Cowes is a coastal town in Victoria, in Bass Coast Council. It is close to the Phillip Island and the French Island. Notable landmarks include Big Cow and Western Port.
Shops and everyday services are easier to access than in most comparable places. Health access is an exceptional strength, well above typical levels for coastal towns. Park access is a strong feature of the suburb, with park access 46% above the peer median. Housing is relatively affordable. Median house prices have fallen 24% year on year. Population growth is an exceptional strength. Household incomes are a relative weakness, with household incomes 30% below the peer median.
Cowes is a better fit for people who value daily services and more affordable housing.
Generated from the official metrics on this page. It can omit nuance or contain errors — check the tables and source notes before relying on it.
Strengths and weaknesses
Coastal town · compared with coastal towns in Victoria (105)
Strengths
Shops and everyday services are easier to access than in most comparable places
Housing is relatively affordable
Health-facility access is stronger than in comparable places
Park access is a relative strength
Population growth is a relative strength
Weaknesses
Household incomes are a relative weakness
What stands out
Cowes Beach
Main Beach
Phillip Island
French Island
Western Port Bay
Mornington Peninsula
Who it suits
Stars are audience-fit ratings derived from Suburb.Guide data, not demographic counts or user reviews.
Families★★☆☆☆
Professionals★☆☆☆☆
Retirees★★☆☆☆
Students★★☆☆☆
Budget buyers★☆☆☆☆
Housing, growth and risk
How Cowes compares
A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk
Median house price
$680k
-24% change
Median rent (Census)
$331/wk
2021 Census median weekly rent
Population (ERP)
7,112
+2.0% annual growth
Dwelling vacancy
51.7%
Census unoccupied dwellings
Livability profile
Desirability pillars vs the peer median (50th percentile)
How it compares
Relative standing using percentiles, ranks, and national deciles
Desirability
#76
among Coastal & beach · Mature
Crime rate
66th
percentile in state (higher = more crime)
Pop. growth
87th
percentile in VIC
Rented dwellings
28%
2021 Census tenure
Advantage (IRSAD)
3/10
national SEIFA decile
School ICSEA
50th
percentile among schools with ICSEA
Population growth
Recent ERP change over 1 and 5 years
Housing mix
Dwelling types from the 2021 Census
Risks & flags
Quick scan — open a section below for full context
Living here
Desirability
Ranks & confidence
Desirability score
36.8/100 — Below average
National rank
5226th in Australia
State rank
1099th in VIC
Peer rank
#76 among Coastal & beach · Mature suburbs
Cohort rank
#121 among Coastal & beach suburbs
Data confidence
97%
Data sources & freshness
Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
+2.0% annual · +13.1% over 5 years · 87th percentile in VIC
Growth figures & methodology
Annual growth
+2.0%
5-year growth
+13.1%
Change in 1 year
+140
Change in 5 years
+826
Growth rank in VIC
87th percentile
ABS Estimated Resident Population allocated to this suburb from SA2-level data. Not an official ABS suburb count.
Methodology
Figures are allocated from ABS Estimated Resident Population at Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2), using 2021 Census share within overlapping SA2 regions. Where Census data is unavailable, area overlap is used instead.
The dashed chart line is a simple growth-trend estimate to June 2030 (~8,300), extrapolated at +3.1% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.
2021 Census figures
2021 Census
Population
6,593
Median age
55
Median household income / week
$1,026
Dwelling vacancy
51.7%
Unoccupied private dwellings
2,939 of 5,689
Median monthly mortgage
$1,550
Median weekly rent (2021 Census)
$331
Tenure (owned / mortgaged / rented)
48.8% / 23.3% / 27.9%
Employment rate
41.8%
Travel to work (WFH / public transport / car)
18% / 0.2% / 59.6%
Walked or cycled to work
6.1%
Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
2,290 / 324 / 111 (+ 10 other)
Contributes to desirability score · Community (12%) · Accessibility (12%) · Future Growth (6%)
Employment, household income and owned-outright tenure (2021 Census) Work-from-home and public-transport commute shares (2021 Census) Five-year population change as a healthy-growth band, not a boom bonus
Data sources & freshness
2021 Census — General Community Profile (including method of travel to work and educational attainment) — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
The 2026 Census was conducted in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.
15.5% of adults have a university degree, compared with 29.2% across Victoria. 18.9% have a trade or vocational qualification.
University qualified15.5% · 29.2% VIC
Diploma qualified11.4% · 9.8% VIC
Trade / vocational18.9% · 14.2% VIC
Year 12 or below54.1% · 46.8% VIC
Highest qualification field
Main field of the highest non-school qualification (2021 Census).
Management and commerce17.6%
Engineering and related technologies15.4%
Society and culture13.9%
Health11.8%
Education11.7%
Architecture and building9.9%
How these groups are defined
Measure
Definition
University qualified
Bachelor degree or higher
Diploma qualified
Advanced Diploma / Diploma
Trade / vocational
Certificate III + IV
Year 12
Year 12 as highest attainment
Below Year 12
Year 11 / 10 / 9 or below
People aged 15 years and over, 2021 Census. University, diploma and trade shares match ABS highest educational attainment (HEAP). Year 12 and below Year 12 are combined in the chart because the General Community Profile reports school-only attainment as a residual.
Contributes to desirability score · Community (12%)
University qualifications from the 2021 Census
Data sources & freshness
2021 Census — General Community Profile (including method of travel to work and educational attainment) — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
The 2026 Census was conducted in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.
Tax & income
Median taxable income (2023–24)
$44,874
13th percentile in VIC · -24% vs Australia
Median salary / wages (2023–24)
$49,960
13th percentile in VIC · -23% vs Australia
Residents with rental investments
14.0%
58th percentile in VIC · +1% vs Australia
Median super balance (2023–24)
$92,763
67th percentile in VIC · +47% vs Australia
Residents with business income
14.0%
74th percentile in VIC · +35% vs Australia
Australian Taxation Office Taxation Statistics 2023–24, individuals Table 25. Figures describe taxpayers who live in postcode 3922 — not a suburb-level official statistic. Rental investment is the share of local taxpayers reporting rental income or loss, not the share of local properties owned by investors.
Counts, net rent & state comparison
Taxpayers in this postcode
5,833
Taxpayers reporting net rent
819
Median net rent
$1,346
Taxpayers reporting business income
803
Taxable income vs state median
-16%
Salary / wages vs state median
-14%
Rental investment vs state median
+8%
Super vs state median
+15%
Business income vs state median
+27%
Percentiles rank this postcode among unique postcodes in VIC, so suburbs that share a postcode are not counted twice. Dollar figures are compared with Australia-wide ATO medians from the same release. Median net rent is among taxpayers who reported the rent label and can be negative.
Data sources & freshness
Taxation Statistics 2023–24 — individuals by postcode (Table 25) — Australian Taxation Office · Updated · Annual release; taxpayer residential postcode, not suburb boundary
Community & culture
8.5% speak a language other than English at home; 21.4% born overseas
Language at home
5,638 English only · 527 other
Non-English at home
8.5%
Born overseas
1,312 (21.4%)
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
69 (1%)
Australian citizens
5,742
Languages spoken at home (other than English)
20
Top languages other than English
Share of residents who speak a language other than English at home (2021 Census).
Italian31 · 15.3%
Punjabi31 · 15.3%
Greek19 · 9.4%
Mandarin18 · 8.9%
Vietnamese13 · 6.4%
Cantonese12 · 5.9%
Spanish11 · 5.4%
German8 · 4%
Religion
46.3%No religion
No religion is the most common response at 46.3%, while Christianity accounts for 42.4%.
Measure
Suburb
State
No religion
46.3%
38.8%
Christianity
42.4%
40.9%
Other / not stated
11.3%
20.3%
Christian denominations
Denomination
Suburb
State
Catholic
16.1%
20.5%
Anglican
13.2%
6.5%
Uniting Church
4%
2.4%
Christian (not further defined)
2.1%
2.5%
Baptist
2%
1.3%
Presbyterian and Reformed
2%
1.4%
2021 Census — languages spoken at home, birthplace, Indigenous status, and religious affiliation (usual residence). Religion is optional on the Census form.
Data sources & freshness
2021 Census — General Community Profile (including method of travel to work and educational attainment) — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
The 2026 Census was conducted in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.
Crime & safety
Reported offences decreased compared with the previous period.
Offence counts & rates
Total offences (2026)
547
Against the person
141
Against property
216
Rate per 1,000 residents
76.9
Person-crime prevalence
About 1 in 47 residents
State crime-rate percentile
66th (higher = more crime)
Decrease (daily rate)
-16.9%
Recorded road crashes (in suburb)
157
Crash rate per 1,000 residents (state rank)
22.08
Most common offence types
A231 Fv Common Assault27
B21 Criminal Damage56
B49 Other Theft34
E21 Breach Family Violence Order104
B43 Steal From A Retail Store31
Contributes to desirability score · Safety (22%)
Crime rate, offences against the person, year-on-year trend and recorded road crash rates
Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Primary SchoolPrimary · Catholic · ICSEA 995 · 45th percentile · LBOTE 17% · 110 students · Top SEA quarter 6% · 1.6 km awayView on My School →
Cowes Primary SchoolPrimary · Government · ICSEA 1019 · 55th percentile · LBOTE 10% · 523 students · Top SEA quarter 16% · 1.7 km awayView on My School →
School catchments
Bass Coast CollegeGovernment school catchment overlapping this suburb boundarysecondary_catchment
Cowes Primary SchoolGovernment school catchment overlapping this suburb boundaryprimary_catchment
Government school intake zones that overlap this suburb boundary. Living in a catchment does not guarantee enrolment; check the education authority.
Contributes to desirability score · Education (14%)
Median school ICSEA first, then school and catchment counts
Data sources & freshness
Victorian designated neighbourhood zones — Victorian Department of Education · current · Updated · Open catchment polygons where published
Great for outdoor family life — 24 parks mapped in suburb, 1 playgrounds nearby
Well connected by public transport — 29 public transport stops
Walkability proxy
34/100
Cafés per 1,000 residents
0.15
Food & drink per 1,000 residents
0.3
Parks per 1,000 residents
3.64
Food & drink(2)
Cafe
Bedrock Family RestaurantRestaurant
Community(1)
Our Lady Star of the Sea Primary SchoolSchool
6 Cowes-Rhyll Road
Health & services(3)
Cowes Dental SurgeryDentist
236 Thompson Avenue
Denture ClinicDentist
232 Thompson Avenue, Cowes
Phillip Island Family Dental CareDentist
187 Thompson Avenue
Sport & outdoors(12)
Beach
Main BeachBeach
Saltwater Creek BeachBeach
SilverleavesBeach
MBNCycling route
Phillip Island Bike PathCycling route
Phillip Island Coastal ReserveNature reserve
Park
Playground
Sports field
Swimming pool (2)
Wineries & breweries(1)
GrenacheWinery
49-53 Thompson Avenue
Camping & holiday parks(7)
A Maze'N Things Holiday ParkCaravan park
Amaroo Holiday ParkCaravan park
Anchor Belle Holiday Park CowesCaravan park
272 Church Street, Cowes
Beach Park Tourist Caravan Park Phillip IslandCaravan park
2 Mckenzie Road
Bushy Park Tourist ParkCaravan park
Phillip Island Beachfront Holiday ParkCaravan park
164 Church Street
Seaview Holiday ParkCaravan park
Places to stay(2)
Woodbyne CottagesGuest house
Arthur Phillip Motor InnMotel
2-12 Redwood Drive
Transport(3)
3 bus stops
Other(15)
The Avenue ApartmentsApartment
204 Thompson Avenue
Bench
Phillip Island CFA Fire StationFire station
Ventnor Road, Cowes
Mingara GalleryGallery
240-242 Thompson Avenue, Cowes
Phillip Island RSLLicensed Club
225-243 Thompson Avenue, Cowes
BlueCross Grossard CourtParking
Parking (6)
Ramada Resort PhillIp IslandParking
Parking Space (2)
Picnic Table
St. Mary's Catholic ChurchPlace of worship
6 Cowes-Rhyll Road
Coastal Health PodiatryPodiatrist
182 Thompson Avenue
Shelter
Waste Basket
Phillip Island Wildlife ParkZoo
Names and addresses from OpenStreetMap. Unnamed venues show as their type (e.g. Cafe). Transport stops are summarised by type rather than listed individually. Campgrounds, beaches, wineries and local trails are included when they sit inside the suburb boundary.
Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (12%)
Food, shopping, recreation and sport per 1,000 residents (OpenStreetMap)
Data sources & freshness
Local amenity insights — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
Named sporting clubs from OpenStreetMap, assigned to this suburb's boundary. Sporting facilities such as ovals, courts and recreation centres are listed under Amenities.
Green cover is the share of this suburb's boundary overlapping OpenStreetMap parks, woodland and forest polygons — not a satellite tree-canopy product. Summer maximum is the WorldClim / Open-Meteo seasonal normal already collected for Weather.
Contributes to desirability score · Environment (12%)
Tree canopy first, then green-cover area and parks per 1,000
Data sources & freshness
OpenStreetMap green cover and tree canopy — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated · Park/woodland polygons intersected with suburb boundaries
Places of worship
1 places of worship within ~1.5 km
St. Mary's Catholic Church
6 Cowes-Rhyll Road
From OpenStreetMap within ~1.5 km of the suburb centre.
Active NDIS participants allocated from NDIA Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2, ASGS 2016) counts to this suburb boundary. Not an official suburb-level NDIS figure · as at 31 March 2026.
For NDIS spend and service-demand exploration by SA2 or postcode, see the Care Sector Demand Map.
Typical conditions by season for suburbs in the same ~44 km climate area. Rainfall totals are summed from monthly WorldClim layers; rainy-day counts are approximate.
Summer (Dec–Feb)
Usual max / min
24° / 13°
Rainfall
155 mm · ~19 rainy days
Autumn (Mar–May)
Usual max / min
20° / 11°
Rainfall
186 mm · ~23 rainy days
Winter (Jun–Aug)
Usual max / min
14° / 6°
Rainfall
203 mm · ~25 rainy days
Spring (Sep–Nov)
Usual max / min
18° / 9°
Rainfall
207 mm · ~26 rainy days
Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (12%)
Development applications from PPARS statewide register (lodged 2020–2022). Free public PPARS MapServer — applications through ~2022 (service last updated Feb 2024).
137 planning-related records
2021· 40 proposals
September 2021
Removal of 1 tree in the VPO2
1 CARISBROOKE COURT COWES 3922Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
Four lot subdivision in a LDRZ
1-11 JEURY COURT COWES 3922Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
Removal of one tree in a VPO
ROAD RESERVE , LAND ADJACENT TO 2 WAGTAIL WAY (LOMANDRA DRIVE SIDE) COWES 3922Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
Use and development of land for a mixed use development (retail shop and eight dwellings) in C1Z and DDO11 and reduction in car parking requirement
77 CHAPEL STREET COWES 3922NOD issued by the Resp. Authority
Partial demolition of an existing building in the HO
THE ESPLANADE COWES 3922Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
Removal of a tree in the VPO2
26 YARRAMUNDI WAY COWES 3922Withdrawn
Development of land for 3 dwellings in GRZ1
28 MONASH AVENUE COWES 3922Withdrawn
Amendment to plans - Second dwelling amended to be double storey Original preamble amended - Construction of a Second Dwelling (retention of existing dwelling and construction of double storey dwelling)
2 TI TREE DRIVE COWES 3922NOD issued by a delegate
Buildings and works to an existing restricted retail premise in a CZ1 and DDO and reduction in car parking (three spaces)
90 & 92 THOMPSON AVENUE COWES 3922Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
Use and development of land for industry and warehouse in the IN3Z, and reduction of car parking requirements under Clause 52.06
2 HARVEY DRIVE COWES 3922Lapsed
August 2021
Subdivision into 9 lots in the IN3Z
13 SHORLAND WAY COWES 3922Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
Removal of Native Vegetation under Clause 52.17
110 VENTNOR ROAD COWES 3922Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
Removal of vegetation under Clause 52.17
DUNSMORE ROAD COWES 3922Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
Develop the land for a Warehouse in the Industrial 3 Zone - Application to amend what the permit allows & amendment to plans
23 SHORLAND WAY COWES 3922Withdrawn
Subdivision of land into 4 lots
9 WALPOLE STREET COWES 3922Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
Amendment to Planning Permit 190036 ¿ Development of the land for 3 dwellings in the GRZ1 ¿ Change to endorsed plans
122 CHURCH STREET COWES 3922Withdrawn
Development of land for a dwelling 7 metres and higher in the DDO1 and BMO1
364 CHURCH STREET COWES 3922NOD issued by a delegate
Buildings and works associated with a dwelling in the DDO1
22 CHILLINGWORTH ROAD COWES 3922Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
Development of land for a replacement dwelling 7 metres or higher in the DDO1
2 LANGARD ROAD COWES 3922NOD issued by the Resp. Authority
Car parking requirement waiver in association with proposed place of assembly (Cowes Cultural & Community Centre)
91-97 THOMPSON AVENUE COWES 3922Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
July 2021
Removal of a tree in the VPO2
312 Settlement RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
Two Lot Subdivision in the GRZ
51 WALTON STREET COWES 3922Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
Use of land to sell and consume liquor associated with a food and drink premises
CARPARK, 119-135 THOMPSON AVENUE COWES 3922Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
Development of land for signage in the C1Z
24-26 THOMPSON AVENUE COWES 3922Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
Variation to a liquor license
69 THOMPSON AVENUE COWES 3922Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
Varying of a restriction on the building envelope
35 JEURY COURT COWES 3922NOD issued by a delegate
Extension to a dwelling on common property with two of more dwellings on the lot in the GRZ
1/1 DEVON AVENUE COWES 3922Refusal issued by a delegate
Development of land for 2 warehouses in the INZ3
14 HARVEY DRIVE COWES 3922Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
Removal of one tree in VPO
28 RED ROCKS ROAD COWES 3922Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
June 2021
Extension to liquor licence
8 THOMPSON AVENUE COWES 3922Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
Construct twelve (12) double storey dwellings
14-20 REDWOOD DRIVE COWES 3922Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
Change of use to restricted recreation facility (yoga studio) - Amendment - change of hours
2 Hollydene CourtPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
Removal of one tree in the GRZ1 and VPO2
64a Walton StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
Amendment to Plans Development of the land for three dwellings in the GRZ1
124 CHURCH STREET COWES 3922Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
Removal of one tree
28 Red Rocks RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
Subdivision of land into two lots in the GRZ1 and creation of a restriction
6 JAMES STREET COWES 3922NOD issued by a delegate
May 2021
Use of the land for an education centre and reduction in associated car parking requirements
16 WARLEY AVENUE COWES 3922NOD issued by the Resp. Authority
Removal of trees in VPO2
OFF/2-3 THE ESPLANADE COWES 3922Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
Construction of two dwellings on a lot
12 SANCTUARY DRIVE COWES 3922Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
Use and development of a storage facility
16 SHORLAND WAY COWES 3922Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
Changed conditions both directions between Thompson Avenue, Cowes and Steele Street due to emergency works. Please avoid the area and seek an alternate route.THE ESPLANADE, THOMPSON AVENUE19 Mar 2025 – 01 Dec 2026
Council Works activities occurring between 27/06/2026 and 30/10/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM, Weekends 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed multiple directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be Nil and the traffic delay is expected to be Nil.THOMPSON AVENUE, CHAPEL STREET26 Jun 2026 – 29 Oct 2026
Council Works activities occurring between 27/06/2026 and 30/10/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM, Weekends 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed multiple directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be Nil and the traffic delay is expected to be Nil.CHAPEL STREET, THOMPSON AVENUE26 Jun 2026 – 29 Oct 2026
Council Works activities occurring between 27/06/2026 and 30/10/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM, Weekends 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed multiple directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be Nil and the traffic delay is expected to be Nil.THOMPSON AVENUE, THE ESPLANADE26 Jun 2026 – 29 Oct 2026
Council Works activities occurring between 27/06/2026 and 30/10/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Weekends 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed multiple directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be Nil and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.THOMPSON AVENUE, CHAPEL STREET26 Jun 2026 – 29 Oct 2026
Council Works activities occurring between 27/06/2026 and 30/10/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Weekends 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed multiple directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be Nil and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.CHAPEL STREET, THOMPSON AVENUE26 Jun 2026 – 29 Oct 2026
Council Works activities occurring between 27/06/2026 and 30/10/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Weekends 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed multiple directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be Nil and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.THOMPSON AVENUE, THE ESPLANADE26 Jun 2026 – 29 Oct 2026
Data sources & freshness
Road incidents & closures — State road authority open-data feeds · current · Updated
Hazards
Bushfire planning zone
Overlay applies
Flood / inundation overlay
No mapped inundation on suburb boundary
Bushfire overlay checked at suburb centroid via Victorian Bushfire Management Overlay mapping. Flood cover uses inundation overlay polygons against the suburb boundary where published.
Contributes to desirability score · Safety (22%)
Bushfire and flood hazard overlays
Data sources & freshness
Bushfire and flood planning overlays — State government hazard layers · current · Updated
Politics & representation
Federal electorate
Monash
Member of Parliament
Mary ALDRED (Liberal)
Results from
2025 federal election
Electorate enrolment (2025)
116,463
Turnout (2025)
93.5%
Swing since 2022 (2025)
-1.2 pp toward Coalition
Two-party preferred (2025)
Coalition 54.1%Labor 45.9%
Estimated suburb voting profile
Estimated from 8 nearby ordinary polling places (up to 26.6 km away).
Coalition 43.8%Labor 56.2%
10.3 percentage points more Labor-leaning than the electorate
Estimated swing since 2022: 0.0 pp
Nearest polling places
CowesLabor 56.5% · Coalition 43.5% TPP (2025)1.8 km away
RhyllLabor 55.4% · Coalition 44.6% TPP (2025)5.9 km away
NewhavenLabor 64.2% · Coalition 35.8% TPP (2025)11.5 km away
San RemoLabor 40.4% · Coalition 59.6% TPP (2025)13.0 km away
CorinellaLabor 47.0% · Coalition 53.0% TPP (2025)18.0 km away
Federal electorate from AEC federal division boundaries (2025 redistribution). Division-level results are official AEC figures from the latest general election, with by-election updates where applicable. The estimated suburb profile blends up to eight nearest ordinary polling booths in the same electorate using inverse-distance weighting from the suburb centroid — an approximation, not official AEC data. Nearest polling places are shown for reference.
ABS Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA), 2021 release — the latest available, derived from the 2021 Census. Deciles rank suburbs nationally from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).
What do IRSAD and IRSD measure?
IRSAD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage. Combines indicators of advantage (e.g. high income, skilled occupations) and disadvantage. Higher decile = more advantaged relative to other Australian areas.
IRSD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage. Focuses on disadvantage only (e.g. low income, unemployment, limited education). Higher decile = less disadvantage nationally.
A new SEIFA edition typically follows each census; the ABS has not announced a release date beyond 2021.
Contributes to desirability score · Community (12%)