Longford - Loch Sport
Statistical Area - sa2

Longford - Loch Sport lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Longford-Loch Sport's population, as of August 2025, is approximately 5471. This represents an increase of 556 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4915. The change is inferred from the ABS estimated resident population of 5062 in June 2024 and an additional 138 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3.4 persons per square kilometer. Longford-Loch Sport's growth rate of 11.3% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area (4.5%) and the non-metro area, indicating significant growth in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 53.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 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. Future population dynamics anticipate a significant increase in the top quartile of non-metropolitan areas nationally. By 2041, Longford-Loch Sport is expected to expand by 1942 persons, representing an overall increase of 27.2% over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Longford - Loch Sport when compared nationally

Longford-Loch Sport averaged approximately 56 new dwelling approvals annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis, with 282 dwellings approved between FY-21 and FY-25, and 9 approved so far in FY-26. Over the past five financial years (FY-21 to FY-25), an average of 1.3 people moved to the area per dwelling built, indicating a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $375,000, which is below regional levels, providing more affordable housing options for buyers.

This financial year (FY-26), $3.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's predominantly residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Longford-Loch Sport shows 94.0% higher construction activity per person, offering greater choice for buyers, although recent construction activity has decreased. This high level of construction activity is above the national average, suggesting strong developer confidence in the area. Recent building activity consists solely of detached houses, preserving the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers with an average of around 130 people per approval. Future projections indicate that Longford-Loch Sport will add approximately 1,491 residents by 2041.

Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Longford - Loch Sport has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 29thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 40 projects that could impact this region. Notable projects include Gippsland Renewable Energy Park (GREP), Fulham Solar Farm, Longford Development Plan, and Port of Sale East Bank Redevelopment Study. The following list details those most relevant.

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

Employment drivers in Longford - Loch Sport are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Longford - Loch Sport has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate as of June 2025 was 4.7%.

There were 2,272 residents employed at this time, which is 0.9% higher than the Rest of Vic.'s unemployment rate of 3.8%. The workforce participation rate was significantly lower at 51.8%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Leading employment industries among residents were public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction. Public administration & safety had particularly notable concentration with employment levels at 2.4 times the regional average.

Manufacturing employed only 4.1% of local workers, below Rest of Vic.'s 7.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.9% and employment declined by 1.3%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. experienced a 0.9% employment decline and a 0.4% labour force decline with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data to Sep-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, adding 39,880 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%, slightly higher than the national rate of 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest potential future demand within Longford - Loch Sport. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with local growth estimated at approximately 5.9% over five years and 12.6% over ten years based on industry-specific projections.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

Longford-Loch Sport's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $43,807. The average income stood at $57,794 during the same period. In comparison, Rest of Vic.'s median and average incomes were $48,741 and $60,693 respectively. By March 2025, estimates suggest that Longford-Loch Sport's median income would be approximately $48,236 and the average income around $63,637, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 10.11% since financial year 2022. According to Census 2021 data, incomes in Longford-Loch Sport fall between the 6th and 12th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income distribution shows that 28.1% of individuals in the community earn between $400 and $799 annually, contrasting with regional levels where the highest earning bracket is $1,500 to $2,999 at 30.3%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 89.0% income retention, total disposable income ranks at just the 11th percentile nationally.

Longford - Loch Sport is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Longford-Loch Sport, evaluated at the latest Census, 96.4% of dwellings were houses, with 3.6% being other types such as semi-detached homes and apartments. This contrasts with Non-Metro Vic., where 91.9% were houses and 8.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Longford-Loch Sport stood at 57.8%, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average, with mortgaged properties at 34.3% and rented ones at 8.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, aligning with the Non-Metro Vic. average. The median weekly rent in Longford-Loch Sport was $200, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s $260. Nationally, Longford-Loch Sport's median monthly mortgage repayments were $563 less than Australia's average of $1,863, and median weekly rents were $175 below the national figure of $375.

Longford - Loch Sport features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 66.1% of all households, including 22.1% couples with children, 36.7% couples without children, and 6.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 33.9%, with lone person households accounting for 31.3%, and group households comprising 2.6%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.3.

Longford - Loch Sport faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area has university qualification rates at 18.1%, significantly lower than the VIC average of 33.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common, at 13.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational skills are prominent, with 41.3% of residents aged 15+ holding credentials such as advanced diplomas (9.6%) and certificates (31.7%).

A substantial 24.4% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 8.7% in primary, 7.2% in secondary, and 2.6% in tertiary education. Longford - Loch Sport's 4 schools have a combined enrollment of 224 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 951) with balanced educational opportunities. These schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. The area has limited local school capacity, with 4.1 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 14.6, leading many families to travel for schooling. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

The analysis of public transport in Longford - Loch Sport indicates that there are 26 active transport stops currently operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with two individual routes providing service to the area. Together, these routes offer a total of 28 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in this region is rated as limited, with residents typically residing an average distance of 1987 meters from their nearest transport stop. The service frequency across all routes averages approximately four trips per day, which equates to about one weekly trip per individual stop.

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

Longford - Loch Sport faces significant health challenges, with common conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49%, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.9%) and mental health issues (8%). A total of 61.3% report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of Vic's 62.7%. The area has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 26.7%, compared to the Rest of Vic's 23.5%.

Longford - Loch Sport is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Longford-Loch Sport has a cultural diversity below average, with 85.4% of its population born in Australia, 89.6% being citizens, and 96.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion, comprising 49.1% of people in Longford-Loch Sport. Judaism is overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to 0.0% across Rest of Vic.

The top three ancestry groups are English (33.6%), Australian (29.9%), and Irish (9.5%). Notably, Dutch (2.4%) is overrepresented compared to the regional average of 2.1%, Scottish (9.1%) compared to 8.6%, and Maltese (1.0%) compared to 0.4%.

Longford - Loch Sport ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Longford-Loch Sport is 52, significantly higher than Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 and the national norm of 38. The 55-64 cohort makes up 19.7% locally, compared to 14.4% in Rest of Vic., while the 25-34 cohort is under-represented at 7.8%. Nationally, the 55-64 age group comprises 11.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 6.6% to 8.1%, and the 35-44 cohort has risen from 9.2% to 10.6%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 14.1% to 12.5%, and the 65-74 group has dropped from 18.6% to 17.4%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes: the 25-34 cohort is projected to grow by 88%, adding 372 residents to reach a total of 798.