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 May 2026, is approximately 25,106. This figure reflects a growth of 1,520 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 23,586. The increase is inferred from the ABS estimated resident population of 25,043 in June 2025 and an additional 417 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,160 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Frankston's growth rate of 6.4% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (3.2%) and the SA3 area, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 67.8% of overall population gains during recent periods, although natural growth and interstate migration also played positive roles.

AreaSearch's projections for Frankston are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia figures 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 weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, Frankston is expected to experience above median population growth nationally, increasing by 3,361 persons to 2041 and recording a total gain of 13.1% over the 16-year period.

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 from FY21 to FY25. A total of 515 homes were approved during this period, with an additional 355 approved in FY26 as of the current date. On average, each dwelling constructed over these five years accommodated around 1.3 new residents per year. However, this figure has increased to 8.4 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, indicating rising demand and tightening supply.

The construction value for development projects averaged $345,000 during this period. Commercial approvals registered in FY26 totalled $73.5 million, suggesting strong local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Frankston exhibited moderately higher new home approvals, with a 37.0% increase per person over the five-year period ending FY25. This balance between supply and demand has maintained reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. However, development activity has shown some moderation in recent periods.

Recent construction in Frankston comprises 25.0% standalone homes and 75.0% medium to high-density housing. This shift towards higher-density living creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This change represents a notable departure from the area's existing housing stock, which is currently composed of 66.0% houses. The decreasing availability of developable sites and evolving lifestyles contribute to this shift in housing options. Frankston indicates a mature market with around 431 people per approval. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Frankston's population is projected to grow by 3,298 residents through to 2041. Development activity appears to be keeping pace with this projected growth, although increasing competition among buyers can be expected as the population expands.

Frankston has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 21 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are Frankston Revitalisation Project, Bayside Mixed-Use Precinct Development, Harbour Frankston, and 35-41 Hastings Road Apartment Development. The following list details those 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 significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 7.5% as of December 2019, with an estimated employment growth of 2.8% over the past year. As of December 2025, 12,471 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 7.5%, which is 2.7% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation in Frankston was 64.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. According to Census responses, 22.5% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area shows strong specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level, while professional & technical services show lower representation at 5.6%, compared to the regional average of 10.1%.

The ratio of workers to residents was 0.8 as of the Census. Over the year ending December 2025, employment increased by 2.8% and labour force increased by 2.2%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4%, labour force growth of 2.8%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment to expand by 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

The Frankston SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $53,164 and an average of $63,915 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than national averages, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. By March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $58,278 (median) and $70,064 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023. Census data shows 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 (7,858 individuals), similar to broader trends across regional levels showing 32.8% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, 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, consisted of 65.9% houses and 34.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Melbourne metro had 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, lower than Melbourne metro's $2,000. Weekly rent median was $335, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Frankston's mortgage repayments were lower ($1,733 vs $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 constitute 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 account for 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, 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 stands at 24.1%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 16.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are held by 39.5% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 13.5% and certificates at 26.0%. Educational participation is 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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are serviced by 28 different routes that together provide 8,925 weekly passenger trips. Residents have excellent access to transport, with an average distance of 196 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards from Frankston, and cars remain the primary mode of transport at 88%. 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 be 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 this information, 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 significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 50% of Frankston's total population (~12,678 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues impact 12.2% of residents, while asthma affects 9.4%. Around 62.7% of residents report no medical ailments, lower than Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Frankston has 18.8% of residents aged 65 and over (4,727 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with national rankings for 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 population showed higher-than-average cultural diversity, with 13.5% speaking a language other than English at home and 24.8% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Frankston, accounting for 40.0%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 0.3% of Frankston's population.

In terms of ancestry, English (29.3%) and Australian (24.8%) were significantly higher than regional averages, while Irish stood at 8.4%. Notable differences existed in the representation of Russian (0.6%), Dutch (1.9%), and Hungarian (0.4%) groups compared to regional figures.

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

The median age in Frankston is 39 years, which is 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 individuals aged 65-74 (10.1% locally) and a lower proportion of those aged 25-34 (14.2%). According to post-2021 Census data, the population of individuals aged 35-44 grew from 13.8% to 15.2%, while the cohort of individuals aged 75-84 increased from 5.2% to 6.5%. Conversely, the proportion of individuals aged 25-34 declined from 15.6% to 14.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Frankston. The cohort aged 75-84 is expected to grow by 58%, reaching 2,592 people from 1,644. This growth will contribute to an increase in the proportion of residents aged 65 and older, who are anticipated to represent 57% of population growth. Conversely, the cohorts aged 35-44 and 5-14 are expected to experience population declines.