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 was 4,915 as of the 2021 Census. By June 2024, it had increased to an estimated resident population of 5,071, reflecting a growth of 725 people (14.8%) since the Census date. This increase can be attributed to 211 validated new addresses and interstate migration contributing approximately 53.2% of overall population gains during recent periods. As of Nov 2025, the population is around 5,640, marking a continued growth trend. This level of population results in a density ratio of 3.5 persons per square kilometer. Longford-Loch Sport's growth rate exceeded that of the SA3 area (5.0%) and the non-metro area, positioning it as a growth leader in the region.

AreaSearch projects future population dynamics based on ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on the latest population numbers, the area is expected to expand by 1,942 persons to 2041, with an increase of 23.4% in total 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. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25282 homes were approved, with an additional 12 approved so far in FY26. On average, 1.3 people moved to the area each year for every dwelling built during these years.

This indicates a balanced market between supply and demand, supporting stable conditions. The average construction value of new properties was $273,000. In FY26, commercial development approvals totalled $3.2 million, reflecting the primarily residential nature of the area. Compared to the rest of Victoria, Longford-Loch Sport had 94.0% more new home approvals per person as of recent data. This higher level of approvals provides greater choice for buyers, although construction activity has recently eased.

Nationally, this level is above average, indicating strong developer confidence in the area. All recent development consisted of detached houses, preserving the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers, with around 130 people per approval. By 2041, Longford-Loch Sport is projected to grow by 1,322 residents. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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 likely to impact the area. Key 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.

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

Longford - Loch Sport has an unemployment rate of 4.7% as of June 2025. It employs 2,272 residents with a workforce participation rate of 51.8%.

The area's leading employment industries are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction, with notable concentration in public administration & safety at 2.4 times the regional average. Manufacturing employs only 4.1% of local workers compared to Rest of Vic.'s 7.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.9%, employment declined by 1.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points.

Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 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. These figures compare to Rest of Vic.'s median and average incomes of $48,741 and $60,693 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimated median and average incomes as of September 2025 are approximately $49,134 and $64,822 respectively. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Longford-Loch Sport fall between the 6th and 12th percentiles nationally. The $400-$799 earnings band captures 28.1% of the community (1,584 individuals), contrasting with regional levels where the $1,500-$2,999 bracket leads at 30.3%. While housing costs are modest, with 89.0% of income retained, 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

Longford-Loch Sport's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.4% houses and 3.6% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Vic had 91.9% houses and 8.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Longford-Loch Sport was at 57.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.3% and rented ones at 8.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, aligning with Non-Metro Vic's average. The median weekly rent was $200 compared to Non-Metro Vic's $260. Nationally, Longford-Loch Sport's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,300 versus Australia's $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $200 compared to 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 comprise the remaining 33.9%, with lone person households at 31.3% and group households making up 2.6%. The median household size is 2.2 people, 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's university qualification rate is 18.1%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 13.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 9.6% and certificates at 31.7%. A total of 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.

The four schools in Longford-Loch Sport 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 in nearby areas. School capacity is limited locally at 4.1 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 14.6, leading many families to travel for schooling. Note: if school enrollments are marked 'n/a', 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

Transport analysis shows 26 active stops operating in Longford-Loch Sport area, served by buses via two routes offering 28 weekly passenger trips. Residents' average distance to nearest stop is 1987 meters, with service frequency averaging four trips daily across all routes, equating to roughly one weekly trip per stop.

Service frequency averages 4 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 1 weekly trips 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 high prevalence of common conditions across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 49% (~2,757 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.9%) and mental health issues (8%). About 61.3% report no medical ailments, slightly below the Rest of Vic's 62.7%. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 26.7% (1,504 people), higher than 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 lower than average cultural diversity, with 85.4% of its population born in Australia, 89.6% being citizens, and 96.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 49.1% of Longford-Loch Sport's population. Notably, Judaism, which is not represented regionally, comprises 0.1% of Longford-Loch Sport's population.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (33.6%), Australian (29.9%), and Irish (9.5%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences: Dutch at 2.4% compared to 2.1% regionally, Scottish at 9.1% versus 8.6%, and Maltese at 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 years, significantly higher than Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 and the national norm of 38. The 55-64 age cohort is notably over-represented at 19.7% locally compared to Rest of Vic.'s average, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 7.8%. This concentration of the 55-64 age group is well above the national average of 11.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 6.6% to 8.1%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 9.2% to 10.6%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 14.1% to 12.5%, and the 65-74 group dropped from 18.6% to 17.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Longford-Loch Sport, with the 25-34 age cohort projected to grow by 82%, adding 359 residents to reach a total of 798.