Chart Color Schemes
This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
Find a Recent Sale
Sales Detail
Curlewis (Vic.) has an estimated 3,946 residents, down from 4,175 at the 2021 Census — a change of 229 people, or 5.5%. That puts 195 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to demographic updates from the ABS for the surrounding region, combined with address validations performed by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Curlewis (Vic.) has an estimated population of 3,946 as of May 2026. This represents a drop of 229 people (5.5%) compared to the 2021 Census, which counted 4,175 individuals. The figure is calculated from a resident population estimate of 3,939 by AreaSearch, following an analysis of the ABS's June 2025 ERP release and post-Census address tracking. With this population level, the density stands at 194 persons per square kilometer, offering residents ample room and leaving space open for potential future growth.
Over the last ten years, the suburb of Curlewis (Vic.) has shown strong growth trends with a compound annual rate of 11.4%, which is faster than the wider SA3 region. Population gains were driven mostly by interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 74.0% of the total growth, though natural increase and overseas migration also made positive contributions. Projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024, using 2022 as a baseline, are used for SA2 regions. For areas not represented in that dataset, estimates rely on the 2023 Victorian State Government Regional/LGA projections, scaled down from LGA to SA2 levels using a weighted growth aggregation method. The age bracket growth rates from these models are also applied across all regions for the period from 2032 to 2041. Based on these demographic models, the suburb of Curlewis (Vic.) is projected to experience a major population surge, placing it in the top quarter of national non-metropolitan zones, with an expected increase of 1,418 persons by 2041 based on aggregated SA2 projections, representing a total gain of 35.8% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Property development in this locality is very quiet, with less than 1 dwelling approvals on average per year, representing minimal approvals over five years. This low level of activity points to the rural character of the area, where building starts are generally prompted by specific local housing requirements rather than broader market momentum. Because of these low volumes, single projects can have a major effect on year-on-year statistics and comparative growth rates. Construction approvals and building activity are considerably lower here than in Rest of Vic.. This slower pace of development is also below what is typically observed nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Curlewis (Vic.)
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 14 current infrastructure and development projects inside Curlewis (Vic.), worth an estimated $572 million. A further 57 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $5.27 billion. 17 are already under construction and 21 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and sports & recreation. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Developments in public infrastructure, major local projects, and town planning decisions are critical drivers of local performance. There are 23 projects identified that are expected to impact the area. Some of the most significant initiatives include the Belgrove Estate, safety improvements on the Bellarine Highway, the Duke 3222 development, and Stage 2 of the Drysdale Sporting Precinct, with details of the most relevant projects listed below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Drysdale Sporting Precinct Stage 2
Stage 2 of the Drysdale Sporting Precinct is under construction following a December 2025 sod turning. The approximately AUD 14.5 million project includes a new multi-use pavilion with female-friendly change facilities, a soccer pitch with LED lighting, additional recreation infrastructure, landscaping, paths, parking and supporting community facilities as part of the long-term master plan for the regional sporting precinct.
Sanctuary Springs Estate, Leopold
Boutique residential estate in Leopold delivering approximately 536 lots with waterways, wetlands, parks and a display village. Current stages are sold out, with the next land release anticipated in 2026. The estate is developed by Granite Projects with project sales and marketing by RPM Group.
Bellarine Highway Safety Improvements
The Bellarine Highway Safety Improvements project is part of a road maintenance blitz across Victoria and is jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian governments to make the corridor safer through Moolap and Wallington. The project involves installing safety barriers, removing specific right-turn movements, and building U-turn facilities to reduce the risk of collisions and improve intersection safety. A separate project to improve the intersection at Bellarine Highway and Moolap Station Road is also underway.The works are expected to take approximately six months to complete, weather permitting.
McDermott Rd, Curlewis
Stockland Halcyon is progressing a masterplanned community on a 26.12 hectare site at 32-70 McDermott Road, Curlewis, on the Bellarine Peninsula. The proposal comprises approximately 325 land lease homes for over-55s buyers and around 100 general residential lots, with a clubhouse and recreational facilities. The site forms part of the Jetty Road Urban Growth Area Stage 2, which was rezoned from Farming Zone and Rural Living Zone to General Residential Zone under Planning Scheme Amendment C387ggee.The amendment was approved by the Victorian Minister for Planning and gazetted on 30 June 2025, following a supportive independent panel report. A Development Plan and subsequent planning permits are still required before construction can commence.
Jetty Road Urban Growth Area Stage 2
Rezoning of approximately 150 hectares of land in the Jetty Road Urban Growth Area Stage 2 to facilitate around 2,000 new dwellings. The project includes traditional residential lots, townhouses, retirement and aged living, public open space, waterways, trails, local parks, development contributions infrastructure and an extension of the foreshore reserve. The planning scheme amendment was approved by the Minister for Planning and gazetted on 30 June 2025, enabling future staged subdivision and development.
Curlewis Masterplanned Community
A masterplanned community located in Curlewis, Victoria, forming part of the 150-hectare Jetty Road Urban Growth Area Stage 2. The development will feature a natural waterway, a 1-hectare park with a playground, and connections to local parks, wetlands, wineries, and the Bellarine Rail Trail. It offers a diverse mix of lots designed for 'all-electric' living. Being developed by a consortium comprising APD Projects, Stockland, and SOHO Living, the recently rezoned project is expected to deliver approximately 2,000 new homes over the next 10 to 20 years, alongside local parks, waterway reserves, and an extension of the foreshore reserve.
Coriyule Estate
A residential estate at the entrance to the Jetty Rd Growth Precinct.
Jetty Road Child & Community Hub
A proposed child and community centre to meet the needs of the growing population in the Jetty Road Growth Area.
1,926 residents of Curlewis (Vic.) are employed, from a labour force of 1,999. Unemployment sits at 3.7%, with participation at 66.6%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.6% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 3,219, about 82% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
A highly trained workforce characterizes the area, with a strong representation of workers in essential services, and an unemployment rate of just 3.7% according to compiled statistical data. As of March 2026, there are 1,926 employed residents, mirroring the regional unemployment rate for Regional Vic. of 3.7%, while the participation rate is exceptionally high at 66.6% compared to the regional average of 61.1%. Census records indicate that a moderate 19.1% of workers worked from home, although this figure should be interpreted in the context of pandemic restrictions. Local jobs are heavily concentrated in the fields of health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.
Retail trade shows a particularly high concentration, with the employment share sitting at 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing accounts for only 1.1% of the workforce, compared to 7.5% across the region. Comparison of local Census employment counts against the resident workforce suggests that local job opportunities within the immediate area are limited. Analysis of SALM and ABS data over the past 12-month period shows the local labour force shrinking by 4.1% alongside a 3.4% drop in the number of employed residents, which caused the unemployment rate to decline by 0.7 percentage points. Over the same timeframe, Regional Vic. recorded a 0.1% decrease in employment, a 0.3% contraction in the labour force, and a 0.2 percentage point fall in unemployment. Industry employment forecasts released by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25 provide an indication of potential workforce trends. These projections, spanning five and ten-year horizons, have been applied to the local industry mix to estimate employment trends. Although national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, the rates of change vary widely across different industries. Applying these national projections to the local workforce composition suggests employment could grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, representing a simple weighted extrapolation that does not account for local population changes.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Curlewis (Vic.) is $1,830 a week (about $95,000 a year), with median personal income at $848 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $59,297 a year against an average of $76,617. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Tax office data at the postcode level for financial year 2023 shows that residents earn very high incomes compared to national averages, with a median of $59,297 and an average of $76,617. This is higher than Regional Vic., where the median is $50,954 and the average is $62,728. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimated figures would be roughly $65,001 for the median and $83,988 for the average as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census places household, family, and individual incomes around the 56th percentile nationally.
The most common income bracket contains 39.2% of residents (1,546 people) earning between $1,500 - 2,999, which is comparable to the metropolitan region where 30.3% of the population falls into this group. High housing costs take up 16.5% of income, but strong general earnings keep disposable income at the 55th percentile, with the SEIFA index placing the area in the 5th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Curlewis (Vic.) had 1,475 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 99% detached houses and 0% apartments. 44% are owned with a mortgage, 30% rented and 26% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $405 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,777 a month. Rent absorbs 22.1% of household income here and mortgage repayments 22.4%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the last Census, the housing mix consisted of 98.9% separate houses and 1.1% other types of housing, such as semi-detached properties, apartments, or alternative dwellings, compared to Regional Vic. where separate houses made up 90.1% and other dwellings made up 9.9%. Home ownership rates lagged behind Regional Vic. at 26.1%, with the remaining properties being held under a mortgage (43.5%) or rented (30.4%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,777 was significantly higher than the Regional Vic. average of $1,430, and the median weekly rent of $405 was also higher than the regional average of $285.
Looking at national figures, local mortgage payments are below the Australian average of $1,863, while weekly rents exceed the national average of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Curlewis (Vic.) counted 1,475 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.7 people each. 35% are couples with children, against 32% couples without children. 15% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.6 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the vast majority of households at 81.8%, which includes couples with children at 34.6%, couples without children at 32.1%, and single-parent households at 14.1%. The remaining 18.2% are non-family households, consisting of single persons at 15.3% and group households at 2.8%. The average household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
23.0% of adults in Curlewis (Vic.) hold a university qualification, including 15.7% with a bachelor degree and 3.9% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 29.0% hold a vocational qualification. 3 schools serve the area, with 3,006 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,044 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
The local population has comparatively low rates of tertiary education, with 23.0% holding a university degree, compared to the Victorian average of 33.4%. This gap highlights an opportunity for targeted educational support. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 15.7%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 3.9% and graduate diplomas at 3.4%. Vocational and technical training is very common, with 42.6% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications in these fields, consisting of advanced diplomas (13.6%) and certificates (29.0%). Enrolment levels in education are quite high, with 30.1% of the population currently engaged in study.
This group includes 11.6% attending primary school, 7.4% in high school, and 3.5% enrolled in higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Curlewis (Vic.) reaches 13 stops on 8 routes, timetabled for about 740 services a week. The typical home sits about 350 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.6 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Analysis of the local transit network shows 13 passenger stops operating in the suburb of Curlewis (Vic.). These stops are served by 8 separate transit routes, which together handle 735 weekly passenger trips. Access to public transit is rated as good, with dwellings situated an average of 350 meters from the nearest stop. Because this is a residential suburb, most workers travel out of the area for employment, with private cars being the main transport mode for 95% of commuters. Dwellings have an average of 1.6 vehicles. Approximately 19.1% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic measures.
Transit service frequency averages 105 trips per day across the network, which translates to roughly 56 weekly departures for each individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
67.7% of residents in Curlewis (Vic.) report no long-term health condition. 4.7% need daily assistance with core activities, and 57.1% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.2 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Local health statistics are close to national averages, according to assessments of mortality rates and chronic health conditions. Common health issues show standard distribution patterns across younger and older age brackets, while the rate of private health insurance is very high, covering approximately 57% of residents (~2,251 people), compared to 50.5% in Regional Vic.. Mental health conditions and asthma are the most frequently reported medical issues, affecting 10.4% and 9.3% of the population, respectively. Meanwhile, 67.7% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, which is higher than the 63.4% recorded across Regional Vic..
The working-age population has a higher than average rate of chronic illnesses. Residents aged 65 and over make up 13.0% of the population (512 people), which is lower than the Regional Vic. average of 23.9%. Seniors in the area enjoy above-average health outcomes, with national rankings that exceed those of the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Curlewis (Vic.) is largely Australian-born, at 85.1% of residents, with 6.9% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (30.0%) and Australian (27.9%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity is below the national average, with 85.1% of the population born in Australia, 91.6% holding citizenship, and 93.1% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 43.1% of the population. The most disproportionately represented non-Christian faith is Hinduism, which accounts for 0.7% of the population, matching the regional rate of 0.7%. Regarding parental ancestry, the three most common backgrounds are English (30.0%), Australian (27.9%), and Scottish (8.5%). There are also notable differences in the representation of other ethnic backgrounds, with Polish ancestry overrepresented at 1.0% (compared to 0.5% regionally), Dutch ancestry at 1.8% (compared to 1.7%), and Maltese ancestry at 1.4% (compared to 0.5%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Curlewis (Vic.) is 34, younger than 82% of areas nationally. 27.2% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
With a median age of 34, the suburb of Curlewis (Vic.) is much younger than Regional Vic., where the median age is 43, and younger than Australia's median of 38. The 25 to 34 age bracket is highly represented at 16.2% of the local population compared to the regional average, while the 65 to 74 age group is underrepresented at 8.4%. Since 2021, the 35 to 44 age cohort has increased from 15.1% to 16.6%, while the 55 to 64 group has dropped from 10.7% to 9.3%. Population models show that the age profile is set to change by 2041, with the 25 to 34 cohort expected to increase by 360 people (56%), rising from 639 to 1,000 residents.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Curlewis (Vic.)
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Aug 2026 this month all 14 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Aug 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (4,175 at the 2021 Census → 3,946 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL20697). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.