South Geelong
A crime rate of 233.7 incidents per 1,000 residents is the sharpest fact about South Geelong, well above typical suburban benchmarks, and it sits alongside a university qualification rate of 42%, which is 11.9 percentage points above the national average. The suburb covers just 2.42 km2 with 1,014 residents, making it one of the smaller pockets of the broader Geelong area. Household income lands at the 56.8th percentile nationally, a solidly middle position. The median house price reached $867,500 in April to June 2024, and prices have more than doubled from $420,500 in 2013, a 106.3% gain over 14 years. The resident profile skews toward established owner-occupiers, with 68.6% of dwellings being separate houses and an outright ownership rate of 30.1%.
Population
1,014
Median Age
37.0
Household IncomeiMedian weekly household income (ABS Census)
$1,642/wk
DAs (12 months)iDevelopment Applications lodged in the past year
6
Median House
$868K
Apr-Jun 2024
The median house price of $867,500, recorded in April to June 2024, is down from a peak of $1,000,000 in 2021, a 13.2% correction that gives buyers more room than at the top of the cycle. The longer-run picture is positive: prices have risen 106.3% since 2013, equivalent to a 5.3% compound annual growth rate over 14 years. The dwelling stock is predominantly separate houses at 68.6%, with semi-detached homes at 30.4% providing a lower-entry alternative. Three-bedroom homes are the most common at 43.7%, followed by two-bedroom at 32.3%. Monthly mortgage repayments average $1,700 and the mortgage-to-income ratio sits at 23.9%, below the 30% stress threshold, making carrying costs more manageable than in many comparable VIC markets. Outright ownership at 30.1% indicates a meaningful base of long-term holders.
For Buyers
The median house price of $867,500, recorded in April to June 2024, is down from a peak of $1,000,000 in 2021, a 13.2% correction that gives buyers more room than at the top of the cycle. The longer-run picture is positive: prices have risen 106.3% since 2013, equivalent to a 5.3% compound annual growth rate over 14 years. The dwelling stock is predominantly separate houses at 68.6%, with semi-detached homes at 30.4% providing a lower-entry alternative. Three-bedroom homes are the most common at 43.7%, followed by two-bedroom at 32.3%. Monthly mortgage repayments average $1,700 and the mortgage-to-income ratio sits at 23.9%, below the 30% stress threshold, making carrying costs more manageable than in many comparable VIC markets. Outright ownership at 30.1% indicates a meaningful base of long-term holders.
For Investors
Renters make up 38.3% of South Geelong households, a higher renter share than most VIC outer-suburban benchmarks, supporting consistent tenant demand. Weekly rent averages $350, and rent-to-income at 21.3% keeps the suburb affordable for tenants, which helps limit vacancy pressure. The vacancy rate stands at 8.0%, elevated compared to tighter markets and worth monitoring. Rent growth has been strong, rising 36.0% over the decade. Overseas migration is the primary population driver, with an average net annual inflow of 217 residents more than offsetting an internal outflow of 179, producing a slow but steady net addition of roughly 83 residents per year. Development activity is modest, with 5 applications in the past 12 months, so new supply is not a near-term risk to existing landlords.
Development Activity
Total DAs
8
Last 12 Months
6
YoY ChangeiYear-over-year change in DA lodgements
—
Avg DA CostiAverage estimated cost per DA in the past year
N/A
Monthly DA Lodgements
DA Categories
Schools in South Geelong iICSEA: school advantage index. 1000 = national avg, higher = more advantaged
Geelong South Primary School
Prep-6 · 326 students
Demographics
The median age of 37 is 3.0 years below the national figure, placing South Geelong slightly younger than average rather than following the aging trajectory typical of established inner suburbs. University qualifications reach 42.0%, which is 11.9 percentage points above the national average, reflecting a resident base with above-average professional credentials. Overseas-born residents account for 16.2% of the population, which is 5.4 points below the national share. Ancestry is predominantly Anglo-Celtic: English (412), Irish (170) and Scottish (113) are the three largest groups. Average household size is 2.2, which is 0.3 below national, consistent with the high proportion of couples without children, 30.0% of all families. Christianity is the dominant religion at 403 residents, with Hinduism and Islam each recorded at small numbers.
Age Distribution
Bedrooms
Dwelling Structure
68.6%
Houses
30.4%
Townhouse
N/A
Apartment
Tenure
The price record shows a clear arc: $420,500 in 2013, rising to a peak of $1,000,000 in 2021, then correcting to $867,500 by April to June 2024, which is 13.2% below the peak but still 106.3% above the start of the cycle. Separate houses make up 68.6% of stock and semi-detached dwellings account for 30.4%, leaving apartments as a negligible category. Three-bedroom homes dominate at 43.7% and two-bedroom at 32.3%, with four-plus bedroom homes at 18.3%. Tenure splits relatively evenly: 30.1% own outright, 31.6% hold a mortgage, and 38.3% rent. The mortgage-to-income ratio of 23.9% is below the stress threshold and rent-to-income of 21.3% is similarly comfortable, meaning housing costs are not a dominant burden at current income levels, which sit at the 56.8th percentile nationally.
Median House Price Trend
Source: State Valuer-General
Mortgage / mo
$1,700
Rent / wk
$350
HH Size
2.2
Personal Income / wk
$937
Vacancy Ratei% of dwellings unoccupied on Census night (ABS 2021)
8.0%
Unoccupied
37
Rent / IncomeiMedian rent as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress
21.3%
Mortgage / IncomeiMedian mortgage as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress
23.9%
Community Profile
Ancestry
Household Composition
30.0%
Couples, no children
689
Total families
Economy & Employment
Healthcare is the largest employing industry at 17.5% of local workers (77 people), followed by Construction at 11.6% (51) and Education at 10.9% (48). Professional and Technical services contribute 9.6% (42) and Public Administration adds 8.4% (37), together indicating a workforce weighted toward service and knowledge sectors. By occupation, Professionals lead at 156 workers, ahead of Managers (88) and Community and Personal Services (81). The unemployment rate of 4.4% is modest and the participation rate of 67.7% is reasonable, with 332 residents employed full-time and 214 part-time. Real income growth of 17.2% over the decade indicates genuine purchasing-power gains. The SEIFA IRSAD decile of 6 places the suburb in the middle tier nationally, while the IEO decile of 7 reflects the above-average education profile relative to disadvantage.
Unemployment
5.1%
Labour Force
8,221
Unemployed
420
Quarterly Trend
Source: SALM Dec-25
Socio-Economic Indexes (SEIFA)iABS index ranking suburbs from 1 (most disadvantaged) to 10 (most advantaged)
Full-time
60.8%
Part-time
34.8%
Participation
67.7%
Employed
546
Occupations
Top Industries
University
42.0%
Postgraduate
13.4%
Born Overseas
16.2%
Dwellings
424
Transport to Work
Transport use reflects a car-dependent suburb: 77.9% commute by car and only 2.6% use public transport, below state averages for inner Geelong. A notable 13.2% walk or cycle, indicating the compact 2.42 km2 footprint enables active travel for some residents. The IRSAD decile of 6 places the suburb in the middle nationally, neither disadvantaged nor highly advantaged. The crime rate of 233.7 incidents per 1,000 residents is high, with property and deception offences accounting for 178 of 237 total incidents. Only 4.1% of residents need daily assistance, and the volunteering rate of 15.4% is a positive social indicator. No schools are recorded within the suburb boundary in the dataset, so families rely on schools in surrounding Geelong suburbs. Housing stress is low: mortgage-to-income at 23.9% and rent-to-income at 21.3% both sit below typical stress thresholds.
Drive
77.9%
Public Transport
2.6%
Walk / Cycle
13.2%
Work from Home
N/A
Population Forecast
+0.61%/yr
(+83 people/yr)
EstablishedSouth Geelong's population grew 12.0% over the past decade, with historical counts rising from 13,623 in 2023 to 13,719 in 2025, an annual rate of 0.61% or roughly 83 additional residents per year. The medium forecast projects the broader SA2 population reaching 14,290 by 2031. The primary driver is overseas migration, with an average net annual inflow of 217 residents, while internal migration runs at a net outflow of 179, so the suburb draws internationally but loses residents to other Australian destinations. The gentrification score sits at 13, classified as not gentrifying, which is consistent with an established suburb where the early signs observed include population growth of over 10% since 2011 and strong overseas inflows, though these have not yet translated into the full price premium compression seen in gentrifying areas. Affordability improved slightly from 42.7% in 2011 to 40.3% in 2021.
Historical + Forecast
Hamilton-Perry + Holt smoothing on ERP 2001-2025
Age Cohort Forecast
Primary Driver
Overseas Migration
Net Overseas / yr
+217
Net Internal / yr
-179
Gentrification Signal
Not gentrifying
Population +10% since 2011, Net internal outflow -179/yr, Strong overseas inflow +217/yr
Safety & Crime
Total Offences
237
Year ending June 2024
Rate per 1,000 People
233.7
Offence Categories
Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria / SA Police
National Ranking iPercentile rank among ~15,000 AU suburbs. 90% = higher than 90% of suburbs
How South Geelong compares to ~15,000 Australian suburbs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South Geelong a good suburb to live in?
South Geelong offers a solidly middle-income position, with household income at the 56.8th percentile nationally and a SEIFA IRSAD decile of 6. University qualifications at 42.0% are 11.9 points above the national average. The main concern is a crime rate of 233.7 per 1,000 residents, which is high by suburban standards and dominated by property offences (178 of 237 incidents).
What is the median house price in South Geelong?
The median house price was $867,500 in April to June 2024, down 13.2% from the 2021 peak of $1,000,000. Prices have still more than doubled since 2013, rising 106.3% over 14 years. Weekly rent averages $350 and monthly mortgage repayments are approximately $1,700, giving a mortgage-to-income ratio of 23.9%.
What schools are in South Geelong?
No schools are recorded inside the South Geelong boundary in this dataset, so families rely on schools in neighbouring Geelong suburbs. The local adult population is well-educated, with 42.0% holding university qualifications, which is 11.9 percentage points above the national average, suggesting proximity to quality educational institutions across the broader Geelong area.
Is South Geelong safe?
South Geelong's crime rate of 233.7 incidents per 1,000 residents is elevated compared to typical suburban benchmarks. Of 237 total recorded crimes, 178 are property and deception offences, 20 are crimes against the person and 15 are drug offences. Prospective residents should factor this into their assessment, particularly for property security.
Is South Geelong good for property investment?
The investment case has several supports: a 38.3% renter share providing a deep tenant pool, rent growth of 36.0% over the decade, and modest new supply with only 5 development applications in the past 12 months. The vacancy rate of 8.0% is elevated and worth watching. The median house price of $867,500 is 13.2% below its 2021 peak of $1,000,000, offering a more attractive entry than the cycle high.
How is South Geelong's population changing?
The broader SA2 population grew 12.0% over 10 years and is forecast to reach approximately 14,290 by 2031, up from 13,719 in 2025. Annual growth runs at 0.61%, equivalent to about 83 additional residents per year. Overseas migration drives this, with a net annual inflow of 217 residents, while internal migration records a net outflow of 179 per year.
What industries employ people in South Geelong?
Healthcare is the largest sector at 17.5% of local workers (77 people), followed by Construction at 11.6% (51) and Education at 10.9% (48). Professional and Technical services contribute 9.6% and Public Administration 8.4%. The unemployment rate is 4.4% and real income growth over the decade was 17.2%.
How to read these comparisons
Phrases like "above the national average" reference the unweighted median across Australian suburbs with more than 1,000 residents, not population-weighted national figures. Suburb-level medians are more useful for ranking suburbs against each other; ABS census headlines are population-weighted (so dominated by Sydney and Melbourne) and can read very differently.
Current baseline (refreshed 2026-05-10): median age 40, university-educated 30.1%, born overseas 21.6%, average household size 2.5 people.
Data sources: ABS 2021 Census (demographics, income, tenure), state Valuer-General (house prices), Department of Jobs SALM (unemployment), ACARA (school ICSEA), state Crime Statistics agencies (offences), council DA portals (development applications). Population forecasts use a Hamilton-Perry cohort model calibrated to ABS ERP.
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