Norlane
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Norlane are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Norlane's population as of Aug 2025 is approximately 9,006, a decrease of 45 people from the 2021 Census figure of 9,051. This change was inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 8,969 in June 2024 and validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is around 1,394 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 82.7% of recent population gains. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered, VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 are used, adjusted employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on these projections, the area is forecast to have a significant population increase in non-metropolitan areas nationally, with an expected rise of 2,053 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 22.1% over the 17 years.

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

Norlane has received approximately 51 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 255 homes. As of FY-26, 25 approvals have been recorded. The average construction cost value for new homes is $262,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options. In FY-26, $900,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating Norlane's residential nature.

Compared to the Rest of Vic., Norlane has roughly half the building activity per person and ranks among the 36th percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice for new homes. New building activity consists of 39.0% detached dwellings and 61.0% medium and high-density housing, offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shift reflects the reduced availability of development sites and addresses changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. Currently, Norlane has approximately 492 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established area. Population forecasts project Norlane to gain 1,986 residents by 2041.

Construction is maintaining pace with projected growth, but buyers may face increasing competition as population grows.

Norlane has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects expected to impact the region. Notable initiatives include Wathaurong Dreaming Project - North Geelong Hub Redevelopment, Gateway Green Estate, Geelong Growth Area Transport Infrastructure Strategy, and Norlane ARC. The following details those likely most relevant.

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

Employment conditions in Norlane face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Norlane's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominent. The unemployment rate was 20.3% in the past year, showing an employment growth of 1.1%.

As of June 2025, 3,194 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 16.5%, 12.7 percentage points higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation is lower at 45.3% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Transport, postal & warehousing shows strong specialization with an employment share of 2.3 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 2.0% compared to 7.5% regionally. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. In the 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 1.1%, while labour force increased by 2.3%, raising unemployment by 0.9 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of Vic. saw employment decline by 0.9% and labour force decline by 0.4%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data to Sep-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, adding 39,880 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Norlane's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.0%% over five years and 12.9% over ten years.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2022 shows median income in Norlane was $44,607 and average income was $48,499. In comparison, Rest of Vic.'s figures were median $48,741 and average $60,693. By March 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $49,117 (median) and $53,402 (average), based on a 10.11% increase since financial year ending June 2022. Census 2021 data reveals that Norlane's household, family, and personal incomes all fall between the 2nd and 4th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 32.0% of individuals earn $400-$799 weekly (2,881 people), unlike regional trends where 30.3% earn $1,500-$2,999 weekly. The concentration of 44.1% in sub-$800 brackets indicates significant economic challenges. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 78.8% of income remaining after expenses, ranking at the 3rd percentile nationally.

Norlane is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Norlane's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 84.3% houses and 15.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Norlane was recorded at 24.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 19.6% and rented dwellings at 56.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,200, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,712. The median weekly rent figure for Norlane was $254, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $335. Nationally, Norlane's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 54.7% of all households, including 15.3% couples with children, 17.6% couples without children, and 19.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 45.3%, with lone person households at 39.7% and group households comprising 5.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 14.2%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 36.6% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (8.9%) and certificates (27.7%). Educational participation is high at 30.2%, comprising primary education (9.8%), secondary education (7.8%), and tertiary education (3.4%).

Norlane's four schools have a combined enrollment of 153 students, with one primary school and three K-12 schools. School capacity is limited locally, with only 1.7 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 16.7, leading many families to travel for schooling. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Analysis of public transport in Norlane shows 49 active transport stops operating within the area. These consist of a mix of train and bus services. Nine individual routes service these stops, collectively providing 2,976 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 220 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 425 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 60 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Norlane is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Norlane faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low at approximately 46%, covering about 4,133 people, compared to Victoria's average of 52.7% and the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and asthma are most prevalent, impacting 14.0% and 10.1% respectively.

About 56.5% of residents report no medical ailments, lower than Rest of Vic.'s 65.9%. Norlane has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 18.1%, or about 1,633 people, compared to Victoria's average of 16.8%. Health outcomes among seniors largely align with the general population's health profile.

Norlane was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Norlane's population showed high cultural diversity, with 28.7% born overseas and 24.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity dominated religiously, accounting for 41.8%. Notably, the 'Other' religion category was higher in Norlane (2.6%) compared to Rest of Vic (1.2%).

Regarding ancestry, Australian (26.0%), English (24.5%), and Other (12.6%) were the top groups, with 'Other' significantly higher than the regional average of 7.3%. Some ethnic groups had notable representation: Croatian (2.6% vs regional 1.5%), Serbian (1.7% vs 0.5%), and Macedonian (1.7% vs 0.6%).

Norlane's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Norlane is 37 years, which is lower than the Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 years and close to the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that 18.6% of the population is between 25-34 years old, while only 9.5% are aged 65-74. Between 2021 and the present, the proportion of 25 to 34 year-olds has increased from 17.1% to 18.6%, and the 0 to 4 cohort has risen from 5.4% to 6.7%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 12.2% to 10.5%, and the 5 to 14 group has dropped from 10.4% to 8.8%. Looking forward to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Norlane's age structure. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to increase by 735 people (44%), reaching a total of 2,409 from the current figure of 1,673. Meanwhile, both the 15 to 24 and 55 to 64 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.