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 Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Bell Post Hill's population is estimated at around 4,915 as of November 2025. This reflects a decrease of 168 people (3.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,083 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,881 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest Estimated Resident Population 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 823 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for Australian non-metropolitan areas including Bell Post Hill, with the suburb expected to expand by 1,081 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 25.6% 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 has seen limited development activity, averaging three approvals per year over five years (15 approvals). This is typical of rural areas with modest housing needs and infrastructure capacity. The small number of approvals can significantly impact annual growth statistics.

Compared to Rest of Vic., Bell Post Hill shows much less construction activity, and its development pattern is below national averages. New building activity consists of 33.0% standalone homes and 67.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a trend towards denser development. This shift from the current housing mix (92.0% houses) is due to reduced development sites and changing lifestyle demands. As of now, there are an estimated 3394 people per dwelling approval in Bell Post Hill. By 2041, it is projected that Bell Post Hill will add 1,257 residents. If current construction levels continue, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Future projections show Bell Post Hill adding 1,257 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Bell Post Hill has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects likely affecting this region. Notable initiatives 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 relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

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 labor force with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.2% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.4%.

As of June 2025, 2,577 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 1.4% higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation was similar to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Key employment sectors included health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area showed strong specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing employed only 1.1% of local workers, below Rest of Vic.'s 7.5%. While some residents work locally, many commute elsewhere for jobs. In the 12-month period ending Sep-22, employment increased by 2.4%, and the labor force grew by 2.5%, with unemployment remaining stable. This contrasted with Rest of Vic., where employment contracted by 0.9%, the labor force fell by 0.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Sep-22 project a 6.6% growth over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific growth rates vary significantly. 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.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows median income in Bell Post Hill is $51,308 and average income is $62,831. This contrasts with Rest of Vic.'s median income of $48,741 and average income of $60,693. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $57,547 (median) and $70,471 (average). Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Bell Post Hill fall between the 23rd and 25th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 30.5% of residents earn between $1,500 - 2,999 annually, mirroring 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 latest Census evaluated Bell Post Hill's dwelling structure as 92.0% houses and 8.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bell Post Hill was 44.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.7% and rented dwellings at 25.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,600, below Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,712. The median weekly rent figure was $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 comprise 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 account for the remaining 30.5%, with lone person households at 27.7% and group households comprising 2.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which matches 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 has educational challenges with university qualification rates at 17.7%, significantly below the Victorian average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 37.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 26.7%. Educational participation is high, with 25.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 8.3% in primary, 6.7% in secondary, and 3.7% in tertiary education.

Bell Post Hill's three schools have a combined enrollment of 2,930 students. The area has above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA score: 1069). It includes one primary school and two K-12 schools, functioning as an education hub with 59.6 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 16.7, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Bell Post Hill has 20 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two routes that together facilitate 793 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is considered good, with residents typically situated 260 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 113 trips per day, translating to approximately 39 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 approximately 52% of the total population (~2,541 people), slightly lagging that of the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues (8.6%) and arthritis (8.4%). A total of 65.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.9% across Rest of Vic.. The area has 22.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,086 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.

Bell Post Hill was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Bell Post Hill's cultural diversity was notable, with 29.0% of its residents born overseas and 27.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Bell Post Hill, accounting for 59.2% of the population, compared to 47.4% across Rest of Vic.. The top three ancestral 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%. Similarly, Macedonian ancestry stood at 4.3% versus 0.6% regionally, and Polish ancestry was at 2.0% compared to 0.8%.

Bell Post Hill hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Bell Post Hill's median age is 41 years, which is lower than the Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 but exceeds the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group comprises 16.9% of Bell Post Hill's population compared to Rest of Vic., while the 5-14 cohort makes up 8.4%. According to data from the 2021 Census, younger residents have shifted the median age down by 1 year to 41 years. Notable shifts include an increase in the 25 to 34 age group from 14.6% to 16.9%, and a rise in the 35 to 44 cohort from 11.4% to 12.7%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 9.8% to 8.4%, and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 12.5% to 11.1%. Population forecasts for Bell Post Hill in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 60%, adding 502 residents, reaching a total of 1,333. Meanwhile, the 75-84 group is expected to contract by 27 residents.