Town by town snapshot: Lorne

The size of Lorne for ABS data collection purposes is approximately 104.7 square kilometres stretching from Big Hill to Mount Cowley and the Cumberland River.

The population of Lorne in 2011 was 1,393 people and by the 2016 Census the population was 1,120 showing a population decline of 19.6 per cent in the area during that time.

Lorne is an anomaly in this area, with a declining permanent resident base at the same time seeing an increase in dwellings through infill development in this landlocked resort town.

Despite this, Lorne is one of Australia’s most desired holiday destinations and loved by those who call Lorne home.

In summer the population swells to almost 15,000 people, and from Boxing Day to the Pier to Pub weekend up to 20,000 people converge on the town.

CoreLogic data indicates that the predominant age group in Lorne is 60-69 years with households in Lorne being primarily childless couples, are likely to be repaying $1,800-$2,399 per month on mortgage repayments and in general, people in Lorne work in a manager’s occupation.

In 2011, 69.4 per cent of the homes in Lorne were owner-occupied, compared with 65 percent in 2016.