Portarlington (Vic.)

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According to municipal population updates analyzed by Districts, combined with fresh address validations within the region since the last Census, the suburb of Portarlington has a headcount of approximately 5,815 as of May 2026. This representing a gain of 1,379 individuals (31.1%) from the 4,436 people recorded in the 2021 Census. The evaluation is drawn from a local residency figure of 5,813, which Districts calculated by examining the ABS ERP statistics from June 2025 alongside 232 validated new addresses confirmed post-census. The resulting population density stands at 233 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density with ample space per resident and capacity for expansion. The 31.1% expansion rate since the 2021 census paced ahead of the Rest of Vic. (4.3%) and the wider SA4 region, establishing the locality as a regional leader in population growth. This upward trajectory was mostly supported by interstate migration, which accounted for roughly of the overall population growth during recent periods.

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Data aggregated by Districts shows that the suburb of Portarlington has a qualified labor force with strong representation in essential services, an unemployment rate of 6.4%, and an annual employment growth rate of 2.5%. There were 2,364 working residents as of March 2026, though unemployment sits 2.7% above the Regional Vic. average of 3.7%, and workforce engagement is lower, at 48.1% compared to 61.1% for Regional Vic.. Census data shows a high share of 27.3% of workers working from home, though this figure may have been influenced by pandemic-related lockdowns.

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ATO records for the financial year 2023 at the postcode level show that taxpayers in the suburb of Portarlington had a median income of $41,328 and an average income of $56,690. These figures are below the national averages and compare to a median of $50,954 and an average of $62,728 in Regional Vic.. Applying Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since the financial year 2023 generates updated estimates of approximately $45,304 for the median and $62,144 for the average as of March 2026. Census results from 2021 place local household, family, and personal incomes between the 5th and 9th national percentiles. The largest income group comprises 29.2% of residents (1,697 people) earning between $400 - 799, contrasting with Regional Vic. where the - band is largest at . Residents retain of their income after paying for housing, which ranks in the th national percentile, while the local SEIFA income score falls into the th decile.

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At the time of the last Census, the housing inventory in the suburb of Portarlington consisted of 90.7% standalone houses and 9.3% multi-unit housing options, including townhouses and apartments, compared to 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings in Regional Vic.. Home ownership in the suburb of Portarlington was high at 57.4%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 20.8% and rentals comprising 21.8% of dwellings. The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,657 and weekly rent of $331 were both higher than the Regional Vic. medians of $1,430 and $285. Nationally, local mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rental costs are also below the national median of $375.

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Families make up 65.5% of local households, consisting of couples without children at 41.7%, couples with children at 15.2%, and single-parent homes at 7.3%. Non-family households comprise the remaining 34.5%, with lone person households representing 32.4% and group living situations accounting for 2.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

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Educational data shows that university qualification rates in the area stand at 23.0%, which is lower than the VIC average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher education qualification at 13.8%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 5.7% and graduate diplomas at 3.5%. Vocational skills are common, with 39.8% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas at 13.5% and certificates at 26.3%.

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Public transport infrastructure in the suburb of Portarlington includes 36 active stops. These stops connect to 4 distinct routes, which support a combined total of 245 passenger trips weekly. The average distance to the nearest stop is 313 meters, representing good transport access. Most working residents travel outside the area for employment, and private vehicles are the primary mode of travel for 93% of commuters. Average vehicle ownership is 1.3 per household, which is lower than the regional average. A total of 27.3% of residents work from home, based on 2021 Census data, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.

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Analysis of mortality rates and chronic health conditions by Districts suggests positive health outcomes in the suburb of Portarlington, with low rates of common illnesses among both younger and older cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is held by approximately 49% of the population, representing roughly 2,867 people, compared to the national average of 55.7%.

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Cultural diversity measures in the suburb of Portarlington are lower than average, with 81.6% of residents born in Australia, 89.0% holding citizenship, and 93.3% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religious affiliation, representing 57.2% of the local population, compared to 47.3% across Regional Vic..

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The median age in the suburb of Portarlington is 62 years, which is older than the Regional Vic. median of 43 and the national average of 38. Compared to Regional Vic., the suburb of Portarlington has a higher share of residents aged 65 - 74 (25.5%) and a lower share of residents aged 25 - 34 (5.8%). The 65 - 74 cohort is larger than the national average of 9.4%. Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age cohort increased from 14.5% to 15.6% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort decreased from 10.4% to 8.2%, and the 55 to group decreased from to . By demographic projections indicate shifts in the local age profile, with the to cohort expected to grow by people (), rising from to .

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Portarlington currently has an estimated 180 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 122 children aged 0-2 and 80 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 70% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 61% by 2041 (to approximately 290 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 315. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 5.4 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally.