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

Glenelg's population, as of February 2026, is approximately 9,002, showing an increase of 82 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 0.9% rise from the previous figure of 8,920. The change can be inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 8,832 in June 2024 and the addition of 77 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 1.5 persons per square kilometer. Glenelg's growth rate of 0.9% since the census is comparable to its SA3 area's growth of 1.6%, indicating strong fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver of this growth.

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 employs 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 the years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Glenelg is projected to increase by 482 persons, reflecting a total gain of 3.5% over the 17-year period, consistent with the median growth rate of regional areas nationally.

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 approximately 26 new homes approved annually. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, around 130 homes were approved, with an additional 5 approved so far in FY-26. Despite a population decrease during this period, the development activity has been relatively adequate, benefiting buyers as new homes are built at an average expected construction cost of $306,000.

This financial year, there have also been $9.2 million in commercial approvals, indicating the area's residential character. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Glenelg has 15.0% less new development per person and ranks among the 36th percentile nationally for areas assessed, offering more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. This level is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and suggesting possible planning constraints. All new construction in Glenelg has been standalone homes, maintaining its traditional low density character and appealing to those seeking space, particularly families.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 468 people. Population forecasts indicate Glenelg will gain approximately 312 residents by 2041. 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones include Kentbruck Green Power Hub, Budj Bim Cultural Landscape Infrastructure, 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.

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.

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

Glenelg's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 2.3% as of September 2025. In this month, 4,285 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate 1.4% lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation in Glenelg was somewhat below the state average at 58.5%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%. According to Census responses, 18.3% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Employment is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Notably, employment in agriculture, forestry & fishing is 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 local employment opportunities, with only 47.8% of residents working within Glenelg. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 3.2%, and employment declined by 3.4%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Vic., where employment fell by 0.7% and labour force contracted by 0.6%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, suggest Glenelg's employment should increase by 5.3% over five years and 11.8% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolations of industry-specific projections against Glenelg's current employment mix.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows Glenelg SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $46,476 and an average level of $57,149. These figures are lower than the national average, with Rest of Vic. having levels of $50,954 and $62,728 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Glenelg would be approximately $50,310 (median) and $61,864 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Glenelg fall between the 15th and 19th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals 28.0% of Glenelg's population, equating to 2,520 individuals, fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, mirroring the region where 30.3% occupy this bracket. Housing costs are modest with 91.8% of income retained, yet 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

The dwelling structure in Glenelg, 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 90.1% houses and 9.9% 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, below Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent figure in Glenelg was $180, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Glenelg's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 33.3%, with lone person households at 30.9% and group households making up 2.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

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 such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (9.7%) and certificates (31.4%). A total of 24.8% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising 9.3% in primary, 8.1% in secondary, and 1.9% in tertiary education.

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

Glenelg has 14 active public transport stops. These are served by three routes offering a total of 42 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is limited with residents typically living 4054 meters from the nearest stop. Glenelg, being primarily residential, sees most commuters traveling outwards. Cars remain the dominant mode at 91%, with 7% walking. Each dwelling averages 1.9 vehicles, exceeding the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 18.3% of residents work from home. Service frequency averages six trips daily across all routes, resulting in approximately three 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 as assessed by AreaSearch. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 48% of the total population (~4,284 people), compared to 50.5% in Rest of Vic., and 55.7% nationally.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (12.0%) and mental health issues (8.1%). 63.3% of residents report no medical ailments, similar to the 63.4% in Rest of Vic. Working-age population health challenges include elevated chronic condition rates. Glenelg has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 27.9%, compared to 23.9% in Rest of 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, surveyed in 2016, had a cultural diversity index below the average. Its population comprised 89.8% citizens, 91.3% born in Australia, and 97.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, with 48.5%, compared to 47.3% in Rest of Vic..

Ancestry-wise, Australians made up 33.3%, English 32.9%, and Scottish 9.7%. Notably, Maltese were overrepresented at 0.6% (regional: 0.5%), Dutch at 1.5% (regional: 1.7%), and Irish at 9.3% (regional: 9.7%).

Glenelg ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Glenelg's median age is 50, which exceeds the Rest of Vic.'s figure of 43 and is well above the national average of 38. The 65-74 age group has a strong representation in Glenelg at 16.1%, compared to Rest of Vic., while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 9.0%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national figure of 9.5%. Following the Census conducted on 28 August 2021, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 9.6% to 11.1%, and 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.