Glenelg (Vic.)

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Glenelg's population is around 9,002 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 82 people (0.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,920 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,832 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 77 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1.5 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Glenelg's 0.9% growth since the census positions it within 0.7 percentage points of the SA3 area (1.6%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which was essentially the sole driver of 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 utilizing 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. Regarding demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of regional areas nationally is expected, with the area expected to expand by 482 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 3.5% in total over the 17 years.

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 seen around 26 new homes approved annually, with 130 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 5 so far in FY-26. Given population has fallen over the past period, development activity has been adequate in relative terms, which is a positive for buyers, while new homes are being built at an average value of $306,000. There have also been $9.2 million in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting the area's residential character.

Relative to the Rest of Vic., Glenelg has 15.0% less new development (per person) and places in the 36th percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. This level is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. Meanwhile, new construction has been completely comprised of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 468 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Glenelg will gain 312 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Glenelg has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 28thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 17 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Kentbruck Green Power Hub, Budj Bim Cultural Landscape Infrastructure, Tyrendarra Town Area Restructure Plan, and Settlers Rd, Tyrendarra - Roads to Recovery Project, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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

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The employment environment in Glenelg shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Glenelg features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation, and an unemployment rate of just 2.3%. As of December 2025, 4,200 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.4% below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (57.3% compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 18.3% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with employment levels at 3.5 times the regional average. Conversely, education & training shows lower representation at 5.5% versus the regional average of 9.1%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 6.6% while employment declined by 6.8%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.2 percentage points. This compares to Regional Vic., where employment fell by 0.6%, labour force contracted by 0.7%, and unemployment fell 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Glenelg. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Glenelg's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.3% over five years and 11.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Glenelg SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $46,476 with the average level standing at $57,149. This is lower than average on a national basis and compares to levels of $50,954 and $62,728 across Regional Vic. respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $50,310 (median) and $61,864 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Glenelg all fall between the 15th and 19th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals 28.0% of the population (2,520 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring the region where 30.3% occupy this bracket. While housing costs are modest with 91.8% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 24th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure within Glenelg, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 96.9% houses and 3.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Glenelg was well beyond that of Regional Vic., at 55.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (31.4%) or rented (12.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Vic. average at $1,073, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $180, compared to Regional Vic.'s $1,430 and $285. Nationally, Glenelg's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 66.7% of all households, comprising 23.3% couples with children, 35.2% couples without children, and 7.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 33.3%, with lone person households at 30.9% and group households comprising 2.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

Glenelg 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 (13.9%) substantially below the VIC average of 33.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 9.6%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.2%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.1%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.7%) and certificates (31.4%).

A substantial 24.8% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 9.3% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 1.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 14 active transport stops operating within Glenelg. These stops are serviced by 3 individual routes, collectively providing 42 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 4054 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 91%, with 7% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 18.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 6 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 3 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Glenelg is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Glenelg faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~4,284 people). This compares to 50.5% across Regional Vic. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 12.0 and 8.1% of residents, respectively, while 63.3% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 27.9% of residents aged 65 and over (2,512 people), which is higher than the 23.9% in Regional Vic. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 89.8% of its population being citizens, 91.3% born in Australia, and 97.6% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Glenelg is Christianity, which makes up 48.5% of people in Glenelg, compared to 47.3% across Regional Vic..

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Glenelg are Australian, comprising 33.3% of the population, English, comprising 32.9% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 9.7% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maltese is notably overrepresented at 0.6% of Glenelg (vs 0.5% regionally), Dutch at 1.5% (vs 1.7%) and Irish at 9.3% (vs 9.7%).

Glenelg ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

With a median age of 50, Glenelg notably exceeds the Regional Vic. figure of 43 and is well above the 38-year national average. The 65 - 74 age group shows strong representation at 16.1% compared to Regional Vic., whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less prevalent at 9.0%. This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. Following the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 9.6% to 11.1% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 8.6% to 9.9%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 17.7% to 15.6% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 13.3% to 11.3%. Demographic modeling suggests Glenelg's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to experience strong growth, expanding by 184 people (23%) from 811 to 996. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 65 to 74 and 15 to 24 cohorts.