Frankston North
Statistical Area - sa2

Frankston North is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Frankston North's population was 19,453 as of the 2021 Census. By Nov 2025, it is around 19,830, an increase of 377 people (1.9%). This growth is inferred from ABS estimates: 19,841 in June 2024 and additional 77 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is 1,497 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Frankston North's 1.9% growth since census compares to the SA4 region's 3.1%, showing competitive fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 72.4% of recent population gains.

AreaSearch uses 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 utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted via weighted aggregation to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future trends suggest a population increase just below the national median, with an expected expansion of 1,638 persons to 2041, recording an 8.3% total gain over 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Frankston North, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Frankston North averaged approximately 32 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with a total of 160 homes approved during this period. In FY-26, up until now, 13 dwellings have been approved. Despite a decrease in population, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

The average construction cost value for new properties is $259,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. This financial year, commercial approvals totaling $163.6 million have been registered, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Frankston North has approximately half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 30th percentile nationally in terms of buyer choices, which supports demand for existing homes. New building activity shows that 61.0% of dwellings approved are detached houses, while 39.0% are townhouses or apartments. This shift from the current housing mix (89.0% houses) reflects reduced availability of development sites and addresses shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

Frankston North has a population density of around 606 people per dwelling approval, indicating a highly mature market. Looking ahead to 2041, Frankston North is projected to grow by 1,649 residents. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially leading to increased buyer competition and price increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects that could affect this region. Notable initiatives include the Frankston to Baxter Rail Upgrade, Compass Business Park, Karingal Hub Shopping Centre Redevelopment, and Frankston Hospital Redevelopment. The following list details those most likely to be 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 drivers in Frankston North are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Frankston North has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent, with an unemployment rate of 10.2% and estimated employment growth of 2.1% in the past year.

As of June 2025, 8,886 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 5.6%, higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation is lower at 54.6% compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction stands out with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Professional & technical services have limited presence, with only 4.7% of residents employed in this sector compared to 10.1% regionally. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data. From June 2024 to June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.1%, labour force grew by 4.4%, resulting in a rise of unemployment by 2.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 3.5% and unemployment increase by only 0.5 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industries. Applying these projections to Frankston North's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Frankston North's median income among taxpayers was $50,434 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $60,098 during the same period. These figures compare to Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimated median income for Frankston North as of September 2025 is approximately $56,567, with the average standing at around $67,406. According to the 2021 Census, household incomes in Frankston North fall between the 21st and 22nd percentiles nationally. The predominant income cohort spans 32.6% of locals (6,464 people) with incomes ranging from $1,500 to $2,999. This pattern is similar to the surrounding region where 32.8% fall within this income range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Frankston North, with only 80.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 18th percentile nationally.

Frankston North is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Frankston North, as per the latest Census, 88.7% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 11.3% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This compares to Melbourne metropolitan's figures of 79.8% houses and 20.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Frankston North stood at 28.3%, similar to Melbourne metro. Dwellings were either mortgaged (34.0%) or rented (37.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,597, lower than Melbourne's average of $1,800. Median weekly rent in Frankston North was $341, compared to Melbourne's $356. Nationally, Frankston North's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 64.5% of all households, including 22.2% couples with children, 22.8% couples without children, and 18.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 35.5%, with lone person households accounting for 31.1% and group households making up 4.4% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Frankston North fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 17.2%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.4%) and certificates (29.3%). Educational participation is high at 29.5%, comprising primary education (10.3%), secondary education (7.1%), and tertiary education (3.7%).

There are 13 schools serving 4,238 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 966) and balanced educational opportunities. The schools include 8 primary, 3 secondary, and 2 K-12 schools. School capacity exceeds residential needs at 21.3 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 14.8, indicating the area serves as an educational hub for the broader region. Note: where school enrolments are 'n/a', please refer to the parent campus.

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

Frankston North has 122 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 11 different routes that together facilitate 3,817 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents on average being located just 185 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, there are an average of 545 trips per day, which works out to approximately 31 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Frankston North is well below average with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Frankston North faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately half of its total population (~9815) has private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions in the area, affecting 12.3% and 9.5% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 59.6% report having no medical ailments, compared to 65.0% across Greater Melbourne. The area has an 18.4% senior population (3656 people), with seniors facing health challenges broadly similar to those experienced by the general population.

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

Frankston North's cultural diversity was above average, with 22.8% of its population born overseas and 12.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Frankston North, accounting for 39.9% of its population. However, Judaism had an overrepresentation, comprising 0.2% compared to Greater Melbourne's 0.3%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (29.6%), Australian (25.9%), and Irish (8.0%). Notably, Hungarian was overrepresented at 0.5%, Russian at 0.6%, and Maori at 1.2% compared to regional percentages of 0.4%, 0.5%, and 0.7% respectively.

Frankston North's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Frankston North is 38 years, close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and equivalent to Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Frankston North has a higher percentage of residents aged 75-84 (7.0%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (10.9%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 35-44 has grown from 13.5% to 15.1%, while the 25-34 age group has declined from 16.4% to 15.4%. By 2041, Frankston North's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 106% (499 people), reaching 971 from 471. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 61% of the population growth, while declines are projected for the 35-44 and 0-4 age groups.