Town by town snapshot: Lara

The size of Lara is approximately 89.5sqkm, with 6.7 per cent of the total area dedicated to green space across 45 parks.

The population of Lara in 2016 was 16,355. By 2021, the population was 19,014 showing a growth of 16.3 per cent in the area during that time.

Nestled between Geelong and Melbourne, Lara offers the charm of country living with the convenience of city access. Just a 15-minute drive from Geelong’s CBD and under an hour from Melbourne, this growing township is increasingly popular with families, commuters and nature lovers alike.

Lara’s setting at the foothills of the You Yangs Regional Park gives it a striking backdrop and a unique connection to the natural environment. The You Yangs’ granite peaks are a beloved destination for bushwalking, mountain biking and birdwatching, and hold deep cultural significance for the Wadawurrung people.

Nearby, the Serendip Sanctuary offers a window into the region’s native flora and fauna, with walking tracks, bird hides and picnic areas set among wetlands and grassy woodlands.

Originally known as Duck Ponds, the area now called Lara was settled in the mid-1800s and served primarily as a rural farming district. The name was changed to Lara in 1874, after local petitioning, and while the exact origins of the name remain uncertain, it is believed to be derived from an Aboriginal word meaning ‘stone’ or ‘building of stones’.

The arrival of the railway in the 1850s played a pivotal role in Lara’s development, establishing it as a stop between Geelong and Melbourne and encouraging steady growth. Today, the Lara train station still provides a direct V/Line connection to both cities, reinforcing the town’s role as a convenient and well-connected commuter hub.

Lara is supported by a wide range of services, including schools, childcare centres, medical facilities and a bustling shopping precinct centred around Lara Village.

With larger residential blocks, established trees and a strong sense of community, Lara offers a relaxed lifestyle without sacrificing connectivity. Its proximity to Avalon Airport, the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast makes it an ideal base for travel, while local events like the Lara Food and Wine Festival celebrate the best of the region.

As Lara continues to evolve, it retains the qualities that have long made it special – a place where open spaces, community spirit and natural beauty come together in perfect balance.

The predominant age group in Lara is 30-39 years.

Households in Lara are primarily couples with children and are likely to be repaying $1,800-$2,399 per month on mortgage repayments.

In general, people in Lara work in a professional occupation. In 2021, 76.1 per cent of homes in Lara were owner-occupied, compared with 75.1 per cent in 2016.

Quick Stats

Population: 19,014

• Male: 52.1%
• Female: 47.9%
• 5 Year Population Change: 16.3%

Median House Value: $724,283

Change in Median House Price (5 Years): 4.27%

Median Asking Rent Per Week: $550

Average Length of Ownership (Years): 11

Median House Price Over Time:

• June 2025: $724,283
• June 2024: $725,530
• June 2023: $734,094
• June 2022: $747,695
• June 2021: $694,603

House Sales (12 Months): 372

Land Median Sale Price: $372,000

Land Sales (12 Months): 86