North Geelong - Bell Park

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

North Geelong - Bell Park's population, as of Feb 2026, is approximately 16,001. This figure represents an increase of 206 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,795. The change is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 15,716 as of June 2024 and an additional 319 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 729 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the area is forecasted to increase by 3,418 persons based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total gain of 19.6% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in North Geelong - Bell Park according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

North Geelong - Bell Park averaged approximately 68 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 344 homes. As of FY-26, 14 approvals have been recorded. The population has declined recently, suggesting that new supply has kept pace with demand, providing good options for buyers. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $537,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

This financial year has seen $93.9 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to the rest of Victoria, North Geelong - Bell Park records significantly lower building activity, 59.0% below the regional average per person, which generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. New building activity comprises 33.0% standalone homes and 67.0% medium and high-density housing, reflecting a trend towards denser development to cater to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 84.0% houses. The location has approximately 313 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, North Geelong - Bell Park is projected to add 3,132 residents by 2041.

If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

North Geelong - Bell Park has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 41 projects likely to affect the region. Notable initiatives include Northern Geelong Industrial Precinct, 340-344 Melbourne Road Retail Redevelopment, Geelong Hydrogen Hub, and Bell Park / Bell Post Hill Enhanced Early Years and Community Hub. 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.

Employment drivers in North Geelong - Bell Park are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

North Geelong - Bell Park has a skilled workforce with prominent essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 5.8%. As of September 2025, there are 7,715 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 2.1% higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%. According to Census responses, 18.9% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Retail trade is particularly strong with an employment share 1.2 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 1.0%. The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.8. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.6% and employment declined by 0.8%, raising unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to North Geelong - Bell Park's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

The North Geelong - Bell Park SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $55,952 and an average of $67,449 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is comparable to national averages, whereas Rest of Vic.'s median income was $50,954 with an average income of $62,728. By September 2025, current estimates suggest a median income of approximately $60,568 and an average of $73,014, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in North Geelong - Bell Park rank modestly, between the 26th and 27th percentiles. The income band of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 29.9% of the community (4,784 individuals), similar to regional levels where 30.3% fall within this range. After housing expenses, 85.0% of income remains, ranking at the 28th percentile nationally.

North Geelong - Bell Park is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

North Geelong-Bell Park's dwelling structure in its latest Census comprised 83.9% houses and 16.1% 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 North Geelong-Bell Park was 40.8%, similar to Non-Metro Vic., with mortgaged dwellings at 28.7% and rented ones at 30.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,560, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. Median weekly rent was recorded at $340, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, North Geelong-Bell Park's median monthly mortgage repayment is lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and median weekly rent is less than the national figure of $375.

North Geelong - Bell Park features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 65.6% of all households, including 25.4% couples with children, 26.6% couples without children, and 12.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 34.4%, with lone person households at 31.1% and group households comprising 3.4%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

Educational attainment in North Geelong - Bell Park aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 22.4%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 34.9% of residents aged 15 and above holding them - advanced diplomas comprise 10.9% and certificates make up 24.0%. Educational participation is high, with 26.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 8.4% in primary education, 7.0% in secondary education, and 4.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

North Geelong - Bell Park has 93 active public transport stops operating within it. These stops are served by 10 different routes that collectively facilitate 2,152 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 240 meters from the nearest transport stop. The area is primarily residential, and most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 90%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, some 18.9% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 307 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 23 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in North Geelong - Bell Park is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

North Geelong - Bell Park 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.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 53% of the total population (~8,416 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but slightly lower than Rest of Vic.'s 50.5%. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues (9.7%) and arthritis (8.9%), while 64.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Rest of Vic. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 21.6% of residents aged 65 and over (3,454 people), lower than Rest of Vic.'s 23.9%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in North Geelong - Bell Park was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

North Geelong-Bell Park has a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 29.3% of its population born overseas and 28.3% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in North Geelong-Bell Park, comprising 57.4% of the population, compared to 47.3% across the rest of Victoria. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (21.7%), English (21.1%), and Other (10.6%).

Notably, Croatian ancestry is overrepresented at 7.1%, compared to 0.4% regionally, Polish at 1.7% (vs 0.5%), and Serbian at 1.4% (vs 0.2%).

North Geelong - Bell Park's median age exceeds the national pattern

North Geelong - Bell Park's median age is 41 years, which is lower than Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 but exceeds the national average of 38. The 25-34 age group comprises 18.0%, higher than Rest of Vic., while the 55-64 cohort makes up 9.8%. Post-Census data from 2021 shows a decrease in median age by 1.3 years to 41. The 25 to 34 group grew from 14.5% to 18.0%, and the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 11.7% to 13.5%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 group declined from 12.1% to 10.2%, and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 10.4% to 8.9%. Population forecasts for North Geelong - Bell Park in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes. The 25 to 34 cohort is projected to grow by 44%, adding 1,274 residents to reach 4,151. Meanwhile, the 75 to 84 group is expected to decrease by 101 residents.