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 suburb of Sorrento (Vic.) had an estimated population of around 2,117 as of November 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses. This figure represents a growth of 104 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 2,013. The increase is inferred from an estimated resident population of 2,093 by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), along with six validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 302 persons per square kilometer. Sorrento's population growth rate of 5.2% between the 2021 Census and November 2025 exceeded that of its SA3 area (2.3%) and SA4 region, indicating it was a leader in regional growth during this period. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains.

AreaSearch's projections for Sorrento are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Demographic trends suggest significant population increases in top quartile national areas like Sorrento (Vic.). Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to grow by 525 persons to reach around 2,642 by 2041, reflecting a total increase of approximately 23.8% over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Sorrento when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Sorrento shows around 40 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 201 homes. As of FY-26, seven approvals have been recorded. This results in approximately 1.1 people moving to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions.

The average construction value per dwelling is $1,271,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Sorrento has 290.0% more construction activity per person, offering greater choice for buyers despite recent slowdowns in building activity. This high activity level reflects strong developer confidence in the location. New building activity comprises 96.0% standalone homes and 4.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining Sorrento's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space, at around 64 people per approval. Looking ahead, AreaSearch estimates Sorrento will grow by 504 residents through to 2041, with current development rates comfortably meeting demand and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Looking ahead, Sorrento is expected to grow by 504 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Sorrento has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

No factors influence a region's performance more than local infrastructure changes, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 0 projects that could impact this area. Key projects 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. The following list details those most relevant.

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

Sorrento has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 2.8% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.4%. This is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025841 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.8% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation in Sorrento lagged significantly at 41.2%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%.

Key industries of employment among residents were construction, professional & technical, and accommodation & food. Construction had notably high concentration with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average. Health care & social assistance was under-represented at 9.7% of Sorrento's workforce compared to 14.2% in Greater Melbourne. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited as indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 2.4% while labour force increased by 3.2%, resulting in unemployment rise by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a 0.5 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer further insight into potential future demand within Sorrento. These projections estimate national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with differing growth rates between industry sectors. 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 analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Sorrento's income level is among the top percentile nationally based on latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year ended 30 June 2022. Sorrento's median income among taxpayers was $56,976 and average income stood at $98,050. These figures compare to Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761 for the same period. By September 2025, current estimates suggest median income will be approximately $63,904 and average income will be around $109,973, accounting for Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022. Census data shows personal income ranks at the 71st percentile with a weekly income of $936, while household income sits at the 45th percentile. Income analysis reveals that 23.1% of Sorrento's population, equating to 489 individuals, fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, which is consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 32.8% 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

Dwelling structure in Sorrento, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 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 was at 66.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 20.8% and rented dwellings at 12.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area, as of the Census date, was $2,167, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $462. Nationally, Sorrento's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 make up the remaining 33.5%, with lone person households at 31.9% and group households comprising 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 regional averages. Among residents aged 15+, 40.5% have university qualifications, surpassing the SA4 region's 23.5% and the SA3 area's 25%. 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 account for 15.3% while certificates make up 17.0%.

Education pursuit is active among 21.0% of the population, including 6.8% in primary, 6.1% in secondary, and 3.6% in tertiary education. Sorrento Primary School and St Joseph's School serve a total of 404 students, with an above-average socio-educational index (ICSEA: 1050). Both schools cater to primary education only; secondary options are available nearby. The area has higher school capacity than typical residential needs, with 19.1 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 14.3, indicating Sorrento serves as an educational hub for the broader region.

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

Sorrento has 43 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two different routes that combined offer 572 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the transport system is considered good, with residents on average located 290 meters from their nearest stop.

The service frequency across all routes averages 81 trips per day, which equates to approximately 13 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 conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 65% of Sorrento's total population (1,384 people) have private health cover, compared to 57.9% in Greater Melbourne and the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (12.5%) and cancer (6.9%).

61.1% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.9% in Greater Melbourne. Sorrento has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 50.8% (1,075 people), compared to 29.9% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors in Sorrento are 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. Its population is predominantly Australian, with 87.6% being citizens, 85.2% born in Australia, and 95.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Sorrento, comprising 55.8% of its population.

Notably, Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 0.3% versus 0.2%. The top three ancestry groups are English (33.3%), Australian (23.7%), and Irish (12.7%). Certain ethnic groups show notable divergences: Scottish at 10.4% in Sorrento compared to 9.0% regionally, 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, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's national average of 38 years. The 65-74 age group makes up a strong 27.9% of Sorrento's population, compared to Greater Melbourne's percentage, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 2.7%. This concentration in the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 16.5% to 19.0% of Sorrento's population. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 9.7% to 7.1%, and the 5-14 group has dropped from 5.9% to 3.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests that Sorrento's age profile will evolve significantly. Leading this demographic shift, the 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 58%, reaching 635 people from its current figure of 402. This growth is anticipated to be primarily driven by residents aged 65 and older, who are expected to represent 94% of the population growth. Conversely, both the 5-14 and 15-24 age groups are projected to see reduced numbers.