# Greater Geelong

Council (LGA) · Area profile

Located in: Victoria › Rest of Vic.

Area: 1,248 km²

A population growth of 29% since 2011 has seen Greater Geelong expand into one of the largest areas at its level. It is a well-off community where the typical family earns $2,051 a week, a figure that aligns with the national average. The area is characterised by a high proportion of detached houses and a workforce with a strong lean towards health, construction, and professional services. Overall, it is an advantaged region that balances a growing urban feel with a preference for larger family homes.

## Demographics & Identity

The typical resident is 39 years old, and the population has grown significantly to 271,057 people. While the number of children is about the same as the national figure, there are a few more seniors here than across Australia.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Total population | 271,057 | +28.5% since 2011 |
| Median age | 39 yrs | +0.0% since 2011 |
| Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander population | 1.3% | +54.9% since 2011 |
| People aged 65 and over | 19.6% | +16.5% since 2011 |
| Children under 15 | 17.6% | -4.6% since 2011 |
| People in a de facto relationship | 12.2% | +37.7% since 2011 |

**Age structure** — Young adults (25–44) 26.8%, Older adults (45–64) 24.0%, Seniors (65+) 19.6%, Children (0–14) 17.6%, Youth (15–24) 11.9%

**Marital status** — Married 45.4%, Never married 36.6%, Divorced 9.1%, Widowed 5.6%, Separated 3.3%

## Ancestry & Birthplace

People born overseas make up 17.7% of the population, which is higher than most similar areas but far below the Victorian average of 30%. English and Australian are the most common ancestries.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| People born overseas | 17.7% | +11.0% since 2011 |

**Country of birth** — Australia 77.6%, England 3.2%, India 1.9%, New Zealand 1.1%, Philippines 0.7%, China 0.6%, Italy 0.6%, South Africa 0.3%, Vietnam 0.3%, Nepal 0.1%

**Ancestry** — English 38.4%, Australian 35.7%, Irish 12.9%, Scottish 11.6%, Italian 4.5%, German 4.4%, Dutch 2.7%, Indian 1.8%, Chinese 1.6%, Filipino 1.0%, Greek 1.0%, Vietnamese 0.4%

## Language

About 11.7% of people use a language other than English at home, a figure that has risen since 2011. This is higher than most similar areas, though it remains far below the state and national figures.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| People using another language at home | 11.7% | +22.1% since 2011 |
| People who speak little or no English | 1.6% | -4.0% since 2016 |

**Language used at home** — English only 83.1%, Mandarin 0.8%, Punjabi 0.8%, Italian 0.8%, Greek 0.4%, Hindi 0.4%, Arabic 0.3%, Vietnamese 0.3%, Tagalog 0.3%, Cantonese 0.2%

## Religion

The area has a high proportion of people reporting no religion at 44.4%, which is well above the national figure. This trend has grown sharply, rising 20 points since 2011.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| People with no religion | 44.4% | +78.6% since 2011 |

**Religious affiliation** — No religion 44.4%, Christianity 44.0%, Not stated 6.8%, Islam 1.5%, Hinduism 1.3%, Buddhism 1.0%, Other religions 1.0%, Judaism 0.1%

## Education & Qualifications

The community is well-qualified, with 24.2% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher, a figure that rose 8.6 points since 2011. This is much higher than most similar areas, though still a little below the national average.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Completed Year 12 | 55.2% | +27.7% since 2011 |
| Adults with a bachelor degree or higher | 24.2% | +54.7% since 2011 |
| Schools | 85 | — |
| Schools per 1,000 children | 1.78 | — |
| School enrolments | 47,865 | — |
| Average school size | 563 | — |
| Average school ICSEA | 1,052 | — |

**Highest year of school** — Year 12 55.2%, Year 10 14.5%, Year 11 13.6%, Year 9 or below 10.6%

**Highest qualification level** — Certificate III / IV 28.9%, Bachelor degree 25.6%, Advanced diploma / diploma 16.4%, Postgraduate degree 8.3%, Graduate diploma / certificate 4.7%, Certificate I / II 1.7%

**Field of qualification** — Management & commerce 15.4%, Engineering & related 13.1%, Health 12.9%, Society & culture 12.6%, Education 9.8%, Architecture & building 7.2%, Food, hospitality & personal services 5.2%, Creative arts 3.9%, Natural & physical sciences 2.8%, Information technology 2.3%, Agriculture & environment 1.9%

## Income

Typical weekly family income is $2,051, which is higher than most similar areas and about the same as the national figure. High earners are more common here, with the share of households earning $3,000 or more a week rising 13 points since 2011.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Median personal income (weekly) | $769 | +48.7% since 2011 |
| Median household income (weekly) | $1,592 | +51.8% since 2011 |
| Median family income (weekly) | $2,051 | +52.9% since 2011 |
| People earning $2,000+ a week | 10.6% | — |
| Households earning $3,000+ a week | 19.4% | — |

**Household income distribution** — $1,500–$2,999 29.6%, $650–$1,499 27.9%, Under $650 16.9%, $3,000–$3,999 10.0%, $4,000 or more 9.4%

**Personal income distribution** — Under $650 40.6%, $650–$1,499 31.8%, $1,500–$2,999 17.0%, $3,000 or more 3.7%

## Health & Disability

Long-term health conditions are more common here than in most similar areas, with 31.8% of people affected. This includes a mental health condition rate of 11.1%, which is much higher than most similar areas.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| People with a long-term health condition | 31.8% | — |
| People with a mental health condition | 11.1% | — |
| People needing help with daily activities | 6.5% | +16.1% since 2011 |

**Long-term health conditions reported** — Mental health 11.1%, Asthma 9.8%, Arthritis 9.3%, Other condition 8.8%, Diabetes 4.9%, Heart disease 4.4%, Cancer 3.2%, Lung condition 1.9%, Stroke 1.1%, Dementia 0.9%

**Number of long-term health conditions** — None 60.6%, One condition 21.3%, Two conditions 6.9%, Three or more 3.6%

## Community Participation

Unpaid care is more common here than in most similar areas, with 13.5% of people providing such support. However, the proportion of volunteers fell 4.4 points since 2011 to 14.1%.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Volunteers | 14.1% | -23.6% since 2011 |
| People providing unpaid care | 13.5% | +11.5% since 2011 |
| People caring for children unpaid | 27.2% | -4.7% since 2011 |
| People who served in the Defence Force | 2.6% | — |
| People doing 15+ hours of unpaid housework | 21.8% | -8.3% since 2011 |

## First Nations

With 3,562 people, the First Nations community is larger than about 90% of similar areas. Education outcomes are strong, with Year 12 completion at 41.8%, which is well above the national figure.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people | 3,562 | — |
| First Nations median age | 24 yrs | — |
| First Nations Year 12 completion | 41.8% | — |
| First Nations unemployment rate | 9.6% | — |
| First Nations median personal income | $625 | — |
| First Nations household income | $1,603 | — |
| Speaks a First Nations language | 4.5% | — |

## Family & Households

Most homes consist of couples with children (55.6%) or couples without children (28.7%). One-parent families make up 14.6% of the community, which is higher than most similar areas.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Average household size | 2.4 | +0.0% since 2011 |
| One-parent families | 14.6% | -6.1% since 2011 |
| People living alone | 27.7% | +1.0% since 2011 |

**Family composition** — Couples with children 55.6%, Couples without children 28.7%, One-parent families 14.6%, Other families 1.1%

**Household size** — 2 people 34.7%, 1 person 27.7%, 3 people 15.2%, 4 people 14.5%, 5 people 5.7%, 6 or more 2.2%

## Housing & Dwellings

The area is dominated by separate houses (86.4%), and 79.4% of homes have three or more bedrooms, which is well above the national figure. Typical weekly rent is $346, which is much higher than most similar areas.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Median rent (weekly) | $346 | +49.8% since 2011 |
| Median mortgage repayment (monthly) | $1,733 | +14.2% since 2011 |
| Average people per bedroom | 0.80 | -27.3% since 2011 |
| Households renting | 28.0% | +8.0% since 2011 |
| Homes owned outright | 34.2% | -5.7% since 2011 |
| Separate (detached) houses | 86.4% | +1.2% since 2011 |
| Homes with three or more bedrooms | 79.4% | +3.9% since 2011 |

**How homes are owned or rented** — Owned with a mortgage 34.6%, Owned outright 34.2%, Rented 28.0%, Other tenure 1.8%, Not stated 1.4%

**Types of homes** — Separate house 86.4%, Townhouse / semi-detached 10.5%, Flat or apartment 2.5%, Other dwelling 0.5%

**Bedrooms per home** — 3 bedrooms 46.9%, 4 bedrooms 28.1%, 2 bedrooms 15.8%, 5 or more 4.3%, 1 bedroom 3.3%, Studio / none 0.2%

**Weekly rent distribution** — $350–$549 43.9%, $200–$349 36.8%, Under $200 11.7%, $550–$749 3.5%, $750 or more 0.9%

**Monthly mortgage distribution** — $1,000–$1,799 35.1%, $1,800–$2,999 32.6%, Under $1,000 16.3%, $3,000 or more 10.5%

## Transport & Vehicles

While working from home has risen sharply to 18.7%, very few people (1.4%) commute by public transport. Most residents rely on cars, with 40.4% of homes having two vehicles.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Homes with no motor vehicle | 5.3% | -29.8% since 2011 |
| People working from home | 18.7% | +479.1% since 2011 |
| Commuting by public transport | 1.4% | -56.7% since 2011 |
| Public transport stops | 1,381 | — |
| PT stops per 1,000 people | 5.09 | — |
| Weekly PT departures per 1,000 people | 1,079.2 | — |
| Public transport routes | 73 | — |
| Drive time to the city (min) | 62 | — |

**How people get to work** — Car (driver) 58.6%, Worked at home 18.7%, Car (passenger) 4.0%, Walked 1.9%, Bus 0.8%, Bicycle 0.6%, Train 0.5%

**Motor vehicles per home** — 2 vehicles 40.4%, 1 vehicle 36.0%, 3 vehicles 11.8%, 4 or more 6.4%, No vehicle 5.3%

## Migration & Movement

The community is quite mobile, with 42.8% of people moving in the last five years, which is much higher than most similar areas. Recent overseas arrivals make up 14.2% of the population.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| People who moved in the last 5 years | 42.8% | +14.0% since 2011 |
| Recent arrivals from overseas | 14.2% | +5.9% since 2011 |

## Jobs & Industry

Health care and social assistance are the biggest employers (17.4%). While the unemployment rate is 4.4%, full-time employment at 55.5% is much lower than most similar areas.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% | -20.7% since 2011 |
| Labour-force participation | 60.7% | +3.3% since 2011 |
| Employed full-time | 55.5% | -6.0% since 2011 |

**Industries people work in** — Health care & social assistance 17.4%, Construction 11.2%, Retail trade 10.6%, Education & training 9.8%, Accommodation & food 6.9%, Public administration & safety 6.4%, Manufacturing 6.1%, Professional & technical 6.0%, Transport & warehousing 4.0%, Other services 3.5%, Finance & insurance 2.9%, Administrative & support 2.9%, Wholesale trade 2.5%, Arts & recreation 1.6%, Electricity, gas & water 1.2%, Rental & real estate 1.2%, Agriculture, forestry & fishing 1.1%, Media & telecommunications 0.9%, Mining 0.2%

**Occupations people work in** — Professionals 22.7%, Technicians & trades 14.5%, Community & personal service 13.6%, Managers 11.6%, Clerical & administrative 11.4%, Labourers 9.6%, Sales workers 8.9%, Machinery operators & drivers 6.1%

## Economy & Advantage

Greater Geelong is an advantaged area, scoring 8 out of 10 for overall advantage. It ranks higher than about 80% of similar areas for both overall advantage and job skills.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile) | 8 | — |
| Socio-economic disadvantage (IRSD decile) | 8 | — |
| Economic resources (IER decile) | 7 | — |
| Education & occupation (IEO decile) | 8 | — |
| Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD score) | 990 | — |
| Population estimate | 295,052 | — |
| Population growth since 2021 | 8.9% | — |
| Businesses | 23,558 | — |
| Dwellings approved | 2,595 | — |

## Environment & Climate

The area is generally cooler and drier than other regions, with an average maximum temperature of 20.1 degrees and annual rainfall of 521mm.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Average annual rainfall | 521 | — |
| Average maximum temperature | 20.1 | — |
| Average minimum temperature | 10.1 | — |

## Crime & Safety

The overall crime rate is lower than most similar areas, though the theft rate is much higher. Rates for assault, drug offences, and sexual offences are all lower than most similar areas.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Recorded offences per 100,000 | 6,921 | — |
| Assault & related rate | 721 | — |
| Sexual offences rate | 169 | — |
| Robbery rate | 28 | — |
| Burglary (unlawful entry) rate | 545 | — |
| Theft rate | 2,233 | — |
| Motor vehicle theft rate | 253 | — |
| Property damage rate | 672 | — |
| Drug offences rate | 247 | — |
| Crime rate change (5 yr) | 13.4% | — |

## Walkability

Most homes are within a 15-minute walk of a park (95.7%), but walkability to groceries and health services is well below the Victorian average. The overall walkability score is 5.9, described as somewhat walkable.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Walkability score | 5.9 | — |
| Amenity types within a 15-minute walk | 5.6 | — |
| Homes with a 15-minute-city walkshed | 65.5% | — |
| Homes within 15 min walk of groceries | 63.6% | — |
| Homes within 10 min walk of public transport | 85.7% | — |
| Homes within 15 min walk of a school | 68.5% | — |
| Homes within 15 min walk of a park | 95.7% | — |
| Homes within 15 min walk of health services | 56.4% | — |
| Walkable amenities per 1,000 residents | 18.6 | — |
| Street connectivity (intersections/km²) | 38 | — |
| Mean terrain slope | 4.1% | — |

## Schools serving Greater Geelong

85 schools, 47,865 students, average ICSEA 1,052.

By sector: Government 56, Catholic 21, Independent 8

By type: Primary 57, Secondary 15, Combined 13

Nearest 10 shown:

| School | Sector | Type | Distance | Students |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Kardinia International College | Independent | Combined | — | 1,925 |
| Christian College Geelong - Middle School – Highton | Independent | Combined | — | 1,908 |
| St Joseph's College Geelong | Catholic | Secondary | — | 1,742 |
| Northern Bay P-12 College | Government | Combined | — | 1,726 |
| The Geelong College | Independent | Combined | — | 1,573 |
| Sacred Heart College | Catholic | Secondary | — | 1,450 |
| Saint Ignatius College Geelong | Catholic | Secondary | — | 1,442 |
| Geelong Grammar School - Corio Campus | Independent | Combined | — | 1,422 |
| Iona College Geelong | Catholic | Secondary | — | 1,332 |
| Geelong Lutheran College - Armstrong Creek Campus | Independent | Combined | — | 1,317 |

## Areas within Greater Geelong

[Belmont](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/203021037/belmont) · [Charlemont](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/203021485/charlemont) · [Clifton Springs](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/203031048/clifton-springs) · [Corio - Lovely Banks](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/203021486/corio-lovely-banks) · [Geelong](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/203021039/geelong) · [Geelong West - Hamlyn Heights](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/203021040/geelong-west-hamlyn-heights) · [Grovedale - Mount Duneed](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/203021487/grovedale-mount-duneed) · [Highton](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/203021042/highton) · [Lara](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/203021043/lara) · [Leopold](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/203021044/leopold) · [Newcomb - Moolap](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/203021045/newcomb-moolap) · [Newtown](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/203021046/newtown) · [Norlane](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/203021488/norlane) · [North Geelong - Bell Park](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/203021047/north-geelong-bell-park) · [Ocean Grove](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/203031490/ocean-grove) · [Point Lonsdale - Queenscliff](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/203031052/point-lonsdale-queenscliff)

## Nearby areas

[Wyndham](https://censusatlas.au/region/lga/LGA27260/wyndham) · [Moorabool](https://censusatlas.au/region/lga/LGA25150/moorabool) · [Melton](https://censusatlas.au/region/lga/LGA24650/melton) · [Queenscliffe](https://censusatlas.au/region/lga/LGA26080/queenscliffe) · [Surf Coast](https://censusatlas.au/region/lga/LGA26490/surf-coast) · [Hobsons Bay](https://censusatlas.au/region/lga/LGA23110/hobsons-bay) · [Brimbank](https://censusatlas.au/region/lga/LGA21180/brimbank) · [Maribyrnong](https://censusatlas.au/region/lga/LGA24330/maribyrnong)

Interactive profile: https://censusatlas.au/region/lga/LGA22750/greater-geelong