Portland (Vic.)

Portland is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, Portland's population is estimated at around 9,949, a decrease of 67 people from the 2021 Census figure of 10,016. This decline reflects an inferred resident population of 9,817 based on AreaSearch validation following ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and additional 80 new addresses since the Census date. The Portland (Vic.) statistical area (Lv2) has a population density of 306 persons per square kilometer as of this estimate. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth during recent periods for the area. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 adjusted to SA2 levels for areas not covered by ABS data.

Applying growth rates by age group across all areas until 2041, the Portland (Vic.) (SA2) is projected to increase by 744 persons, reflecting a 7.7% total population rise over the 17 years from 2025 to 2041.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Portland according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Portland has experienced around 35 dwellings receiving development approval per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 179 homes. In FY-26 so far, 18 approvals have been recorded. Over these past five years, there is an average of approximately 0.2 new residents per year per dwelling constructed.

The supply of dwellings appears to be meeting or surpassing demand, potentially offering greater buyer choice and supporting population growth above projections. The average construction cost value of new homes being built is around $454,000, suggesting developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments.

In this financial year alone, there have been approximately $8.4 million in commercial approvals, indicating the area's primarily residential nature. New building activity shows 81% standalone homes and 19% medium and high-density housing, preserving Portland's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers with detached housing options. With around 338 people per approval, Portland reflects a low density area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Portland is projected to add approximately 766 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Portland has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 46thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects likely to impact this area: Portland Renewable Fuels Project, Portland Energy Park, Portland Foreshore Multipurpose Facility, and Portland North Employment Precinct. The following details these key projects, focusing on those of 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.

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 prominent essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.3% as of September 2025, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

There were 4,325 employed residents, with an unemployment rate 0.5% higher than Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%. Workforce participation was lower at 52.0%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Leading employment industries among Portland residents included health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing stood out with employment levels at 1.9 times the regional average.

Conversely, construction employed only 7.4% of local workers, below Rest of Vic.'s 10.4%. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Portland's labour force decreased by 3.2%, with employment decreasing by 3.7%, leading to a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. In comparison, Rest of Vic. saw an employment decline of 0.7% and labour force decline of 0.6%. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 showed Victoria's employment grew by 1.13%, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.3%, with Victoria's employment growth outpacing the national average of 0.14%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 estimated a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Portland's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

The median taxpayer income in Portland was $46,478 and the average was $57,067 according to AreaSearch's aggregation of postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023. This is lower than the national average, with Rest of Vic.'s median income being $50,954 and average income being $62,728. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $50,312 (median) and $61,775 (average), based on an 8.25% growth since financial year 2023. The 2021 Census placed Portland's household, family, and personal incomes between the 9th and 13th percentiles nationally. In terms of income distribution, 27.7% of Portland residents earned between $1,500 and $2,999 (2,755 individuals), similar to the broader area where 30.3% fell within this range. While housing costs are relatively low with 87.3% of income retained, total disposable income ranks at the 13th percentile nationally.

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

The latest Census evaluated Portland's dwelling structure as 88.4% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Portland was 41.7%, with 30.6% of dwellings mortgaged and 27.7% rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, while the median weekly rent was $250. Nationally, Portland's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, recorded as of July 2021. Rents in Portland were substantially below the national figure of $375, reported in June 2021.

Portland features high concentrations of lone person households, with a median household size of 2.2 people

Family households constitute 63.1% of all households, including 20.4% couples with children, 29.7% couples without children, and 12.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 36.9%, with lone person households at 34.0% and group households comprising 2.9% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people.

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

In the region, educational attainment is notably lower than Victoria's average, with university qualification rates at 13.4%, compared to VIC's 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent (9.5%), followed by graduate diplomas (2.1%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.8%). Vocational credentials are held by 39.2% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 9.4% and certificates at 29.8%. Educational participation is high, with 25.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.4% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 1.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Portland has 59 active public transport stops. These are served by buses on four different routes that together provide 199 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 261 meters.

On average, there are 28 trips per day across all routes, which equals about three weekly trips 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, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately 49% (~4,919 people) of Portland's total population has private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 12.5% of residents) and mental health issues (impacting 10.0%). Conversely, 59.2% of residents claim to have no medical ailments, while this figure is 0% in the Rest of Vic.. Portland has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 26.5% (2,636 people). Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are challenging but perform better than the general population in terms of health metrics.

Portland is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Portland's cultural diversity is below average, with 90.0% citizens, 89.8% born in Australia, and 96.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 45.3%. Judaism, at 0.1%, is overrepresented compared to None% across Rest of Vic..

The top three ancestry groups are English (33.2%), Australian (32.0%), and Scottish (9.4%). Notably, Dutch (1.6%) German (4.4%), and Maltese (0.5%) are overrepresented in Portland compared to regional percentages.

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

Portland's median age is 47 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of Vic average of 43 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent, making up 14.6% of Portland's population, compared to the national average of 9.4%. Meanwhile, the percentage of those aged 35-44 is smaller at 10.6%, compared to the Rest of Vic figure. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 7.5% to 8.5% of Portland's population, while the 45-54 cohort has declined from 13.0% to 11.9%. By 2041, Portland is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 33%, adding 329 people to reach a total of 1,314 from the current figure of 984. Conversely, the 15-24 and 55-64 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.