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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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Sales Activity
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Population
Lakes Entrance lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends
Lakes Entrance's population is approximately 11,434 as of May 2026. This figure represents a growth of 270 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 11,164. The increase was inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,331 in June 2025 and an additional 314 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 53 persons per square kilometer. Lakes Entrance's growth rate of 2.4% since the 2021 Census exceeded its SA3 area's growth rate of 2.3%. Interstate migration contributed approximately 74.5% to 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, it employs 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. By 2041, Lakes Entrance is expected to grow by 3,735 persons, reflecting a total increase of 31.8% over the 16-year period.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Lakes Entrance among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide
Lakes Entrance has seen approximately 83 dwellings granted development approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25415 homes were approved, with a further 36 approved in FY26 as of now. On average, 1.6 people have moved to the area each year for every dwelling built over these five years. However, this ratio has moderated to 0.8 people per dwelling over the past two financial years.
The average construction value for development projects is $348,000. This financial year, $6.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating the area's predominantly residential character. Compared to the rest of Victoria, Lakes Entrance shows 11.0% lower construction activity per person, while it ranks among the 77th percentile nationally.
All recent development has consisted of detached houses, maintaining the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers, with around 152 people per approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Lakes Entrance is projected to grow by 3,632 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Lakes Entrance
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
Lakes Entrance has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 35thth percentile nationally
Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones include North Arm Water Main Replacement, Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area (LENGA), Jemmys Point Lookout Stage 2 and Kalimna Loop Walk, and Lakes Entrance Slipway Redevelopment. The following list details those most relevant.
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INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Marinus Link
Marinus Link is a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) electricity and fibre-optic interconnector linking Heybridge in north-west Tasmania with Hazelwood in Victoria's Latrobe Valley. The total project is planned at 1,500 MW capacity, delivered in two 750 MW stages. Stage 1 comprises 255 km of subsea cable across Bass Strait, a shore crossing at Waratah Bay, a communications station at Sandy Point, 90 km of underground land cable through south Gippsland, and converter stations at each end. Final Investment Decision was reached on 1 August 2025 with federal environmental approval granted on 3 August 2025. In December 2025, Marinus Link Pty Ltd awarded the final major Stage 1 contract, valued at approximately 994 million dollars, to TasVic Greenlink (a joint venture of DT Infrastructure and Samsung C and T Corporation) to build the converter stations and undertake the 90 km of land cable civils across Gippsland. Hitachi Energy is supplying the HVDC voltage source converter stations and Prysmian is supplying the cables. In February 2026, the Australian Energy Regulator approved approximately 3.47 billion dollars in Stage 1 capital expenditure, clearing the path for full construction. Preparatory works on the Waratah Bay and Heybridge shore crossings are commencing in early 2026, with commercial operation targeted for 2030. A separate business case for Stage 2 (a further 750 MW) will be considered by governments during 2026.
Orsted Offshore Australia 1 (Gippsland 1)
Orsted is developing the 2.82 GW Gippsland 1 offshore wind farm located 56-100 km off the coast of Victoria. In December 2025, the project reached a major milestone by lodging its federal environmental referral under the EPBC Act. The proposal includes up to 200 turbines with tips reaching heights of 350m, situated in water depths of approximately 60m. Feasibility studies, including wind measurement using Floating LiDAR and geotechnical investigations, are ongoing and expected to conclude by late 2027. The project aims to connect to the Victorian grid via a subsea cable landing at McGaurans Beach or Reeves Beach, eventually linking to the VicGrid connection hub at Giffard.
Lakes Entrance Training Walls Upgrade
Remediation works on the 130-year-old heritage-listed training walls including stabilization of the core with rock-filled geotextile bags and replenishment of armour rock along channel sides of both eastern and western walls. The project aims to improve vessel access, reduce hazards from unstable rock surfaces, extend structure longevity, and support local fishing, boating, and tourism industries. Works commenced August 2025 with completion expected December 2025.
Lakes Entrance Slipway Redevelopment
Transformation of a 5,400 square metre former slipway site operating from 1948-2005 into a vibrant public waterfront precinct featuring tiered timber decking, two restored historic winch sheds converted into art galleries, food and beverage outlets, outdoor markets, community event spaces, public amenities, and accessible ramps. Managed by the Slipway Collective, this multi-use destination celebrates local maritime heritage while fostering arts, culture, and hospitality to enhance tourism and community wellbeing.
Regional Housing Fund Gippsland
Part of Victorian Government's $1 billion Regional Housing Fund delivering over 1,300 new homes across regional Victoria including Gippsland. Mix of social and affordable housing developed through collaboration with councils and communities.
Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area (LENGA)
The Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area (LENGA) is a 244 hectare residential growth precinct in the hills north of Lakes Entrance, planned to deliver around 1,545 new dwellings and accommodate over 9,000 future residents. The area is implemented through Development Plan Overlay 8 (DPO8) in the East Gippsland Planning Scheme, with multiple staged subdivisions progressively rolling out across land bounded by Myers Street, Blairs Road, Ostlers Road and Thorpes Lane. Approved development plans cover Palmers Road, Blairs Road and the Country Club Drive precinct, with active estates including Wel.Co's Mirradale (around 165 lots over 35.4 hectares at 112 Ostlers Road), Lakes Heights Estate at 52 Country Club Drive (59 lots, permit approved) and the neighbouring Lakes View Estate. The masterplan includes a neighbourhood activity centre of around 3.5 hectares, integrated wetlands for water-sensitive urban design, a multipurpose community facility, emergency services land and a connected shared pathway network, with native vegetation precinct planning to protect high quality habitat zones.
Lakes Entrance Foreshore Park Development, Krauatungalung Walk Stage 1
Major foreshore revitalization featuring Krauatungalung Walk Stage 1 with an all-abilities boardwalk, Indigenous garden celebrating the five Gunaikurnai clans, sculptural seating featuring Borun the pelican and Tuk the musk duck, Lakes Foreshore Park with inclusive playground incorporating water-play and nature-play elements, accessible pathways, landscaping, and the Lakes Entrance Water Sports Pavilion. The project honors Gunaikurnai cultural heritage while providing enhanced recreation and accessibility for the community.
North Arm Water Main Replacement
Critical water infrastructure project replacing and upgrading the water main linking Kalimna and Lakes Entrance under North Arm waterway. The project uses trenchless horizontal directional drilling for 450 metres under the waterway, plus 170 metres of open trenching to improve water supply reliability, accommodate future population growth, and ensure service levels during peak visitor periods. Located within the Gippsland Lakes Ramsar site with minimal environmental impact design.
Employment
Employment performance in Lakes Entrance has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally
Lakes Entrance has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The unemployment rate is 5.8%. Over the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 6.2%.
As of December 2025, 4,431 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.1% higher than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation in Lakes Entrance lags at 48.1%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.0%. According to Census responses, 13.6% of residents work from home. The dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and construction.
Lakes Entrance shows strong specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share twice the regional level. However, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 4.6% of local workers, below Regional Vic.'s 7.5%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data comparison between working population and resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 6.2%, while labour force grew by 5.3%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.8 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Vic., where employment fell by 0.6%, labour force contracted by 0.7%, and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Lakes Entrance's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis
AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Lakes Entrance SA2 has lower incomes than the national average. The median income is $41,478 and the average is $52,402. This contrasts with Regional Vic., where the median income is $50,954 and the average is $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Lakes Entrance are approximately $45,468 (median) and $57,443 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census data reveals that incomes in Lakes Entrance fall between the 3rd and 7th percentiles nationally. The $400 - 799 earnings band captures 30.2% of the community, differing from metropolitan regions where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 30.3%. Housing costs are modest in Lakes Entrance, with 86.7% of income retained. However, total disposable income ranks at just the 6th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Lakes Entrance is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
Dwelling structure in Lakes Entrance, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 27 August 2016, comprised 88.8% houses and 11.2% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Regional Victoria's figures of 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lakes Entrance stood at 52.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.7% and rented dwellings at 21.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300 as of 2016, lower than Regional Victoria's average of $1,430. The median weekly rent figure for Lakes Entrance was recorded at $270, compared to Regional Victoria's $285. Nationally, Lakes Entrance's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863 as of 2016, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375 for the same period.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Lakes Entrance features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size
Family households account for 65.7% of all households, including 18.4% couples with children, 37.5% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 34.3%, with lone person households at 32.2% and group households comprising 2.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Educational outcomes in Lakes Entrance fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment
The area's university qualification rate is 17.1%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.7%). Vocational credentials are held by 42.3% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 11.7% and certificates at 30.6%. Currently, 24.7% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 10.0% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education.
A substantial 24.7% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 10.0% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is very low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Lakes Entrance has 69 active public transport stops. Seven routes service these stops, offering a total of 195 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically located 1873 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to the area's residential nature. Cars are the dominant mode of transport at 93%, with an average vehicle ownership of 1.4 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 13.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.
Service frequency averages 27 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 2 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Health performance in Lakes Entrance is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts
Lakes Entrance faces significant 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 is extremely low, at approximately 46% of the total population (~5,236 people), compared to 50.5% in Regional Vic.
and the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.6%) and mental health issues (8.8%). 58.2% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic.. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 35.6% of residents aged 65 and over (4,072 people), higher than the 23.9% in Regional Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
Lakes Entrance is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics
Lakes Entrance, as per the census data from 29th June 2016, exhibited below-average cultural diversity: 87.4% of its residents were Australian citizens, with 85.1% born in Australia and 95.5% speaking English exclusively at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Lakes Entrance, accounting for 46.4% of the population. Notably, Judaism, comprising 0.2% of Lakes Entrance's population, showed an overrepresentation compared to Regional Vic's 0.1%.
In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (32.9%), Australian (30.0%), and Scottish (9.0%). Some ethnicities had notable disparities: Dutch was overrepresented at 2.0% in Lakes Entrance versus 1.7% regionally, Maltese at 0.6% compared to 0.5%, and French at 0.5% against 0.3%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Lakes Entrance ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide
The median age in Lakes Entrance is 54 years, which is significantly higher than Regional Victoria's average of 43 and the national norm of 38. The 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented in Lakes Entrance at 19.3%, compared to Regional Victoria's average of 12% and the national figure of 9.4%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 7.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 10.9% to 12.9%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 9.1% to 10.1%. However, the 65-74 cohort has declined from 21.0% to 19.3% and the 55-64 group dropped from 16.1% to 14.7%. By 2041, Lakes Entrance is projected to see significant shifts in its age composition, with the 25-34 age cohort expanding by 576 people (67%), from 856 to 1,433.