Apollo Bay (Vic.)

Population growth drivers in Apollo Bay are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of February 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Apollo Bay (Vic.) is around 1,761. This figure reflects a decrease from the 2021 Census count of 1,790 people, a change of -29 people (-1.6%). The current resident population estimate of 1,729 by AreaSearch was derived from examining the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and validating an additional 60 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 20 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade (2016-2026), Apollo Bay has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.9%, outperforming its SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed about 88.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024, with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Apollo Bay is projected to increase its population by approximately 63 persons, reflecting a total growth of about 1.8% over the next 17 years, aligning with trends in Australia's non-metropolitan areas.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Apollo Bay recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Apollo Bay had around 18 dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 91 homes were approved, with another 10 in FY-26 so far.

On average, 0.9 people moved to the area per dwelling built over those years. This suggests new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more buying options and potentially driving population growth beyond current projections. The average expected construction cost of new homes is $773,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Compared to Rest of Vic., Apollo Bay has 108.0% more building activity per person.

Recent building activity consists solely of detached houses, maintaining the area's low-density character and appealing to those seeking family homes. With around 86 people per dwelling approval, Apollo Bay exhibits characteristics of a low-density area. Looking ahead, AreaSearch estimates Apollo Bay will grow by 31 residents by 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth beyond current forecasts.

Apollo Bay has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 30thth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance as much as alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could potentially impact the area. Notable projects include Telstra InfraCo Intercity Fibre Network, Additional VLocity Trains, Victorian Renewable Energy Zones, and Regional Housing Fund (Victoria), with the following list outlining those most likely to be relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Apollo Bay demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Apollo Bay has a skilled workforce with prominent tourism and hospitality sectors. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate is 1.3%. The area's unemployment rate is 2.4% lower than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%, but workforce participation lags at 56.4% compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%.

According to Census responses, 19.9% of residents work from home, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Key industries include accommodation & food, construction, and retail trade. Apollo Bay specializes in accommodation & food with an employment share 3.6 times the regional level, while health care & social assistance has limited presence at 9.7%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census working population vs resident population comparison.

In the 12-month period ending December 2025, labour force decreased by 6.3% and employment declined by 6.3%, keeping unemployment relatively stable. This contrasts with Regional Vic., where employment contracted by 0.6%, labour force fell by 0.7%, and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Apollo Bay's employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Apollo Bay had a lower than average national income level according to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest ATO data for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers was $42,094 and the average income stood at $55,108. These figures compared to those for Regional Vic., which were $50,954 and $62,728 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates as of September 2025 would be approximately $45,567 (median) and $59,654 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, personal income ranked at the 27th percentile ($695 weekly), while household income sat at the 9th percentile. Distribution data showed that the $800 - 1,499 bracket dominated with 30.2% of residents (531 people), contrasting with the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket led at 30.3%. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 84.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 11th percentile.

Apollo Bay is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Apollo Bay, as per the latest Census, was 83.9% houses and 16.0% other dwellings. In comparison, Regional Vic had 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Apollo Bay stood at 47.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.8% and rented ones at 29.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,700, higher than Regional Vic's average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Apollo Bay was $300, compared to Regional Vic's $285. Nationally, Apollo Bay's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,700 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $300 compared to the national figure of $375.

Apollo Bay features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 58.3% of all households, including 17.7% couples with children, 31.3% couples without children, and 8.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 41.7%, with lone person households at 38.2% and group households comprising 3.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Regional Vic average of 2.4.

The educational profile of Apollo Bay exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 26.8% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the SA3 area average of 17.2% and the SA4 regional rate of 19.0%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 16.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.5%) and graduate diplomas (4.1%). Vocational credentials are held by 37.7% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 12.9% and certificates at 24.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 25.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.8% in primary, 8.6% in secondary, and 2.0% in tertiary education.

Transport servicing is very low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Apollo Bay has five operational public transport stops. These are served by two distinct routes offering a total of 46 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is rated as moderate with an average distance of 586 meters to the nearest stop for residents. In this predominantly residential area, outward commuting is common. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 73%, followed by walking at 21% and cycling at 3%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.1, below the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 19.9% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages six trips daily across all routes, resulting in roughly nine weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Apollo Bay is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Apollo Bay shows above-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts have a low prevalence of common health conditions.

The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 49% of the total population, which consists of about 857 people. This is lower than the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 9.2 and 7.4% of residents respectively. A total of 68.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.4% across Regional Victoria. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 31.3% of residents aged 65 and over, which consists of about 551 people. This is higher than the 23.9% in Regional Victoria. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Apollo Bay records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Apollo Bay, surveyed in June 2016, had a cultural diversity profile roughly matching the wider region's average. 81.7% of its population were Australian citizens, with 80.4% born in Australia and 89.7% speaking English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 35.8%.

Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.3%, compared to 0.1% regionally. Top ancestry groups were English (29.6%), Australian (23.9%), and Irish (13.1%). Notable divergences included Dutch (2.0% vs regional 1.7%) and French (0.8% vs regional 0.3%), both overrepresented, and Hungarian (0.4% vs regional 0.2%).

Apollo Bay ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Apollo Bay is 52 years, which is significantly higher than Regional Vic.'s average of 43 years and also notably above the national norm of 38 years. The 65-74 age cohort is over-represented in Apollo Bay at 18.3%, compared to Regional Vic.'s average, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 8.0%. This concentration of the 65-74 cohort is well above the national average of 9.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 8.0% to 9.6%, while the 25 to 34 cohort has risen from 9.9% to 11.4%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 17.3% to 15.4% and the 5 to 14 age group has dropped from 9.5% to 8.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Apollo Bay, with the 25 to 34 cohort projected to grow by 24%, adding 48 residents to reach 249. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 5 to 14 age cohorts.