Median house price
$510k
+5.7% change
VIC · East Gippsland Council
Paynesville, 3880
Est. population · Jun 2025
3,775
Growth (1 yr)
+1.1%
Growth (5 yr)
+5.8%
Median age
62
Median income
$987/wk
Employment rate
36.2%
Median house price · 4th Quarter 2025
$510,000
Languages at home
3.1%non-English
Most common: Mandarin, Malayalam, French
2021 Census · usual residence
Desirability score
- Excellent transport
- National parks
- Café precinct
- Education hub
- Heritage area
Suburb profile
Paynesville is a regional mid-sized suburb in East Gippsland Council, oriented around local life rather than the metro orbit of Melbourne. A mature community gives the area a calm, settled social fabric. Local eateries and coffee spots give the area a friendly, everyday social rhythm.
Parks and open space are a real strength relative to many regional towns, easy for walks, sport and weekend downtime. Reasonably walkable — many errands reachable on foot or by bus, and buses help with longer trips. Housing is more affordable than in many parts of the state.
Reported crime has been rising recently. Steady development is bringing new homes and gradual renewal to parts of the suburb.
Desirability sits around average overall, with community and employment the main drag compared with similar regional towns.
At a glance
Paynesville snapshot
A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk
Median rent
—
No data available
Population (ERP)
3,775
+1.1% annual growth
Dwelling vacancy
23.1%
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
#71
among Country & regional · Mature
Safety
47th
percentile in state (higher = safer)
Pop. growth
72nd
percentile in VIC
Advantage (IRSAD)
3/10
national SEIFA decile
School ICSEA
19th
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
- 43.9/100 — Average
- National rank
- 3085th in Australia
- State rank
- 626th in VIC
- Peer rank
- #71 among Country & regional · Mature suburbs
- Cohort rank
- #206 among Country & regional suburbs
- Data confidence
- 100%
Data sources & freshness
- Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
Housing
- Median house price (4th Quarter 2025)
- $510,000
- Median price change
- +5.7%
Contributes to desirability score · Housing (15%) · Future Growth (7%)
Median price, rental yield and vacancy Recent price momentum
Data sources & freshness
- DFFH rent report and Valuer-General property sales report — Department of Families, Fairness and Housing / Department of Transport and Planning (Victoria) · 4th Quarter 2025 · Updated · Quarterly releases; council median rent fallback where suburb rent unavailable
Population
Estimated resident population
3,775(June 2025)
+1.1% annual · +5.8% over 5 years · 72th percentile in VIC
Growth figures & methodology
- Annual growth
- +1.1%
- 5-year growth
- +5.8%
- Change in 1 year
- +41
- Change in 5 years
- +207
- Growth rank in VIC
- 72th 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 (~4,100), extrapolated at +1.7% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.
2021 Census figures
2021 Census
- Population
- 3,636
- Median age
- 62
- Median household income / week
- $987
- Dwelling vacancy
- 23.1%
- Unoccupied private dwellings
- 501 of 2,172
- Median monthly mortgage
- $1,225
- Employment rate
- 36.2%
- Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
- 1,434 / 189 / 20 (+ 31 other)
Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)
Employment, household income and age diversity (2021 Census)
Data sources & freshness
- 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.
- Estimated Resident Population — Australian Bureau of Statistics · 2025 · Updated · SA2 ERP allocated to suburb boundaries
Community & culture
No 2021 Census cultural diversity data for this suburb yet.
Data sources & freshness
- 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.
Crime & safety
Reported offences increased compared with the previous period.
Offence counts & rates
- Total offences (2026)
- 188
- Against the person
- 49
- Against property
- 82
- Rate per 1,000 residents
- 49.8
- Person-crime prevalence
- About 1 in 74 residents
- State safety percentile
- 47.4th (lower crime is better)
- Increase (daily rate)
- +13.9%
Most common offence types
- B21 Criminal Damage14
- B321 Residential Non-Aggravated Burglary15
- B42 Steal From A Motor Vehicle12
- E21 Breach Family Violence Order30
- Other Crimes Against The Person17
Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)
Crime rate and year-on-year trend
Data sources & freshness
- Recorded offences by suburb/town — Crime Statistics Agency (Victoria) · 2025 · Updated
Family & Lifestyle
Schools & preschools
- Schools within 2 km
- 1
- Median school ICSEA
- 934
- Median ICSEA percentile
- 19th
School list
- Paynesville Primary SchoolPrimary · Government · ICSEA 934 · 19th percentile · LBOTE 4% · 89 students · Top SEA quarter 5% · 0.0 km awayView on My School →
Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)
School and preschool counts, median school ICSEA
Data sources & freshness
- ACARA school locations — Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority · 2025 · Updated · Annual release
- School ICSEA scores — Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority · 2025 · Updated · Annual release
Childcare
1 childcare service from OpenStreetMap
- Paynesville Neighbourhood Centre Child CareThe Esplanadechildcare
Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)
Childcare centre count
Data sources & freshness
- Childcare services — OpenStreetMap · current · Updated
Public transport
3 public transport stops in this suburb
- King St/Paynesville Rd
- Raymond Island Ferry Terminal/Devon Rd
- Raymond Island Ferry Terminal/Devon Rd
Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)
Public transport stop coverage
Data sources & freshness
- GTFS public transport stops — State transport authority open-data feeds · current · Updated
Amenities
92 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km
5 restaurants · 4 cafes · 1 bars · 1 supermarkets · 1 bakeries · 1 libraries · 2 places of worship · 5 playgrounds
Local character & venue list
Local character
- Reasonably walkable — many errands reachable on foot or by bus
- Great for outdoor family life — 2 parks mapped in suburb, 5 playgrounds nearby
- Walkability proxy
- 52/100
- Cafés per 1,000 residents
- 1.1
- Food & drink per 1,000 residents
- 3.03
- Parks per 1,000 residents
- 0.55
Food & drink(11)
- Paynesville Bakery CafeBakery
7 Esplanade, Paynesville
- Paynesville Wine BarBar
- Ferry CafeCafe
85c Esplanade
- Ginny's PlaceCafe
59 Esplanade
- JJ's Cafe & WafflesCafe
21 Esplanade, Paynesville
- Paynesville Arts CafeCafe
31 Esplanade
- Ginny's PlaceRestaurant
- Pier 70Restaurant
- Seaview KitchenRestaurant
23 Esplanade
- Tham DynastyRestaurant
17A Esplanade, Paynesville
- Three double8zeroRestaurant
11-13 Esplanade, Paynesville
Shopping(1)
- RitchiesSupermarket
Community(6)
- Paynesville Neighbourhood Centre Child CareChildcare
55 The Esplanade, Paynesville
- Paynesville Community Craft CentreCommunity centre
Sunset Drive, Paynesville
- Paynesville Neighbourhood CentreCommunity centre
55 Esplanade, Paynesville
- Paynesville Op ShopCommunity centre
8 Wellington Street, Paynesville
- Paynesville LibraryLibrary
- Paynesville Primary SchoolSchool
31-47 Ashley Street
Health & services(1)
- Paynesville Medical ClinicClinic
Unit 2 55 The Esplanade, Paynesville
Sport & outdoors(10)
- Gilsenan ReservePark
- Park
- Picnic area
- Paynesville Lions Club Community PlaygroundPlayground
- Playground (4)
- Paynesville Bowling ClubSports field
- Sports field
Entertainment(2)
- Paynesville Maritime MuseumMuseum
- Point Fullarton WetlandsViewpoint
Transport(2)
2 bus stops
Other(36)
- Bendigo BankATM
- Bendigo BankBank
61 Esplanade, Paynesville
- Bbq
30 Esplanade, Paynesville
- Bbq (2)
- Bench (3)
- Bicycle Parking
33 Esplanade
- Bicycle Parking (2)
- Allawah Caravan and Boat ParkCaravan Site
- Resthaven Caravan ParkCaravan Site
- Dolphin CottageChalet
18 McMillan Grove
- Clasiqe Computer SolutionsComputer
29 Esplanade, Paynesville
- Drinking water (3)
- Evie NetworksEV charging
- Paynesville Fire Station CFAFire station
38 Wellington Street, Paynesville
- Hair By Sarah MonroeHairdresser
- Sleek Hair DesignHairdresser
25B Esplanade
- Paynesvile LaundretteLaundry
27 Esplanade, Paynesville
- East Gippsland Shire CouncilMarina
- Mariners Cove Motel & ApartmentsMotel
Esplanade, Paynesville
- Paynesville NewsagencyNewsagent
- Outdoor Seating (2)
- East Gippsland ShireParking
- Parking (11)
- AstronPetrol station
14 Paynesville Road
- Picnic Table (2)
- Saint Patrick'sPlace of worship
King Street
- St Peter's By The Lake Anglican ChurchPlace of worship
- Paynesville Post OfficePost office
Unit 2 3 Wellington Street, Paynesville
- Public toilets
- Sanitary Dump Station
- Shelter (2)
- Shower
- Paynesville Boat RampSlipway
- Slipway (3)
- Tobacco Products & GiftsTobacco
25 Esplanade
- Waste Basket (3)
Names and addresses from OpenStreetMap. Unnamed venues show as their type (e.g. Cafe). Transport stops are summarised by type rather than listed individually.
Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)
Food, shopping, recreation and sport (OpenStreetMap)
Data sources & freshness
- Local amenity insights — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
- OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated
Parks & reserves
2 parks and public open space in this suburb
- Gilsenan ReservePark
- Point Fullarton Gippsland Lakes ReserveNature reserve
Data sources & freshness
- Parks & reserves — State government + ABS LGA boundaries · current · Updated
Green cover
- Parks & woodland (OSM)
- 2
- Parks (OSM)
- 2
OpenStreetMap parks and natural woodland features mapped within the suburb boundary.
Contributes to desirability score · Environment (10%)
Parks and green cover (OpenStreetMap)
Data sources & freshness
- OpenStreetMap green cover — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated
Places of worship
2 places of worship within ~1.5 km
- Saint Patrick's
King Street
- St Peter's By The Lake Anglican Church
From OpenStreetMap within ~1.5 km of the suburb centre.
Data sources & freshness
- OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated
Health access
- Hospitals & GP clinics in suburb
- 1
- Nearest hospital
- Bairnsdale Regional Health Service (12.9 km)
- Nearest hospital type
- Hospital
- Nearest hospital emergency
- Emergency department
- Emergency department in suburb
- Not in suburb
- Paynesville Medical ClinicThe EsplanadeClinic
Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)
Hospitals and GP clinics
Data sources & freshness
- Hospitals & clinics — OpenStreetMap + state health datasets · current · Updated
NDIS participation
- NDIS participants (31 March 2026)
- 104
- Participants per 1,000 residents
- 27.5
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.
Data sources & freshness
- NDIS participants by SA2 — National Disability Insurance Agency · 2026-Q1 · Updated · Quarterly SA2 counts allocated to suburb boundaries
Weather
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° / 14°
- Rainfall
- 187 mm · ~23 rainy days
Autumn (Mar–May)
- Usual max / min
- 20° / 11°
- Rainfall
- 190 mm · ~24 rainy days
Winter (Jun–Aug)
- Usual max / min
- 15° / 6°
- Rainfall
- 188 mm · ~24 rainy days
Spring (Sep–Nov)
- Usual max / min
- 19° / 9°
- Rainfall
- 218 mm · ~27 rainy days
Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)
Temperature and humidity comfort
Data sources & freshness
- Seasonal climate normals — WorldClim 2.1 · Updated
Future & Planning
Planning & development
Development applications from PPARS statewide register (lodged 2020–2022). Free public PPARS MapServer — applications through ~2022 (service last updated Feb 2024).
32 planning-related records
2021· 15 proposals
August 2021
- Buildings and works for an extension to the existing dwelling within a Design and Development Overlay10 SHEERWATER TERRACE PAYNESVILLE 3880Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Removal of native vegetation on road reserve190 NEWLANDS DRIVE PAYNESVILLE 3880Withdrawn
- Two lot subdivision7 SUNSET BOULEVARD EAGLE POINT 3878Refusal issued by the Resp. Authority
- The land to be Subdivided into 29 Lots, Development of Dwellings on the new lots and development of Jetties and Landings in the waterways1 NORTH QUAY PLACE PAYNESVILLE 3880Withdrawn
July 2021
- Building and works for a dwelling within a Design and Development Overlay and Land Subject to Inundation23 DRIFTWOOD CLOSE PAYNESVILLE 3880NOD issued by a delegate
June 2021
- Development of additional two dwellings and outbuildings and within an Erosion Management Overlay120 GRANDVIEW ROAD PAYNESVILLE 3880Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
April 2021
- Sale and consumption of liquor and sale of packaged liquor69A ESPLANADE PAYNESVILLE 3880Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Buildings and works for a double-storey dwelling within Land Subject to Inundation Overlay19 DRIFTWOOD CLOSE PAYNESVILLE 3880Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Use and development of a boat and caravan storage facility114 GRANDVIEW ROAD PAYNESVILLE 3880Withdrawn
- Use and Development of a jetty26 MAGNETIC RETREAT PAYNESVILLE 3880Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
March 2021
- Buildings and works of a fence within the Erosion Management Overlay116 Newlands DrivePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Three lot subdivision within a Design and Development Overlay22 WELLINGTON STREET PAYNESVILLE 3880Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
February 2021
- Buildings and works for a verandah to a dwelling within 10 m of the constructed waterway within a Design and Development Overlay7 Fort King PlacePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
January 2021
- Buildings and works for decking additions70 EsplanadePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Buildings and works for a jetty extension3 Driftwood ClosePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
2020· 17 proposals
December 2020
- Buildings and works for a jetty15 The InletPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
October 2020
- Two lot subdivision1 Haylock DrivePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Temporary Extension of Red Line Area85A EsplanadePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Two lot subdivision3 Bedggood GrovePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Buildings and works for a dwelling24 Magnetic RetreatPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
September 2020
- Buildings and works for a dwelling and variation to a restrictive covenant26 Driftwood CloseNOD issued by a delegate
- Use and development of a jetty34 Magnetic RetreatPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
August 2020
- Use and development of a jetty33 Driftwood ClosePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
July 2020
- Five lot subdivision (and creation of common property access)6 Hayman PlacePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Development of industrial sheds66 Slip RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
June 2020
- Use of the land for packaged liquor sales65 EsplanadePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Construction of a dwelling5/7 King StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Earthworks167A Newlands DriveNo permit required
- Buildings and works for a caravan park79 Slip RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
April 2020
- Four lot subdivision2 Backwater CourtNOD issued by a delegate
March 2020
- Development of a jetty4-6 BRIDGE PLACE PAYNESVILLE 3880Refusal issued by a delegate
February 2020
- Development of a second dwelling on a lot107 Newlands DrivePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)
Development and planning activity
Data sources & freshness
- PPARS planning permit activity (statewide) — Department of Transport and Planning (Victoria) · 2020–2022 · Updated · MapServer through FY 2022–23; newer data needs council/API access
Heritage
1 heritage place
- SLIP & WINCH SHEDNH1648
Data sources & freshness
- State heritage register — State heritage authority · current · Updated
Hazards
- Bushfire planning zone
- No overlay at centroid
Bushfire overlay checked at suburb centroid via Victorian Bushfire Management Overlay mapping.
Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)
Bushfire hazard overlays
Data sources & freshness
- Hazard planning overlays — State government hazard layers · current · Updated
Politics & representation
- Federal electorate
- Gippsland
- Member of Parliament
- Darren CHESTER (The Nationals)
- Results from
- 2025 federal election
- Electorate enrolment (2025)
- 118,075
- Turnout (2025)
- 92.0%
- Swing since 2022 (2025)
- +1.2 pp toward Labor
Two-party preferred (2025)
Coalition 69.4%Labor 30.6%
Estimated suburb voting profile
Estimated from 8 nearby ordinary polling places (up to 13.5 km away).
Coalition 62.1%Labor 37.9%
7.3 percentage points more Labor-leaning than the electorate
Estimated swing since 2022: +8.2 pp toward Labor
Nearest polling places
- PaynesvilleLabor 39.8% · Coalition 60.2% TPP (2025)1.2 km away
- Newlands ArmLabor 32.7% · Coalition 67.3% TPP (2025)3.0 km away
- Eagle PointLabor 31.8% · Coalition 68.2% TPP (2025)3.8 km away
- LucknowLabor 22.3% · Coalition 77.7% TPP (2025)11.5 km away
- MetungLabor 38.5% · Coalition 61.5% TPP (2025)12.1 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.
Data sources & freshness
- Federal election results — Australian Electoral Commission · Updated · 2025 election with by-election overlays
Socio-economic
- IRSAD decile (2021)
- 3/10
- IRSD decile (2021)
- 4/10
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 (5%)
Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile)
Data sources & freshness
- SEIFA 2021 (IRSAD / IRSD) — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
Compare with
Similar suburbs to weigh up side by side — scores, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
More in East Gippsland Council
Other suburbs in the same local government area.
Comparable suburbs
Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of Victoria.