Geelong West

Population growth drivers in Geelong West are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates, as of Nov 2025, Geelong West's estimated population is around 8,140. This reflects an increase of 795 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,345. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of resident population at 7,686 following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024, and additional validation of 15 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 3,463 persons per square kilometer, placing Geelong West in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. The area's 10.8% growth since the 2021 census exceeded both SA3 and non-metro areas, marking it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 52.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 are used with adjustments made employing 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. Population projections indicate a significant increase in the top quartile of locations outside capital cities, with Geelong West expected to increase by 2,287 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 22.9% over these 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Geelong West had approximately 42 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling about 214 homes. As of FY-26, there have been 10 approvals recorded. Each new dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25 attracted an average of 2.3 new residents per year, reflecting strong demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value for these dwellings was $547,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This financial year has seen around $7.4 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited commercial development activity compared to residential. Relative to the rest of Victoria and nationally, Geelong West experiences about half the building activity per person but ranks among the 65th percentile of areas assessed. Recent construction comprises approximately 81% standalone homes and 19% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space.

With around 219 people per dwelling approval, Geelong West indicates a growing market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is forecasted to gain approximately 1,867 residents by 2041. If current construction levels continue, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

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

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure. Six projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting this area. Notable projects include Northern and Western Geelong Growth Areas, Hope & Autumn Mixed Use Development, Pakington North Precinct Urban Design Framework, and Pakington Street (Geelong West) and Gordon Avenue Urban Design Framework. The following list details those considered 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 performance in Geelong West exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Geelong West has a highly educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.2%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 4,500 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.6% below Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation stands at 69.2%, exceeding Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Professional & technical services have a strong presence with an employment share twice the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.7% compared to the regional 7.5%.

Labour force levels decreased by 0.3% in Geelong West over the 12 months to September 2025, alongside a 0.5% employment decline, raising unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. saw an employment decline of 0.7% and labour force decline of 0.6%. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.13%, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts suggest growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Geelong West's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

Geelong West suburb has high national income levels according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Median income among taxpayers is $60,600 and average income stands at $77,014. Rest of Vic.'s figures are $50,954 (median) and $62,728 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $65,600 (median) and $83,368 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows personal income ranks at the 76th percentile ($974 weekly), while household income sits at the 52nd percentile. Income brackets indicate 30.4% of community earns between $1,500 and $2,999 (2,474 individuals). High housing costs consume 15.8% of income. Disposable income ranks at the 53rd percentile, with area's SEIFA income ranking placing it in the 7th decile.

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

Geelong West's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 73.9% houses and 26.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Geelong West stood at 28.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.4% and rented ones at 41.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,996, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,712. The median weekly rent figure in Geelong West was $350, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $335. Nationally, Geelong West's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,996 than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $350 than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 59.2% of all households, including 24.9% couples with children, 23.7% couples without children, and 9.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 40.8%, with lone person households at 34.8% and group households comprising 6.0%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

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

Educational attainment in Geelong West is notable with 41.4% of residents aged 15+ having university qualifications, compared to 21.7% in Rest of Vic. and 27.3% in the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees are most common at 25.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.7%) and graduate diplomas (5.3%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 29.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 11.3% and certificates at 17.9%. Educational participation is high, with 28.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 8.1% in primary education, 7.8% in tertiary education, and 5.7% pursuing secondary education.

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

Geelong West has 33 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops are served by a mix of buses running on four individual routes. Together, these routes facilitate 903 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of public transport in Geelong West is rated as good, with residents typically situated around 200 meters from the nearest stop. On average, services run 129 times per day across all routes, translating to approximately 27 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Geelong West exhibits superior health outcomes for both younger and older age groups, with low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 57% (~4,658 people) have private health cover, higher than the Rest of Vic's 53.3%.

Mental health issues affect 10.2%, asthma impacts 8.7%, while 70.0% report no medical ailments, compared to 65.9% across Rest of Vic. The area has 13.2% (1,074 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Rest of Vic's 16.8%. Seniors' health outcomes are notably strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

In terms of cultural diversity, Geelong West records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Geelong West has a cultural diversity above average, with 19.8% of its population born overseas and 14.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Geelong West, accounting for 43.7% of people. Judaism is slightly overrepresented compared to Rest of Vic., comprising 0.1% versus 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (27.5%), Australian (22.3%), and Irish (11.7%). Scottish ancestry is notably higher in Geelong West at 9.5%, compared to the regional average of 8.3%. Hungarian ancestry, at 0.4% versus 0.3%, and Croatian ancestry, at 1.0% versus 1.5%, also show notable divergences from their respective regional averages.

Geelong West's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Geelong West's median age is 35 years, which is significantly below the Rest of Vic average of 43 and somewhat younger than the Australian median of 38. The 25-34 cohort is notably over-represented at 19.4% locally compared to the Rest of Vic average, while the 65-74 year-olds are under-represented at 8.3%. Following the census on 2021/08/10, the 35 to 44 age group grew from 16.0% to 17.5%, and the 25 to 34 cohort increased from 18.1% to 19.4%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 13.2% to 11.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Geelong West's age profile will evolve significantly. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 45%, adding 714 residents to reach 2,294. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 group is projected to contract by 41 residents.