Portland (NSW)

An assessment of population growth drivers in Portland reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of the Portland (NSW) statistical area (Lv2) is around 2,492 people. This reflects an increase of 45 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,447 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 2,435 as of June 2024, based on ABS ERP data release and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 25 persons per square kilometer. Portland (NSW) has experienced an 1.8% growth rate since census, positioning it within 0.8 percentage points of its SA3 area's growth rate of 2.6%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 70.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch projections for the Portland (NSW) (SA2), based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a 2022 base year, indicate an above median population growth for Australian non-metropolitan areas. By 2041, the area is projected to expand by 353 persons, reflecting a total increase of 13.9% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Portland, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Portland has seen approximately 11 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 55 homes. As of FY-26, three approvals have been recorded. The average population growth per dwelling built in Portland between FY-21 and FY-25 is 0.4 people per year. This indicates that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for future population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average expected construction cost value of new homes being built in Portland is $654,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, Portland has seen $869,000 in commercial development approvals, reflecting its residential nature. Compared to the rest of NSW, Portland has similar development levels per person, maintaining market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas.

The new building activity in Portland consists of 86.0% detached dwellings and 14.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population count per dwelling approval is 551 people. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Portland is expected to grow by 346 residents through to 2041. Development in Portland is keeping pace with projected growth, though increasing competition among buyers can be anticipated as the population expands.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects likely impacting the region. Notable projects are The Foundations Portland, Mt Piper Battery Energy Storage System, Sunny Corner Wind Farm, and Great Western Battery.

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The labour market performance in Portland lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Portland's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate as of September 2025 was 5.1%, according to AreaSearch data aggregation.

In that month, Portland had an unemployment rate 1.3% higher than the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation lagged at 48.9%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key employment industries among residents were health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and mining. Portland had a notable concentration in mining, with employment levels 4.1 times the regional average.

However, health care & social assistance had limited presence at 12.0%, compared to the regional average of 16.9%. The area offered limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the census working population vs resident population count. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Portland's labour force decreased by 3.5% and employment declined by 5.5%, causing unemployment to rise by 2.0 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.5%, labour force contract by 0.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 showed NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that over five years, employment should increase by 5.6%, and over ten years, it should grow by 12.2% in Portland, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Portland's median income is $43,198 and average income is $52,990. This is lower than the national averages of $52,390 (median) and $65,215 (average) for Rest of NSW. By September 2025, estimated median income in Portland would be approximately $47,025 and average income $57,685, based on an 8.86% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Portland fall between the 9th and 10th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 28.3% of residents earn $400 - $799 weekly, compared to the region's predominant category of $1,500 - $2,999 at 29.9%. Portland has modest housing costs with 87.7% of income retained, but its total disposable income ranks at just the 14th percentile nationally.

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

Portland's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 98.0% houses and 2.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 91.0% houses and 9.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Portland stood at 49.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.1% and rented ones at 15.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,272, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,600. The median weekly rent in Portland was $250, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $300. Nationally, Portland's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,272 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Portland features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 66.5% of all households, including 23.8% couples with children, 29.4% couples without children, and 13.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 33.5%, with lone person households at 31.3% and group households comprising 1.4%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of NSW.

Portland faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 10.9%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 7.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 44.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (8.0%) and certificates (36.5%).

Educational participation is high, with 28.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.7% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 2.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Portland has 74 active public transport stops. These are served by a mix of buses along 14 routes. Together, these provide 123 weekly passenger trips.

The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 182 meters, indicating excellent accessibility. On average, there are 17 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per stop.

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

Portland faces significant health challenges, affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately 48% (~1,194 people) have private health cover, lower than the 51.8% average across Rest of NSW and the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (12.2%) and mental health issues (8.8%).

About 60.0% report no medical ailments, compared to 62.9% in Rest of NSW. Portland has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 26.8% (667 people), compared to 23.1% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are broadly aligned with the general population's health profile.

The latest Census data sees Portland placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Portland, as per the census conducted on the 8th of August, 2016, exhibited below-average cultural diversity. The population was predominantly Australian citizens, with 88.6% holding citizenship, and 92.0% being born in Australia. English was the primary language spoken at home by 97.1%.

Christianity was the dominant religion, practiced by 62.8%, slightly higher than the regional average of 59.9%. The top three ancestry groups were English (34.4%), Australian (31.8%), and Irish (9.7%). Notably, Australian Aboriginals were overrepresented at 5.4% compared to the regional average of 4.9%, as were Maltese at 0.7% versus 0.5%, and Maori at 0.5% against a regional average of 0.2%.

Portland hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Portland's median age is 46, slightly higher than Rest of NSW's 43 and national norm of 38. The 65-74 age group comprises 15.2%, significantly more than Rest of NSW and the national figure of 9.4%. Conversely, the 15-24 cohort is less prevalent at 9.9%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75 to 84 age group grew from 7.8% to 9.5%, while the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 12.0% to 10.6%. By 2041, Portland's demographic is projected to shift notably. The 75 to 84 group will grow by 41% (97 people), reaching 334 from 236. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 58% of the population growth. Conversely, declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 5 to 14 cohorts.