Sorrento (Vic.)

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Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census the suburb of Sorrento (Vic.)'s population is estimated at around 2,688 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 675 people (33.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,013 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,687, estimated by Districts following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 7 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 383 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. The suburb of Sorrento (Vic.)'s 33.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (2.0%), along with the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

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Sorrento has a workforce characterized by high levels of education, with a strong presence in professional fields, an unemployment rate of 2.6%, and stable employment patterns over the past year. By March 2026900 local residents were employed, and the local jobless rate sat 2.2% below the Greater Melbourne average of 4.8%, although the rate of participation in the workforce was significantly lower (35.7% compared to 70.2% in Greater Melbourne). Census data indicates that 42.5% of working residents performed their jobs from home, though this figure may have been influenced by pandemic-related lockdowns.

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ATO data for the financial year 2023 indicates that taxpayers in Sorrento had a median income of $56,976, with the average income recorded at $98,050. These figures place the suburb in the top national percentile, comparing to $57,688 (median) and $75,164 (average) across Greater Melbourne. Adjusting for Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 stand at $62,457 for the median and $107,482 for the average. Census records show that individual income is in the 71st percentile ($936 per week), while household income falls in the 45th percentile. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 is the most common, accounting for 23.1% of residents (620 people), which compares to regionally. Residents retain of their earnings after housing expenses, demonstrating high purchasing capacity, and the area ranks in the th decile on the SEIFA index.

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At the time of the latest Census, the housing stock in Sorrento was made up of 97.0% detached houses and 3.0% alternative dwellings like apartments and semi-detached properties, whereas Greater Melbourne comprised 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. The rate of home ownership was high at 66.9%, with 20.8% of properties under mortgage and 12.3% rented. The median monthly payment for home mortgages was $2,167, and the median weekly rental cost was $462, compared to Greater Melbourne figures of $2,000 and $390. Nationally, mortgage payments in Sorrento are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are also above the national benchmark of $375.

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Families make up 66.5% of all local households, consisting of couples with children at 15.4%, couples without children at 46.1%, and single-parent households at 3.9%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 33.5%, with single-person households at 31.9% and group households representing 1.3%. The median household size of 2.0 people is lower than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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Sorrento shows high levels of educational attainment, with 40.5% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 23.5% in the SA4 region and 25.0% in the SA3 area. This strong tertiary education profile positions the community well for professional and knowledge-based roles. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 28.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 7.5% and graduate diplomas at 4.4%. Vocational skills are also prominent, with 32.3% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of 15.3% with advanced diplomas and 17.0% with certificates.

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There are 43 active public transport stops in Sorrento, serviced by bus routes. These stops run 2 separate routes that provide a combined 354 passenger trips every week. Accessibility is good, with the average resident living 290 meters from their nearest stop. The suburb is mostly residential, meaning most workers commute out of the area; cars are the primary mode of travel at 83%, followed by 8% walking and 2% cycling. Households own an average of 1.4 vehicles. A total of 42.5% of working residents work from home, based on the 2021 Census.

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Assessment of mortality and chronic illnesses shows excellent health profiles in Sorrento, with a low incidence of common health issues across all age brackets. The rate of private health insurance is high, covering approximately 65% of the population (1,758 people), compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

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The local population displays below-average levels of cultural diversity, with citizens making up 87.6% of residents, 85.2% born in Australia, and 95.3% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 55.8% of residents. The most pronounced religious overrepresentation is in Judaism, which accounts for 0.3% of the community compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne.

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The median age of 67 years is higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and the national average of 38 years. The 65 - 74 age bracket is highly represented locally at 34.1% (compared to the national average of 9.4%), while 25 - 34 year-olds account for only 1.9% of residents. The median age has risen by 3.2 years from 64 to 67 since the 2021 Census, showing a clear aging trend. Specifically, residents aged 75 to 84 grew from 16.5% to 25.9% of the population, and the 65 to 74 cohort grew from 29.6% to 34.1%. In contrast, the to cohort fell from to and the to cohort declined from to . By demographic projections suggest the to cohort will grow by people () from to . Residents aged and over will drive of the overall population increase, while cohorts aged to and to are projected to contract.

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Sorrento currently has an estimated 16 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 55 children aged 0-2 and 37 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 69% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 44% by 2041 (to approximately 9 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 176. Birth rates in the area have averaged 5.4 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a low rate (among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.