🔍

Colac

VIC 3250 • Rest of VIC

9,243
Population (2021)
$57,616
Median Household 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.

📰 Featured In

📰 Victoria Suburbs with the Most Housing Commission

📍 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

🏷️ Property Prices June quarter 2025

Median sale prices in Colac for the June quarter 2025. Median sale prices published by the Valuer-General Victoria.

🏡House
$480K
39 sales · ▼ 0.2% YoY
🏢Unit / Apartment
$504K
6 sales · ▲ 10.8% YoY

Source: Valuer-General Victoria — Victorian Property Sales Report. Medians are for the latest quarter; the change shown is the official 12-month movement. Suburbs with very few sales in a quarter can be volatile.

🏠 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)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Local bus services — nearest regional centre 450-600 min

Commute to nearest regional centre

Distance
150 km
By Train
No direct train service
By Car (Peak)
135-180 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
113-150 min

🛣️ Car is the primary mode of transport for most residents

Walkability Car-Dependent

Some local services are accessible; car needed for most errands

🛒 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

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Colac-Otway Local Government Area, which contains Colac. Rates are per 100,000 residents for the year ending September 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
250.7 / 100k
2yr Up 11.7% 10yr Down 43.6%
Motor vehicle theft
89.5 / 100k
2yr Up 81.3% 10yr Down 23.5%
Non-FV assault
259.6 / 100k
2yr Down 18.6% 10yr Stable
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr Down 100.0%
Steal from vehicle
308.9 / 100k
2yr Up 67.8% 10yr Up 11.8%
View all offence subgroups for Colac-Otway →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

🎓 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)

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

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$34,372 / yr
$661/wk
Household
$57,616 / yr
$1108/wk
Family
$80,132 / yr
$1541/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Colac known for? +

Colac is a regional service centre in south-west Victoria, situated approximately 150 kilometres from Melbourne's CBD within the Colac-Otway Shire. 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.

How far is Colac from Melbourne CBD? +

Colac is approximately 150 kilometres from Melbourne CBD, with a typical drive taking around 180-270 minutes depending on traffic and route taken.

Does Colac have public transport? +

Colac has limited public transport options. V/Line coach services connect some regional towns, but a car is the most practical way to get around in this area.

What is the population of Colac? +

According to the 2021 Census, Colac has a population of approximately 9,243 residents, reflecting a well-established community. The suburb falls within the Colac-Otway (Shire) local government area.

Is Colac a good place to live? +

Colac offers a comfortable suburban lifestyle with access to local parks, shops, and community services. It suits a broad range of residents including families, professionals, and retirees looking for a connected and well-serviced neighbourhood.

What is the postcode for Colac? +

The postcode for Colac, VIC is 3250. This postcode covers Colac and may also serve nearby localities within the same postcode zone.

What is the average income in Colac? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Colac is about $661 per week (around $34,400 per year). The median household income is $1,108 per week and the median family income is $1,541 per week.

What is the median house price in Colac? +

As of June quarter 2025, the median house price is $480,000, down 0.2% year-on-year, and the median unit/apartment price is $504,000, up 10.8% year-on-year. Figures are based on Valuer-General Victoria — Victorian Property Sales Report.

What is the age profile of Colac? +

The median age in Colac is 44. The largest age group is 25–34 (1,277 residents, around 14%). Around 21% of residents are under 20 and about 26% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Colac a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Colac is part of the Colac-Otway LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.

How much is rent in Colac? +

In Colac, the median weekly rent is $260, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,213 (2021 Census).