Portarlington

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 was approximately 11,073 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 1,537 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 9,536. The growth was inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,630 in June 2024 and an additional 591 validated new addresses after the Census date. This results in a population density of 154 persons per square kilometer. Portarlington's 16.1% growth since the 2021 census surpassed the non-metro area average (6.0%) and the national average, positioning it as a regional growth leader. Interstate migration accounted for approximately 94.7% of overall population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Future trends predict exceptional growth, placing Portarlington in the top 10 percent of national non-metropolitan areas. The area is expected to expand by 5,590 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an overall increase of 46.5% 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 has averaged approximately 282 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, a total of 1,413 homes were approved, with an additional 48 approved so far in FY-26. On average, each new home attracts about 1.6 new residents per year over the past five financial years.

This balance between supply and demand has contributed to stable market conditions. The average value of new dwellings developed is $288,000. In FY-26, there have been $18.5 million in commercial approvals, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Portarlington records 75.0% more construction activity per person, offering buyers ample choice. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. This level is substantially higher than the national average, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location.

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 represents a shift from the current housing composition of 92.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options. With approximately 56 people per approval, Portarlington reflects a developing area. Looking ahead, AreaSearch estimates that Portarlington is expected to grow by 5,147 residents through to 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Portarlington has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified 13 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Lifestyle St Leonards, Panorama Portarlington, Portarlington Recreation Reserve Master Plan, and Qudos Portarlington. The following details those most relevant.

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

Portarlington has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 5.5%.

As of September 2025, 4,256 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.8% higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Portarlington lags at 42.8%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction is particularly specialized with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing, however, is under-represented at 2.5% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 7.5%. Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census data. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.0%, while employment declined by 0.6%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Portarlington's employment should increase by 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's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows Portarlington SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $43,485 and an average income of $59,648. These figures are lower than the national averages of $48,741 (median) and $60,693 (average). By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $48,773 (median) and $66,901 (average), based on a 12.16% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. Census 2021 data indicates Portarlington's household, family, and personal incomes rank between the 9th and 12th percentiles nationally. The largest income segment in Portarlington is 26.8% earning $400-$799 weekly (2,967 residents), whereas in broader areas, the dominant bracket is $1,500-$2,999 with 30.3%. 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

Portarlington's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, comprised 92.5% houses and 7.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Vic. had 93.0% houses and 7.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Portarlington was at 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 and the national average of $375. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863.

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

Family households comprise 66.7% of all households, including 16.4% couples with children, 41.6% couples without children, and 7.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 33.3%, with lone person households at 31.0% and group households comprising 2.2%. 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 at 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 actively engaged in formal education, with 7.5% in primary, 6.2% in secondary, and 2.8% in tertiary education.

A substantial 21.5% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 7.5% in primary education, 6.2% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The Portarlington public transport analysis shows that there are 91 active transport stops currently operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with one individual route in operation. Together, these routes facilitate 323 weekly passenger trips.

The report rates transport accessibility as good, indicating that residents typically reside approximately 278 meters away from their nearest transport stop. On average, service frequency across all routes stands at 46 trips per day, which equates to roughly 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 residents. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50%, covering around 5,481 people, compared to Victoria's 56.2% average and the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 13.0%) and mental health issues (9.1%).

Conversely, 56.4% report no medical ailments, lower than Rest of Vic.'s 66.8%. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 40.4%, totaling 4,472 people, which is higher than the 24.2% in Rest of Vic.. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are strong, outperforming general population 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 below-average cultural diversity level, with 82.2% of its population born in Australia, 89.8% being citizens, and 92.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 54.5% of Portarlington's population compared to 45.3% across Rest of Vic.. The top three ancestry groups were English (31.1%), Australian (25.5%), and Irish (11.1%).

Notably, Maltese were overrepresented at 2.4%, Scottish were slightly above the regional average at 9.5% (vs 9.7%), and Croatian were also overrepresented at 0.9% (vs 0.4%).

Portarlington ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Portarlington's median age is 59, notably higher than Rest of Vic.'s figure of 43 and Australia's median of 38. Compared to Rest of Vic., Portarlington has a higher proportion of 65-74 year-olds (25.0%) but fewer 5-14 year-olds (6.8%). This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is significantly above the national average 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. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 11.6% to 9.7%, and the 55 to 64 group has dropped from 18.5% to 17.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Portarlington's age structure, with the 65 to 74 cohort projected to grow by 38%, adding 1,053 residents to reach a total of 3,821.