Norlane

Population growth drivers in Norlane are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

By Nov 2025, Norlane's population is estimated at around 8,794. This reflects an increase of 112 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,682. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of resident population at 8,765 following examination of ABS ERP data release in Jun 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,748 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 83.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with base year 2022. For areas not covered, they utilise VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation method from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, a significant population increase is forecast, with the suburb expected to grow by 1,978 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 20.0% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Norlane according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Based on AreaSearch analysis, Norlane has seen approximately 54 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years ending June 2021, totalling an estimated 274 homes. As of July 2026, 27 approvals have been recorded. The area's population decline has maintained adequate housing supply relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with diverse buyer choices. New dwellings are developed at an average cost of $325,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options.

This financial year, around $1.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Rest of Vic., Norlane shows roughly 59% of construction activity per person and ranks among the 55th percentile nationally when assessed areas are considered. Recent development consists of approximately 38.0% detached dwellings and 62.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns (currently 85.0% houses), likely due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. Norlane has a low-density population, with around 286 people per approval. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Norlane is projected to grow by approximately 1,762 residents by 2041.

Building activity appears to be keeping pace with growth projections, although buyers may face increased competition as the population expands.

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

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 14 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include the Wathaurong Dreaming Project - North Geelong Hub Redevelopment, Gateway Green Estate, Geelong Growth Area Transport Infrastructure Strategy, and Geelong Hydrogen Hub. 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 conditions in Norlane face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Norlane has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar employment, strongly represented in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 20.6% as of an unspecified date, with estimated employment growth of 1.0% over the past year based on AreaSearch data aggregation.

As of June 2025, 3023 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 16.8%, significantly higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation was lower at 44.7% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area has a strong specialization in transport, postal & warehousing, with an employment share 2.3 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 2.0% compared to the regional average of 7.5%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally based on Census data comparison. Over the 12-month period ending in Sep-22, employment increased by 1.0% while labour force rose by 2.2%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. experienced employment decline of 0.9% and labour force decline of 0.4%. National employment forecasts from Sep-22 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Norlane's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

Norlane's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $44,075. The average income stood at $47,987 during the same period. These figures are lower than those of Rest of Vic., which were $48,741 and $60,693 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimated median income as of September 2025 would be approximately $49,435, while the average is projected to reach $53,822. Census data shows that incomes in Norlane fall between the 1st and 3rd percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income distribution reveals that 32.6% of locals (2,866 people) earn within the $400 - $799 category, contrasting with regional levels where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket is most prevalent at 30.3%. A significant portion of households, 45.0%, earn below $800 weekly, indicating affordability pressures for many residents. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Norlane, with only 78.5% of income remaining, ranking at the 3rd percentile nationally.

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

In Norlane, as per the latest Census evaluation, 84.7% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 15.3% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. In comparison, Non-Metro Vic. had 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Norlane stood at 24.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 19.1% and rented ones at 56.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,200, significantly lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,712 and the national figure of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Norlane was $250, substantially below Non-Metro Vic.'s $335 and the national average of $375.

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

Family households account for 55.2% of all households, including 15.5% couples with children, 17.1% couples without children, and 20.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 44.8%, with lone person households at 39.4% and group households comprising 5.5%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic average of 2.4.

Norlane faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 13.8%, substantially below the Victorian average of 33.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 3.9% and graduate diplomas at 1.4%. Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 36.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 8.7% and certificates at 27.7%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.9% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education. Norlane's four schools have a combined enrollment reaching 153 students while the area demonstrates varied educational conditions (ICSEA: 939). The educational mix includes one primary school and three K-12 schools. Limited local school capacity (1.7 places per 100 residents vs 16.7 regionally) means many families travel to nearby areas for schooling. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

The analysis of public transportation in Norlane shows that there are currently 43 active transport stops operating, all of which service buses. These stops are spread across five different routes, collectively facilitating 1,638 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents typically located just 221 meters from the nearest transport stop.

On average, there are 234 bus trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 38 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Norlane is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Norlane faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. As of approximately 2015-16, only about 46% (~4,038 people) had private health cover, lower than Rest of Vic.'s 52.7%. Nationally, the average was 55.3%.

Mental health issues (14.0%) and asthma (10.0%) were the most common conditions in Norlane, with 56.5% reporting no medical ailments, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 65.9%. The area had 18.2% residents aged 65 and over (1,600 people), higher than Rest of Vic.'s 16.8%. Seniors' health outcomes were broadly similar to the general population's profile.

Norlane was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Norlane's population showed significant cultural diversity, with 29.0% born overseas and 24.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 41.9% of Norlane's population. The 'Other' religious category was overrepresented in Norlane at 2.7%, compared to 1.2% regionally.

In terms of ancestry, Australian (26.1%), English (24.3%), and Other (13.0%) were the top groups, with 'Other' being substantially higher than the regional average of 7.3%. Certain ethnic groups showed notable overrepresentation: Croatian at 2.6% (vs regional 1.5%), Serbian at 1.8% (vs regional 0.5%), and Macedonian at 1.8% (vs regional 0.6%).

Norlane's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Norlane is 36 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 years, and somewhat younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group comprises 18.8% of the population in Norlane, higher than Rest of Vic., while the 65-74 cohort makes up 9.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 17.3% to 18.8%, and the 0 to 4 cohort has grown from 5.6% to 6.8%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 10.4% to 8.7%, and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 12.0% to 10.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Norlane, with the 25 to 34 age group expected to grow by 41% (678 people), reaching 2,332 from 1,653. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 and 55 to 64 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.