Glenelg (Vic.)
Statistical Area - sa2

Glenelg is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Glenelg's population was 8,920 people according to the 2021 Census. As of August 2025, the population is around 8,952, reflecting an increase of 32 people (0.4%). This growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,867 in June 2024 and an additional 75 validated new addresses since the Census date. Glenelg's population density is 1.5 persons per square kilometer. The area's 0.4% population growth since the Census positions it close to the SA3 area's 0.7%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver of recent population gains in Glenelg.

AreaSearch uses 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 VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Glenelg's population is projected to increase by 482 persons, reflecting a total increase of 4.0% over the 17-year period. This projection aligns with an increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Glenelg, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Glenelg has received approximately 18 dwelling approvals annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics provides this data on a financial year basis, totaling 94 approvals over the past five years from FY20 to FY25, with 3 approvals recorded so far in FY26. Despite population decline, new supply has likely kept pace with demand, offering buyers good choices, while new dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost of $367,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options. This financial year, $9.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

Compared to Rest of Vic., Glenelg records 16.0% less building activity per person and ranks among the 36th percentile nationally, offering limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. This activity is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached dwellings, maintaining Glenelg's traditional low density character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 468 people.

Looking ahead, Glenelg is expected to grow by 362 residents through to 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Glenelg has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 31stth percentile nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 17 such projects likely to impact the area. Notable ones include Budj Bim Cultural Landscape Infrastructure, Kentbruck Green Power Hub, Tyrendarra Town Area Restructure Plan, and Settlers Rd, Tyrendarra - Roads to Recovery Project. The following list details those most relevant.

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

AreaSearch analysis places Glenelg well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Glenelg in Victoria has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, diverse sector representation, and an unemployment rate of 1.7% as of June 2025. There are 4,373 residents employed, with the unemployment rate being 2.1 percentage points lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

The workforce participation rate is similar to Rest of Vic.'s at 57.4%. Key industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Agriculture, forestry & fishing stands out with employment levels being 3.5 times the regional average. Conversely, education & training has lower representation at 5.5% compared to the regional average of 9.1%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. In the year to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.8%, and employment fell by 1.4%, leading to a 0.4 percentage point drop in unemployment rate compared to Rest of Vic.'s 0.4 percentage point rise. Statewide, Victoria's employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year adding 39,880 jobs with an unemployment rate of 4.7% as of Sep-25. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth patterns differ significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Glenelg's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.3% over five years and 11.8% over ten years.

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

Glenelg's median income among taxpayers was $46,673 in financial year 2022 according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. The average income stood at $58,305 during the same period. This compares to Rest of Vic.'s median and average incomes of $48,741 and $60,693 respectively. As of March 2025, current estimates project Glenelg's median income to be approximately $51,392 and average income at $64,200, factoring in a 10.11% growth since financial year 2022 based on Wage Price Index data. The 2021 Census indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Glenelg fall between the 16th and 20th percentiles nationally. The largest segment of residents, comprising 28.0% or 2,506 individuals, earns between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, mirroring regional levels where 30.3% fall into this bracket. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 91.8% income retention, Glenelg's total disposable income ranks at the 24th percentile nationally.

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

Glenelg's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.9% houses and 3.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s 93.1% houses and 6.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Glenelg stood at 55.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.4% and rented ones at 12.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,073, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,083. Median weekly rent in Glenelg was $180, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $220. Nationally, Glenelg's median monthly mortgage repayment was significantly lower at $1,073 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and median weekly rent was substantially below the national figure of $375.

Glenelg features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 66.7% of all households, including 23.3% couples with children, 35.2% couples without children, and 7.3% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 33.3%, with lone person households at 30.9% and group households making up 2.3%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of Vic.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 13.9%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.6%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.2%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 9.7% and certificates at 31.4%. A total of 24.8% of the population is engaged in formal education, including 9.3% in primary, 8.1% in secondary, and 1.9% in tertiary education.

Glenelg has a network of 9 schools serving approximately 572 students, with an ICSEA score of 961, indicating balanced educational opportunities. The area has 7 primary and 2 secondary schools catering to distinct age groups. However, school capacity is limited at 6.4 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 14.1, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

Glenelg has 18 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 9 different routes that together offer 61 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is limited, with residents on average located 4054 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 8 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 3 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Glenelg faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 49%, or about 4,377 people, which is lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most common conditions are arthritis (12.0%) and mental health issues (8.1%). Around 63.3% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 62.4% in the rest of Victoria. Glenelg has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 27.8%, or 2,488 people, compared to 26.3% in the rest of Victoria. Health outcomes among seniors are above average and better than those of the general population.

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

Glenelg's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 89.8% of its population being citizens and 91.3% born in Australia. English was spoken as the only language at home by 97.6%. Christianity was the predominant religion, making up 48.5%, compared to 50.5% across Rest of Vic..

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.3%), English (32.9%), and Scottish (9.7%). Notably, Dutch ethnicity was overrepresented at 1.5% in Glenelg versus 1.4% regionally, Maltese at 0.6% compared to 0.4%, and Irish at 9.3% compared to 8.9%.

Glenelg ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Glenelg has a median age of 50, which is higher than Rest of Vic.'s figure of 43 and well above Australia's national average of 38. The percentage of residents aged 65-74 is notably high at 16.2%, compared to Rest of Vic., while the 25-34 age group is less prevalent at 8.6%. This concentration of those aged 65-74 is significantly higher than the national average of 9.4%. According to the 2021 Census, Glenelg's population has shifted since the previous census, with the 15-24 age group growing from 8.6% to 9.9%, and the 35-44 cohort increasing from 9.6% to 10.8%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group declined from 17.7% to 16.1%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 13.3% to 11.8%. Demographic projections indicate significant changes in Glenelg's age profile by 2041. The 25-34 age cohort is expected to grow strongly, increasing by 204 people (27%) from 765 to 970. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 65-74 and 15-24 age groups.