Geelong

Geelong lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of November 2025, the estimated population of Geelong suburb is around 5,814. This figure reflects an increase of 3 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,811. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 5,833 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 25 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,756 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 92.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 employing 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 projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase is forecast for the top quartile of locations outside capital cities. The suburb of Geelong is expected to grow by 1,696 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 30.7% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Geelong recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Geelong averaged approximately 21 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years (FY-21 to FY-25), around 105 homes were approved, with one more in FY-26 so far. Each year, an average of 1.5 people moved to the area for each dwelling built during this period.

This suggests a balanced supply and demand dynamic, maintaining stable market conditions. The average value of new dwellings developed was $533,000, slightly above the regional average, indicating a focus on quality developments. In FY-26, there have been $99.6 million in commercial approvals, reflecting robust local business investment. Compared to the rest of Victoria, Geelong has notably lower building activity, at 66.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. However, development activity has increased recently. Nationally, new building activity in Geelong is also below average, likely due to its maturity and potential planning constraints.

Currently, 13.0% of dwelling approvals are for detached dwellings, while 87.0% are for attached dwellings. This shift towards denser development caters to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers, marking a significant change from the current housing mix (52.0% houses). The location has approximately 168 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Future projections estimate Geelong will add 1,786 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

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 37 projects likely to affect the region. Notable initiatives include Barwon Women's and Children's Hospital, Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, Cunningham Place, and Geelong Line Upgrade (Geelong Fast Rail). The following list details those most 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.

Employment drivers in Geelong are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Geelong has a highly educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 5.7% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.7%.

As of June 2025, 3,500 residents were in work while the unemployment rate was 1.9% higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation was at 63.5%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Leading employment industries among residents included health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. The area had a particular specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level.

In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing employed just 1.0% of local workers, below Rest of Vic.'s 7.5%. There were 2.7 workers for every resident as at the Census, indicating that the area functioned as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. In the 12-month period ending in Sep-22, employment increased by 1.7% while labour force increased by 2.2%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. experienced an employment decline of 0.9% and a labour force decline of 0.4%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggested that national employment was forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differed significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Geelong's employment mix suggested that local employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.9% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 indicates that median income in Geelong is $54,980 and average income stands at $77,993. This contrasts with Rest of Vic.'s figures of a median income of $48,741 and an average income of $60,693. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Geelong would be approximately $61,666 (median) and $87,477 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals personal income ranks at the 61st percentile ($865 weekly), while household income sits at the 45th percentile. Income analysis shows that 30.8% of Geelong's population falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, mirroring the surrounding region where 30.3% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Geelong, with only 84.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 46th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Geelong displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Geelong, as per the latest Census evaluation, 52.1% of dwellings were houses while 47.9% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is in contrast to Non-Metro Vic., which had 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Geelong stood at 34.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 20.7% and rented ones at 44.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,712. The median weekly rent in Geelong was $370, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $335. Nationally, Geelong's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 versus Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $370 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 53.3 percent of all households, including 17.9 percent couples with children, 28.2 percent couples without children, and 6.0 percent single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 46.7 percent, with lone person households at 39.3 percent and group households comprising 7.4 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

Geelong shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Geelong's educational attainment is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15 and above, 41.9% hold university qualifications, compared to 21.7% in the rest of Victoria and 27.3% in the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 26.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.7%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 27.3% of residents holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 10.8% and certificates for 16.5%. Educational participation is high, with 29.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 14.0% in tertiary education, 5.4% in primary education, and 4.5% pursuing secondary education. Geelong's five schools have a combined enrollment of 1,124 students. The area demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions with an ICSEA score of 1075. Educational provision follows conventional lines, split between two primary and three secondary institutions. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Geelong has 47 active public transport stops. These include train and bus services. There are 37 routes operating collectively providing 9,756 weekly passenger trips.

Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 195 meters to the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 1,393 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 207 weekly trips per individual stop.

Geelong's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health data shows Geelong residents have relatively positive health outcomes with common conditions similar across young and old age groups. Private health cover is high at approximately 58% (~3,349 people), compared to 52.7% in Rest of Vic.

Mental health issues (8.8%) and asthma (8.0%) are most common. 68.6% report no medical ailments, higher than Rest of Vic.'s 65.9%. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 19.0% (1,104 people), above Rest of Vic.'s 16.8%. Seniors' health outcomes are particularly strong, outperforming the general population in metrics.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Geelong was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Geelong's cultural diversity was found to be above average, with 24.0% of its population born overseas and 17.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the main religion in Geelong, comprising 46.3% of its people. Judaism was notably overrepresented, making up 0.3% of Geelong's population compared to 0.1% across Rest of Vic..

The top three ancestry groups were English (26.4%), Australian (22.5%), and Irish (10.6%). Some ethnic groups showed notable divergences: Croatian was overrepresented at 1.2% in Geelong versus 1.5% regionally, Dutch at 1.7% versus 2.0%, and Italian at 4.5% versus 3.4%.

Geelong's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Geelong as of 2021 is 39 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 but closely aligned with Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Vic., Geelong has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (22.4%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (5.5%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is notably higher than the national average of 14.5%. Following the Census conducted in 2021, Geelong's median age decreased by 1.4 years from 40 to 39, indicating a shift towards a younger demographic. Key changes in age distribution show that the 25-34 age group grew from 19.0% to 22.4% of the population, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 10.6% to 11.7%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 11.5% to 9.8%, and the 55-64 group decreased from 13.9% to 12.5%. Demographic projections suggest that Geelong's age profile will significantly change by 2041. The number of residents aged 25-34 is projected to increase markedly, growing by 862 people (66%) from 1,302 to 2,165. Meanwhile, the number of residents aged 55-64 is expected to decrease by 14.