Bell Post Hill

An assessment of population growth drivers in Bell Post Hill reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of Nov 2025 the Bell Post Hill statistical area (Lv2) has an estimated population of around 5,012. This reflects a decrease of 71 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,083 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,906, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 21 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 839 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across areas assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering these projections, the Bell Post Hill (SA2) is expected to expand by 1,079 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 23.1% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Bell Post Hill is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Bell Post Hill experienced limited development activity with an average of 3 approvals per year over five years (19 approvals). This is typical of rural areas where housing needs are modest, and construction activity is constrained by local demand and infrastructure capacity. Notably, the small number of approvals can significantly impact annual growth and relativity statistics.

Compared to Rest of Vic., Bell Post Hill had significantly less construction activity. The development pattern was well below national averages, with new building activity comprising 25.0% standalone homes and 75.0% attached dwellings. This shift towards denser development offers accessible entry options, appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This marked a significant change from the current housing mix of 92.0% houses, reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. The estimated population per dwelling approval was 926 people, indicative of its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections showed Bell Post Hill adding 1,158 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate).

Should current construction levels persist, housing supply might lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Bell Post Hill has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects that may affect this region. Notable projects include Northern Geelong Industrial Precinct, Bell Park / Bell Post Hill Enhanced Early Years and Community Hub, Viva Energy Geelong Refinery Upgrades, and Geelong Ring Road - Stage 4C (Heales Road to Anglesea Road). The following list details 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 drivers in Bell Post Hill are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Bell Post Hill has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 5.2%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 2,518 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.5% higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Bell Post Hill is similar to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Residents' employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Notably, construction employs 1.3 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 1.1% of local workers compared to Rest of Vic.'s 7.5%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work, as indicated by Census data on working population compared to local population. In the 12-month period ending September 2025, Bell Post Hill's labour force decreased by 0.4%, with employment declining by 0.6%, leading to a 0.2 percentage point rise in unemployment. This contrasts with Rest of Vic., where employment contracted more (0.7%), and unemployment rose marginally. State-level data up to 25-Nov-25 shows VIC's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bell Post Hill's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that median income in Bell Post Hill is $51,308 and average income is $62,831. This is lower than national averages of $52,974 (median) and $65,180 (average). In comparison, Rest of Vic.'s figures are a median income of $50,954 and an average income of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for Bell Post Hill as of September 2025 would be approximately $55,541 (median) and $68,015 (average). Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Bell Post Hill fall between the 23rd and 25th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 30.5% of residents (1,528 people), similar to regional levels where 30.3% occupy this bracket. After housing costs, 85.3% of income remains, ranking at the 27th percentile nationally.

Bell Post Hill is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Bell Post Hill, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 92.0% houses and 8.0% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s figures of 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Bell Post Hill was higher at 44.2%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (30.7%) or rented (25.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,600, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,712. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $350, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $335. Nationally, Bell Post Hill's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Bell Post Hill has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 69.5% of all households, including 25.5% couples with children, 28.5% couples without children, and 14.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 30.5%, with lone person households at 27.7% and group households comprising 2.6%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of Vic.

The educational profile of Bell Post Hill exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 17.7%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are held by 37.5% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 26.7%. Educational participation is high, with 25.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 8.3% in primary education, 6.7% in secondary education, and 3.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 20 active stops operating within Bell Post Hill, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by two distinct routes, collectively facilitating 505 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 260 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 72 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 25 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Bell Post Hill is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Bell Post Hill faces significant health challenges with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 52% of the total population (~2,591 people). The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 8.6 and 8.4% of residents respectively, while 65.7% declare themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 65.9% across Rest of Vic.. The area has 22.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,107 people), which is higher than the 16.8% in Rest of Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Bell Post Hill was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Bell Post Hill's population was found to be more culturally diverse than most local areas, with 29.0% born overseas and 27.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Bell Post Hill, making up 59.2% of its population, compared to 47.4% across Rest of Vic.. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (23.2%), English (19.4%), and Other (10.2%).

Notably, Croatian ancestry was overrepresented at 6.2%, compared to the regional average of 1.5%. Macedonian ancestry also stood out at 4.3% (vs 0.6%) and Polish at 2.0% (vs 0.8%).

Bell Post Hill's median age exceeds the national pattern

Bell Post Hill's median age is 41 years, lower than Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 but higher than Australia's national average of 38. The 25-34 age group constitutes 16.9% of Bell Post Hill's population, compared to Rest of Vic., while the 5-14 cohort makes up 8.4%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 25-34 age group grew from 14.6% to 16.9%, and the 35-44 cohort increased from 11.4% to 12.7%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort declined from 9.8% to 8.4%, and the 65-74 group fell from 12.5% to 11.1%. Demographic modeling indicates significant changes in Bell Post Hill's age profile by 2041. The 25-34 cohort is projected to grow by 57%, adding 484 residents to reach 1,332. Meanwhile, the 75-84 age range is expected to decrease by 37%.