Geelong

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

Geelong's population, as of Feb 2026, is approximately 13,750. This figure represents an increase of 246 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 13,504. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,736 in June 2024 and an additional 96 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,072 persons per square kilometer, which aligns with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 92.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted employing weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on demographic trends and latest annual ERP population numbers, a significant increase of 4,012 persons is forecasted by 2041, reflecting a gain of 29.1% in total over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Geelong among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Geelong has received approximately 120 dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 600 homes were approved, with another seven approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 0.5 people per year have moved to the area for each dwelling built during these years.

This suggests that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more buyer choices and supporting potential population growth beyond projections. The average construction cost of new properties is around $426,000, indicating developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, there have been approximately $721.9 million in commercial approvals, reflecting strong local business investment. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Geelong has 17.0% less new development per person but ranks among the 91st percentile nationally when considering building activity, which has accelerated recently. New developments consist of 13.0% standalone homes and 87.0% medium to high-density housing.

This shift towards denser development offers accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and first-time buyers. It also reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles that require more diverse and affordable housing options. Geelong has approximately 99 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Geelong is projected to grow by 3,998 residents by 2041. Building activity appears to be keeping pace with these growth projections, although increased competition among buyers can be expected as the population grows.

Geelong has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 44thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 47 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre Precinct, Barwon Women's and Children's Hospital, Cunningham Place, and Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre. The following list details those projects most relevant to the area.

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.

Geelong shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Geelong has an educated workforce with essential services sectors well-represented. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 5.0%. In September 2025, 7,825 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.2% higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is at 68.3%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%.

According to Census responses, 23.7% of residents work from home. The dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Health care & social assistance employs 1.3 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs 0.7% of local workers, lower than Rest of Vic.'s 7.5%.

There are 2.7 workers per resident, indicating Geelong functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.5%, employment also decreased by 0.5%, leaving unemployment broadly flat. In contrast, Rest of Vic.'s employment contracted by 0.7%, the labour force fell by 0.6%, and unemployment rose marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Geelong's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localised population projections.

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 2023 shows Geelong SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $56,389 and an average of $78,321. Nationally, the median was $50,954 with an average of $62,728. By September 2025, adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 8.25%, estimated median income would be $61,041 and average $84,782. Census 2021 data ranks personal income at the 57th percentile ($843 weekly) and household income at the 37th percentile. The $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominates with 29.5% of residents (4,056 people). Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 39th percentile. Geelong SA2's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Geelong displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Geelong, as per the latest Census evaluation, 67.1% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 32.9% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. This contrasts with Non-Metro Vic., where 90.1% of dwellings were houses, and 9.9% were other dwelling types. Geelong's home ownership rate was 31.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.3% and rented dwellings at 41.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Geelong was $1,703, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Geelong was $340, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Geelong's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than 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 56.1% of all households, consisting of 20.0% couples with children, 26.2% couples without children, and 8.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 43.9%, with lone person households at 37.2% and group households comprising 6.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic average of 2.4.

The educational profile of Geelong exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Geelong's educational attainment is notably higher than broader benchmarks. As of the latest data, 37.0% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 21.7% in the rest of Victoria and 27.3% in the SA3 area. The most common university qualification is a Bachelor degree (23.7%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.9%) and graduate diplomas (4.4%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 31.2% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.3%) and certificates (19.9%). Educational participation is high in the area, with 28.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.0% pursuing tertiary education, 7.1% in primary education, and 5.1% engaged in secondary education.

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

Geelong has 124 active public transport stops operating, consisting of train services. These are covered by 48 individual routes, collectively offering 10,057 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 178 meters from the nearest stop. Most commuters travel outward due to Geelong's residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode at 78%, followed by walking at 12% and cycling at 2%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, some 23.7% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 1,436 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 81 weekly trips per stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Health performance in Geelong is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Geelong faces significant health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notably high across both younger and older age cohorts.

Approximately 58% (~7,974 people) have private health cover, compared to 50.5% in the rest of Victoria. Mental health issues impact 10.6% of residents, while asthma affects 8.6%. Conversely, 66.3% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across the rest of Victoria. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 16.7% (2,297 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than the 23.9% in the rest of Victoria. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Geelong 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's cultural diversity aligns with its broader region, as seen in the population figures: 85.6% are citizens, 81.0% were born in Australia, and 87.3% speak English exclusively at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Geelong, practiced by 45.0% of the population. Notably, Judaism is slightly overrepresented in Geelong compared to the rest of Victoria, with 0.2% versus 0.1%.

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups are English (27.7%), Australian (24.5%), and Irish (11.4%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences: Dutch representation is higher at 1.8% compared to the regional average of 1.7%, Croatian is notably overrepresented at 0.9% versus 0.4%, and Scottish representation stands at 9.0% versus 8.8%.

Geelong's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Geelong's median age is 38, which is lower than the Rest of Vic.'s figure of 43 but equivalent to Australia's national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 22.1% of Geelong's population, higher than Rest of Vic., while the 5-14 cohort comprises 7.0%. This concentration of residents aged 25-34 is significantly above the national average of 14.4%. According to the 2021 Census, younger residents have lowered the median age by 1.7 years to 38. Specifically, the 25-34 age group has grown from 17.6% to 22.1%, and the 35-44 cohort has increased from 12.2% to 13.8%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 12.2% to 10.1%, and the 55-64 group has dropped from 13.7% to 11.7%. By 2041, Geelong's age composition is projected to shift notably. The 25-34 cohort is expected to grow by 55%, adding 1,676 residents to reach 4,710. Meanwhile, the 55-64 group shows more modest growth of 1%, with an increase of just 14 residents.