Port Fairy (Vic.)

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Port Fairy has an estimated population of 3,881 as of May 2026, a figure calculated using ABS population releases for the wider region and address updates verified by Districts post-Census. Comparing this to the 2021 Census count of 3,742 residents, the population grew by 139 individuals, representing a 3.7% increase. This calculation builds on an Districts estimated resident population of 3,870 derived from the ABS ERP release from June 2025, alongside an extra 26 validated new addresses since the Census. With these figures, the suburb of Port Fairy has a density of 34 persons per square kilometer, indicating residents enjoy significant space. The 3.7% growth rate since the 2021 census outpaced the SA4 region's expansion of 0.4% and also led the SA3 area, positioning the suburb of Port Fairy as a regional growth frontrunner. The demographic increase was heavily supported by international migration, which accounted for roughly 48.0% of the overall population rise in recent times, though natural increase and interstate moves also recorded positive contributions.

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Port Fairy features a highly educated labor force, strong representation in essential service industries, and an unemployment rate of only 1.1%, compiled from statistical area datasets by Districts. In March 2026, the employed resident count reached 1,749, while the local unemployment rate sat 2.6% below the 3.7% registered across Regional Vic. However, labor force participation is low at 54.3%, compared to 61.1% for the broader Regional Vic. region. Census responses show a moderate 21.1% of the workforce operated from home, though this figure may have been influenced by pandemic-related restrictions.

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Based on Districts calculations of postcode-level ATO statistics released for the 2023 financial year, taxpayers in Port Fairy recorded a median income of $48,237 and an average income of $62,155. These figures are below the national average and compare to Regional Vic. benchmarks of $50,954 for the median and $62,728 for the average. Factoring in a 9.62% increase in the Wage Price Index since the 2023 financial year, current estimates point to a median income of approximately $52,877 and an average of $68,134 as of March 2026. According to Census records, household, family, and individual incomes are moderate, placing between the 32nd and 37th percentiles. The dominant income bracket is the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which accounts for 30.9% of residents (1,199 people), aligning closely with the metropolitan trend of 30.3% in this bracket. Residents retain of their income after housing costs, showing manageable expenses, though disposable income is relatively low at the th percentile and the SEIFA index ranks the area in the th decile.

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Residential structures in Port Fairy at the time of the latest Census consisted of 90.5% standalone houses and 9.5% alternative dwellings like townhouses and apartments, compared to 90.1% houses and 9.9% other options across Regional Vic. Home ownership rates are high, with 52.0% of properties owned outright, while the remaining homes are held under a mortgage (27.6%) or rented (20.4%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was $1,733, and the median weekly rent was $300, both exceeding the Regional Vic. benchmarks of $1,430 and $285. On a national level, Port Fairy mortgage costs are lower than the Australian median of $1,863, and rent payments are significantly lower than the national median of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households at 68.1%, consisting of couples without children at 34.7%, couples with children at 24.3%, and single-parent households at 8.2%. The remaining 31.9% are non-family households, which are predominantly single-person households at 30.0% alongside group households at 1.7%. The local median household size is 2.3 people, slightly below the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

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Attainment of higher education in Port Fairy is notably strong, with 31.8% of residents aged 15 and over holding university degrees, compared to 19.0% in the SA4 region and 21.7% in the Rest of Vic. This education profile positions the community well for professional services and knowledge-based roles. Undergraduate degrees are held by 21.8% of this group, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 5.9% and graduate diplomas at 4.1%. Vocational education is also widespread, with 35.4% of residents aged 15 and over holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas at 13.4% and certificates at 22.0%.

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Analysis of transit options indicates 21 active public transport stops operate within Port Fairy, serviced by 3 distinct routes that provide 130 weekly passenger trips. Transport convenience is rated favorably, with residents living an average of 332 meters from their nearest stop. Given the residential focus of the suburb, most workers commute out of the area. Private vehicles remain the primary travel mode at 89%, followed by walking at 8%. Motor vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per household. Approximately 21.1% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-related conditions.

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Assessment of health indicators in Port Fairy shows positive outcomes, based on mortality and chronic illness data evaluated by Districts. Both younger and older demographics exhibit low rates of common chronic illnesses. Private health insurance coverage is held by approximately 51% of residents, representing around 1,996 people.

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The local population displays limited cultural diversity, with citizens making up 91.2% of residents, 91.2% born in Australia, and 97.8% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religious affiliation, representing 54.3% of the community, compared to 47.3% across Regional Vic.

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The median age of 51 years in Port Fairy is significantly older than the Regional Vic. average of 43 and the national average of 38. The 65 - 74 age bracket is highly represented locally at 17.7% compared to regional levels, while the 25 - 34 bracket is lower at 8.2%. The concentration of residents aged 65 - 74 is also well above the national figure of 9.4%. Post-2021 Census figures show the 75 to 84 bracket grew from 9.7% to 11.6% of the population, and the 15 to 24 group rose from 7.3% to 8.6%. In contrast, the 45 to cohort fell from to , and the to group declined from to . Projections to point to significant changes in local age groups. The and over cohort is expected to increase by (or individuals), rising from to . This aging trend is prominent, with residents aged and over accounting for the entirety of projected demographic growth. Conversely, the cohorts aged to and to are projected to contract.

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Port Fairy currently has an estimated 197 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 128 children aged 0-2 and 86 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 17% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 22% by 2041 (to approximately 153 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 369. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 9.4 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.