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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Portland (Vic.) has an estimated 9,868 residents, down from 10,016 at the 2021 Census — a change of 148 people, or 1.5%. That puts 304 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Analysis of the ABS population updates alongside new addresses verified by AreaSearch since the Census indicates that the suburb of Portland (Vic.) has an estimated population of 9,868 as of May 2026. This marks a reduction of 148 people (1.5%) from the 2021 Census count of 10,016 people. The calculation is based on an estimated resident population of 9,862 by AreaSearch, derived from the ABS June 2025 ERP release, with an additional 91 validated new addresses registered since the Census. This population level translates to a density ratio of 303 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density with potential space for future development.
In contrast to the 1.5% decline in the suburb of Portland (Vic.) since the Census, the broader SA4 region recorded an increase of 0.4%, demonstrating contrasting trends. The population gains in the area were almost exclusively driven by overseas migration. Projections from ABS and Geoscience Australia, released in 2024 with a 2022 baseline, are utilised for each SA2 area. For locations lacking this data, projections from the 2023 Victorian State Government Regional/LGA release are adjusted using a weighted aggregation method of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Based on these demographic projections, the suburb of Portland (Vic.) is anticipated to experience a population rise slightly below the median of national regional areas, with an expected growth of 738 persons by 2041, representing a total increase of 7.4% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
202 new dwellings have been approved in Portland (Vic.) over the past five years, an average of 40 a year. That is 4.1 approvals per 1,000 residents. Of the 38 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 79% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 48, broadly in line with that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
According to building approval figures from the ABS allocated to local statistical areas, Portland has averaged approximately 40 residential approvals annually, amounting to 202 new dwellings over the last 5 financial years. In the current financial year of FY-26, there have been 44 approvals registered. Given the recent population decline, this rate of construction represents a reasonable supply relative to demand, which is beneficial for buyers. The average value of these new dwellings is $454,000, indicating that developers are focusing on the higher-end residential market. Furthermore, commercial building approvals have reached $8.4 million during this financial year, highlighting the primarily residential nature of the locality.
Recent construction approvals consist of 79.0% detached houses and 21.0% medium and high-density options, maintaining the low-density profile of the locality with a focus on standalone homes for buyers seeking space. The ratio of approximately 291 people per approved dwelling highlights the low-density character of the area. Demographic projections indicate that Portland will add 732 residents by 2041, based on the most recent quarterly estimates from AreaSearch. The current rate of home building suggests that the supply of new housing will easily accommodate this demand, supporting buyers and potentially enabling growth beyond the baseline forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Portland (Vic.)
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 4 current infrastructure and development projects inside Portland (Vic.), worth an estimated $3.31 billion. A further 54 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $5.51 billion. 18 are already under construction and 26 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and sports & recreation. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure updates, planning policies, and development projects are key drivers of regional growth. AreaSearch has identified 4 main projects that are anticipated to influence the local area. The most significant developments include the Portland Renewable Fuels Project, Portland Energy Park, Portland Foreshore Multipurpose Facility, and the Portland North Employment Precinct.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Portland Energy Park
A 1,000 MW / 2,500 MWh grid-scale battery energy storage park on industrial land at Madeira Packet Road, Portland. The project comprises four co-located battery assets, associated switchyard, grid connection, access and supporting infrastructure, designed to store surplus renewable energy and discharge it during peak demand to strengthen energy security and support Victoria's energy transition. Pacific Green secured a Victorian planning permit in September 2025 and the EPBC project decision has been published.
Portland Foreshore Multipurpose Facility
Refurbishment and redevelopment of the Portland Yacht Club and Portland Sport Fishing Club facilities on the Portland Foreshore. The project delivers modern, all-abilities community recreation spaces, accessibility compliance, extended asset lifespan, and shared amenities for local sporting and maritime clubs.
Portland Renewable Fuels Project
A large-scale hybrid bio/e-methanol development in Portland, Victoria, converting over 500,000 tonnes of residual plantation forestry biomass and approximately 30,000 tonnes of renewable hydrogen per annum into around 300,000 tonnes of low-carbon methanol annually. Methanol targets shipping decarbonisation and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production. Partners include thyssenkrupp Uhde (technology), Airbus, Qantas, and Honeywell. Pre-FEED completed August 2025; AUD$10 million Series A closed February 2026. FID targeted for 2028.
Portland North Employment Precinct
The Portland North Employment Precinct is a 10-hectare development aimed at boosting the local economy through job creation and business attraction. Bunnings Warehouse, the anchor tenant, opened in June 2025, creating over 50 ongoing jobs and supporting 50 during construction. Funded by $2.5 million from the Victorian Government, the precinct positions Portland as a key economic centre in south west Victoria.
Ryan Corner Wind Farm
A 52-turbine wind farm with a capacity of 218MW, located near Port Fairy. It is one of the largest wind farms in Victoria and can power 167,000 homes.
Quality Water for Wannon Program (Port Fairy component)
The Port Fairy Water Treatment Plant upgrade is a key component of the 52.2 million AUD Quality Water for Wannon Program. The project will implement reverse osmosis technology to treat deep groundwater from the Dilwyn Aquifer, significantly reducing mineral salts to improve taste and reduce appliance scaling. As of mid-2026, the project is in the detailed planning phase, with Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Plans (CHMP) under evaluation by the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation and Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners.Regulatory approvals, including a development licence exemption from the EPA, are currently being processed to manage environmental risks during the anticipated construction phase.
Port Fairy Play and Skate
A new skate park, district-level play space, and supporting site provisions in Port Fairy's Russell Clark Reserve, including a three-tier slide tower and a 40m inclusive double flying fox.
Gipps Street Bridge Replacement
Replacement of the aging Gipps Street Bridge in Port Fairy to ensure the safety of the community.
4,218 residents of Portland (Vic.) are employed, from a labour force of 4,354. Unemployment sits at 3.1%, with participation at 52.0%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.7% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 9,006, about 91% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Portland features a diverse workforce with a mix of professional and trade occupations, alongside strong representation in essential services. The local unemployment rate stands at 3.1% based on AreaSearch statistical aggregations. As of March 2026, there are 4,218 employed residents, resulting in an unemployment rate that is 0.6% lower than the Regional Vic. average of 3.7%. However, participation in the labour force is relatively low at 52.0%, compared to 61.1% across Regional Vic. Census data indicates that a modest 6.7% of the workforce worked from home, though this figure was likely influenced by pandemic-related restrictions.
The primary employment sectors for local residents are healthcare and social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. The manufacturing sector is particularly prominent, employing residents at 1.9 times the regional average. Conversely, construction accounts for only 7.4% of local employment, compared to 10.4% in Regional Vic. The comparison between the number of local jobs and the resident working population suggests that regional employment opportunities are somewhat limited. Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics aggregated from regional levels, the local labour force contracted by 6.6% during the year ending March 2026. Simultaneously, total employment decreased by 5.7%, which led to a 0.9 percentage point drop in unemployment. During the same period, Regional Vic. experienced a minor employment decline of 0.1%, a labour force contraction of 0.3%, and a 0.2 percentage point decrease in unemployment. Employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia published in May-25 offer additional context for potential future employment trends. These five and ten-year national forecasts have been applied to the local industry profile. While national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, the rates vary by sector. Applying these trends to the local workforce structure indicates that employment in Portland could rise by 5.7% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, based on a simple weighted extrapolation.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Portland (Vic.) is $1,146 a week (about $60,000 a year), with median personal income at $617 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $46,478 a year against an average of $57,067. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
According to the latest ATO postcode statistics aggregated by AreaSearch for the 2023 financial year, Portland has a median taxpayer income of $46,478 and an average of $57,067. These figures are below national benchmarks and compare to a median of $50,954 and an average of $62,728 in Regional Vic. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index increase of 9.62% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates as of March 2026 would be approximately $50,949 for the median and $62,557 for the average. In the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual incomes in the area were positioned between the 9th and 13th percentiles nationally.
Regarding income brackets, 27.7% of the population (2,733 individuals) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, which is similar to the wider region where 30.3% fall into this category. Although housing expenses are relatively low, with residents keeping 87.3% of their earnings, total disposable income is positioned at the 13th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Portland (Vic.) had 4,154 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 88% detached houses and 1% apartments. 31% are owned with a mortgage, 28% rented and 42% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $250 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,083 a month. Rent absorbs 21.8% of household income here and mortgage repayments 21.8%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the last Census, the housing stock in Portland consisted of 88.4% detached houses and 11.6% semi-detached dwellings, apartments, or other housing types, compared to 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings in Regional Vic. The rate of home ownership was identical to the Regional Vic. average at 41.7%, with 30.6% of households paying off a mortgage and 27.7% renting. The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,083 was below the regional average of $1,430, while the median weekly rent of $250 was lower than the regional figure of $285. On a national level, mortgage costs in Portland are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rent payments are below the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Portland (Vic.) counted 4,154 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.2 people each. 20% are couples with children, fewer than in 86% of areas nationally, against 30% couples without children. 34% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.9 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families comprise the majority of households at 63.1%, consisting of couples without children at 29.7%, couples with children at 20.4%, and single-parent households at 12.1%. Non-family households account for 36.9% of the total, with single-person households representing 34.0% and group housing making up 2.9%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is slightly smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
13.4% of adults in Portland (Vic.) hold a university qualification, including 9.5% with a bachelor degree and 1.8% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 79% of areas nationally. A further 29.8% hold a vocational qualification. 9 schools serve the area, with 1,726 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 960 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational attainment levels present some challenges, as university graduation rates stand at 13.4%, which is lower than the VIC average of 33.4%. Among those with university degrees, bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.5%, followed by graduate diplomas at 2.1% and postgraduate degrees at 1.8%. Vocational education is highly prevalent, with 39.2% of residents aged 15 and over holding a technical qualification, consisting of advanced diplomas at 9.4% and certificates at 29.8%. Enrolment in education is high, with 25.5% of the population currently participating in formal study. This includes 9.4% in primary schools, 7.9% in secondary schools, and 1.9% in tertiary institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Portland (Vic.) reaches 59 stops on 4 routes, timetabled for about 200 services a week. The typical home sits about 260 m from its nearest stop. Households keep an average of 1.3 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport analysis shows 59 active stops within Portland. These stops are served by 4 distinct routes, which provide a total of 199 passenger trips each week. Transport accessibility is generally good, with residents living an average of 261 meters from the nearest stop. Because Portland is mostly residential, the majority of working residents commute elsewhere. Private vehicles remain the primary mode of travel at 94%, while 4% of residents walk to work. The average number of motor vehicles per household is 1.3, which is below the regional average. A small portion of residents, 6.7%, worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-related conditions.
The average service frequency is 28 runs per day across the network, which averages out to approximately 3 weekly services for each individual transit stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
59.2% of residents in Portland (Vic.) report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 85% of areas nationally. 8.7% need daily assistance with core activities, and 49.5% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 6.7 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health assessments indicate notable challenges in Portland, based on AreaSearch analysis of mortality statistics and chronic disease rates across various age groups. Additionally, private health insurance coverage is relatively low, with about 49% of the population (~4,879 people) having cover, compared to the national benchmark of 55.7%. Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent issues, affecting 12.5% and 10.0% of the community respectively. Meanwhile, 59.2% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic. The working-age cohort shows elevated rates of chronic illness, indicating health challenges.
Residents aged 65 and over make up 27.5% of the population (2,713 people), which exceeds the Regional Vic. proportion of 23.9%. Health outcomes for seniors are also challenging, with national rankings for this group being higher than the general local average.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Portland (Vic.) is largely Australian-born, at 89.8% of residents, with 3.7% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (33.2%) and Australian (32.0%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity in Portland is lower than average, with citizens representing 90.0% of the population, 89.8% of residents born in Australia, and 96.3% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 45.3% of residents. The most distinct statistical overrepresentation is in Judaism, which accounts for 0.1% of the population, matching the 0.1% rate across Regional Vic. Regarding parental country of birth, the three most common ancestries are English at 33.2%, Australian at 32.0%, and Scottish at 9.4%. There are also slight variations in other backgrounds, with Dutch ancestry recorded at 1.6% (compared to 1.7% in the region), German at 4.4% (compared to 3.5%), and Maltese at 0.5% (compared to 0.5%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Portland (Vic.) is 47, older than 85% of areas nationally. 20.4% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age in Portland is 47 years, which is older than the Regional Vic. average of 43 and the national average of 38. The age distribution shows a high proportion of people aged 65 to 74 years (14.7%), while the 35 to 44 age bracket (10.6%) is smaller than the regional average. The proportion of residents aged 65 to 74 is higher than the national figure of 9.4%. Since 2021, the 75 to 84 cohort has increased from 7.5% to 9.1% of the population, while the 45 to 54 cohort decreased from 13.0% to 11.8%.
By 2041, demographic shifts are expected to alter the age structure, with the 75 to 84 age group projected to grow by 33% (an increase of 296 people) to reach 1,194 from 897. Residents aged 65 and over are expected to account for 53% of the projected population growth, while contractions are anticipated in the 15 to 24 and 55 to 64 age groups.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Portland (Vic.)
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Aug 2026 this month all 4 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Aug 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 91 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (10,016 at the 2021 Census → 9,868 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL22110). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.