Frankston

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

Frankston's population, as of February 2026, is approximately 24,976. This figure represents an increase of 1,390 people, a rise of 5.9% since the 2021 Census which recorded a population of 23,586. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 24,792 as of June 2024 and an additional 406 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,149 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Frankston's growth of 5.9% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (4.1%) 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 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 uses the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting with a method of weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on these projections, an above median population growth is expected nationally, with Frankston projected to increase by 3,609 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 13.7% in total 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 averaged approximately 103 new dwelling approvals annually between FY21-FY25. A total of 515 homes were approved during this period, with an additional 122 approved in FY26 as of the present time. The average number of new residents per year per dwelling constructed over these five years was 1.3. However, recent figures show a significant increase to 8.4 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing demand and tightening supply.

The average construction value for development projects in Frankston is $345,000. In FY26, commercial approvals valued at $73.5 million have been registered, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Frankston has shown moderately higher new home approvals, with 36.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. This balance preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. Recent construction in Frankston comprises 25.0% standalone homes and 75.0% medium to high-density housing, marking a shift from the area's existing housing composition of 66.0% houses.

This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers, reflecting decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles. Frankston indicates a mature market with around 431 people per approval. Looking ahead, Frankston is projected to grow by 3,425 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Development activity is keeping pace with this projected growth, though increasing competition among buyers can be expected as the population expands.

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

The performance of a region is significantly impacted by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 21 such projects that could potentially affect the area. Notable among these are Frankston Revitalisation Project, Bayside Mixed-Use Precinct Development, Harbour Frankston, and 35-41 Hastings Road Apartment Development. The following list details those considered most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Frankston recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Frankston has a skilled workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 7.1% as of an unspecified past year. In September 2025, 12,427 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 9.6% compared to Greater Melbourne's 4.7%.

Resident workforce participation stood at 64.0%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 22.5% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment sectors for Frankston residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area shows strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 5.6%, compared to the regional average of 10.1%. The worker-to-resident ratio was 0.8 as of the Census, indicating a higher-than-average level of local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment in Frankston increased by 2.8%, while the labour force grew by 3.0%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a 0.3 percentage point increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall 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, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Frankston SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $53,164 and an average income of $63,915 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was lower than the national average, with Greater Melbourne having a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164. By September 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25%, the estimated median income would be approximately $57,550 and the average income would be around $69,188. Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Frankston rank modestly, between the 27th and 41st percentiles. The $1,500 - $2,999 earnings band captures 31.3% of the community (7,817 individuals), which is consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 32.8% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, 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

Frankston's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 65.9% houses and 34.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% 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, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent in Frankston was $335, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Frankston's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below 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 2.6.

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 - advanced diplomas at 13.5% and certificates at 26.0%. Educational participation is high, with 29.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 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 good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Frankston has 138 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops are served by a mix of bus routes totaling 28. Together, these routes facilitate 8,925 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Frankston is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 196 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transportation for residents, used by 88%.

Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, some 22.5% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 1,275 trips per day, equating to approximately 64 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays 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 significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age cohorts exhibit high prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is relatively low, at approximately 50% of Frankston's total population (~12,612 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in Frankston, affecting 12.2 and 9.4% of residents respectively. However, 62.7% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Frankston has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (19.5%, or 4,865 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors in Frankston present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 is above average, 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%. Judaism is overrepresented, making up 0.3% compared to Greater Melbourne's 1.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (29.3%), Australian (24.8%), and Irish (8.4%). Notably, Russian (0.6%), Dutch (1.9%), and Hungarian (0.4%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Frankston compared to regional averages of 0.4%, 1.2%, and 0.3% respectively.

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 the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Frankston has a notably higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (10.5% locally) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (13.7%). Post-2021 Census data shows that the 75 to 84 age group grew from 5.2% to 6.8%, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 13.8% to 15.3%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort declined from 15.6% to 13.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Frankston, with the 75 to 84 group expected to grow by 58% (976 people), reaching 2,665 from 1,688. Residents aged 65 and older are projected to represent 57% of anticipated population growth, while the 35 to 44 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.