Town by Town Snapshot - Geelong

The size of the Geelong 3220 central area is approximately 3.3sqkm. It has 17 parks covering nearly 8.9 per cent of the total area.

The population of Geelong in 2016 was 5,210 people. By 2021, the population has 5,811 showing a population growth of 11.5 per cent in the area during that time.

Poised beside the waters of Corio Bay, just 75km southwest of Melbourne, Geelong is a vibrant coastal city – the largest urban centre outside the capital in Victoria – that balances historic charm with modern energy.

Geelong’s standout feature is its stunning Waterfront precinct: the Eastern boardwalk, a nostalgic 19-century carousel, art-deco sea baths, and the whimsical Baywalk Bollards that trace the shoreline with more than 100 little wooden sculptures telling local stories.

In the heart of the city, Geelong Arts Centre anchors a thriving cultural scene. Beautifully renovated, it hosts theatre, ballet, music and community-driven creative programs.

Surrounding the centre, a network of heritage architecture, leafy streets and modern retail spaces provide the perfect urban backdrop with a strong sense of place.

Geelong’s history is shaped by its industrial legacy, from its city proclamation in 1910 through the decades as a manufacturing powerhouse, to today’s transformation into a hub for education, advanced manufacturing, healthcare and research.

While still rooted in its industrial and manufacturing past, today Geelong is among Australia’s fastest-growing regional cities. It attracts sea-changers with its relatively affordable housing, quick one-hour access to Melbourne, a burgeoning restaurant scene, welcoming arts culture and natural landscapes – making it a richly appealing coastal escape that is both grounded and forward-looking.

The predominant age group in Geelong is 20-29 years. Households in Geelong are primarily childless couples and are likely to be repaying $1,800-$2,399 per month on mortgage repayments.

In general, people in Geelong work in a professional occupation. In 2021, 53.6 per cent of the homes in Geelong were owner-occupied compared with 54 per cent in 2016.

Quick Stats

Population: 5,811

Male: 47.9%

Female: 52.1%

Median age: 40

5 Year Population Change: 11.5%

Median House Value: $834,285

Change in Median House Price (5 Years): -5.6%

Median Asking Rent Per Week: $500

Average Length of Ownership (Years): 13

Median House Price Over Time:

July 2025: $834,285