East Geelong

East Geelong has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of May 2026, the population of the suburb of East Geelong is estimated to be around 4,014 people. This figure reflects an increase of 2 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,012 residents. The current population is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 3,972 residents, based on their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, and an additional 8 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 1,191 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively consistent with averages observed across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. The primary driver for population growth in this area has been overseas migration, contributing around 92.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch's projections for the suburb of East Geelong are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilizes the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting them using 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. Looking ahead, significant population increases are forecasted for the top quartile of Australian non-metropolitan areas, including East Geelong. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to increase its population by 1,067 persons by the year 2041, reflecting an overall increase of approximately 25.5% over the 16-year period.

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

East Geelong recorded approximately six residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years ending June 2021. This totals an estimated thirty-four homes. As of FY-26, no approvals have been recorded. The population has fallen during this period.

Housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, indicating a balanced market with good buyer choice. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $533,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, $28.9 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Rest of Vic., East Geelong records markedly lower building activity, which is 84.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. This level is also lower than nationally, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. New construction in East Geelong has been completely comprised of townhouses or apartments, focusing on higher-density living which creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

This represents a significant change from the current housing mix, which is currently 85.0% houses. This shift reflects reduced availability of development sites and addresses shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. East Geelong shows a mature, established area with around 614 people per approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, East Geelon will gain approximately 1,025 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

East Geelong has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects that may impact this region. Notable ones include Barwon Women's and Children's Hospital, Geelong Marine Research Institute, Malop Street Green Spine, and Geelong Smart City Initiative. The following list details those most likely to be 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.

While East Geelong retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.9%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

East Geelong has a well-educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.9% as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, there were 2,235 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%, which is 0.2% higher than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation stood at 68.6%, exceeding Regional Vic.'s rate of 61.0%. According to Census responses, 26.7% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdown impacts. The primary industries for employment among residents were health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Notably, the area had a high concentration in health care & social assistance with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence with 0.7% employment compared to Regional Vic.'s 7.5%. As of the Census, there were 1.1 workers for every resident, indicating that East Geelong functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.6%, while employment declined by 1.4%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Regional Vic. recorded an employment decline of 0.6% and a labour force decline of 0.7%, with unemployment falling by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to East Geelong's employment mix indicates that local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.7% over ten years, assuming stable population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

The suburb of East Geelong had a high national income level according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year ended June 2023. The median income among taxpayers was $59,938 and the average income stood at $85,026. These figures compared with Regional Vic.'s median of $50,954 and average of $62,728 respectively. Based on a 9.62% growth rate from the Wage Price Index since June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $65,704 (median) and $93,206 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census figures showed personal income ranked at the 72nd percentile ($943 weekly), while household income was at the 52nd percentile. Income distribution saw the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band capture 29.6% of the community (1,188 individuals), similar to the metropolitan region where this cohort also represented 30.3%. After housing costs, 85.5% of income remained for other expenses and the area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 7th decile.

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

East Geelong's housing structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 85.3% houses and 14.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in East Geelong was at 33.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.3% and rented ones at 31.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,827, higher than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent figure was $350, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, East Geelong's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

East Geelong features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 63.2% of all households, including 25.9% couples with children, 27.1% couples without children, and 9.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 36.8%, with lone person households at 30.9% and group households comprising 5.4%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

East Geelong performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

East Geelong's educational attainment is notably high. As of 2016, 39.3% of residents aged 15 years and above held university qualifications, surpassing the broader benchmark of 21.7% in Rest of Vic. and 27.3% in SA3 area. Bachelor degrees were most common at 26.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.0%) and graduate diplomas (5.2%). Vocational credentials were also prevalent, with 30.4% of residents holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas accounted for 12.5%, while certificates made up 17.9%.

Educational participation was high, with 26.3% of residents enrolled in formal education as of 2016. This included 7.8% in primary education, 6.5% in tertiary education, and 5.9% pursuing secondary education.

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

East Geelong has 35 active public transport stops serving 22 different routes. These routes facilitate a total of 2,035 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent accessibility to these stops, with an average distance of 142 meters to the nearest one. The area is predominantly residential, with most commuters traveling outward. Car remains the primary mode of transport, used by 83% of residents, while walking and cycling account for 7% and 3%, respectively. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a significant proportion of residents, at 26.7%, work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 290 trips per day, translating to approximately 58 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in East Geelong is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

East Geelong shows superior health outcomes, as evaluated by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age groups exhibit low prevalence of common health issues.

The area has a notably high private health cover rate at about 60% (2,422 people), compared to Regional Vic.'s 50.5%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 10.2 and 9.0% respectively. A total of 67.7% report no medical ailments, higher than Regional Vic.'s 63.4%. Health outcomes among working-age residents are generally typical. The area has 16.7% of residents aged 65 and over (670 people), lower than Regional Vic.'s 23.9%. Senior health outcomes are above average, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

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

East Geelong's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 85.4% of its population born in Australia and 91.0% being citizens. English is spoken exclusively by 90.9% of residents. Christianity is the dominant religion, practiced by 46.4%.

Judaism, however, is slightly overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to Regional Vic's 0.1%. The top three ancestry groups are English (28.6%), Australian (25.0%), and Irish (13.2%). Notably, Scottish ancestry is overrepresented at 10.3% versus the regional average of 8.8%. Dutch ancestry remains consistent with the regional average at 1.7%, while Croatian ancestry is slightly higher at 0.8% compared to Regional Vic's 0.4%.

East Geelong's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in East Geelong as of 2021 is 39 years, which is significantly lower than Regional Victoria's average of 43 years but essentially aligned with Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Regional Victoria, East Geelong has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (17.6%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (4.9%). Following the 2021 Census, there has been a decrease in median age from 40 years to 39 years, indicating a shift towards a younger demographic. Key changes show that the proportion of residents aged 25-34 has increased from 14.9% to 17.6%, while those aged 35-44 have increased from 12.3% to 13.5%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 55-64 has declined from 14.4% to 12.9%, and those aged 45-54 have dropped from 14.3% to 13.1%. Demographic modeling suggests that East Geelong's age profile will evolve significantly by the year 2041. The number of residents aged 25-34 is projected to increase markedly, with an expansion of 376 people (53%) from 706 to 1,083. Meanwhile, numbers in the 55-64 age range are expected to fall by approximately 4 people.