🔍

Inverleigh

VIC 3321 • Rest of VIC

1,746
Population (2021)
$112,320
Median Household Income
210.48 km²
Area
$300/wk
Median Rent
RuralFamily-FriendlyTree-ChangeGrowth SuburbAffordable Living

About Inverleigh

Inverleigh is a rural township in the Golden Plains Shire, situated 26 kilometres west of Geelong along the Hamilton Highway in western Victoria. With a population of 1,746 (2021 census), this picturesque town has grown steadily at 18.4% since 2016, attracting young families seeking rural living within reach of Geelong. The predominant age group is 0-9 years, and 92% of homes are owner-occupied.

The township offers a charming village atmosphere centred around the local general store, pub, and community hall, with the Leigh River providing a scenic backdrop. Inverleigh Nature Conservation Reserve is a highlight for bushwalkers and birdwatchers. The area appeals strongly to families and tree-changers who want affordable acreage with a genuine country community feel, while maintaining the ability to commute to Geelong for work, schools, and shopping.

Inverleigh falls under postcode 3321 and is governed by Golden Plains Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Eureka (Western Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3321
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Golden Plains
Federal Electorate
Wannon
State Electorate
Eureka (Western Victoria)
Type
Rural
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.11°, 144.00°
Statistical Area
Rest of VIC
Area
210.48 km²
Elevation
92m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$300
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,950
Avg Household Size
3 people
Median Age
38 years

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Geelong
26 km
N/A (drive)
South Geelong
24 km
N/A (drive)

Bus Services

  • McHarry's Inverleigh Service — Geelong CBD via Hamilton Highway 35-40 min (Fridays only)

Commute to Geelong

Distance
26 km
By Bus
35-40 min (Fridays only)
By Car (Peak)
25-30 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
20-25 min

🛣️ Very limited public transport—one bus service on Fridays only. Car essential for daily commuting.

Walkability Car-Dependent

Small village centre walkable for basics; car essential for work, shopping, and all services

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
189.8 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 57.4%
Motor vehicle theft
130.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 13.1%
Non-FV assault
63.3 / 100k
2yr Up 16.6% 10yr Down 22.6%
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
174.9 / 100k
2yr Up 29.0% 10yr Down 31.2%
View all offence subgroups for Golden Plains →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,474
Census 2021
1,746
▲ 18.5% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$38,792
Personal Income 2021
$44,304
▲ 14.2% 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
$44,304 / yr
$852/wk
Household
$112,320 / yr
$2160/wk
Family
$122,824 / yr
$2362/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,494
Born Overseas 151

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 67
  • 2. Netherlands 11
  • 3. Scotland 9
  • 4. Ireland 8
  • 5. New Zealand 8
  • 6. Indonesia 5
  • 7. Singapore 5
  • 8. Taiwan 5
  • 9. Thailand 5
  • 10. France 4

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 836
English 717
Scottish 233
Irish 206
German 70
Italian 62
Dutch 51
Australian Aboriginal 19
French 19
Greek 17

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,248
Both parents born in Australia
216
Both parents born overseas
197
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
48.3%
Christianity
43.6%
Buddhism
0.5%
Islam
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
134 (7.7%)
5-14 years
297 (17.0%)
15-19 years
118 (6.8%)
20-24 years
65 (3.7%)
25-34 years
152 (8.7%)
35-44 years
265 (15.2%)
45-54 years
260 (14.9%)
55-64 years
251 (14.4%)
65-74 years
151 (8.6%)
75-84 years
52 (3.0%)
85+ years
7 (0.4%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Inverleigh known for? +

Inverleigh is a rural township in the Golden Plains Shire, situated 26 kilometres west of Geelong along the Hamilton Highway in western Victoria. The township offers a charming village atmosphere centred around the local general store, pub, and community hall, with the Leigh River providing a scenic backdrop.

How far is Inverleigh from Melbourne CBD? +

Inverleigh is approximately 26 kilometres from Melbourne CBD, with a typical drive taking around 31-47 minutes depending on traffic and route taken.

Does Inverleigh have public transport? +

Inverleigh 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 Inverleigh? +

According to the 2021 Census, Inverleigh has a population of approximately 1,746 residents, a modest but established community. The suburb falls within the Golden Plains (Shire) local government area.

Is Inverleigh a good place to live? +

Inverleigh is a well-regarded family-friendly suburb with parks, schools, and a welcoming community atmosphere. Its residential character and local amenities make it a popular choice for families settling in the area.

What is the postcode for Inverleigh? +

The postcode for Inverleigh, VIC is 3321. This postcode covers Inverleigh and may also serve nearby localities within the same postcode zone.

What is the average income in Inverleigh? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Inverleigh is about $852 per week (around $44,300 per year). The median household income is $2,160 per week and the median family income is $2,362 per week.

What is the age profile of Inverleigh? +

The median age in Inverleigh is 38. The largest age group is 5–14 (297 residents, around 17%). Around 31% of residents are under 20 and about 12% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Inverleigh a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Inverleigh is part of the Golden Plains 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 Inverleigh? +

In Inverleigh, the median weekly rent is $300, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,950 (2021 Census).