suburb.guide

VIC · Surf Coast Council

Lorne, 3232

Est. population · Jun 2025

1,344

Growth (1 yr)

+0.8%

Growth (5 yr)

+7.1%

Median age

56

Median income

$1,525/wk

Employment rate

50.3%

Median house price · 4th Quarter 2025

$2,623,500

Languages at home

9.7%non-English

Most common: Mandarin, Spanish, Greek

2021 Census · usual residence

Desirability score

31.8/100
Below average

1008th in VIC

Verified 100% confidence

How this score is calculated
  • Coastal
  • Green suburb
  • Heritage area
  • Excellent transport
  • Education hub
What Lorne is known for: Coastal, Green suburb, Heritage area, Excellent transport, Education hub

Suburb profile

Well away from Melbourne, Lorne is a coastal smaller community built around sand, sea and space. Regional towns and local services do more of the everyday heavy lifting than the city. Retirees and empty-nesters are well represented here.

With limited local amenities, residents regularly travel to a neighbouring town for shops, appointments and a wider choice. Green space punches above what many coastal suburbs offer, with parks and playgrounds woven through the suburb. A car helps for most daily errands, though buses still link the suburb further afield.

Property sits in a premium price band and is harder to enter for many buyers. Active development is adding new homes and refreshed pockets throughout the suburb.

Desirability lands below average here: softer local dining and lifestyle amenities, plus safety weighing on the result versus similar coastal suburbs, even with growth momentum holding up better. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.

At a glance

Lorne snapshot

A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk

Median house price

$2.62M

+51% change

Median rent

—

No data available

Population (ERP)

1,344

+0.8% annual growth

Dwelling vacancy

68.6%

Census unoccupied dwellings

Livability profile

Desirability pillars vs the peer median (50th percentile)

How it compares

Relative standing using percentiles, ranks, and national deciles

Desirability

#65

among Coastal & beach · Mature

Safety

53rd

percentile in state (higher = safer)

Pop. growth

61st

percentile in VIC

Advantage (IRSAD)

8/10

national SEIFA decile

School ICSEA

63rd

percentile among schools with ICSEA

Population growth

Recent ERP change over 1 and 5 years

Housing mix

Dwelling types from the 2021 Census

Risks & flags

Quick scan — open a section below for full context

Living here

Desirability

Ranks & confidence
Desirability score
31.8/100 — Below average
National rank
5270th in Australia
State rank
1008th in VIC
Peer rank
#65 among Coastal & beach · Mature suburbs
Cohort rank
#110 among Coastal & beach suburbs
Data confidence
100%

Data sources & freshness

  • Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated

Housing

Median house price (4th Quarter 2025)
$2,623,500
Median price change
+51.2%

Contributes to desirability score · Housing (15%) · Future Growth (7%)

Median price, rental yield and vacancy Recent price momentum

Data sources & freshness

Population

Estimated resident population

1,344(June 2025)

+0.8% annual · +7.1% over 5 years · 61th percentile in VIC

Growth figures & methodology
Annual growth
+0.8%
5-year growth
+7.1%
Change in 1 year
+10
Change in 5 years
+89
Growth rank in VIC
61th percentile

ABS Estimated Resident Population allocated to this suburb from SA2-level data. Not an official ABS suburb count.

Methodology

Figures are allocated from ABS Estimated Resident Population at Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2), using 2021 Census share within overlapping SA2 regions. Where Census data is unavailable, area overlap is used instead.

The dashed chart line is a simple growth-trend estimate to June 2030 (~1,450), extrapolated at +1.5% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.

2021 Census figures

2021 Census

Population
1,327
Median age
56
Median household income / week
$1,525
Dwelling vacancy
68.6%
Unoccupied private dwellings
1,093 of 1,594
Median monthly mortgage
$2,167
Employment rate
50.3%
Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
429 / 35 / 27 (+ 7 other)

Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)

Employment, household income and age diversity (2021 Census)

Data sources & freshness

  • 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated

    The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.

  • Estimated Resident Population — Australian Bureau of Statistics · 2025 · Updated · SA2 ERP allocated to suburb boundaries

Community & culture

No 2021 Census cultural diversity data for this suburb yet.

Data sources & freshness

  • 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated

    The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.

Crime & safety

Reported offences increased compared with the previous period.

Offence counts & rates
Total offences (2026)
76
Against the person
15
Against property
53
Rate per 1,000 residents
56.5
Person-crime prevalence
About 1 in 88 residents
State safety percentile
52.9th (lower crime is better)
Increase (daily rate)
+4.1%

Most common offence types

  • B21 Criminal Damage10
  • B42 Steal From A Motor Vehicle8
  • B43 Steal From A Retail Store15
  • B49 Other Theft12
  • Other Crimes Against The Person5

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)

Crime rate and year-on-year trend

Data sources & freshness

Family & Lifestyle

Schools & preschools

Schools within 2 km
1
Median school ICSEA
1,038
Median ICSEA percentile
63th
School list
  • Lorne P-12 CollegeCombined · Government · ICSEA 1038 · 63th percentile · LBOTE 6% · 167 students · Top SEA quarter 20%View on My School →

Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)

School and preschool counts, median school ICSEA

Data sources & freshness

Childcare

1 childcare service from OpenStreetMap

  • Lorne KindergartenSmith Streetkindergarten

Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)

Childcare centre count

Data sources & freshness

  • Childcare services — OpenStreetMap · current · Updated

Public transport

4 public transport stops in this suburb

  • Lorne Hotel/Great Ocean Rd
  • Lorne Hotel/Great Ocean Rd
  • Lorne Visitor Centre/Great Ocean Rd
  • Lorne Visitor Centre/Great Ocean Rd

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Public transport stop coverage

Data sources & freshness

Amenities

1 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km

Local character & venue list

Local character

  • Limited walkable amenities nearby
  • Great for outdoor family life — 5 parks mapped in suburb
Walkability proxy
6/100
Cafés per 1,000 residents
0
Food & drink per 1,000 residents
0
Parks per 1,000 residents
3.77
Other(1)
  • Cora Lynn CascadesInformation

Names and addresses from OpenStreetMap. Unnamed venues show as their type (e.g. Cafe). Transport stops are summarised by type rather than listed individually.

Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)

Food, shopping, recreation and sport (OpenStreetMap)

Data sources & freshness

  • Local amenity insights — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
  • OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated

Parks & reserves

2 parks and public open space in this suburb

  • Lions ParkPark
  • Queens ParkPark

Data sources & freshness

Green cover

Parks & woodland (OSM)
20
Parks (OSM)
5

OpenStreetMap parks and natural woodland features mapped within the suburb boundary.

Contributes to desirability score · Environment (10%)

Parks and green cover (OpenStreetMap)

Data sources & freshness

Health access

Hospitals & GP clinics in suburb
1
Nearest hospital
Lorne Community Hospital (5.0 km)
Nearest hospital type
Hospital
Nearest hospital emergency
Emergency department
Emergency department in suburb
On site
  • Lorne Community HospitalAlbert StreetHospital

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Hospitals and GP clinics

Data sources & freshness

NDIS participation

NDIS participants (31 March 2026)
22
Participants per 1,000 residents
16.4

Active NDIS participants allocated from NDIA Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2, ASGS 2016) counts to this suburb boundary. Not an official suburb-level NDIS figure · as at 31 March 2026.

For NDIS spend and service-demand exploration by SA2 or postcode, see the Care Sector Demand Map.

Data sources & freshness

Weather

Typical conditions by season for suburbs in the same ~44 km climate area. Rainfall totals are summed from monthly WorldClim layers; rainy-day counts are approximate.

Summer (Dec–Feb)

Usual max / min
26° / 12°
Rainfall
128 mm · ~16 rainy days

Autumn (Mar–May)

Usual max / min
21° / 10°
Rainfall
124 mm · ~16 rainy days

Winter (Jun–Aug)

Usual max / min
14° / 6°
Rainfall
149 mm · ~19 rainy days

Spring (Sep–Nov)

Usual max / min
19° / 8°
Rainfall
182 mm · ~23 rainy days

Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)

Temperature and humidity comfort

Data sources & freshness

  • Seasonal climate normals — WorldClim 2.1 · Updated

Future & Planning

Planning & development

Development applications from PPARS statewide register (lodged 2020–2022). Free public PPARS MapServer — applications through ~2022 (service last updated Feb 2024).

127 planning-related records

2021· 40 proposals

  • August 2021

  • Construct alterations and extensions to the existing dwelling
    2/7 WILLIAM STREET LORNE 3232NOD issued by a delegate
  • Alterations and Additions to two existing Dwellings on the land and removal of a Restrictive Covenant
    196-198 MOUNTJOY PARADE LORNE 3232In progress
  • Buildings and Works Associated with the Construction of Alterations and Extensions to an Existing Dwelling, Construction of a Carport, an Outdoor Swimming Pool and Fence
    94 DORMAN STREET LORNE 3232NOD issued by a delegate
  • Retaining walls less 1 metre high on site
    8/3A RICHARDSON BOULEVARD LORNE 3232NOD issued by a delegate

  • July 2021

  • The upgrading of an existing telecommunications facility
    148-174 MOUNTJOY PARADE LORNE 3232NOD issued by a delegate
  • Construction of a dwelling and side boundary fences
    39 DEANS MARSH ROAD LORNE 3232NOD issued by a delegate
  • Use and development of a dwelling and removal of native vegetation
    1480 GREAT OCEAN ROAD LORNE 3232In progress
  • Subdivision
    28 ERSKINE FALLS ROAD LORNE 3232Withdrawn
  • Construction of a dwelling and fence
    7 DORMAN STREET LORNE 3232NOD issued by a delegate
  • Amend Permit
    16 POLWARTH ROAD LORNE 3232Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of a new dwelling
    1 TRADE WINDS AVENUE LORNE 3232Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • June 2021

  • Extension and Alterations to an existing dwelling
    1 ROACHE COURT LORNE 3232Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of Three (3) Replacement Cabins within a Bushfire Management Overlay
    1 MOUNTJOY PARADE LORNE 3232Withdrawn
  • Construct an outbuilding and outdoor swimming pool associated with an existing dwelling
    41 HALL STREET LORNE 3232NOD issued by a delegate
  • Amend Permit
    25 OCEAN RDPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of a Dwelling, Swimming Pool and Fence
    32 WILLIAM STREET LORNE 3232NOD issued by a delegate
  • Variation of a Liquor Licence (Licenced Area) in Association with the Terrace to operate until 12am
    LORNE HOTEL, 176-178 MOUNTJOY PARADE LORNE 3232Withdrawn

  • May 2021

  • Construct a dwelling and associated building and works outside of building envelope
    4C TRADE WINDS AVENUE LORNE 3232Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Alterations and additions to existing dwelling - Amendment to the endorsed plans Reason for Revision: Main changes; Storage deck replace by new bedroom, existing rumpus room to be retained, windows W6 & W7 added, W2 altered, rear door D2 and associated stair deleted, existing feather glazing to first floor stair deleted. Minor changes; Sunshades to balcony deck deleted, existing balcony deck pergola to be repaired and retained, sunshade to D3 to be added, door D1 details altered (glazing to be f
    47 DORMAN STREET LORNE 3232Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Alteration to external cladding & window frames
    19 Belvedere TerracePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use and development of a telecommunications facility (telecommunications tower, associated panel and parabolic antennas and equipment shelter) and removal of native vegetation
    1175 ERSKINE FALLS ROAD LORNE 3232Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • April 2021

  • Extension and Alterations to existing dwelling.
    42-44 CHARLES STREET LORNE 3232Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Extensions to existing dwelling
    40 Dorman StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construct a dwelling and outdoor swimming pool and removal of native vegetation
    40 RICHARDSON BOULEVARD LORNE 3232Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Amendment to Façade
    102-104 MOUNTJOY PARADE LORNE 3232Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Modification to Existing Balcony
    102A/148-174 MOUNTJOY PARADE LORNE 3232Withdrawn
  • Construction of a replacement Dwelling
    61 HALL STREET LORNE 3232NOD issued by a delegate
  • Amended permit and plans for construction of a dwelling to change the plans including changes to the front setback, the garages, to propose a double garage, reduction in site coverage and changes to the materials and colours
    19 GEORGE STREET LORNE 3232Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construct alterations to the existing dwelling (alter external windows and doors)
    8 Richardson BoulevardPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • March 2021

  • Buildings and Works Associated with the Construction of a Dwelling
    20 OCEAN ROAD SOUTH LORNE 3232NOD issued by a delegate
  • Buildings and works to alter and extend an existing Dwelling
    2A BELVEDERE TERRACE LORNE 3232Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of a Portico
    21 Clissold StreetWithdrawn
  • Removal of existing sheoak tree
    9 Clissold StreetWithdrawn
  • Amend Condition - Bushfire Management Plan
    20 ALBERT STPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings and Works to Construct a Dwelling
    18-20 CLISSOLD STREET LORNE 3232NOD issued by a delegate
  • Use of the Land for a Licence Premises Reason for Revision: Lorne Hotel is seeking to make an amendment to its Liquor Licence to assist with managing schoolies week in Lorne. We have previously held our events inside the hotel past 11pm and have been able to use our existing licence to accommodate trading until past 12am. In 2019, we noticed that the internal joists holding up the area of the dance floor inside were being tested by the school leavers dancing (jumping), making it unsafe to contin
    LORNE HOTEL, 176-178 Mountjoy ParadeWithdrawn
  • Construction of a Dwelling
    7/3A RICHARDSON BOULEVARD LORNE 3232NOD issued by a delegate
  • Extension to Existing Balcony
    2/19 Fern AvenuePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use and Development of a Dwelling and Vegetation Removal
    15 Cora Lynn CourtPermit issued by the RA

  • February 2021

  • Amend Permit
    45 Smith StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)

Development and planning activity

Data sources & freshness

Heritage

5 heritage places

  • ERSKINE HOUSENH1812
  • JURANH0822
  • LEIGHWOODNH0604
  • LORNE CINEMANH2230
  • PRIMARY SCHOOL NO.2162NH1716

Data sources & freshness

  • State heritage register — State heritage authority · current · Updated

Hazards

Bushfire planning zone
Overlay applies

Bushfire overlay checked at suburb centroid via Victorian Bushfire Management Overlay mapping.

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)

Bushfire hazard overlays

Data sources & freshness

  • Hazard planning overlays — State government hazard layers · current · Updated

Politics & representation

Federal electorate
Wannon
Member of Parliament
Dan TEHAN (Liberal)
Results from
2025 federal election
Electorate enrolment (2025)
121,788
Turnout (2025)
94.0%
Swing since 2022 (2025)
-2.3 pp toward Coalition

Two-party preferred (2025)

Coalition 60.9%Labor 39.1%

Estimated suburb voting profile

Estimated from 8 nearby ordinary polling places (up to 32.0 km away).

Coalition 45.4%Labor 54.6%

15.5 percentage points more Labor-leaning than the electorate

Estimated swing since 2022: +54.6 pp toward Labor

Nearest polling places

  • LorneLabor 52.1% · Coalition 47.9% TPP (2025)4.7 km away
  • Deans MarshLabor 62.6% · Coalition 37.4% TPP (2025)14.2 km away
  • Aireys InletLabor 71.6% · Coalition 28.4% TPP (2025)17.9 km away
  • ForrestLabor 64.5% · Coalition 35.5% TPP (2025)18.0 km away
  • BirregurraLabor 49.4% · Coalition 50.6% TPP (2025)23.9 km away

Federal electorate from AEC federal division boundaries (2025 redistribution). Division-level results are official AEC figures from the latest general election, with by-election updates where applicable. The estimated suburb profile blends up to eight nearest ordinary polling booths in the same electorate using inverse-distance weighting from the suburb centroid — an approximation, not official AEC data. Nearest polling places are shown for reference.

Data sources & freshness

Socio-economic

IRSAD decile (2021)
8/10
IRSD decile (2021)
8/10

ABS Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA), 2021 release — the latest available, derived from the 2021 Census. Deciles rank suburbs nationally from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).

What do IRSAD and IRSD measure?

IRSAD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage. Combines indicators of advantage (e.g. high income, skilled occupations) and disadvantage. Higher decile = more advantaged relative to other Australian areas.

IRSD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage. Focuses on disadvantage only (e.g. low income, unemployment, limited education). Higher decile = less disadvantage nationally.

A new SEIFA edition typically follows each census; the ABS has not announced a release date beyond 2021.

Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)

Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile)

Data sources & freshness

Compare with

Similar suburbs to weigh up side by side — scores, safety, schools, and lifestyle.

More in Surf Coast Council

Other suburbs in the same local government area.

Comparable suburbs

Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of Victoria.