Colac Surrounds
Statistical Area - sa2

An assessment of population growth drivers in Colac Surrounds reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Colac Surrounds' population, as of November 2025, is approximately 5,909. This figure represents an increase of 240 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 5,669. The ABS estimated resident population in June 2024 was 5,714, with an additional 36 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this growth. This results in a density ratio of 3.1 persons per square kilometer. Colac Surrounds' population grew by 4.2% between the 2021 Census and June 2024, outperforming both the SA3 area (2.0%) and the SA4 region. Natural growth accounted for approximately 76.1% of this increase.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 adjusted using weighted aggregation for areas not covered by the ABS data. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas until 2041. Future population growth is expected to be lower than the national average, with Colac Surrounds projected to increase by 85 persons by 2041, resulting in a reduction of 2.0% over the 17-year period.

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

Colac Surrounds averaged approximately 22 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25112 homes were approved, with an additional 8 approved so far in FY-26. On average, each newly constructed dwelling accommodates about 1.6 new residents per year over these five financial years.

This balance between supply and demand has resulted in stable market conditions for housing. The average construction cost value of new homes being built is around $346,000. In terms of commercial development, $4.1 million in approvals have been recorded this financial year.

Compared to the Rest of Vic., Colac Surrounds has about three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person. Nationally, it ranks among the 52nd percentile of areas assessed for new dwelling approvals. All recent development in the area consists of detached dwellings, maintaining its traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes. Colac Surrounds has approximately 317 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Population projections suggest stability or decline, which should reduce housing demand pressures and benefit potential buyers in the area.

Colac Surrounds has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 0thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects are Lake Colac School, Colac West Primary School Upgrade, Clearwater Colac, and Olive Court Estate. The following list details projects most relevant:.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment performance in Colac Surrounds ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

Colac Surrounds has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation and an unemployment rate of 1.0% as of June 2025. The area employs 3,126 residents with an unemployment rate 2.7% lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation is higher at 64.6%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Major employment sectors are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has a notable concentration with employment levels at 3.4 times the regional average. Health care & social assistance has limited presence at 13.1%, compared to the regional average of 16.8%.

Labour force levels decreased by 1.8% alongside a 1.7% employment decline in Colac Surrounds over the 12 months to June 2025, keeping unemployment relatively stable. In contrast, Rest of Vic. experienced an employment decline of 0.9% and labour force decline of 0.4%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections suggest Colac Surrounds may grow by approximately 5.2%% over five years and 11.7% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Colac Surrounds' median income among taxpayers was $46,397 in financial year 2022. Its average income stood at $55,956 during the same period. Comparing these figures to Rest of Vic., Colac Surrounds had lower incomes with a median of $48,741 and an average of $60,693. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Colac Surrounds would be approximately $52,039 (median) and $62,760 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Colac Surrounds ranked modestly between the 32nd and 35th percentiles. Income brackets indicated that 33.2% of the population (1,961 individuals) fell within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, aligning with the broader area where this cohort likewise represented 30.3%. Housing costs were manageable with 89.2% retained, but disposable income sat below average at the 38th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 5th decile.

Colac Surrounds is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Colac Surrounds, as per the latest Census evaluation, 99.6% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 0.3% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This is compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s figures of 93.2% houses and 6.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Colac Surrounds stood at 48.7%, with mortgaged properties at 38.4% and rented dwellings at 12.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,400, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,300. Median weekly rent in the area was $250, matching Non-Metro Vic.'s figure. Nationally, Colac Surrounds' mortgage repayments were lower at $1,400 compared to Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $250 versus the national figure of $375.

Colac Surrounds has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 72.2% of all households, including 30.1% couples with children, 34.2% couples without children, and 7.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 27.8%, with lone person households at 25.8% and group households comprising 1.8%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.3.

Colac Surrounds shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 18.8%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.4%) and certificates (30.4%). Educational participation is high at 28.8%, comprising 11.1% in primary, 8.3% in secondary, and 2.9% in tertiary education.

Colac Surrounds has five schools with a combined enrollment of 254 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 974) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes four primary and one K-12 school. School capacity is limited at 4.3 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 14.5, leading many families to travel for schooling. Note that schools marked 'n/a' for enrolments should refer to their parent campus.

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

Transport analysis in Colac Surrounds shows 18 operational public transport stops. These include a mix of train and bus services. The area is served by 8 individual routes that collectively facilitate 139 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically residing 4251 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 19 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 7 weekly trips per stop.

Colac Surrounds'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 Colac Surrounds residents with common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% (around 2,836 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 8.9 and 7.8% respectively. Around 68.8% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.0% in Rest of Vic.. Approximately 20.7% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,223 people), lower than the 24.6% in Rest of Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

The latest Census data sees Colac Surrounds placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Colac Surrounds, as per the census conducted on 28 June 2016, had a cultural diversity index below the average. The population was predominantly Australian-born citizens, with 90.4% being citizens, 92.3% born in Australia, and 98.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 50.5% of people, compared to the regional average of 50.0%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.3%), English (31.9%), and Irish (12.1%). Notably, Scottish ancestry was overrepresented at 10.6%, while Dutch was at 1.3% and French at 0.4%, compared to regional averages of 10.0%, 1.6%, and 0.3% respectively.

Colac Surrounds hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Colac Surrounds' median age is 44 years, similar to Rest of Vic.'s 43 and above the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Vic., Colac Surrounds has a higher proportion of residents aged 55-64 (15.0%) but fewer residents aged 85+ (1.3%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 10.2% to 11.6%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 5.3% to 6.6%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort declined from 14.3% to 12.8%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 13.3% to 12.1%. By 2041, Colac Surrounds is expected to see significant shifts in its age composition, with the 25-34 group growing by 27% (159 people) to reach 753 from 593. Meanwhile, the 85+ and 75-84 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.