Colac

Error processing population analysis

Residential dwelling approval activity has been practically non-existent in Colac

Development activity data is being compiled for this area.

Colac has substantially lower development levels than Greater Melbourne. Development levels are likewise under national averages.

Colac has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 0thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 7 projects likely impacting this region. Notable projects include Lake Colac School, Colac West Primary School Upgrade, Clearwater Colac, and Pound Road, Colac. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 2.1%, Colac has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Colac has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, representing diverse sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.1%, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of June 2025, 4,265 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 2.5%, below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Key industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, mining, and manufacturing. Notably, health care & social assistance is under-represented in Colac with 0.0% compared to 14.2% in Greater Melbourne.

The area seems to offer limited local employment opportunities, as suggested by the difference between Census working population and resident population numbers. Between June 2024 and June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.9%, with employment down by 1.3%, leading to a 0.6 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a 0.5 percentage point rise in its unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 provide insights into potential future demand within Colac. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific growth rates vary significantly. Applying these projections to Colac's current employment mix suggests local employment could grow by approximately 5% over five years and 10% over ten years, although these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localised population projections.

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Colac displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

The latest Census in Colac showed 0.0% houses and 0.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 93.2% houses and 6.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Colac was at 0.0%, with the remainder either mortgaged or rented at 0.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Colac was $0, below Melbourne metro's average of $1,300, and rents were $0 compared to Melbourne's $250. Nationally, Colac's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Colac has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 0.0% of all households, including 0.0% couples with children, 0.0% couples without children, and 0.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 100.0%, with lone person households at 0.0% and group households comprising 0.0%. The median household size is 0.0 people, smaller than Greater Melbourne's average of 2.3.

Colac faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with no residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications, compared to Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are not held by any residents, nor are postgraduate qualifications or graduate diplomas. Technical qualifications are also absent, with advanced diplomas and certificates not represented among residents' educational achievements. Formal education enrollment stands at 0.0% for residents aged 15+.

This includes no residents in primary education, secondary education, or tertiary education. A total of nine schools operate within Colac, educating approximately 1,960 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 960) and balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes four primary schools, three secondary schools, and two K-12 schools. Residents must travel to neighboring areas for educational services as there are no schools located within Colac itself. Note that where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Colac is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Critical health challenges are evident across Colac, with various health conditions impacting both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 0% of the total population (~0 people), compared to 47.8% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, impacting 0.0% and 0.0% of residents respectively, while 0.0% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.0% in Greater Melbourne.

The area has 0.0% of residents aged 65 and over (0 people), which is lower than the 24.6% in Greater Melbourne.

The latest Census data sees Colac placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Colac had no residents born in Australia (0.0%), none were citizens (0.0%), and none spoke English only at home (0.0%). The predominant religion was Buddhism, at 0.0% of the population, lower than Greater Melbourne's 0.7%. Ancestry-wise, Australians led with 0.0%, below the regional average of 32.4%.

Australian Aboriginals and Chinese also had 0.0% representation each.

Colac hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

No age data available for catchment as population equals zero. Demographic modeling suggests that Colac's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to increase solidly, expanding from 0 to 39,723 people (a 0% change). In contrast, the 85+ cohort shows minimal growth of just 0%, with an increase of 3,723 people.