Frankston

Frankston has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Frankston's population was approximately 24,941 as of November 2025. This figure shows an increase of 1,355 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 23,586. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 24,792 in June 2024 and an additional 405 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,146 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Frankston's growth rate of 5.7% since the 2021 census surpassed both the SA4 region (4.0%) and SA3 area, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 73.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using 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. Future trends project an above median population growth, with the area expected to increase by 3,609 persons by 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 13.9% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Frankston recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Frankston has received approximately 103 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 515 homes. As of FY26122 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.3 new residents per year per dwelling were added between FY21 and FY25. However, this figure has increased to 8.4 people per dwelling over the past two financial years. New properties are constructed at an average cost of $345,000.

This financial year saw $73.5 million in commercial approvals. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Frankston has slightly more development activity, with a 36.0% increase per person over the five-year period. New building activity consists of 25.0% detached houses and 75.0% townhouses or apartments. This shift from the area's existing housing (currently 66.0% houses) indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles. Frankston has a mature market, with around 431 people per approval.

By 2041, Frankston is expected to grow by 3,460 residents, maintaining a reasonable pace of construction despite increasing competition among buyers.

Frankston has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 21 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Frankston Revitalisation Project, Bayside Mixed-Use Precinct Development, Harbour Frankston, and 35-41 Hastings Road Apartment Development. The following list details those projects 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.

Employment performance in Frankston has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Frankston has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well-represented. The unemployment rate was 7.1% in an unspecified past year, with estimated employment growth of 2.8%. As of September 2025, 12,427 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 2.4% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation in Frankston lagged at 64.2%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 22.5% of residents worked from home, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Employment was concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade, with notable concentration in the former at 1.3 times the regional average. Professional & technical employment stood at 5.6%, compared to the regional average of 10.1%.

The worker-to-resident ratio was 0.8 as of the Census, indicating above-normal local employment opportunities. In the 12-month period ending in an unspecified date, employment increased by 2.8% while the labour force grew by 3.0%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasted with Greater Melbourne, where employment rose by 3.0%, the labour force grew by 3.3%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Frankston's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Frankston SA2's median income among taxpayers was $53,164 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $63,915 during the same period. These figures are lower than Greater Melbourne's median and average incomes of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. By September 2025, with an estimated Wage Price Index growth of 8.25%, Frankston SA2's median income is projected to be approximately $57,550, while the average income is expected to reach around $69,188. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Frankston rank modestly, between the 27th and 41st percentiles. The largest income bracket comprises 31.3% of residents earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (7,806 residents), which is consistent with broader trends across the broader area showing 32.8% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Frankston, with only 80.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 22nd percentile.

Frankston displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Frankston, as per the latest Census, 65.9% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 34.1% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is compared to Melbourne's metropolitan area, where 67.9% of dwellings are houses, and 32.1% are other types. Home ownership in Frankston stood at 24.7%, with mortgaged properties at 31.9% and rented dwellings at 43.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,733, lower than Melbourne's metro average of $2,000. The median weekly rent in Frankston was $335, compared to Melbourne's $390. Nationally, Frankston's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 59.7% of all households, including 21.6% couples with children, 22.0% couples without children, and 14.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 40.3%, with lone person households at 36.2% and group households comprising 4.0%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 24.1%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common, at 16.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (13.5%) and certificates (26.0%). Educational participation is high, with 29.3% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 8.9% in primary, 7.1% in secondary, and 5.6% in tertiary education.

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

Frankston has 138 active public transport stops operating, all of which are bus stops. These stops are serviced by 28 different routes that collectively facilitate 8,925 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of public transport in Frankston is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 196 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its primarily residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transportation, used by 88% of residents. On average, there are 1.1 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 22.5% of residents work from home, a figure that may have been influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 1,275 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 64 weekly trips per individual stop. A map accompanies the analysis, showing the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

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

Frankston faces substantial health challenges, as per AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover stands at approximately 50% of Frankston's total population (~12,595 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 56.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues affect 12.2% and asthma impacts 9.4% of residents, with 62.7% reporting no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Frankston has 18.8% of residents aged 65 and over (4,693 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 14.9%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally aligned with national rankings.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Frankston was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Frankston's population has a higher than average cultural diversity, with 13.5% speaking a language other than English at home and 24.8% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Frankston, comprising 40.0% of its population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented in Frankston at 0.3%, compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (29.3%), Australian (24.8%), and Irish (8.4%). These percentages are significantly higher than their respective regional averages of 20.1%, 18.4%, and not specified. Additionally, certain ethnic groups show notable differences in representation: Russian at 0.6% (regional average 0.4%), Dutch at 1.9% (regional average 1.2%), and Hungarian at 0.4% (regional average 0.3%).

Frankston's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Frankston is 39 years, which is slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and very close to the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Frankston has a notably over-represented cohort of 65-74 year-olds (10.3% locally) and an under-represented cohort of 25-34 year-olds (14.2%). According to post-2021 Census data, the 35-44 age group has grown from 13.8% to 15.2%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 5.2% to 6.4%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has declined from 15.6% to 14.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Frankston, with the 75-84 group expected to grow by 68%, reaching 2,665 people from 1,586. This growth is led by residents aged 65 and older, who represent 60% of anticipated population growth. Conversely, the 5-14 and 0-4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.