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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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Sorrento (Vic.) has an estimated 2,688 residents, up from 2,013 at the 2021 Census — a change of 675 people, or 33.5%. Growth has averaged 6.7% a year over five years, faster than 96% of areas nationally. Overseas migration accounts for 100.0% of that increase. That puts 384 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
Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census the suburb of Sorrento (Vic.)'s population is estimated at around 2,688 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 675 people (33.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,013 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,687, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 7 validated new addresses since the Census date.
This level of population equates to a density ratio of 383 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. The suburb of Sorrento (Vic.)'s 33.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (2.0%), along with the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is projected, with the area expected to grow by 392 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting with an increase of 14.6% in total over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
209 new dwellings have been approved in Sorrento (Vic.) over the past five years, an average of 41 a year. That places the area in the 89th percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 15 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 51 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 96% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 76, running ahead of 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
Sorrento averages approximately 41 newly approved dwellings annually, with 209 residences receiving building approvals over the preceding 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and an additional 70 approvals registered during the course of FY-26. Because 3.6 individuals have moved into the region for every finished home built during the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), the demand for residential housing is outpacing the available supply, which tends to drive up property values and heighten buyer competition, while newly constructed properties command an average value of $1,271,000, indicating a developer focus on high-end, premium housing.
Additionally, commercial development has remained balanced with approvals totaling $19.2 million this financial year. Sorrento shows 264.0% more property construction activity per citizen than Greater Melbourne, providing purchasers with a broader range of options. This rate is also significantly higher than the national average, reflecting robust developer trust in this market. The construction mix consists of 96.0% detached houses and 4.0% multi-dwelling units or townhouses, preserving the low-density feel of the neighborhood with a focus on spacious family residences. There are approximately 64 citizens for each building approval, pointing to a growing local market. According to projections, Sorrento will add 391 occupants by 2041, based on the most recent quarterly estimates. At current rates of construction, the supply of new housing should comfortably accommodate this demand, creating favorable buying conditions and potentially supporting expansion beyond these projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Sorrento (Vic.)
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 56 current infrastructure and development projects close to Sorrento (Vic.), worth an estimated $1.44 billion. 15 are already under construction and 15 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, sports & recreation and tourism. 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 projects, major planning initiatives, and construction works play a major role in shaping local development. No projects that are likely to affect this immediate area have been identified. Regional initiatives that may have wider relevance include Geelong Renewable Energy Zone, Geelong Line Upgrade, Corridor Preservation For Melbourne Outer Metropolitan Ring Road/E6, and Level Crossing Removal Project.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Rye Foreshore Promenade Redevelopment
The Rye Foreshore Promenade Redevelopment is part of the Rye Township Plan Stage 1, Part B. The project creates a strong central axis to the pier, acting as the main gateway to the foreshore. Works include a refurbished central walkway, new plaza spaces, pedestrian crossings on Point Nepean Road, connecting pathways, and landscaping. The project enhances public open space by replacing the eastern pier carpark and improves connectivity and accessibility for the community.
6 Napier Street Hotel Development
DA approved development for a residential boutique hotel comprising a five-storey building with basement parking, ground floor restaurant, and onsite parking. Positioned on a 1,029sqm corner site close to the waterfront in Rye's commercial precinct.
2135 Point Nepean Road, Rye
A three-storey, mixed-use building comprising 20 architecturally designed apartments (9 x 2-bedroom and 11 x 3-bedroom) above a ground-floor retail and car park area. The Cera Stribley Architects-designed development features a curved facade, high-end finishes, residents' lounge, beach showers, 'beach box' storage, and a rooftop with a pool, deck, and barbecue facilities, with coastal views.
Rye Pier Reconstruction
Two-stage reconstruction of Rye Pier delivering a wider timber deck, updated L-shaped head with accessible low landings, solar lighting, seating, interpretative signage trail and improved all-abilities access. Stage 1 rebuilt the pier approach in 2022; Stage 2 rebuilt and upgraded the outer pier and head in 2023-2024. The pier reopened to the community and final works were completed in June 2024.
Queenscliff Ferry Terminal Redevelopment
A $15.9 million redevelopment to upgrade the Queenscliff Ferry Terminal with modern facilities, improved access, car parking, and retail opportunities. Aims to enhance ferry services and boost the local visitor economy.
Hesse Street South Redevelopment
Streetscape upgrades to Hesse Street south of King Street, including undergrounding power lines, improved street lighting and drainage, creating extra parking spaces, and planting new trees. Aims to make the street safer for cars and pedestrians while improving visual appeal.
Queenscliff Harbour Redevelopment
Modernisation of the existing Queenscliff Harbour, including new roadway, carparking, increased wet and dry berth capacity, site decontamination, and new commercial buildings (retail, cafe, restaurant) with an observation tower.
Queenscliff South Pier Preservation Works
Vital repairs to extend the life of Queenscliff South Pier and preserve its heritage values. Includes external recladding and reroofing of the Lifeboat Shed, and revitalisation of the Waiting Shed.
900 residents of Sorrento (Vic.) are employed, from a labour force of 924. Unemployment sits at 2.6%, with participation at 35.7%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.8% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth, so in an area growing as fast as this one it understates the likely rise in local jobs. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Sorrento has a workforce characterized by high levels of education, with a strong presence in professional fields, an unemployment rate of 2.6%, and stable employment patterns over the past year. By March 2026900 local residents were employed, and the local jobless rate sat 2.2% below the Greater Melbourne average of 4.8%, although the rate of participation in the workforce was significantly lower (35.7% compared to 70.2% in Greater Melbourne). Census data indicates that 42.5% of working residents performed their jobs from home, though this figure may have been influenced by pandemic-related lockdowns.
The local workforce is mainly employed in the construction, professional and technical services, and accommodation and food services industries. The area is highly specialized in construction, with an employment share that is 1.6 times the regional rate. Conversely, healthcare and social assistance has a minor presence at 9.7% of the workforce compared to 14.2% regionally. The location is primarily residential and offers limited local employment opportunities, as shown by the difference between the Census working population and the resident population. Based on analysis of SALM and ABS data for broader statistical areas, local employment expanded by 0.3% while the labor force grew by 0.2% over the 12 months leading to March 2026, causing the unemployment rate to drop by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 2.1%, labor force expand by 2.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide further context on future local demand. These five-year and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce structure to model future trends. While national employment is expected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, trends vary by sector. Projecting these industry trends onto the local workforce indicates that employment in Sorrento should rise by 6.8% over five years and 13.6% over ten years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Sorrento (Vic.) is $1,658 a week (about $86,000 a year), with median personal income at $936 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $56,976 a year against an average of $98,050. The average runs 72% above the median, a wider spread than most areas and a sign of a concentrated group of high earners. 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
ATO data for the financial year 2023 indicates that taxpayers in Sorrento had a median income of $56,976, with the average income recorded at $98,050. These figures place the suburb in the top national percentile, comparing to $57,688 (median) and $75,164 (average) across Greater Melbourne. Adjusting for Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 stand at $62,457 for the median and $107,482 for the average. Census records show that individual income is in the 71st percentile ($936 per week), while household income falls in the 45th percentile.
The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 is the most common, accounting for 23.1% of residents (620 people), which compares to 32.8% regionally. Residents retain 90.3% of their earnings after housing expenses, demonstrating high purchasing capacity, and the area ranks in the 9th decile on the SEIFA index.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Sorrento (Vic.) had 839 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 97% detached houses and 2% apartments. 21% are owned with a mortgage, 12% rented and 67% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $462 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,167 a month. Rent absorbs 27.9% of household income here and mortgage repayments 30.2%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
At the time of the latest Census, the housing stock in Sorrento was made up of 97.0% detached houses and 3.0% alternative dwellings like apartments and semi-detached properties, whereas Greater Melbourne comprised 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. The rate of home ownership was high at 66.9%, with 20.8% of properties under mortgage and 12.3% rented. The median monthly payment for home mortgages was $2,167, and the median weekly rental cost was $462, compared to Greater Melbourne figures of $2,000 and $390. Nationally, mortgage payments in Sorrento are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are also above the national benchmark of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Sorrento (Vic.) counted 839 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 1,120 today, averaging 2.0 people each. 15% are couples with children, fewer than in 94% of areas nationally, against 46% couples without children. 32% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.0 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up 66.5% of all local households, consisting of couples with children at 15.4%, couples without children at 46.1%, and single-parent households at 3.9%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 33.5%, with single-person households at 31.9% and group households representing 1.3%. The median household size of 2.0 people is lower than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
40.5% of adults in Sorrento (Vic.) hold a university qualification, including 28.6% with a bachelor degree and 7.5% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 17.0% hold a vocational qualification. 2 schools serve the area, with 404 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,050 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
Sorrento shows high levels of educational attainment, with 40.5% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 23.5% in the SA4 region and 25.0% in the SA3 area. This strong tertiary education profile positions the community well for professional and knowledge-based roles. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 28.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 7.5% and graduate diplomas at 4.4%. Vocational skills are also prominent, with 32.3% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of 15.3% with advanced diplomas and 17.0% with certificates. A significant 21.0% of the local population is enrolled in formal education, which includes 6.8% in primary school, 6.1% in high school, and 3.6% in tertiary institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Sorrento (Vic.) reaches 43 stops on 2 routes, timetabled for about 350 services a week. The typical home sits about 290 m from its nearest stop. Households keep an average of 1.4 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
There are 43 active public transport stops in Sorrento, serviced by bus routes. These stops run 2 separate routes that provide a combined 354 passenger trips every week. Accessibility is good, with the average resident living 290 meters from their nearest stop. The suburb is mostly residential, meaning most workers commute out of the area; cars are the primary mode of travel at 83%, followed by 8% walking and 2% cycling. Households own an average of 1.4 vehicles. A total of 42.5% of working residents work from home, based on the 2021 Census.
Public transport services average 50 trips every day across the networks, which translates to roughly 8 weekly services for each transit stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
61.1% of residents in Sorrento (Vic.) report no long-term health condition, a healthier profile than 93% of areas nationally. 3.6% need daily assistance with core activities, and 65.4% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 1.6 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Assessment of mortality and chronic illnesses shows excellent health profiles in Sorrento, with a low incidence of common health issues across all age brackets. The rate of private health insurance is high, covering approximately 65% of the population (1,758 people), compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%. Arthritis and cancer are the most frequent medical diagnoses locally, affecting 12.5% and 6.9% of the population, respectively. Meanwhile, 61.1% of residents reported having no long-term health conditions, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Health profiles for working-age residents are average, but seniors aged 65 and over make up 64.4% of the population (1,731 people), which is significantly higher than the 15.0% share in Greater Melbourne.
Health outcomes among this older cohort are strong, with national rankings aligning closely with the broader population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Sorrento (Vic.) is largely Australian-born, at 85.2% of residents, with 4.7% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (33.3%) and Australian (23.7%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
The local population displays below-average levels of cultural diversity, with citizens making up 87.6% of residents, 85.2% born in Australia, and 95.3% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 55.8% of residents. The most pronounced religious overrepresentation is in Judaism, which accounts for 0.3% of the community compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne. Based on parental country of birth, the three largest ancestry groups are English (33.3% of the population, compared to a regional average of 20.1%), Australian (23.7%, compared to 18.4% regionally), and Irish (12.7%, compared to 6.5% regionally).
Other notable concentrations include Scottish at 10.4% (against 5.6% regionally), French at 1.1% (against 0.5% regionally), and Welsh at 0.8% (against 0.4% regionally).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Sorrento (Vic.) is 67, older than 99% of areas nationally. That is 3 years older than at the 2021 Census. 6.3% 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 of 67 years is higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and the national average of 38 years. The 65 - 74 age bracket is highly represented locally at 34.1% (compared to the national average of 9.4%), while 25 - 34 year-olds account for only 1.9% of residents. The median age has risen by 3.2 years from 64 to 67 since the 2021 Census, showing a clear aging trend. Specifically, residents aged 75 to 84 grew from 16.5% to 25.9% of the population, and the 65 to 74 cohort grew from 29.6% to 34.1%.
In contrast, the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 9.7% to 5.5% and the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 5.9% to 3.0%. By 2041, demographic projections suggest the 75 to 84 cohort will grow by 187 people (27%) from 696 to 884. Residents aged 65 and over will drive 96% of the overall population increase, while cohorts aged 25 to 34 and 15 to 24 are projected to contract.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Sorrento (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, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 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 May 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 — 7 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (2,013 at the 2021 Census → 2,688 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 (SAL22306). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.