Point Nepean
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Point Nepean's population is approximately 20,363 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 552 people (2.8%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 19,811. The growth is inferred from ABS estimated resident population of 20,258 in June 2024 and 29 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 303 persons per square kilometer. Point Nepean's growth rate exceeded that of its SA3 area (2.3%), making it a regional growth leader. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, AreaSearch employs 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. Based on current demographic trends and latest population numbers, Point Nepean is projected to increase by 3,415 persons to reach a total of approximately 23,778 by the year 2041, marking a 16.2% overall increase over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Point Nepean among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Point Nepean has seen approximately 170 new homes approved each year over the past five financial years, totalling 851 homes. As of FY26, 36 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.3 new residents per year arrive for each new home approved between FY21 and FY25, indicating a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. The average expected construction cost value for new dwellings is $869,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This financial year has seen $47.9 million in commercial approvals registered, reflecting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Point Nepean records 65.0% more new home approvals per person, offering greater choice for buyers. New building activity consists of 96.0% standalone homes and 4.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 140 people per approval, Point Nepean reflects a low density area.

Future projections estimate an addition of 3,310 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Point Nepean has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

AreaSearch has identified four projects that could impact the area significantly due to their potential influence on local infrastructure. These key projects are: 6 Napier Street Hotel Development, Rye Foreshore Promenade Redevelopment, 2135 Point Nepean Road, Rye, and Rye Pier Reconstruction. 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.

Point Nepean has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Point Nepean has a skilled workforce with notable representation in the construction sector. In June 2025, its unemployment rate was 3.7%.

Over the past year, estimated employment growth was 3.5%. As of that date, 9,166 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.9% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation in Point Nepean lagged significantly at 49.4%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries for employment among Point Nepean residents are construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

The area has a strong specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 11.4% compared to Greater Melbourne's 14.2%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 3.5%, while labour force increased by 4.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a 0.5 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Point Nepean's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.6%% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Point Nepean had a median taxpayer income of $45,715 and an average of $78,671 based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is among the highest in Australia, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $51,274 (median) and $88,237 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Point Nepean, between the 31st and 39th percentiles. Distribution data shows 27.8% of the population (5,660 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 32.8% in the same category. After housing, 85.7% of income remains for other expenses and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Point Nepean is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Point Nepean's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, comprised 96.3% houses and 3.7% other dwellings. In comparison, Melbourne metro had 85.5% houses and 14.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Point Nepean was 50.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.0% and rented ones at 19.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,888, lower than Melbourne metro's $1,989. The median weekly rent in Point Nepean was $376, compared to Melbourne metro's $380. Nationally, Point Nepean's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,888 against the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were also higher at $376 compared to the national figure of $375.

Point Nepean features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 67.9 percent of all households, including 21.6 percent couples with children, 36.8 percent couples without children, and 8.8 percent single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 32.1 percent, with lone person households at 30.0 percent and group households comprising 2.1 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.4.

Point Nepean performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

Point Nepean trail has 27.7% of its residents aged 15 and above holding university degrees, compared to Greater Melbourne's 37.0%. This indicates potential for educational development. Bachelor degrees are the most common (19.3%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 38.4% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 13.7% and certificates at 24.7%.

A significant 24.9% of the population is currently pursuing formal education, including 9.0% in primary, 7.1% in secondary, and 3.3% in tertiary education. Point Nepean's four schools have a combined enrollment of 961 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1022) with balanced educational opportunities. These schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. Local school capacity is limited at 4.7 places per 100 residents, compared to the regional average of 14.3, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

Point Nepean has 198 active public transport stops. These are all bus stops. There are three different bus routes serving these stops, together offering 691 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of the transport system is considered good. Residents typically live 394 meters away from their nearest bus stop. On average, there are 98 bus trips per day across all routes, which means each stop gets about three trips per week.

Health performance in Point Nepean is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Point Nepean faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 59% of the total population (12,095 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.9 and 7.9% of residents respectively. 63.5% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.9% across Greater Melbourne. The area has 36.5% of residents aged 65 and over (7,440 people), which is higher than the 29.9% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

Point Nepean ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Point Nepean had a cultural diversity score below average, with 88.3% citizens, 84.2% born in Australia, and 93.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 46.7%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.3%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 0.2%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (32.2%), Australian (26.6%), and Irish (10.8%). Notably, Scottish (9.4%) and Italian (4.4%) groups were overrepresented, while Greek was slightly higher at 1.6%.

Point Nepean ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Point Nepean's median age is 54 years, which is significantly older than Greater Melbourne's median age of 37 and the Australian median age of 38. The age profile shows that the 65-74 year-old group makes up 19.2% of the population, compared to a national average of 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 75-84 age group has grown from 10.4% to 13.7%, while the 45-54 cohort has declined from 13.0% to 11.6% and the 5-14 group has dropped from 9.6% to 8.2%. Demographic modeling suggests that by 2041, Point Nepean's age profile will evolve significantly. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to expand considerably, with an increase of 1,612 people (58%), from 2,781 to 4,394. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 90% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, both the 15-24 and 0-4 age groups are projected to see reduced numbers.