Port Melbourne (Vic.)

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Following assessment of ABS demographic data updates for the wider region, alongside new addresses validated by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Port Melbourne has a projected population of approximately 18,327 in May 2026. This represents a growth of 694 people (3.9%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented 17,633 people. The adjustment is calculated from the resident population of 18,327, calculated by Districts using the most recent ERP statistics from the ABS (June 2025) plus 379 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population size results in a density ratio of 1,895 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical figure for national locations analyzed by Districts. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains, representing roughly 79.0% of the overall increase in recent times.

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The suburb of Port Melbourne has a highly qualified labor force, with strong representation in the technology sector, an unemployment rate of 4.4%, and an estimated 1.6% increase in employment over the past year, according to Districts aggregations of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 10,805 residents are employed, with the unemployment rate sitting 0.4% below the Greater Melbourne average of 4.8%, while labor force participation matches Greater Melbourne at 70.2%. Census data indicates that a high 50.7% of residents worked from home, although this should be viewed in light of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.

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Based on Districts' aggregation of the most recent postcode level ATO statistics released for financial year 2023, the suburb of Port Melbourne recorded a median taxpayer income of $75,353 and an average income of $112,559. These figures rank in the top percentile nationally, comparing to $57,688 and $75,164 across Greater Melbourne. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates correspond to approximately $82,602 (median) and $123,387 (average) as of March 2026. According to 2021 Census data, household, family, and personal incomes are elevated in the suburb of Port Melbourne, placing between the 86th and 96th percentiles nationally. The statistics reveal that the $4000+ weekly income category contains 29.1% of the population (5,333 individuals), whereas the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is the largest in the broader region at 32.8%. The high percentage of top earners (41.5% earning over $3,000/week) demonstrates strong purchasing power in the community. Elevated housing expenses account for 17.2% of income, yet high earnings keep disposable income at the 83rd percentile, and the local SEIFA income index ranks in the 9th decile.

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The mix of housing in the suburb of Port Melbourne, as recorded at the latest Census, consisted of 6.0% detached houses and 94.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, and alternative housing types), compared to metropolitan Melbourne where houses comprised 67.9% and other dwellings made up 32.1%. The rate of home ownership in the suburb of Port Melbourne was lower than the metropolitan average at 26.4%, with the remaining properties occupied by mortgage holders (29.1%) or renters (44.5%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was significantly higher than the metropolitan Melbourne average at $2,500, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $540, compared to metropolitan averages of $2,000 and $390. On a national scale, mortgage payments in the suburb of Port Melbourne are much higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are considerably above the national median of $375.

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Families represent the majority of households at 58.6%, consisting of couples with children at 20.9%, couples without children at 28.3%, and single parents at 8.4%. Non-family households account for the remaining 41.4%, with single-person households at 37.4% and group households at 4.0%. The median household size of 2.1 people is lower than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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Levels of education in the suburb of Port Melbourne are high compared to wider averages, with 50.2% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees, compared to 30.4% nationally and 33.4% across VIC. This educational pattern positions the community well for professional services opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 31.9%, followed by postgraduate degrees (13.6%) and graduate diplomas (4.7%). Vocational qualifications are held by 23.8% of residents aged 15+, consisting of advanced diplomas (11.8%) and certificates (12.0%).

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Analysis of public transport options shows 98 active stops operating in the suburb of Port Melbourne, containing a combination of light rail and bus services. These stops support 10 separate routes, which combine to deliver 7,788 passenger journeys per week. Transport access is rated as excellent, with residents living an average of 138 meters from their nearest stop. As a mostly residential suburb, the majority of workers commute outward, with cars remaining the primary travel mode at 71%, followed by walking at 9% and cycling at 6%. Average vehicle ownership is 0.8 cars per home, which is below the metropolitan average. A high 50.7% of residents work from home (based on 2021 Census data, which may reflect COVID-19 restrictions).

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Health indicators show very positive results across the suburb of Port Melbourne, based on Districts analysis of mortality statistics and chronic disease trends showing low rates of common illnesses across all age cohorts, while the proportion of residents with private health insurance is high at approximately 71% of the population (13,023 people). This compares to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national benchmark of 55.7%.

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The suburb of Port Melbourne exhibits higher cultural diversity than most locations, with 21.9% of the population speaking a non-English language at home and 32.0% born outside of Australia. Christianity is the most common religion, representing 45.4% of the population. The most prominent overrepresentation relative to regional norms is in Judaism, which comprises 0.9% of the population, compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne.

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The median age of 43 in the suburb of Port Melbourne is higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and the national average of 38. The population distribution shows that the 45 - 54 age bracket is highly represented (16.1%), whereas the 15 - 24 cohort is smaller (8.9%) than in Greater Melbourne. Since 2021, the 75 to 84 age bracket has risen from 5.2% to 6.7% of the population, and the 55 to 64 group increased from 12.7% to 14.1%. In contrast, the 25 to 34 age bracket fell from 15.4% to 13.7%. Projections to 2041 indicate demographic shifts, with the 45 to 54 cohort expected to increase by 1,643 people (56%) from 2,950 to 4,594, while the 0 to 4 group is projected to rise by a modest 6% (42 people).

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Port Melbourne currently has an estimated 733 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 434 children aged 0-2 and 289 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 11% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 6% by 2041 (to approximately 776 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,257. Birth rates in the area have averaged 8.1 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a low rate (among the bottom 30% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.