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 Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of East Geelong is around 3,987, a decrease of 25 people from the 2021 Census figure of 4,012. This change was inferred by AreaSearch through examining ERP data released by the ABS in June 2024 and validating seven new addresses since the Census date. The population density is approximately 1,183 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed around 92% of overall population gains recently. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered, they utilise VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made through weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. By 2041, the suburb of East Geelong is forecasted to have a significant population increase, expanding by 1,122 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections. This reflects an overall gain of approximately 30.7% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in East Geelong, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, East Geelong averaged around 4 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 23 homes. As of FY-26, no approvals have been recorded yet. Over these five years, an average of 1.7 new residents per year per dwelling constructed was observed (FY-21 to FY-25). However, this figure has intensified to 17.5 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, indicating growing popularity and potential undersupply. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $533,000, targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

This year, there have been $28.9 million in commercial approvals, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to Rest of Vic., East Geelong shows substantially reduced construction, at 89.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. The area's established nature is also indicated by its level being under the national average, potentially due to planning limitations. Recent development has been entirely comprised of attached dwellings, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 85.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options. East Geelong has a population density of around 4068 people per approval, showing a mature, established area.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is expected to grow by 1,225 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

East Geelong has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects that may affect this region. Notable ones include Barwon Women's and Children's Hospital, Geelong Marine Research Institute, Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre Precinct, and Malop Street Green Spine. 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 3.8%, 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 3.8% as of September 2025, matching the Rest of Vic.'s rate and indicating relative employment stability over the past year based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. There were 2,349 residents employed at this time, with workforce participation at 71.1%, higher than Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%.

According to Census responses, 26.7% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdown impacts. The dominant employment sectors among residents were health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade, with a notable specialization in health care & social assistance at 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence with only 0.7% of employment compared to the regional average of 7.5%. The area functioned as an employment hub with 1.1 workers per resident as at the Census, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.3% combined with employment decreasing by 0.3%, while unemployment remained essentially unchanged based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data aggregated from broader statistical areas. This contrasted with Rest of Vic., where employment fell by 0.7%, labour force contracted by 0.6%, and unemployment rose marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to East Geelong's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.7% over ten years, though these are simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

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 indicates that East Geelong's median income among taxpayers is $59,938. The average income in this suburb was $85,026 during the same period. This places East Geelong among the highest income suburbs in Australia. Comparing these figures to the rest of Victoria, the median income is $50,954 and the average is $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for East Geelong's median income would be approximately $64,883 by September 2025, with an average of around $92,041 during the same period. According to the 2021 Census, personal income in East Geelong ranks at the 72nd percentile ($943 weekly), while household income sits at the 52nd percentile. The earnings profile shows that 29.6% of individuals (1,180 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band, which is consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 30.3% in the same category. After housing expenses, 85.5% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking places 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 dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was 85.3% houses and 14.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Vic. had 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in East Geelong was 33.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.3% and rented ones at 31.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,827, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in East Geelong was $350, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, mortgage repayments were lower at $1,863 and rents were higher at $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 Rest of 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 Victorian average of 21.7% and the SA3 area average of 27.3%. This indicates a significant educational advantage for the region, positioning it favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 26.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.0%) and graduate diplomas (5.2%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 30.4% of residents holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 12.5% and certificates for 17.9%.

Educational participation is notably high in the area, with 26.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of 2016. This includes 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 routes, facilitating 2,035 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent accessibility, with an average distance of 142 meters to the nearest stop. In this predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward using cars (83%), while 7% walk and 3% cycle. The car ownership rate is 1.2 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 26.7% of residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions. Overall service frequency averages 290 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 58 weekly trips per individual stop.

Service frequency averages 290 trips per day across all routes, equating 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 better-than-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age groups have low prevalence of common health conditions.

Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (2,406 people), compared to 50.5% across Rest of Vic. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 10.2 and 9.0% of residents respectively. 67.7% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Rest of Vic. Health outcomes among working-age individuals are generally typical. The area has 15.4% of residents aged 65 and over (613 people), lower than the 23.9% in Rest of Vic. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly matching those of 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, 91.0% being citizens, and 90.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in East Geelong, comprising 46.4% of people. However, Judaism is notably overrepresented, making up 0.1% of the population compared to the Rest of Vic's 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (28.6%), Australian (25.0%), and Irish (13.2%). Some other ethnic groups show notable differences: Scottish is overrepresented at 10.3%, Dutch remains unchanged at 1.7%, and Croatian increases to 0.8%.

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

East Geelong's median age is 38, lower than Rest of Vic.'s figure of 43 but equal to the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group has strong representation at 19.4% compared to Rest of Vic., while the 75-84 cohort is less prevalent at 4.6%. Post the 2021 Census, younger residents have decreased the median age by 1.7 years to 38. Specifically, the 25 to 34 age group grew from 14.9% to 19.4%, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 12.3% to 14.1%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 14.4% to 12.4%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 14.3% to 12.5%. By 2041, East Geelong is projected to see significant shifts in its age composition, with the 25-34 cohort showing the strongest growth at 58%, adding 447 residents to reach 1,221. The 55-64 group displays more modest growth at 2%, adding only 10 residents.