Sorrento (Vic.)

Sorrento lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

The population of the Sorrento (Vic.) statistical area (Lv2) is estimated to be around 2,787 as of November 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 774 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,013 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,757 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with six validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 397 persons per square kilometer. The Sorrento (Vic.) (SA2) experienced a growth rate of 38.5% since the 2021 census, exceeding both its SA3 area (3.7%) and SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 released in 2023, adjusting employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA 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 Sorrento (Vic.) (SA2) is forecasted to grow by 529 persons by 2041, reflecting a decrease of 5.8% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Sorrento among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Sorrento shows around 73 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 366 homes from FY-21 to FY-25. So far in FY-26, 57 approvals have been recorded. The average population increase per dwelling built over these years is 0.6 people.

New supply has kept pace with or exceeded demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average value of new homes being built is $1,271,000, indicating developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This financial year, $19.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Sorrento records 604.0% more new home approvals per person, offering buyers greater choice and reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. Ninety-seven percent of new building activity consists of standalone homes, while townhouses or apartments make up the remaining three percent, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

With around 27 people per approval, Sorrento reflects a developing area. Population projections show stability or decline, which should reduce housing demand pressures and benefit potential buyers.

Sorrento has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 33rdth percentile nationally

No infrastructure changes are currently planned in this area. No projects have been identified by AreaSearch as likely to impact it. Key initiatives include Geelong Renewable Energy Zone, Geelong Line Upgrade (Geelong Fast Rail), Corridor Preservation For Melbourne Outer Metropolitan Ring Road/E6, and Level Crossing Removal Project.

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Employment performance in Sorrento exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Sorrento has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate is 2.5% and estimated employment growth over the past year is 1.6%.

As of September 2025849 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.1% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation in Sorrento lags significantly at 41.2%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries of employment among residents are construction, professional & technical, and accommodation & food. Construction is particularly notable with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average.

Health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 9.7% of Sorrento's workforce compared to 14.2% in Greater Melbourne. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 1.6% while labour force increased by 1.5%, with unemployment essentially unchanged. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.0%. State-level data to 25-Nov shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Sorrento's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.6% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Sorrento has one of the highest income levels nationally, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest ATO data for the financial year ending 30 June 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Sorrento is $56,976, with an average income of $98,050. These figures compare to Greater Melbourne's median and average incomes of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 8.25% since the financial year ending 30 June 2023, estimated current incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $61,677 (median) and $106,139 (average). Census data indicates that personal income ranks at the 71st percentile ($936 weekly), while household income is at the 45th percentile. Income analysis shows that 23.1% of Sorrento's population, comprising 643 individuals, fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, which aligns with broader trends in the surrounding region where 32.8% of residents are in the same category. After accounting for housing costs, residents retain 90.3% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Sorrento is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The latest Census evaluated dwelling structures in Sorrento with 97.0% houses and 3.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 85.5% houses and 14.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Sorrento stood at 66.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 20.8% and rented ones at 12.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, exceeding Melbourne metro's average of $1,989. Median weekly rent in Sorrento was $462, higher than Melbourne metro's $380 but lower than the national average of $375 for rents. Nationally, Sorrento's median monthly mortgage repayment figure is significantly higher at $2,167 compared to Australia's average of $1,863.

Sorrento features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 66.5% of all households, including 15.4% couples with children, 46.1% couples without children, and 3.9% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 33.5%, with lone person households at 31.9% and group households making up 1.3%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.4.

The educational profile of Sorrento exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Sorrento's educational attainment is notably higher than broader averages. Among residents aged 15+, 40.5% have university qualifications, compared to 23.5% in the SA4 region and 25.0% in the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees are most common at 28.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.5%) and graduate diplomas (4.4%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 32.3% of residents holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 15.3% and certificates at 17.0%.

A significant proportion of the population is actively engaged in education, with 21.0% pursuing formal learning. This includes 6.8% in primary education, 6.1% in secondary education, and 3.6% in tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 43 active stops operating in Sorrento, with a mix of bus services. These stops are served by two routes, offering 354 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 290 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 50 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately eight weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Sorrento is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Sorrento faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 65% of the total population (1,823 people), compared to 57.8% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and cancer, impacting 12.5% and 6.9% of residents respectively, while 61.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.9% across Greater Melbourne.

The area has 50.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,415 people), which is higher than the 29.9% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Sorrento's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 87.6% of its population being citizens, 85.2% born in Australia, and 95.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Sorrento, comprising 55.8% of the population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented in Sorrento compared to Greater Melbourne, with 0.3% versus 0.2%.

The top three ancestry groups based on country of birth of parents are English at 33.3%, Australian at 23.7%, and Irish at 12.7%. Some ethnic groups show notable differences in representation: Scottish is overrepresented at 10.4% (versus 9.0%), French at 1.1% (versus 0.5%), and Welsh at 0.8% (versus 0.6%).

Sorrento ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Sorrento's median age is 64, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's national average of 38 years. The 65-74 age group constitutes 27.8% of Sorrento's population, compared to Greater Melbourne's figure, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 2.7%. This concentration in the 65-74 age group is notably higher than the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 16.5% to 19.0%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 9.7% to 7.1% and the 5 to 14 age group has dropped from 5.9% to 3.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling predicts significant changes in Sorrento's age profile. The 85+ group is expected to grow by 113%, reaching 238 people from its current total of 111. This growth will be led by residents aged 65 and older, who represent all anticipated population growth. Conversely, both the 0 to 4 and 25 to 34 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.