Colac (Vic.)

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According to investigations of ABS demographic updates for the wider region, alongside new address points verified by Districts since the Census, the population of the suburb of Colac is calculated at approximately 9,153 in May 2026. This represents a contraction of 90 people (1.0%) compared to the 2021 Census, which counted 9,243 people. The adjustment is derived from the resident population of 9,153, calculated by Districts using the most recent ABS ERP release from June 2025 and 284 validated new addresses added since the Census date. This population size corresponds to a density of 243 persons per square kilometer, offering considerable space per resident and capacity for future expansion. Although the suburb of Colac experienced a 1.0% contraction since the 2021 census, its performance was stronger than the broader SA3 region (-1.6%). Inward migration from overseas was the primary demographic driver, serving as the sole source of population expansion during the latest timeframes.

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The suburb of Colac features a balanced employment profile split between professional and manual occupations, with industrial and manufacturing activities highly represented, alongside an unemployment rate of only 2.2%, compiled by Districts from regional statistics. In March 2026, 4,116 local citizens were employed, with the unemployment rate tracking 1.5% below the Regional Vic. benchmark of 3.7%, while labour participation is considerably lower (54.5% versus 61.1% in Regional Vic.). Census records indicate that a low 6.3% of the workforce operated from home, though this may have been influenced by past pandemic restrictions.

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The most recent postcode-level ATO records compiled by Districts for financial year 2023 indicate that incomes in the suburb of Colac fall below national averages, with a median value of $46,533 and an average of $53,150. In comparison, Regional Vic. recorded a median of $50,954 and an average of $62,728. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, updated estimates suggest figures of approximately $51,009 for the median and $58,263 for the average in March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual incomes in the suburb of Colac place between the 7th and 21st percentiles on a national scale. The largest income bracket is the 27.8% of residents earning $800 - 1,499 weekly (2,544 residents), whereas the wider region is led by the - bracket at . After subtracting housing expenses, residents retain of their income, which corresponds to the th percentile nationally.

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At the time of the most recent Census, the housing stock in the suburb of Colac consisted of 86.2% standalone houses and 13.8% alternative dwellings like townhouses and apartments, compared to Regional Vic.'s split of 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Meanwhile, home ownership rates in the suburb of Colac matched the Regional Vic. average of 39.8%, with the remaining properties being purchased under a mortgage (28.9%) or rented (31.3%). The median monthly home loan payment of $1,213 was notably lower than the Regional Vic. average, while the median weekly rental cost was $260, compared to regional averages of $1,430 and $285 respectively. On a national level, mortgage payments in the suburb of Colac are far below the Australian median of $1,863, and rents are similarly lower than the national figure of $375.

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Family households represent the main household type at 56.8%, consisting of 19.2% couples with children, 24.4% couples without children, and 11.7% single parent households. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 43.2%, with lone person households comprising 38.7% and group households making up 4.4%. The median household size of 2.2 individuals is slightly smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

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Educational attainment levels present a challenge in the area, with tertiary degree holders (12.8%) tracking well below the Victorian average of 33.4%. This highlights a clear need and opportunity for focused educational programs. Bachelor degrees are held by 9.5% of the population, followed by postgraduate degrees (2.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational and practical certifications are highly represented, with 36.8% of residents aged 15+ holding trade qualifications, comprising advanced diplomas (8.5%) and certificates (28.3%).

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Public transport analysis counts 56 operational transit stops within the suburb of Colac, consisting of a train network. These stops are served by 7 distinct routes, which provide a total of 310 weekly passenger services. Access to transport is classified as good, with residents living an average of 202 meters from their closest stop. Due to the residential nature of the area, most workers travel outside the suburb, with private cars remaining the primary travel mode at 91% and walking accounting for 6%. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A low 6.3% of workers worked from home, based on the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.

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Health indicators demonstrate significant difficulties in the suburb of Colac, based on Districts' analysis of mortality and chronic disease rates, with high rates of common illnesses visible across both youth and elderly cohorts, and private health cover uptake sitting at a very low level of approximately 48% of the population (~4,387 people). This compares to 50.5% across Regional Vic. and a national benchmark of 55.7%.

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The suburb of Colac displays lower levels of cultural diversity, with citizens making up 87.3% of the population, 88.4% of residents born in Australia, and 91.6% speaking only English at home. The predominant religious affiliation is Christianity, representing 48.3% of the local population, compared to 47.3% across Regional Vic..

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The median age in the suburb of Colac is 44 years, which is close to the Regional Vic. average of 43 and higher than the national average of 38 years. Relative to Regional Vic., the suburb of Colac has a larger share of residents aged 25 - 34 (13.9%) but a smaller proportion aged 5 - 14 (10.3%). Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age cohort has increased from 10.6% to 11.4% of the population, whereas the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 11.2% to 10.4%. By 2041, the age structure of the suburb of Colac is projected to change. The 25 to 34 group is expected to grow by 22% ( people), expanding from to while the to and to age cohorts are projected to experience population decreases.

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Colac currently has an estimated 540 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 322 children aged 0-2 and 215 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 8% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 16% by 2041 (to approximately 628 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 813. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 10.7 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.