Norlane

Population growth drivers in Norlane are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

The population of the Norlane statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 8,910 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 228 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,682 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 8,690 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 235 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,771 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 83.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving forward, a significant population increase in the top quartile of locations outside of capital cities is forecast, with the area expected to grow by 1,977 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 18.5% 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

Between FY18-FY23, Norlane saw approximately 53 new home approvals annually, totalling around 269 homes. As of FY26, there have been 31 approvals recorded. Despite population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a balanced market with good buyer choice and an average dwelling value of $316,000. This year, Norlane has registered $880,000 in commercial approvals.

Compared to Rest of Vic., Norlane shows around 58% of the construction activity per person and ranks at the 45th percentile nationally, indicating more limited buyer choices and supporting demand for existing dwellings. New development consists of 40.0% detached dwellings and 60.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from the current housing pattern of 85.0% houses. This trend suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and affordability needs. Norlane has around 373 people per approval, indicating a mature market. By 2041, Norlane is expected to grow by 1,645 residents, with building activity keeping pace with growth projections despite potential heightened competition as the population increases.

Looking ahead, Norlane is expected to grow by 1,645 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 14 projects that could impact the area. Notable ones include 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 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's workforce spans white and blue collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominent. The unemployment rate was 19.9% in an unspecified past year.

As of September 2025, 2,953 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 16.2% higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation stands at 44.7%, significantly lower than Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Transport, postal & warehousing shows notable concentration with employment levels at 2.3 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 2.0% versus the regional average of 7.5%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census working population compared to resident population. Over a 12-month period ending unspecified, labour force decreased by 0.9%, employment declined by 0.3%, and unemployment rate fell by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. saw employment contraction of 0.7%, labour force fall of 0.6%, and marginal unemployment rise. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national growth of 6.6% 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 weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released in financial year 2023, the suburb of Norlane had a median income among taxpayers of $44,104 with an average level standing at $47,996. This is lower than national averages and compares to levels of $50,954 and $62,728 across Rest of Vic. respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $47,743 (median) and $51,956 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household incomes in Norlane fall between the 1st and 3rd percentiles nationally, with family incomes also within this range. Personal incomes follow a similar pattern. The income bracket of $400 - 799 dominates Norlane with 32.6% of residents (2,904 people), unlike regional trends where 30.3% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Economic circumstances indicate widespread financial pressure, with 45.0% of households operating on weekly budgets below $800. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 78.5% of income remaining after housing costs, 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. This is comparable to Non-Metro Vic., which 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, below Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,712. The median weekly rent in Norlane was $250, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $335. Nationally, Norlane's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for 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's university qualification rate is 13.8%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 36.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.7%) and certificates (27.7%). Educational participation is high at 30.5%, with 9.9% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.9% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Norlane indicates the operation of 43 active transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by five distinct routes, collectively facilitating 1,029 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents on average located 221 meters from their nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 147 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 23 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, as indicated by various health conditions affecting both younger and older residents. The area has a low private health cover rate of approximately 46%, covering around 4,091 people, compared to 53.3% across the rest of Victoria (Vic.) and 55.7% nationally. The most prevalent medical conditions in Norlane are mental health issues, affecting 14.0% of residents, followed by asthma at 10.0%.

Conversely, 56.5% of residents reported having no medical ailments, compared to 65.9% across the rest of Vic. As of 2021, Norlane has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, with 18.2%, or approximately 1,621 people, compared to 16.8% in the rest of Vic. Health outcomes among seniors in Norlane generally align with those of the broader population.

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

Norlane's population shows higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 29.0% born overseas and 24.9% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Norlane, comprising 41.9%. The 'Other' religion category is overrepresented in Norlane at 2.7%, compared to 1.2% regionally.

Regarding ancestry, Australian (26.1%), English (24.3%) and Other (13.0%) are the top groups in Norlane, with Other being substantially higher than the regional average of 7.3%. Some ethnic groups show notable differences: 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 below Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 years. This figure is also somewhat younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group comprises 18.7% of Norlane's population, higher than Rest of Vic.'s percentage. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort makes up 9.5%, which is less prevalent compared to Rest of Vic. According to data from the post-2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 17.3% to 18.7%. The 0 to 4 cohort has increased from 5.6% to 6.8%, while the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 10.4% to 8.7%. Additionally, the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 12.0% to 10.3%. Population forecasts for Norlane indicate substantial demographic changes by 2041. The 25 to 34 age group is expected to grow by 40%, increasing from 1,666 people to 2,332. Conversely, the 15 to 24 and 55 to 64 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.