Curlewis (Vic.)

Curlewis lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Curlewis (Vic.) is around 3,996, a decrease of 179 people (4.3%) since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 4,175. This decrease was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 3,934, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. The population density is 197 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Curlewis has shown resilient growth with a compound annual growth rate of 14.0%, outpacing its SA3 area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 74.0% to overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors. AreaSearch uses 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 the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting with 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, Curlewis is forecast to experience significant population increase, growing by 1,663 persons to 2041 and recording a gain of 40.1% in total over the 17-year period.

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

Curlewis has had minimal residential development activity with fewer than one dwelling approval annually over five years. This low level of development is characteristic of rural areas where housing needs are modest, and construction activity is naturally limited by local demand and infrastructure capacity. It should be noted that such low approval numbers can result in considerable variation in yearly growth figures and relativities based on individual projects.

Curlewis has significantly less construction activity than the Rest of Vic., with development levels well below national averages.

Curlewis has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Twenty-four infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the region's performance. Significant initiatives include Belgrove Estate, Bellarine Highway Safety Improvements, Duke 3222, and Drysdale Sporting Precinct Stage 2. The following details projects expected to be most relevant.

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

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The employment landscape in Curlewis presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 3.9%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Curlewis has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.9%, as aggregated by AreaSearch from statistical area data. As of December 2025, 2,200 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%, which is 0.2% higher than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation in Curlewis is high at 75.8%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%. According to Census responses, 19.1% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade, with retail trade being particularly strong at 1.3 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence, with only 1.1% employment compared to 7.5% regionally.

Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.2%, and employment fell by 0.7%, leading to a 0.4 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates varying between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Curlewis's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Curlewis suburb has high national incomes. The median income is $59,297 and the average income stands at $76,617. This contrasts with Regional Vic.'s figures of 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, current estimates for Curlewis would be approximately $64,189 (median) and $82,938 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data indicates that incomes in Curlewis cluster around the 56th percentile nationally. Income brackets show that 39.2% of locals (1,566 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, aligning with metropolitan regions where this cohort represents 30.3%. High housing costs consume 16.5% of income. Despite strong earnings, disposable income is at the 55th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Curlewis is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Curlewis, as per the latest Census, consisted of 98.9% houses and 1.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Curlewis stood at 26.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 43.5% and rented ones at 30.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,777, higher than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in Curlewis was recorded at $405, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Curlewis's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Curlewis features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 81.8% of all households, consisting of 34.6% couples with children, 32.1% couples without children, and 14.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 18.2%, with lone person households at 15.3% and group households comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 23.0%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (3.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (13.6%) and certificates (29.0%). Educational participation is high, with 30.1% currently enrolled in formal education: 11.6% in primary, 7.4% in secondary, and 3.5% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.6% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 3.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Curlewis has 13 active public transport stops serviced by 8 routes, offering 735 weekly passenger trips. Residents are typically located 350 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, with car being the dominant mode at 95%. Average vehicle ownership is 1.6 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 19.1% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 105 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 56 weekly trips per individual stop.

Service frequency averages 105 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 56 weekly trips per individual stop.

Curlewis's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Curlewis's health metrics closely align with national benchmarks, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are seen at a standard level across both young and old age cohorts.

Private health cover is high, with approximately 57% of the total population (~2,280 people), compared to 50.5% in Regional Vic. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 10.4% and 9.3% of residents respectively. 67.7% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 12.2% of residents aged 65 and over (487 people), lower than the 23.9% in Regional Vic. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Curlewis ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Curlewis had a cultural diversity below average, with 85.1% of its population born in Australia, 91.6% being citizens, and 93.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 43.1% of Curlewis' population. Hinduism showed an overrepresentation, making up 0.7% compared to Regional Vic's 0.7%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (30.0%), Australian (27.9%), and Scottish (8.5%). Polish (1.0%) was notably overrepresented compared to the regional average of 0.5%, Dutch at 1.8% vs 1.7%, and Maltese at 1.4% vs 0.5%.

Curlewis hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

The median age in Curlewis is 33 years, which is lower than Regional Vic.'s average of 43 and significantly below the national average of 38. The 25-34 cohort is notably over-represented in Curlewis at 17.2%, compared to Regional Vic.'s average, while those aged 65-74 are under-represented at 8%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 35-44 age group has grown from 15.1% to 17.2%, and the 25-34 cohort has increased from 16.0% to 17.2%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has declined from 10.7% to 9.2%, and the 5-14 group has dropped from 15.2% to 14.1%. Population forecasts for Curlewis indicate substantial demographic changes by 2041. Notably, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 62%, reaching 1,113 people from its current total of 687.