2.7% in tertiary education.

A substantial 22.0% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 7.9% in primary education, 6.7% in secondary education, and 2.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Portarlington has 36 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by four distinct routes that together facilitate 245 weekly passenger trips. The town's transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents generally residing 313 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, services run 35 times a day across all routes, translating to about six weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Portarlington is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Portarlington faces notable health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately 49% (~2,935 people) have private health cover, lower than the Rest of Vic's 57.1%, and the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 13.8%) and mental health issues (8.6%).

Conversely, 55.7% report no medical ailments, compared to 66.8% in Rest of Vic. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 45.4% (~2,703 people), higher than the 24.2% in Rest of Vic. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are above average, outperforming general population metrics.

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

Portarlington had a cultural diversity score below average, with 81.6% of its population born in Australia, 89.0% being citizens, and 93.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Portarlington, comprising 57.2% of people, compared to 45.3% across Rest of Vic.. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.3%), Australian (24.3%), and Irish (12.0%).

Notably, Scottish representation was higher at 10.1%, Maltese at 2.6%, and Croatian at 0.9%.

Portarlington ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Portarlington's median age is 62 years, which is considerably higher than the Rest of Vic average of 43 and above the national average of 38. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Portarlington has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (25.9%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (6.3%). This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 9.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of Portarlington's population aged 65-74 has increased from 24.6% to 25.9%, while the proportion of residents aged 45-54 has decreased from 10.4% to 8.3%. By 2041, Portarlington is projected to experience notable shifts in its age composition, with the 65-74 age cohort expected to expand by 311 people (20%), growing from 1,542 to 1,854 residents.