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 24,796 as of November 2025. This represented an increase of 1,210 people from the 2021 Census figure of 23,586, reflecting a growth rate of 5.1%. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 24,792 in June 2024 and an additional 405 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a population density ratio of 2,133 persons per square kilometer, which exceeded the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Frankston's growth rate since the 2021 census surpassed that of its SA4 region (3.1%) and SA3 area, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 73.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted 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 utilized the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group were applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends projected an above median growth rate for national areas, with the area expected to increase by 3,609 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 14.5% 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 FY26120 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.3 new residents per year per dwelling constructed were noted between FY21 and FY25, indicating a balanced supply and demand with stable market conditions. However, this figure increased to 8.4 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential supply constraints in the area. The average construction value of new properties is $345,000.

This year has seen $73.5 million in commercial approvals, reflecting high local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Frankston has slightly more development, with 36.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period, supporting good buyer choice and existing property values. However, recent periods have shown a moderation in development activity. New building activity comprises 25.0% detached houses and 75.0% townhouses or apartments, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 66.0% houses) suggests decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles.

Frankston indicates a mature market with around 431 people per approval. By 2041, Frankston is projected to grow by 3,605 residents, maintaining a reasonable construction pace despite potential growing competition as population increases.

Frankston has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 49thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure. AreaSearch has identified 21 projects that could potentially impact this area. Notable projects include Frankston Revitalisation Project, Frankston Hospital Redevelopment, Peninsula Link Freeway, and Bayside Mixed-Use Precinct Development. The following list details those projects likely to have the most relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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

Frankston has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. 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 are employed, and the unemployment rate is 2.4% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation is lower at 59.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade, with notable concentration in health care & social assistance at 1.3 times the regional average. Professional & technical services have limited presence at 5.6% employment compared to the regional average of 10.1%.

The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.8, indicating higher-than-average local employment opportunities. In the year up to September 2025, employment increased by 2.8%, while labour force grew by 3.0%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.2 percentage points. State-level data from November 25 shows Victoria's employment growth at 1.13% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Frankston SA2's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $49,441. The average income stood at $60,739 during this period. In comparison, Greater Melbourne had a median income of $54,892 and an average income of $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $55,453 (median) and $68,125 (average). 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 $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (7,761 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, ranking at the 22nd percentile.

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

Frankston's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, were 65.9% houses and 34.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 79.8% houses and 20.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Frankston stood at 24.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.9% and rented ones at 43.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, lower than Melbourne metro's $1,800. Weekly rent median was $335, compared to Melbourne metro's $356. Nationally, Frankston's mortgage repayments were below the 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 constitute 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 2.5.

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 among residents aged 15+, with 39.5% holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (13.5%) and certificates (26.0%). Educational participation is high, with 29.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 8.9% in primary, 7.1% in secondary, and 5.6% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.9% in primary education, 7.1% in secondary education, and 5.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Frankston has 135 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 27 individual routes that collectively facilitate 13,259 weekly passenger trips. The city's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 197 meters from the nearest transport stop.

On average, service frequency across all routes stands at 1,894 trips per day, equating to approximately 98 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Frankston faces significant health challenges, as indicated by health data. Both younger and older age groups have notable prevalence of common health conditions.

Approximately 50% (~12,398 people) of Frankston's total population has private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 12.2% and 9.4% of residents respectively. 62.7% of Frankston residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 65.0% across Greater Melbourne. The area has 18.8% (4,666 people) of residents aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly aligning with the general population's health profile.

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 cultural diversity was above average, with 13.5% speaking a language other than English at home and 24.8% born overseas. Christianity was the main religion in Frankston, comprising 40.0%. Judaism was overrepresented at 0.3%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 0.3%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (29.3%), Australian (24.8%), and Irish (8.4%). Notably, Russian (0.6%) and Dutch (1.9%) were slightly overrepresented in Frankston compared to regional figures of 0.5% and 1.8%, respectively. Hungarian representation was equal at 0.4%.

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

The median age in Frankston is 39 years, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and close to Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Frankston has a notably higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (10.3% locally versus the Greater Melbourne average) and a lower proportion of residents aged 25-34 (14.2%). Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 13.8% to 15.2%, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 5.2% to 6.4%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 15.6% to 14.2%. Population forecasts for Frankston indicate substantial demographic changes by 2041. The 75 to 84 age group is expected to grow by 69%, reaching 2,665 people from the current figure of 1,577. This growth is led by residents aged 65 and older, who will represent 59% of anticipated population growth. Meanwhile, the 5 to 14 and 0 to 4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.