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 ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, as of Nov 2025, Geelong's estimated population is around 5,801, a decrease of 10 people since the 2021 Census figure of 5,811. This change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 5,796 in Jun 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 1,752 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 92.0% of recent population gains. AreaSearch projects population growth using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered, VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 are used with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Projected demographic shifts indicate a significant population increase in the top quartile of non-capital city locations, with Geelong expected to grow by 1,708 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 31.2% over these 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Geelong when compared nationally

Geelong has averaged approximately 35 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 175 homes were approved, with one more in FY-26 so far. On average, 0.9 people moved to the area per dwelling built over these years.

This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing buyers with more options and potentially driving population growth beyond current projections. The average development value of new dwellings is $533,000, indicating a focus on premium market segments. In FY-26, commercial approvals have totaled $57.8 million, reflecting strong local business investment. Compared to the rest of Victoria, Geelong records about 56% of building activity per capita and ranks in the 89th percentile nationally for development activity. Recent construction comprises 8.0% detached houses and 92.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a significant shift from existing patterns (currently 52.0% houses).

This shift may be due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. Geelong has approximately 81 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. By 2041, the area is projected to grow by 1,811 residents. If current development rates continue, housing supply might not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Thirty-six infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Key projects include the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre Precinct, Barwon Women's and Children's Hospital, Nyaal Banyul Geegenon Convention and Event Centre, and Cunningham Place. The following list details those likely to be 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.

The labour market performance in Geelong lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Geelong has a highly educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate as of September 2025 is 5.6%.

This is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data and is 1.9% higher than the Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Geelong stands at 63.5%, exceeding the Rest of Vic.'s rate of 57.4%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. Notably, employment levels in health care & social assistance are at 1.4 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 1.0% of local workers, below Rest of Vic.'s 7.5%.

As of the Census, there are 2.7 workers for every resident, indicating Geelong functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.7% combined with employment decreasing by 0.7%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. In contrast, Rest of Vic. experienced employment decline of 0.7% and labour force decline of 0.6%, with a marginal rise in unemployment. State-level data to 25-Nov shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year (adding 41,950 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Geelong. These projections estimate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Geelong's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.9% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ended June 30, 2023 shows median income in Geelong suburb is $54,980 and average income is $77,993. This compares to Rest of Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year ended June 30, 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $59,516 (median) and $84,427 (average). Census data shows personal income ranks at the 61st percentile ($865 weekly) and household income at the 45th percentile. Income analysis reveals 30.8% of population falls within $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to surrounding region's 30.3%. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 84.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 46th percentile. 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% comprised semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. In comparison, Non-Metro Vic. had 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Geelong was 34.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 20.7% and rented ones at 44.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,712. The median weekly rent figure 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% of all households, including 17.9% couples with children, 28.2% couples without children, and 6.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for 46.7%, with lone person households at 39.3% and group households comprising 7.4%. The median household size is 2.0 people, 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 residents aged 15 and above have a higher educational attainment than broader averages. 41.9% hold university qualifications, compared to 21.7% in the rest of Victoria and 27.3% in the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees are 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.

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

Analysis shows 47 active public transport stops operating within Geelong. These include a mix of train and bus services. They are served by 48 individual routes, collectively providing 10,057 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 195 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 1,436 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 213 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 relatively positive outcomes for Geelong residents with common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 58% of the total population (~3,341 people), compared to 53.3% across Rest of Vic..

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 8.8 and 8.0% of residents respectively. 68.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.9% across Rest of Vic.. The area has 19.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,102 people), which is higher than the 16.8% in Rest of Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Geelong's cultural diversity is above average, with 24.0% of its population born overseas and 17.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Geelong, making up 46.3% of its people. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented in Geelong compared to the rest of Victoria, comprising 0.3% versus 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups in Geelong are English (26.4%), Australian (22.5%), and Irish (10.6%). Some ethnic groups have notable divergences: Croatian is overrepresented at 1.2% compared to the regional average of 1.5%, Dutch at 1.7% versus 2.0%, and Italian at 4.5% versus 3.4%.

Geelong's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Geelong as of 2021 is 39 years, which is significantly lower than the Rest of Victoria's average of 43 but closely aligns with Australia's median age of 38. 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%. According to the 2021 Census, Geelong's median age has decreased by 1.4 years from 40 to 39, indicating a shift towards a younger demographic. Key changes show that the proportion of residents aged 25-34 increased from 19.0% to 22.4%, while those aged 35-44 grew from 10.6% to 11.8%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 45-54 decreased from 11.5% to 9.7%, and those aged 55-64 dropped from 13.9% to 12.5%. Demographic projections suggest that Geelong's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The number of residents aged 25-34 is projected to increase markedly, growing by 867 people (67%) from 1,299 to 2,167. Meanwhile, the number of residents aged 55-64 is expected to decrease by 13.