🔍

Colac

VIC 3250 • Rest of VIC

9,243
Population (2021)
$34,372
Median Income
37.63 km²
Area
$260/wk
Median Rent
LakesideRuralAffordableEstablishedAgricultural

About Colac

Colac is a regional service centre in south-west Victoria, situated approximately 150 kilometres from Melbourne's CBD within the Colac-Otway Shire. With a population of around 9,243 and a median age of 44, the town has a strong Australian-born, Anglo-Celtic community and a notably affordable cost of living, with median rents of just 60 per week — well below metropolitan averages. The town covers roughly 37.6 square kilometres and sits at 115 metres elevation, serving as the main commercial and administrative hub for the surrounding agricultural region.

Colac is set on the shores of Lake Colac, one of Victoria's largest natural freshwater lakes, making it a drawcard for fishing, birdwatching, and waterside recreation. The surrounding Colac-Otway district is renowned for its rich dairy farming country, with the Otway Ranges and the Great Ocean Road accessible within a short drive. The town has a traditional main street with essential retail and community services, a hospital, and primary and secondary schools, making it a practical and affordable base for families and those seeking a regional lifestyle with strong community roots.

Colac falls under postcode 3250 and is governed by Colac-Otway Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Polwarth (Western Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3250
Urban Area
Corangamite - Golden Plains
LGA / Council
Colac-Otway
Federal Electorate
Wannon
State Electorate
Polwarth (Western Victoria)
Type
Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.31°, 143.59°
Statistical Area
Rest of VIC
Area
37.63 km²
Elevation
115m

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    140-144 Bromfield Street Colac 3250 VIC
  • Woolworths
    2-16 Bromfield Street Colac 3250 VIC
  • ALDI
    Hesse Street 62 - 70, Colac VIC 3250

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$260
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,213
Avg Household Size
2.2 people
Median Age
44 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
6.6%

214 state housing + 42 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
9,048
Census 2021
9,243
▲ 2.2% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$29,120
Income 2021
$34,372
▲ 18.0% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 7,658
Born Overseas 1,008

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. China 135
  • 2. England 127
  • 3. Taiwan 116
  • 4. New Zealand 97
  • 5. India 58
  • 6. Philippines 55
  • 7. Scotland 30
  • 8. Italy 27
  • 9. Netherlands 27
  • 10. Samoa 27

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 3,761
English 3,687
Irish 1,255
Scottish 1,106
German 311
Italian 257
Chinese 236
Australian Aboriginal 152
Dutch 141
Filipino 66

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

6,670
Both parents born in Australia
1,272
Both parents born overseas
698
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
45.4%
Christianity
44.5%
Buddhism
0.8%
Islam
0.7%
Hinduism
0.4%
Sikhism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
496 (5.4%)
5-14 years
987 (10.7%)
15-19 years
463 (5.0%)
20-24 years
501 (5.4%)
25-34 years
1,277 (13.8%)
35-44 years
980 (10.6%)
45-54 years
1,036 (11.2%)
55-64 years
1,088 (11.8%)
65-74 years
1,160 (12.6%)
75-84 years
829 (9.0%)
85+ years
445 (4.8%)

Nearby Suburbs