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 is around 11,064 as of Aug 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,528 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,536. The change was inferred from ABS estimated resident population of 10,630 in June 2024 and an additional 587 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 154 persons per square kilometer. Portarlington's growth rate of 16.0% since the 2021 census exceeded both the non-metro area average (5.5%) and national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 94.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 adjusted employing a method of weighted aggregation for areas not covered by ABS data. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends predict exceptional growth placing Portarlington in the top 10 percent of national non-metropolitan areas, with an expected expansion of 5,590 persons to 2041 based on latest population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 46.6% over the 17 years.

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. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 1,413 homes were approved, with an additional 26 approved so far in FY-26. Each year, on average, 1.6 new residents have arrived per new home over these five years, indicating balanced supply and demand and stable market conditions.

The average value for new dwellings developed is $559,000, which is higher than regional norms due to quality-focused development. This financial year has seen $18.5 million in commercial approvals registered, demonstrating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Portarlington records 75.0% more construction activity per person, providing buyers with ample choice despite a recent slowdown in building activity. This high level of construction activity is significantly higher than the national average, indicating 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 shift from the existing housing composition (currently 92.0% houses) suggests decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for more diverse, affordable housing options.

With approximately 56 people per approval, Portarlington reflects a developing area. Looking ahead, Portarlington is projected to grow by 5,156 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects that could impact the area. Notable ones include Lifestyle St Leonards, Vista Portarlington Residences, Panorama Portarlington, and the Portarlington Recreation Reserve Master Plan. 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.

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. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 5.6%, with an estimated employment growth of 1.7% over the past year.

There are 4,221 residents in work, and the unemployment rate is 1.8% higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation lags at 42.8%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction has a particularly high share of employment, at 1.3 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 2.5% of local workers, below Rest of Vic.'s 7.5%. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 1.7%, while labour force increased by 2.3%, resulting in a rise in unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. experienced an employment decline of 0.9% and labour force decline of 0.4%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Portarlington's employment mix suggests 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's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 indicates Portarlington's median income among taxpayers is $43,485. The average income in the area was $59,648 during this period. Nationally, these figures are lower than the average. In comparison, Rest of Vic.'s median income was $48,741 with an average of $60,693. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Portarlington's median and average incomes would be approximately $48,773 and $66,901 respectively as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Portarlington all fall between the 9th and 12th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals 26.8% of the population (2,965 individuals) fall within the $400 - $799 income range, unlike trends in the region where 30.3% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. After housing expenses, 85.6% of income remains, ranking at only the 12th percentile nationally. The area'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

In Portarlington, as per the latest Census evaluation, 92.5% of dwellings were houses with 7.5% being other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and others. This is slightly lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s 93.0% houses and 7.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Portarlington stood at 54.7%, with mortgaged properties at 23.5% and rented ones at 21.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,667, below Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,950. Weekly rent in Portarlington was recorded at $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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 33.3%, with lone person households at 31.0% and group households making up 2.2% 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 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 currently 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, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 990) indicating balanced educational opportunities. Both schools cater exclusively to primary education, with secondary options available nearby. The area has limited local school capacity, with only 3.0 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 12.3, resulting in many families travelling for schooling.

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. These are served by buses only, with a total of 323 weekly passenger trips. Residents have good access to these stops, typically living within 278 meters of the nearest one.

Buses run on average 46 times per day across all routes, which equals about three weekly trips per 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 5,476 people, compared to 56.2% across the rest of Victoria and a national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (13.0%) and mental health issues (9.1%).

However, 56.4% of residents report no medical ailments, lower than the 66.8% in the rest of Victoria. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 40.4%, equating to 4,468 people, compared to 24.2% in the rest of Victoria. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are strong and better than those of the general population.

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 lower-than-average cultural diversity, 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, making up 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%).

Notably, Maltese (2.4%) and Scottish (9.5%) were overrepresented in Portarlington compared to regional averages of 0.9% and 9.7%, respectively.

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 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 grown from 23.6% to 25.0% of Portarlington's population. Conversely, 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%. Looking ahead to 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.