suburb.guide

VIC · Glenelg Council

Portland, 3305

Est. population · Jun 2025

10,282

Growth (1 yr)

+0.1%

Growth (5 yr)

-0.7%

Median age

47

Median income

$1,146/wk

Employment rate

49.3%

Median house price · 4th Quarter 2025

$450,000

Languages at home

3.7%non-English

Most common: Nepali, Hindi, Spanish

2021 Census · usual residence

Desirability score

63.1/100
Good

Top 19% of Victoria's suburbs

Verified 93% confidence

How this score is calculated
  • Heritage area
  • Green suburb
  • Excellent transport
  • High desirability
  • Education hub
What Portland is known for: Heritage area, Green suburb, Excellent transport, High desirability, Education hub

Suburb profile

Away from the major hubs, Portland is a established suburb in Glenelg Council with its own quieter rhythm. Long-term locals and family households define much of the community, with plenty of young families in the mix. There is a dense cluster of schools and early-learning options nearby.

The town centre holds its own, with enough local flavour to make staying close to home appealing. Green space punches above what many regional towns offer, with parks and playgrounds woven through the suburb. Reasonably walkable — many errands reachable on foot or by bus, with buses and trams linking the suburb to surrounding areas.

Homes are relatively cheap compared with the wider market, which keeps entry costs lower. Recognised heritage character runs through the streets, with older fabric still defining local identity.

Desirability rates good overall, led by growth momentum, plus local dining and lifestyle amenities, while community and employment, plus safety land closer to the middle of the pack for similar regional towns.

At a glance

Portland snapshot

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

Median house price

$450k

+15% change

Median rent

$420/wk

Population (ERP)

10,282

+0.1% annual growth

Dwelling vacancy

11.6%

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

#6

among Country & regional · Mature

Safety

88th

percentile in state (higher = safer)

Pop. growth

44th

percentile in VIC

Advantage (IRSAD)

2/10

national SEIFA decile

School ICSEA

33rd

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
63.1/100 — Good
State standing
Top 19% of Victoria's suburbs
National rank
724th in Australia
State rank
239th in VIC
Peer rank
#6 among Country & regional · Mature suburbs
Cohort rank
#30 among Country & regional suburbs
Data confidence
93%

Data sources & freshness

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

Housing

All types (Sep 2025)
$420
Median house price (4th Quarter 2025)
$450,000
Median price change
+15.4%

Median weekly rent from Victorian government rent reports. Council median fallback may apply where suburb rent is unavailable.

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

10,282(June 2025)

+0.1% annual · -0.7% over 5 years · 44th percentile in VIC

Growth figures & methodology
Annual growth
+0.1%
5-year growth
-0.7%
Change in 1 year
+7
Change in 5 years
-68
Growth rank in VIC
44th 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 (~10,350), extrapolated at +0.1% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.

2021 Census figures

2021 Census

Population
10,016
Median age
47
Median household income / week
$1,146
Dwelling vacancy
11.6%
Unoccupied private dwellings
543 of 4,691
Median monthly mortgage
$1,083
Employment rate
49.3%
Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
3,662 / 392 / 55 (+ 32 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)
1,729
Against the person
334
Against property
653
Rate per 1,000 residents
168.2
Person-crime prevalence
About 1 in 30 residents
State safety percentile
88.2th (lower crime is better)
Increase (daily rate)
+8%

Most common offence types

  • B21 Criminal Damage170
  • B49 Other Theft96
  • C32 Drug Possession92
  • E13 Resist Or Hinder Officer91
  • E21 Breach Family Violence Order277

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)

Crime rate and year-on-year trend

Data sources & freshness

Family & Lifestyle

Schools & preschools

Schools within 2 km
8
Median school ICSEA (8 schools)
969.5
Median ICSEA percentile
33th
School list
  • Portland Secondary CollegeSecondary · Government · ICSEA 946 · 23th percentile · LBOTE 3% · 505 students · Top SEA quarter 4% · 0.8 km awayView on My School →
  • Portland South Primary SchoolPrimary · Government · ICSEA 958 · 28th percentile · LBOTE 6% · 142 students · Top SEA quarter 8% · 0.8 km awayView on My School →
  • All Saints Parish SchoolPrimary · Catholic · ICSEA 1003 · 48th percentile · LBOTE 6% · 260 students · Top SEA quarter 10% · 1.0 km awayView on My School →
  • Bundarra Primary SchoolPrimary · Government · ICSEA 897 · 10th percentile · LBOTE 4% · 86 students · Top SEA quarter 4% · 1.0 km awayView on My School →
  • St John's Lutheran SchoolPrimary · Independent · ICSEA 1007 · 50th percentile · LBOTE 5% · 112 students · Top SEA quarter 9% · 1.3 km awayView on My School →
  • Portland Primary SchoolPrimary · Government · ICSEA 981 · 38th percentile · LBOTE 9% · 256 students · Top SEA quarter 10% · 1.6 km awayView on My School →
  • Bayview CollegeSecondary · Independent · ICSEA 1009 · 51th percentile · LBOTE 2% · 291 students · Top SEA quarter 15% · 1.8 km awayView on My School →
  • Portland Bay SchoolSpecial · Government · ICSEA 898 · 10th percentile · LBOTE 4% · 74 students · Top SEA quarter 5% · 1.8 km awayView on My School →

Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)

School and preschool counts, median school ICSEA

Data sources & freshness

Public transport

60 public transport stops in this suburb

  • All Saints Catholic Church/Henty St
  • Henty Street Bus Interchange/Henty St
  • Henty Street Bus Interchange/Henty St
  • Henty Street Bus Interchange/Henty St
  • Portland Hospital/Bentinck St

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Public transport stop coverage

Data sources & freshness

Amenities

110 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km

1 restaurants · 2 cafes · 1 pubs · 1 bars · 1 supermarkets · 1 fast food · 1 libraries · 1 places of worship

Local character & venue list

Local character

  • Reasonably walkable — many errands reachable on foot or by bus
  • Great for outdoor family life — 9 parks mapped in suburb, 3 playgrounds nearby
  • Well connected by public transport — 60 public transport stops
  • Strong local sport and recreation — 8 sport and outdoor facilities nearby
Walkability proxy
67/100
Cafés per 1,000 residents
0.2
Food & drink per 1,000 residents
0.6
Parks per 1,000 residents
0.9
Food & drink(6)
  • Mac's HotelBar

    39-41 Bentinck Street, Portland

  • Bahloo PortlandCafe
  • Maggie Lou’sCafe

    57 Bentinck Street

  • Beach House PizzasFast food

    71 Bentinck Street

  • Watch House Lounge BarPub
  • Clock By The BayRestaurant
Shopping(3)
  • Edgar Street General StoreConvenience store
  • Portland fish marketMarketplace

    1 Lee Breakwater Road, Portland

  • IGASupermarket

    Percy Street, Portland

Community(8)
  • Community centre
  • Library
  • All Saints Parish SchoolSchool

    94-100 Fawthrop Street

  • Bundarra Primary SchoolSchool

    312 Edgar Street

  • Portland Secondary CollegeSchool

    170 Must Street

  • Portland Secondary College Victoria Parade CampusSchool

    14 Victoria Parade

  • Portland South Primary SchoolSchool

    133-141 Edgar Street

  • St John's Lutheran Primary SchoolSchool

    43-55 Trangmar Street

Sport & outdoors(11)
  • Friendly Society ReservePark
  • Park
  • Portland Botanic GardensPark
  • Playground (3)
  • Sports field
  • Portland Leisure & Aquatic CentreSwimming pool
  • Swimming pool (3)
Entertainment(4)
  • Cinema
  • Cable Tram DepotMuseum
  • Museum
  • Powerhouse Motor Car MuseumMuseum
Transport(35)

32 bus stops · 3 tram stops

Other(23)
  • Bbq (5)
  • Logans CyclesBicycle
  • Camp Site
  • Portland Holiday VillageCaravan Site
  • Lifeline ShopCharity
  • Courthouse (2)
  • Drinking water (3)
  • Chris' Corner LaundryLaundry

    32 Barkly Street, Portland

  • MelaleucaMotel

    25-27 Bentinck Street, Portland

  • Quality Hotel Bentinick, Econo Lodge PortlandMotel

    1 Gawler Street, Portland

  • Portland Disposals Camping & HardwareOutdoor

    13 Julia Street

  • Parking (9)
  • St. Stephens ChurchPlace of worship
  • Police (2)
  • Portland Police StationPolice
  • Public toilets
  • Sanitary Dump Station
  • Slipway (3)
  • SportsPowerSports

    69 Bentinck Street, Portland

  • Telephone
  • Travel Agency
  • Waste Basket (2)
  • Yes (2)

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

6 parks and public open space in this suburb

  • Alexandra ParkPark
  • Flinders ParkPark
  • Friendly Society ReservePark
  • Hanlon ParkPark
  • Husson Fauna ParkPark
  • Portland Botanic GardensPark

Data sources & freshness

Green cover

Parks & woodland (OSM)
20
Parks (OSM)
9

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

Places of worship

1 places of worship within ~1.5 km

  • St. Stephens Church

From OpenStreetMap within ~1.5 km of the suburb centre.

Data sources & freshness

Health access

Hospitals & GP clinics in suburb
5
Nearest hospital
Portland District Hospital (2.2 km)
Nearest hospital type
Hospital
Nearest hospital emergency
Emergency department
Emergency department in suburb
On site
  • AmcalPharmacy
  • AmcalPercy StreetPharmacy
  • Hearing AustraliaClinic
  • Portland District HospitalHospital
  • Seraport Medical ClinicDoctor

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Hospitals and GP clinics

Data sources & freshness

NDIS participation

NDIS participants (31 March 2026)
409
Participants per 1,000 residents
39.8

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
24° / 11°
Rainfall
112 mm · ~14 rainy days

Autumn (Mar–May)

Usual max / min
20° / 9°
Rainfall
164 mm · ~20 rainy days

Winter (Jun–Aug)

Usual max / min
14° / 6°
Rainfall
251 mm · ~31 rainy days

Spring (Sep–Nov)

Usual max / min
18° / 8°
Rainfall
212 mm · ~26 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).

82 planning-related records

2021· 40 proposals

  • September 2021

  • Development of a Two Storey Commercial Building Containing 28 Retail Tenancies
    2/53 PERCY STREET PORTLAND 3305NOD issued by a delegate
  • Use of land to sell or consume liquor (Liquor Licence) and for Retail Premises - Manufacturing Sales (Cellar Door Sales)
    8 KALINA COURT PORTLAND 3305Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use and development of land for an office and caretakers dwelling and to construct a two (2) storey building
    125A PERCY STREET PORTLAND 3305Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • External painting in a heritage overlay
    ROYAL HOTEL, 113-119 PERCY STREET PORTLAND 3305Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • August 2021

  • Buildings and works to construct carport in a heritage overlay
    9 TYERS STREET PORTLAND 3305Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • To re-subdivide six existing titles into 5 lots. To remove easement of way shown as E-1 on PS333707X created by instrument PS333707X
    123 & 125A & 125 B PERCY STREET & 33 JULIANI PLACE PORTLAND 3305Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Two lot subdivision
    52 BARKLY STREET PORTLAND 3305NOD issued by a delegate
  • Buildings and works to construct verandah
    PORTLAND RSL BOWLING CLUB, 17 CAPE NELSON ROAD PORTLAND 3305Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • 19 Lot Subdivision
    288 EDGAR STREET PORTLAND 3305Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings and works - illuminated double sided sign
    CANADIAN ROOSTER, 18 FERN STREET PORTLAND 3305Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings and works to construct two sheds
    1-2 HILL COURT PORTLAND 3305Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • July 2021

  • Buildings and works - alterations and extensions to classrooms and gymnasium buildings
    BAYVIEW COLLEGE, 119-121 BENTINCK STREET PORTLAND 3305Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings and works to construct garage in a heritage overlay
    17 HURD STREET PORTLAND 3305Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Nine (9) lot subdivision and common property
    49 BANCROFT STREET PORTLAND 3305NOD issued by a delegate
  • Buildings and works for floodlit signage
    165A Percy StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use and Development of land for a Transport Depot (includes Warehouse, Offices and Ancillary Buildings, and Vehicle Parking) This is not Vicsmart
    174 GARDEN STREET PORTLAND 3305Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • June 2021

  • Demolition of Garden Shed in Heritage Overlay
    31 Gawler StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use and development of a Dwelling
    30 OLERIA ROAD PORTLAND 3305Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Building and Works to Construct a Storage Shed
    Shed 1/430 Henty HighwayPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Erect Coast Guard Antenna System
    839 MADEIRA PACKET ROAD PORTLAND 3305Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings and works to replace the verandah, external painting and display signs in a heritage overlay
    46A Percy StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • May 2021

  • TWENTY (20) Lot Subdivision
    48 RICHARDSON STREET PORTLAND 3305NOD issued by a delegate
  • Building and Works to Construct a Shed
    29 Fitzgerald StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use and Development of Land for a Dwelling
    106 Trangmar StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Building and Works to Construct a Shed
    285 Cape Nelson RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Building and Works to Construct a Caretakers Dwelling
    Victoria House, 7 Tyers StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construct and display signs in a heritage overlay
    86A Percy StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of verandah, painting of verandah and signage
    14-16 Gawler StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • April 2021

  • TWENTY-ONE (21) Lot Subdivision
    56 LEARMONTH STREET PORTLAND 3305NOD issued by a delegate
  • Development of two (2) buildings containing two (2) retail premises, two (2) office spaces, and six (6) dwellings. Reduction of required onsite car parking spaces associated with commercial use
    55 Percy StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Business Identification Signage
    135 Percy StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use and development of a single dwelling including front fence
    25 Percy StreetNOD issued by a delegate
  • AMEND WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN: Staged Twenty Six (26) Lot Subdivision AND Removal of Native Vegetation remove condition 25 & 26
    1/121 Fawthrop StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Display of Business Identification and Promotion Signs
    611 Henty HighwayPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings and works in a heritage overlay: repaint facade
    65-67 Bentinck StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • March 2021

  • Two Lot Subdivision
    1/186 Must StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Building and Works to Construct Six Dwellings
    349 HANLON PARADE PORTLAND 3305Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings and works in a heritage overlay
    36 Percy StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • External painting and Signage in a Heritage Overlay
    81 Bentinck StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Building and Works and Business Identification Signage
    Compleat Angler, 61 Bentinck StreetPermit issued by the RA

Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)

Development and planning activity

Data sources & freshness

Heritage

28 heritage places

  • 15-19 GAWLER STREET, PORTLANDNH2169
  • ANZ BANKNH0238
  • BRIERYNH2126
  • BURSWOODNH0240
  • CUSTOMS HOUSENH1844
  • DRILL HALL AND GUN SHEDNH2245
  • DWELLINGNH0727
  • FORMER BUILDERS INNNH0659
  • FORMER NATIONAL SCHOOLNH1647
  • FORMER PORTLAND INNNH2071

Data sources & freshness

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

Hazards

Bushfire planning zone
No overlay at centroid

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 54.3 km away).

Coalition 50.3%Labor 49.7%

10.6 percentage points more Labor-leaning than the electorate

Estimated swing since 2022: +49.7 pp toward Labor

Nearest polling places

  • Portland SouthLabor 54.0% · Coalition 46.0% TPP (2025)1.2 km away
  • Portland CentralLabor 45.2% · Coalition 54.8% TPP (2025)1.3 km away
  • Portland NorthLabor 46.3% · Coalition 53.7% TPP (2025)5.9 km away
  • BolwarraLabor 37.1% · Coalition 62.9% TPP (2025)9.1 km away
  • NarrawongLabor 40.3% · Coalition 59.7% TPP (2025)15.2 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)
2/10
IRSD decile (2021)
2/10

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 Glenelg Council

Other suburbs in the same local government area.

Comparable suburbs

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