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 was approximately 8,777 as of May 2026. This figure reflected a decrease of 143 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,920. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,775 in June 2025 and an additional 92 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a population density ratio of 1.4 persons per square kilometer. Glenelg's population decline of -1.6% since the census was similar to that of its SA3 area at -1.0%. Overseas migration primarily drove population growth during recent periods.

AreaSearch used 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 utilized the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting them using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group were applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Population projections indicated a slight increase below Australia's non-metropolitan median, with Glenelg expected to grow by 459 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 5.2% over 16 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 received approximately 26 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 130 homes. As of FY-26, seven approvals have been recorded. Despite a population decline during this period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice. The average construction value for new homes is $306,000.

This financial year, Glenelg has seen $9.2 million in commercial approvals, indicating its primarily residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Glenelg shows 15.0% lower construction activity per person and ranks at the 36th percentile nationally, offering more limited buyer choices and supporting demand for existing homes. This lower-than-average national activity reflects the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. All new construction in Glenelg has consisted of standalone homes, preserving its traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 468 people. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Glenelg is projected to gain 455 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 30thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects that could affect this region. Notable initiatives 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 pertinent.

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

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AreaSearch assessment positions Glenelg ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Glenelg has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate in December 2025 was 2.3%. At this time, 4,200 residents were employed, which is below the regional average of 61.0% participation rate.

This is 1.4% lower than Regional Vic.'s unemployment rate of 3.7%. A moderate 18.3% of residents work from home, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Key industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has particularly high representation, at 3.5 times the regional average.

Conversely, education & training shows lower representation at 5.5% compared to Regional Vic.'s 9.1%. Over the year to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 6.6%, with employment decreasing by 6.8%, resulting in a rise of 0.2 percentage points in unemployment rate. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Glenelg's employment should increase by 5.3% over five years and 11.8% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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

Glenelg SA2's median income among taxpayers was $46,476 in financial year 2023, below the national average. Its average income stood at $57,149 during this period, compared to Regional Vic.'s figures of $50,954 and $62,728 respectively. By March 2026, current estimates project Glenelg's median income to be approximately $50,947 and average income $62,647, based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 9.62% since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Glenelg fall between the 15th and 19th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The largest income segment comprises 28.0% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (2,457 residents), mirroring regional levels where 30.3% occupy this bracket. Housing costs are modest in Glenelg, with 91.8% of income retained, but 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

Glenelg's dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 96.9% houses and 3.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional 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, lower than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in Glenelg was $180, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Glenelg's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,073 versus Australia's 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 make up the remaining 33.3%, consisting of 30.9% lone person households and 2.3% group households. The median household size is 2.2 people, which 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's university qualification rate is 13.9%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. This discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 9.6%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.2%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.1%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 41.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (9.7%) and certificates (31.4%).

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

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

The analysis indicates 14 active public transport stops in Glenelg. These are served by three distinct routes, offering a total of 42 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is deemed limited, with residents typically residing 4054 meters from the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most Glenelg residents commute outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 91%, while 7% walk. On average, there are 1.9 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 18.3% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages six trips daily across all routes, translating to roughly three weekly trips per 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 through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~4,177 people), compared to 50.5% in Regional Vic., and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (12.0%) and mental health issues (8.1%). 63.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 63.4% across Regional Vic.. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. Glenelg has a higher proportion of seniors at 28.9%, with 2,537 people aged 65 and over compared to 23.9% in Regional Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

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, as per the 2016 Census, had a cultural diversity index of below average. Its population was predominantly Australian-born citizens with English spoken at home: 89.8%, 91.3%, and 97.6% respectively. Christianity was the main religion, practiced by 48.5% compared to 47.3% regionally.

Ancestry-wise, Australians (33.3%), English (32.9%), and Scottish (9.7%) were the top groups. Notably, Maltese (0.6% vs 0.5%), Dutch (1.5% vs 1.7%), and Irish (9.3% vs 9.7%) had differing representations compared to regional averages.

Glenelg ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Glenelg has a median age of 50, which is higher than Regional Vic.'s figure of 43 and well above the national average of 38. The 65-74 age group makes up 16.8% of Glenelg's population, compared to Regional Vic., while the 25-34 cohort comprises 8.3%. This 65-74 concentration is higher than the national figure of 9.4%. Post the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group grew from 8.6% to 9.8%, and the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 8.2% to 9.4%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 13.3% to 11.5%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 17.7% to 15.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Glenelg's age profile will change significantly. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow by 206 people (25%), from 824 to 1,031. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 65 to 74 and 15 to 24 cohorts.