Port Melbourne

Population growth drivers in Port Melbourne are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Port Melbourne's population is around 16,905 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 713 people (4.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 16,192 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 16,884 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 23 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 6,059 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, making land in the area a highly sought resource. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 79.5% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. As we examine future population trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national statistical areas is forecast, with the area expected to expand by 5,223 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 30.8% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Port Melbourne when compared nationally

Port Melbourne has averaged around 95 new dwelling approvals per year, with 476 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 3 so far in FY-26. With population declining over recent years, new supply has likely been keeping up with demand, offering good choice to buyers, while new homes are being built at an average value of $731,000, showing that developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. Additionally, $15.1 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting balanced commercial development activity.

Compared to Greater Melbourne, Port Melbourne shows approximately half the construction activity per person while it places among the 90th percentile of areas assessed nationally, though development activity has picked up in recent periods. New development consists of 4.0% detached houses and 96.0% townhouses or apartments. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. With around 545 people per dwelling approval, Port Melbourne shows a developed market.

Looking ahead, Port Melbourne is expected to grow by 5,202 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Port Melbourne has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 33 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Barak Beacon Port Melbourne, Fishermans Bend Innovation Precinct, Johnston Street Apartments, and Wirraway Central, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

The labour market in Port Melbourne demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Port Melbourne features a highly educated workforce, with the technology sector a particular standout in terms of representation, an unemployment rate of 4.4%, and 4.2% estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 10,271 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 0.3% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. Based on Census responses, a high 51.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and finance & insurance. The area has a particular employment specialization in professional & technical, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 10.5% versus the regional average of 14.2%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increase by 4.2% alongside a labour force increase of 4.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Port Melbourne. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Port Melbourne's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.0% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Port Melbourne SA2 is exceptionally high nationally, with the median assessed at $77,736 while the average income stands at $113,052. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's figures of a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $84,149 (median) and $122,379 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Port Melbourne, between the 85th and 96th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate the predominant cohort spans 29.0% of locals (4,902 people) in the $4000+ category, unlike trends in the region where 32.8% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. A significant 41.0% earn above $3,000 weekly, reflecting pockets of prosperity that drive robust local economic activity. High housing costs consume 16.8% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 83rd percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Port Melbourne features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Port Melbourne, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 6.4% houses and 93.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Port Melbourne was slightly lagging that of Melbourne metro, at 27.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (29.0%) or rented (43.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Melbourne metro average at $2,515, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $522, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Port Melbourne's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 58.6% of all households, comprising 21.1% couples with children, 28.2% couples without children, and 8.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 41.4%, with lone person households at 38.1% and group households comprising 3.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.1 people is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Port Melbourne shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Port Melbourne significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 49.7% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia and 33.4% in VIC. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 31.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (13.4%) and graduate diplomas (4.8%). Vocational pathways account for 23.5% of qualifications among those aged 15+; advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (11.8%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 7.8% in primary education, 6.1% in secondary education, and 5.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 57 active transport stops operating within Port Melbourne, comprising a mix of light rail and buses. These stops are serviced by 8 individual routes, collectively providing 5,838 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 137 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 70%, with 9% walking and 6% cycling. Vehicle ownership averages 0.7 per dwelling, below the regional average. A high 51.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 834 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 102 weekly trips per individual stop.

Port Melbourne's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Port Melbourne, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 76% of the total population (12,864 people). This compares to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 7.5% and 7.1% of residents, respectively, while 73.3% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 19.6% of residents aged 65 and over (3,313 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Port Melbourne was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 20.8% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 30.6% born overseas. The main religion in Port Melbourne is Christianity, which makes up 46.0% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 1.0% of the population, compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Port Melbourne are English, comprising 25.1% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 20.1%, Australian, comprising 18.2% of the population, and Other, comprising 10.1% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Greek is notably overrepresented at 5.2% of Port Melbourne (vs 2.7% regionally), French at 0.9% (vs 0.5%) and Russian at 0.7% (vs 0.4%).

Port Melbourne's median age exceeds the national pattern

With a median age of 44, Port Melbourne notably exceeds the Greater Melbourne figure of 37 and substantially exceeds the national norm of 38. The 55 - 64 age group shows strong representation at 14.5% compared to Greater Melbourne, whereas the 15 - 24 cohort is less prevalent at 8.7%. Following the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 5.7% to 7.2% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 7.4% to 8.7%. Conversely, the 35 to 44 cohort has declined from 17.6% to 16.4% and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 13.3% to 12.2%. Demographic modeling suggests Port Melbourne's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. Leading the demographic shift, the 45 to 54 group will grow by 51% (1,407 people), reaching 4,158 from 2,750. The 0 to 4 group displays more modest growth at 6%, adding only 35 residents.