Sale

Population growth drivers in Sale are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

The population of the Sale statistical area (Lv2) was estimated at 15,049 as of November 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 753 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,296. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 14,382 in June 2024, based on examination of ABS's latest ERP data release, and an additional 161 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 343 persons per square kilometer. The Sale (SA2) experienced a population growth rate of 5.3% between census periods, which is within 2.6 percentage points of its SA3 area's growth rate of 7.9%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 96.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the Sale (SA2) is expected to expand by 3,218 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 17.0% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Sale has seen approximately 73 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 365 homes. By FY26, 15 approvals have been recorded. The average population increase per year for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25 was around 0.9 people, indicating that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average expected construction cost value of new homes being built is $425,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This financial year has seen $43.3 million in commercial development approvals, indicating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Rest of Vic., Sale has 14.0% less new development per person and ranks among the 37th percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing homes. New building activity comprises 90.0% detached dwellings and 10.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 449 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, Sale is projected to grow by 2,557 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Development appears to be keeping pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

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

Eleven projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could impact the area, with key ones including Sale College Facilities Improvement for toilet refurbishment and Years 7-12 facilities planning, Aqua Energy Leisure Centre Redevelopment, Swanlake Business Park, and Port of Sale East Bank Redevelopment Study. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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.

Sale shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Sale has a skilled workforce with key sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 5.6% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.3%.

As of September 2025, there were 6,682 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.9% higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation was somewhat lower at 55.1%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. The leading employment industries among residents were health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and retail trade. Public administration & safety had a notable concentration with employment levels at 2.1 times the regional average.

Manufacturing had limited presence with 4.0% employment compared to 7.7% regionally. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.3%, labour force increased by 3.8%, and unemployment rate fell by 0.4 percentage points in Sale. In contrast, Rest of Vic. saw employment fall by 0.7% and unemployment rise marginally over the same period. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with a state unemployment rate of 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.5% over ten years. Applying these projections to Sale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, assuming constant population growth for illustrative purposes.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 indicates that the suburb of Sale has lower incomes compared to national averages. The median income is $49,056 and the average income stands at $63,836. In contrast, Rest of Vic.'s figures show a median income of $50,954 and an average income of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% from financial year ending June 2023 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $53,103 (median) and $69,102 (average). Census data reveals that household, family, and personal incomes all rank modestly in Sale, between the 22nd and 28th percentiles. Distribution data shows that the largest segment comprises 28.5% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, with 4,288 residents falling into this category, reflecting patterns seen in the region where 30.3% similarly occupy this range. After housing costs, 86.1% of income remains, ranking at the 25th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Sale is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Sale, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 84.8% houses and 15.2% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Vic.'s dwelling structure was 91.9% houses and 8.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sale stood at 36.4%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (29.9%) or rented (33.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Sale was $1,300, aligning with Non-Metro Vic.'s average. The median weekly rent figure was recorded as $280, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s figures of $1,300 and $260 respectively. Nationally, Sale's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 63.8% of all households, including 23.4% couples with children, 27.2% couples without children, and 12.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 36.2%, with lone person households at 33.4% and group households comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 2.3 people, aligning with the average in the Rest of Vic.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 20.9%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. This discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted education initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.3% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 11.5% and certificates at 26.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in primary, 7.7% in secondary, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Sale indicates that there are 69 active transport stops currently operating. These include a mix of train and bus services. The city is served by 13 individual routes which together facilitate 460 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility to these transport services is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 217 meters from their nearest stop. On average, service frequency across all routes amounts to 65 trips per day, equating to roughly 6 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Sale is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Sale faces significant health challenges, with common conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover stands at approximately 52% (~7,839 people), slightly below the average SA2 area's 49.5%.

Mental health issues impact 10.7%, while arthritis affects 9.9%. A total of 61.6% report being free from medical ailments, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 62.7%. The area has 22.0% residents aged 65 and over (3,310 people), lower than the 23.5% in Rest of Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors align with the general population's profile.

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

Sale's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 89.3% of its population being citizens, 86.4% born in Australia, and 93.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Sale, making up 47.2% of people. However, Other religions were overrepresented at 0.7%, compared to 0.6% across Rest of Vic.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (31.5%), English (30.6%), and Irish (8.7%). Notably, Dutch (1.9%) was overrepresented in Sale compared to the regional average of 2.1%. Sri Lankan (0.3%) and Scottish (8.2%) groups also showed higher representation than their respective regional averages of 0.1% and 8.6%.

Sale's median age exceeds the national pattern

Sale's median age is 42 years, similar to Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 but older than Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows that 25-34 year-olds are prominent at 14.5%, while the 65-74 group is smaller at 11.4% compared to Rest of Vic.. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has grown from 12.6% to 14.5%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 12.2% to 10.6%, and the 5-14 group has dropped from 12.2% to 11.0%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Sale. The 25-34 cohort is projected to grow by 50%, adding 1,095 residents to reach 3,278. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 15-24 and 55-64 cohorts.