Sale

Population growth drivers in Sale are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

The population of Sale, as estimated by AreaSearch using ABS updates and new addresses validated since the Census date, is approximately 14,645 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 349 people (2.4%) from the 2021 Census count of 14,296 residents. The increase was inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 14,472 in June 2024, derived from ABS ERP data, and an additional 161 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 334 persons per square kilometer. Sale's growth rate of 2.4% since the census is within 2.6 percentage points of its SA3 area's growth rate of 5.0%. The primary driver of this population growth was overseas migration, contributing approximately 96.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in June 2024 with a base year of 2022, to estimate future populations. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses 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 the years 2032 to 2041. Based on these projections, the suburb of Sale is expected to experience above median population growth in Australian non-metropolitan areas, with an increase of 3,187 persons projected by 2041. This reflects a total increase of 20.0% 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 allocated from statistical area data shows Sale has seen approximately 74 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 370 homes. As of FY26, nine approvals have been recorded. The average population increase per year for each dwelling built in Sale between FY21 and FY25 was 0.9 people, indicating that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand. This offers ample buyer choice and creates capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average construction cost value of new homes in Sale is $423,000, aligning with broader regional development. In FY26, $46.1 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Sale has seen 13.0% less new development per person while it places among the 35th percentile of areas assessed nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing homes.

The majority of new building activity in Sale comprises detached dwellings (90.0%), with townhouses or apartments making up the remaining 10.0%, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 471 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Sale to grow by approximately 2,930 residents through to 2041. Development in Sale is keeping reasonable pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

Sale has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects likely to affect the area. Notable ones are Sale College Facilities Improvement - Toilet Refurbishment & Years 7-12 Facilities Planning, Aqua Energy Leisure Centre Redevelopment, Port of Sale East Bank Redevelopment Study, and Swanlake Business Park. The following list details those 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.

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

Sale has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 5.8%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, 6,528 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.0% higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation stands at 55.1%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and retail trade. Notably, public administration & safety has a high concentration with employment levels at 2.1 times the regional average.

Manufacturing's presence is limited, with only 4.0% of employment compared to 7.7% regionally. Many residents commute elsewhere for work, indicated by the count of Census working population relative to local population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, Sale's labour force decreased by 0.7%, while employment declined by 1.4%, resulting in a rise in unemployment of 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic.'s employment fell by 0.9%, labour force contracted by 0.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% 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, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2022 indicates that median income in Sale is $49,059, with an average income of $63,841. This is slightly lower than national averages. In comparison, Rest of Vic.'s median income was $48,741 and average income was $60,693 for the same period. By September 2025, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 12.16%, estimated median income in Sale would be approximately $55,025, and average income would be around $71,604. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Sale rank modestly, between the 22nd and 28th percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals that 28.5% of residents earn between $1,500 to $2,999 weekly, comprising the largest segment. After housing costs, 86.1% of income remains, ranking at the 25th percentile nationally. Sale's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fourth decile.

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

The latest Census data shows that in Sale, 84.8% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 15.2% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. In contrast, Non-Metro Vic. had a higher proportion of houses at 91.9%, with only 8.1% being other dwelling types. Home ownership in Sale stood at 36.4%, compared to the Non-Metro Vic. average. Mortgaged dwellings made up 29.9% and rented properties accounted for 33.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Sale was $1,300, aligning with Non-Metro Vic.'s average. However, the median weekly rent in Sale was $280, slightly higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s figure of $260. Nationally, Sale's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,300 compared to Australia's average of $1,863. Similarly, rents in Sale were substantially lower at $280 versus the national average 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 comprise the remaining 36.2%, with lone person households at 33.4% and group households making up 2.8%. The median household size is 2.3 people, aligning with the average for 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 in 2016 was 20.9%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees were most common at 14.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials were prevalent, with 38.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 11.5% and certificates at 26.8%. Educational participation was high, with 27.8% of residents enrolled in formal education as of 2016.

This included 10.3% in primary, 7.7% in secondary, and 3.3% in tertiary education. Twelve schools served 4,116 students in the area, which had typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 994) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix comprised five primary, four secondary, and three K-12 schools. As of 2016, the area functioned as an education hub with 28.1 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 14.5, attracting students from surrounding communities. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 69 active transport stops operating within Sale. These comprise a mix of train and bus services. They are serviced by 22 individual routes which collectively provide 556 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as good with residents typically located 217 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 79 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 8 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

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Sale. Both younger and older age groups have high prevalence of common health conditions.

Private health cover rate is 52%, higher than the average SA2 area but lower than Rest of Vic at 49.2%. Mental health issues affect 10.7% and arthritis impacts 9.9% of residents, with 61.6% reporting no medical ailments, slightly lower than Rest of Vic's 62.7%. The population aged 65 and over is 22%, totaling 3,221 people, which is lower than the 23.5% in Rest of Vic. Seniors' health outcomes present challenges similar to those of the general population.

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 born in Australia who speak English only at home. The predominant religion in Sale is Christianity, comprising 47.2% of the population. Notably, the 'Other' category comprises 0.7% of Sale's population compared to 0.6% across Victoria.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Australian (31.5%), English (30.6%), and Irish (8.7%). There are notable differences in the representation of Dutch (1.9% vs regional 2.1%), Sri Lankan (0.3% vs regional 0.1%), and Scottish (8.2% vs regional 8.6%) ethnic groups in Sale compared to the rest of Victoria.

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

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 those aged 25-34 are prominent at 14.6%, while the 65-74 group is smaller at 11.4% compared to Rest of Vic.. Between 2021 and now, the 25-34 age group has grown from 12.6% to 14.6%. 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%. Population forecasts for Sale in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 53%, adding 1,133 residents to reach 3,272. Meanwhile, numbers in the 55-64 age range are expected to fall by 44%.