North Geelong - Bell Park
Statistical Area - sa2

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 the 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. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted 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 VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group were applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Based on these projections, an above median population growth is expected in Australian non-metropolitan areas like North Geelong - Bell Park, with a projected increase of 3,418 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 20.5% 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 recent years. Between FY-21 and FY-25, a total of 344 homes were approved, with an additional 9 approved in FY-26 to date. The population has been declining recently, suggesting that the new supply has likely kept pace with demand, providing ample choices for buyers.

The average construction value of new properties is $537,000, indicating a focus on premium developments by developers. This year alone, $93.9 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting robust local business investment. Compared to the rest of Victoria, North Geelong - Bell Park shows significantly reduced construction activity, with 59.0% fewer approvals per person, which 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 the current housing pattern of 84.0% houses, possibly due to limited developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences. With approximately 313 people per approval, North Geelong - Bell Park remains a low-density area. Future projections indicate an addition of 3,252 residents by 2041.

At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

North Geelong - Bell Park has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 27thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 41 projects that may 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 likely to be 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. The unemployment rate was 5.8% as of June 2021.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.3%. As of June 2025, 7904 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.0% above Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area shows particularly strong specialization in retail trade, with an employment share of 1.2 times the regional level.

Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with 1.0% employment compared to 7.5% regionally. The ratio of 0.8 workers for each resident, as at the Census, indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm. Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 2.3% alongside labour force increasing by 2.3%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. By comparison, Rest of Vic. recorded employment decline of 0.9%, labour force decline of 0.4%, with unemployment rising 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest potential future demand within North Geelong - Bell Park. These projections estimate local growth of approximately 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and not taking into account localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows North Geelong - Bell Park had a median income among taxpayers of $52,679 and an average of $64,509. These figures are in line with national averages. The Rest of Vic.'s median was $48,741 and average was $60,693. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates for North Geelong - Bell Park would be approximately $59,085 (median) and $72,353 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data ranks household, family and personal incomes in North Geelong - Bell Park modestly, between the 27th and 28th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 29.9% of the community earns $1,500 to $2,999 (4,748 individuals), similar to regional levels at 30.3%. After housing expenses, 85.0% of income remains, ranking at the 29th percentile nationally.

North Geelong - Bell Park is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

North Geelong - Bell Park had 83.9% houses and 16.1% other dwellings in the latest Census, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s 84.6% houses and 15.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in North Geelong - Bell Park was 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 lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 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 prominent, with 34.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 10.9% and certificates at 24.0%. Educational participation is high, with 26.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 8.4% in primary, 7.0% in secondary, and 4.3% in tertiary education.

Twelve schools serve 4,815 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1012) and balanced educational opportunities. The area functions as an education hub with 30.4 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 16.7, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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 19 routes offering 3,499 weekly passenger trips. The area has good transport accessibility, with residents typically living 240 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 499 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 37 weekly trips per stop.

Service frequency averages 499 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 37 weekly trips per individual 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 its health data.

Both younger and older age groups exhibit high prevalence rates for common health conditions. The area has a private health cover rate of approximately 52%, which is slightly higher than the average SA2 area (~8,242 people). 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% across Rest of Vic.. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 22.2%, with 3,527 people falling into this age group, compared to the 16.8% in Rest of Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors in North Geelong-Bell Park present similar challenges to those seen in the general population's health profile.

North Geelong - Bell Park 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

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, comprising 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 ancestry is overrepresented at 7.1%, compared to the regional average of 1.5%. Polish ancestry is also higher at 1.7% versus 0.8%, and Hungarian ancestry is slightly above average at 0.7% compared to 0.3%.

North Geelong - Bell Park hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

North Geelong - Bell Park has a median age of 41 years, which is lower than the Rest of Vic average of 43 but higher than the national average of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 17.1% of its population, compared to Rest of Vic., while the 55-64 cohort represents 10.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows a decrease in median age by 1 year to 41 due to shifting demographics. Notably, the 25-34 age group grew from 14.5% to 17.1%, and the 35-44 cohort increased 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 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in North Geelong - Bell Park, 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.