Port Melbourne Industrial

Port Melbourne Industrial lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Port Melbourne Industrial's population was approximately 3,760 as of Feb 2026. This figure represents an increase of 1,853 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,907. The change is inferred from ABS estimates: 2,698 in June 2024 and an additional 1,756 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 492 persons per square kilometer. Port Melbourne Industrial's growth rate (97.2%) exceeded national average (9.9%) from 2021 to Feb 2026. Interstate migration contributed approximately 76.5% of overall population gains during this period.

AreaSearch adopts 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 uses VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting using weighted aggregation methods. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Population projections predict exceptional growth in the area, placing it in the top 10 percent of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch. By 2041, the population is expected to grow by 7,764 persons, reflecting a gain of 175.9% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Port Melbourne Industrial among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Port Melbourne Industrial has seen approximately 397 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, between FY21 and FY25, around 1,986 homes were approved, with an additional 389 approved so far in FY26. On average, about 0.7 people have moved to the area each year for every dwelling built during these five financial years.

This suggests that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth beyond projections. The average construction value of new properties is $429,000, which is moderately above regional levels, indicating an emphasis on quality construction. In the current financial year, $15.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Port Melbourne Industrial has 1684.0% more construction activity per person, providing buyers with ample choice and reflecting strong developer confidence in the location. All new construction since FY21 has comprised townhouses or apartments, focusing on higher-density living which creates more affordable entry points and caters to downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. The location currently has approximately 5 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Port Melbourne Industrial is projected to gain 6,615 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Port Melbourne Industrial has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified 113 potential impact projects. Notable ones are Defence Science Technology Group Redevelopment, Trielle at Yarra's Edge, Emerald Place, and University of Melbourne Fishermans Bend Campus. Below is a detailed list of most relevant projects.

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

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Employment performance in Port Melbourne Industrial has been broadly consistent with national averages

Port Melbourne Industrial has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 4.7% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 4.0% over the past year. In September 2025, 2,037 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate matching Greater Melbourne's 4.7%.

Workforce participation was higher at 89.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 42.0% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries include professional & technical services, construction, and finance & insurance. The area has a notable concentration in professional & technical services, with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average.

Health care & social assistance had limited presence with 7.8% employment compared to 14.2% regionally. There were 15.8 workers for every resident as of the Census, indicating Port Melbourne Industrial functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 4.0%, while labour force grew by 5.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.0 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 3.0%, labour force expand by 3.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. According to Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25, national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Port Melbourne Industrial's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.5% over ten years.

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

Port Melbourne Industrial SA2's median income among taxpayers was $70,887 and average income stood at $102,431 in financial year 2023. This compares to Greater Melbourne's figures of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. By September 2025, estimated median income is approximately $76,735 and average income is $110,882, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25%. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Port Melbourne Industrial rank highly nationally, between the 88th and 95th percentiles. Income analysis shows that 36.2% of the population fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, with 40.0% earning above $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consume 21.9% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 79th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

Port Melbourne Industrial had 0.0% houses and 99.9% other dwellings as per the latest Census, compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Port Melbourne Industrial was 6.7%, with 31.1% mortgaged and 62.2% rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,279, higher than Melbourne metro's $2,000. Median weekly rent was $585, above Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Port Melbourne Industrial's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863 and rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 52.5% of all households, including 14.2% couples with children, 30.9% couples without children, and 6.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 47.5%, with lone person households at 34.3% and group households comprising 12.9%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Educational achievement in Port Melbourne Industrial places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Educational attainment in Port Melbourne Industrial is notably high, with 55.2% of residents aged 15 years and over holding university qualifications as of the latest data point. This compares to national figures of 30.4% for Australia and 33.4% for Victoria. The area's educational advantage is evident in its Bachelor degree holders (35.5%), postgraduate qualifications (16.5%), and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 25.7% of residents aged 15 years and over holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (13.1%) and certificates (12.6%).

Educational participation is high, with 33.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising tertiary education (12.8%), primary education (6.1%), and secondary education (3.9%).

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

Port Melbourne Industrial has 55 active public transport stops, serving a mix of light rail and bus routes. These stops are serviced by 11 individual routes, providing a total of 7,392 weekly passenger trips. Residents have excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 138 meters to the nearest stop. The area is primarily residential, with most residents commuting outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 68%, while walking and train usage stands at 9% and 6% respectively. Vehicle ownership averages 0.7 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 42.0% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 1,056 trips per day, equating to approximately 134 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Port Melbourne Industrial shows excellent health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 72% of the total population (2,718 people), compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 7.4% and 7.1% of residents respectively. 82.0% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. The area has 4.7% of residents aged 65 and over (175 people), lower than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

Port Melbourne Industrial is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Port Melbourne Industrial has a high level of cultural diversity, with 37.1% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 51.3% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Port Melbourne Industrial, comprising 37.1% of the population. Buddhism is notably overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 3.0% of Port Melbourne Industrial's population.

The top three ancestry groups are English (19.7%), Other (16.5%), and Australian (14.1%). Spanish (1.1%), French (0.9%), and Serbian (0.7%) ethnicities are also notably overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.4%, 0.5%, and 0.4% respectively.

Port Melbourne Industrial hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Port Melbourne Industrial's median age is 35 years, slightly younger than Greater Melbourne's 37 and the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group makes up 31.9%, higher than Greater Melbourne but lower than the national average of 14.4%. The 5-14 age group is less prevalent at 6.4%. Between 2021 and present, residents have aged by an average of 2.9 years, with the median age rising from 32 to 35. The 55-64 age group has grown from 6.1% to 8.0%, while the 0-4 cohort increased from 3.5% to 4.7%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has declined from 40.4% to 31.9%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Port Melbourne Industrial. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 134%, adding 1,607 residents to reach a total of 2,808.