Portarlington
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Portarlington's population, as of August 2025, is approximately 11,064. This figure represents an increase of 1,528 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 9,536. The growth is inferred from ABS estimates; Portarlington had an estimated resident population of 10,630 as of June 2024 and there were 587 validated new addresses after the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 154 persons per square kilometer. Portarlington's growth rate since the 2021 census was 16.0%, exceeding both the non-metro area average (5.5%) and the national average, making it a notable growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 94.7% of overall population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for SA2 areas released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends predict exceptional growth, placing Portarlington in the top 10 percent of national non-metropolitan areas. By 2041, based on latest numbers, the area is expected to expand by approximately 5,590 persons, reflecting a total increase of 46.6% over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Portarlington was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Portarlington averaged approximately 256 new dwelling approvals annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) produces development approval data on a financial year basis, with 1,282 dwellings approved between FY20 and FY25. As of FY26, 16 approvals have been recorded. Over the past five financial years (FY20 to FY25), an average of 1.6 new residents arrived per new home built, suggesting balanced supply and demand and stable market conditions.

The average expected construction cost value for new dwellings in Portarlington is $559,000, somewhat higher than regional norms, indicating quality-focused development. In FY26, commercial approvals valued at $18.5 million have been registered, reflecting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Portarlington records 75.0% more construction activity per person, offering buyers ample choice and indicating robust developer interest in the area. Recent construction comprises 75.0% detached houses and 25.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature while attracting space-seeking buyers. This shift from the current housing composition (92.0% houses) suggests decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring more diverse and affordable housing options. Portarlington reflects a developing area, with around 56 people per approval.

Population forecasts indicate that Portarlington will gain approximately 5,156 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, creating favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Portarlington has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects likely to affect this region. Notable projects include Lifestyle St Leonards, Vista Portarlington Residences, Panorama Portarlington, and the Portarlington Recreation Reserve Master Plan. The following details those most relevant:.

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

AreaSearch assessment indicates Portarlington faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Portarlington has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 5.6% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.7%.

As of June 2025, 4,221 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.8% higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation lagged significantly at 42.8%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Leading employment industries among residents included health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area had a particular employment specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing employed only 2.5% of local workers, below Rest of Vic.'s 7.5%. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 1.7% while labour force increased by 2.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.6 percentage points. State-level data to Sep-25 showed VIC employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 estimated national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Portarlington's employment mix suggested local growth of approximately 6.7% over five years and 13.7% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 on Portarlington. The median income among taxpayers was $43,485, with an average of $59,648. Nationally, this is lower than average. Compared to Rest of Vic., Portarlington's median was $43,485 vs. $48,741 and average was $59,648 vs. $60,693. By March 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $47,881 (median) and $65,678 (average), adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 10.11%. Census 2021 data shows Portarlington's household, family and personal incomes fall between the 9th and 12th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals 26.8% of Portarlington's population (2,965 individuals) earn within the $400 - 799 range, unlike regional trends where 30.3% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. After housing costs, 85.6% of income remains, ranking at the 12th percentile nationally. Portarlington's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Portarlington, as evaluated at the 2016 Census, comprised 92.5% houses and 7.5% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Vic.'s dwelling structure was 93.0% houses and 7.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Portarlington was 54.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.5% and rented dwellings at 21.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,667, below Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,950. The median weekly rent figure in Portarlington was $340, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $402. Nationally, Portarlington's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 66.7 percent of all households, including 16.4 percent couples with children, 41.6 percent couples without children, and 7.6 percent single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 33.3 percent, with lone person households at 31.0 percent and group households comprising 2.2 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.5.

Portarlington shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 22.4%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common (14.0%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.0%) and graduate diplomas (3.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (13.4%) and certificates (26.5%). A total of 21.5% of the population is engaged in formal education, comprising 7.5% in primary, 6.2% in secondary, and 2.8% in tertiary education.

Portarlington Primary School and St Leonards Primary School serve a combined total of 337 students. Portarlington has an ICSEA score of 990, indicating balanced educational opportunities. Both schools cater to primary education only, with secondary options available nearby due to limited local school capacity (3.0 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 12.4).

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

Portarlington has 91 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totaling one individual route. Together, they facilitate 323 weekly passenger trips.

The town's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents located an average of 278 meters from the nearest stop. On average, services operate at a frequency of 46 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately three weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Portarlington is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Portarlington faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 50%, covering around 5,476 people, compared to Victoria's overall rate of 56.2% and the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical issues are arthritis (13.0%) and mental health concerns (9.1%).

Notably, 56.4% of residents report being free from any medical conditions, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 66.8%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 40.4%, or approximately 4,468 people, compared to the state average of 24.2%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Portarlington are strong, even outperforming those of the general population in certain health metrics.

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

Portarlington had a low level of cultural diversity, with 82.2% of its population born in Australia and 89.8% being citizens. Most residents, 92.6%, spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 54.5% of Portarlington's population, compared to 45.3% across the rest of Victoria.

The top three ancestry groups were English (31.1%), Australian (25.5%), and Irish (11.1%). Some ethnic groups had notable differences in representation: Maltese was overrepresented at 2.4%, Scottish was nearly equal at 9.5%, and Croatian was slightly higher at 0.9%.

Portarlington ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Portarlington has a median age of 59, which is significantly higher than the Rest of Vic.'s figure of 43 and the Australian median of 38. Compared to Rest of Vic., Portarlington has a higher concentration of 65-74 residents at 25.0%, but fewer 5-14 year-olds at 6.8%. This 65-74 concentration is well above the national figure of 9.4%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 65 to 74 age group has increased from 23.6% to 25.0% of Portarlington's population. Meanwhile, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 11.6% to 9.7%, and the 55 to 64 group has dropped from 18.5% to 17.4%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Portarlington's age structure, with the 65 to 74 cohort projected to grow by 38%, adding 1,056 residents to reach a total of 3,821.