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 since Feb 2026, the suburb of Bell Post Hill's population is estimated at around 5,013. This reflects a decrease of 70 people (1.4%) 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 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, 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. Examining future trends, an above median population growth is projected for locations outside capital cities, with the suburb expected to grow by 1,092 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 23.1% 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 had minimal residential development activity with 3 dwelling approvals annually over the past five years, totalling 19. This reflects its rural nature where development is driven by local housing needs rather than market demand. Yearly growth figures and relativities can vary considerably due to low approval numbers.

Bell Post Hill's development levels are substantially lower than Rest of Vic and below national averages. Recent construction comprises 25% standalone homes and 75% medium-high density housing, marking a departure from existing patterns (92% houses). This suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and affordability needs. The area has an estimated 926 people per dwelling approval. By 2041, Bell Post Hill is expected to grow by 1,160 residents. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Looking ahead, Bell Post Hill is expected to grow by 1,160 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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 potentially affecting the region. Notable ones are 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.

AreaSearch assessment indicates Bell Post Hill faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Bell Post Hill's workforce is skilled with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate, as of September 2025, was 5.2%, based on AreaSearch aggregation. This rate is 1.5% higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation in Bell Post Hill is fairly standard at 64.0%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%. According to Census responses, 16.2% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction employment share is particularly high at 1.3 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 1.1% of local workers, below Rest of Vic.'s 7.5%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population to local population count. In the 12-month period ending in September 2025, labour force decreased by 0.4%, employment decreased by 0.6%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Vic., where employment contracted by 0.7%, labour force fell by 0.6%, and unemployment rose marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 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, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest data for financial year 2023 shows Bell Post Hill's median income is $51,308 and average income is $62,831. This is lower than national averages of $52,796 (median) and $74,661 (average). Victoria excluding Melbourne (Rest of Vic.) has 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 household, family, and personal incomes in Bell Post Hill are between the 23rd and 25th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 30.5% of residents earn between $1,500 - 2,999, mirroring regional levels at 30.3%. 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

In Bell Post Hill, as per the latest Census evaluation, 92.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 8.0% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bell Post Hill stood at 44.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.7% and rented ones at 25.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,600, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent figure in Bell Post Hill was $350, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Bell Post Hill's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,600 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $350 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 69.5 percent of all households, including 25.5 percent couples with children, 28.5 percent couples without children, and 14.5 percent single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 30.5 percent, with lone person households at 27.7 percent and group households comprising 2.6 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the average in 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 prevalent, with 37.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas comprise 10.8% and certificates make up 26.7%. Educational participation is high, with 25.7% currently enrolled in formal education: 8.3% in primary, 6.7% in secondary, and 3.7% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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

Bell Post Hill has 20 active public transport stops. These are served by two routes offering a total of 505 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is rated good with residents typically 260 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, with cars being the dominant mode at 92%. Average vehicle ownership is 1.4 per dwelling. In 2021, 16.2% of residents worked from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 72 trips daily across all routes, equating to about 25 weekly trips per stop.

Bell Post Hill's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health data for Bell Post Hill shows positive outcomes overall.

Mortality rates and health conditions are largely in line with national benchmarks. Common health issues are seen across both young and old age groups. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 52% of the total population, around 2,591 people. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 8.6 and 8.4% of residents respectively. About 65.7% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Rest of Vic. Working-age residents have a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 21.3% of residents aged 65 and over, totaling 1,067 people, which is lower than the 23.9% in Rest of Vic. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

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, surveyed in June 2016, had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 29.0% of its residents born overseas and 27.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 59.2% of Bell Post Hill's population, compared to 47.3% in the rest of Victoria. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (23.2%), English (19.4%), and Other (10.2%).

Notably, Croatian (6.2%) and Macedonian (4.3%) ethnicities were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.4% and 0.2%, respectively, while Polish was also higher at 2.0% versus the regional average of 0.5%.

Bell Post Hill's median age exceeds the national pattern

Bell Post Hill's median age is 41 years, which is lower than the Rest of Vic. average of 43 but exceeds the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group constitutes 17.8% of Bell Post Hill's population, higher than the Rest of Vic., while the 5-14 cohort makes up 8.1%, which is lower. Post-2021 Census data shows that younger residents have shifted the median age down to 41 years. Notable shifts include the 25-34 age group growing from 14.6% to 17.8% and the 35-44 cohort increasing from 11.4% to 13.2%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort has declined from 12.5% to 10.6%, and the 5-14 group has dropped from 9.8% to 8.1%. Population forecasts for Bell Post Hill in 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 49%, adding 439 residents to reach 1,332. Meanwhile, the 75-84 group is expected to contract by 21 residents.