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 was approximately 15,881 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 86 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 15,795. The change is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 15,764 in June 2024 and an additional 311 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 724 persons per square kilometer, similar to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 uses VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation methods from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering projected demographic shifts, the area is expected to experience above median population growth for Australian non-metropolitan areas, expanding by 3,418 persons to 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 20.5% over the 17 years.

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 has averaged approximately 68 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, with a total of 344 homes approved during this period. Additionally, 14 dwellings have been approved so far in FY26. The population has declined recently, suggesting that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, providing good options for buyers.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $537,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In this financial year, commercial development approvals have totalled $93.9 million, reflecting robust local business investment. Compared to the rest of Victoria, North Geelong-Bell Park shows significantly reduced construction activity, at 59.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. Recent construction comprises 33.0% detached houses and 67.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns, which are currently 84.0% houses. This change may be due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences, as well as housing affordability needs.

North Geelong-Bell Park reflects a low density area, with approximately 313 people per approval. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the area is projected to add 3,252 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases.

North Geelong - Bell Park has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 41 projects that could affect the area. Notable ones 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.

AreaSearch assessment indicates North Geelong - Bell Park faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

North Geelong - Bell Park has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of 5.8% as of September 2025. The area has 7,715 residents in work 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 57.4%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area has a particular employment specialization in retail trade with an employment share of 1.2 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with 1.0% employment compared to 7.5% regionally.

As at the Census, there is a ratio of 0.8 workers for each resident, indicating local employment opportunities above the norm. In the 12-month period ending September 2025, labour force decreased by 0.6% while employment declined by 0.8%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. This compares to Rest of Vic., where employment fell by 0.7%, labour force contracted by 0.6%, and unemployment rose marginally. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 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, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows North Geelong - Bell Park SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $52,679 and an average of $64,509. These figures align with national averages. Rest of Vic., however, had a lower median income of $48,741 and an average of $60,693. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $59,085 (median) and $72,353 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in North Geelong - Bell Park rank modestly, between the 26th and 27th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 29.9% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, reflecting regional patterns where 30.3% fall into this earnings band. 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

In North Geelong - Bell Park, as per the latest Census evaluation, 83.9% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 16.1% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This is compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s figures of 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in North Geelong - Bell Park stood at 40.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.7% and rented ones at 30.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,560, below Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,712. The median weekly rent figure was $340, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $335. Nationally, North Geelong - Bell Park's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were 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 account for 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 constitute 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+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (24.0%). Educational participation is high, with 26.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 8.4% in primary, 7.0% in secondary, and 4.3% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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 good 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, served by a mix of train and bus routes. These stops are serviced by 19 individual routes, providing a total of 3,499 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 240 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 499 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 37 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in North Geelong - Bell Park is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

North Geelong - Bell Park faces significant health challenges, as indicated by data showing high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups.

The area has approximately 52% (8,242 people) of its population with private health cover, slightly higher than the average SA2 area. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 9.7% and 8.9% of residents respectively. Conversely, 64.5% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 65.9% in Rest of Vic. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 22.2% (3,527 people), compared to the 16.8% in Rest of Vic. Health outcomes among seniors present similar challenges to those seen in 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's population is more culturally diverse than most local areas, with 29.3% born overseas and 28.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in North Geelong-Bell Park, accounting for 57.4%, compared to 47.4% across Rest of Vic. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (21.7%), English (21.1%), and Other (10.6%).

Notably, Croatian (7.1%) is overrepresented in North Geelong-Bell Park compared to the regional average of 1.5%. Similarly, Polish (1.7%) and Serbian (1.4%) are also overrepresented compared to their respective regional averages of 0.8% and 0.5%.

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 years. The 25-34 age group comprises 17.1%, compared to Rest of Vic., while the 55-64 cohort makes up 10.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows a decrease in median age by 1 year to 41, with notable shifts including growth of the 25-34 age group from 14.5% to 17.1%, and increase of the 35-44 cohort from 11.7% to 13.0%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort declined from 12.1% to 10.5%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 10.4% to 9.1%. Population forecasts for North Geelong - Bell Park in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes, with the 25-34 cohort projected to grow by 53%, adding 1,435 residents to reach 4,151, while the 75-84 group is expected to decrease by 125 residents.