suburb.guide

VIC · Golden Plains Council

Ross Creek, 3351

Est. population · Jun 2025

1,251

Growth (1 yr)

-0.1%

Growth (5 yr)

+2.4%

Median age

40

Median income

$2,065/wk

Employment rate

69.2%

Languages at home

2.1%non-English

Most common: Thai

2021 Census · usual residence

Desirability score

40.3/100
Average

742nd in VIC

Verified 70% confidence

How this score is calculated
  • National parks
  • Green suburb
  • Excellent transport
  • High desirability
What Ross Creek is known for: National parks, Green suburb, Excellent transport, High desirability

Suburb profile

Ross Creek is a quieter smaller community in Golden Plains Council, where peace, space and a country-town pace still dominate. Distance from the metro area around Melbourne is part of the appeal, with regional hubs closer to hand than the city. Residents are mostly families and working professionals, with plenty of young families in the mix.

The pace is unhurried, with local businesses and community spots doing the heavy lifting. With limited local amenities, residents regularly travel to a neighbouring town for shops, appointments and a wider choice. A car helps for most daily errands, though buses still link the suburb further afield.

Buyers typically pay more than the metro middle for a home here. Infill and new builds are slowly updating the area without overwhelming its existing character.

The overall desirability read is around average, pulled by softer local dining and lifestyle amenities, plus parks and green space compared with similar regional towns, though housing affordability and safety remain brighter spots. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.

At a glance

Ross Creek snapshot

A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk

Median house price

—

No data available

Median rent

—

No data available

Population (ERP)

1,251

-0.1% annual growth

Dwelling vacancy

6.8%

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

#70

among Country & regional · Established

Safety

23rd

percentile in state (higher = safer)

Pop. growth

4th

percentile in VIC

Advantage (IRSAD)

7/10

national SEIFA decile

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
40.3/100 — Average
National rank
3700th in Australia
State rank
742nd in VIC
Peer rank
#70 among Country & regional · Established suburbs
Cohort rank
#292 among Country & regional suburbs
Data confidence
70%

Data sources & freshness

  • Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated

Population

Estimated resident population

1,251(June 2025)

-0.1% annual · +2.4% over 5 years · 4th percentile in VIC

Growth figures & methodology
Annual growth
-0.1%
5-year growth
+2.4%
Change in 1 year
-1
Change in 5 years
+29
Growth rank in VIC
4th 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 (~1,300), extrapolated at +0.8% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.

2021 Census figures

2021 Census

Population
1,221
Median age
40
Median household income / week
$2,065
Dwelling vacancy
6.8%
Unoccupied private dwellings
29 of 426
Median monthly mortgage
$1,733
Employment rate
69.2%
Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
396 / 0 / 0

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 decreased compared with the previous period.

Offence counts & rates
Total offences (2026)
35
Against the person
6
Against property
15
Rate per 1,000 residents
28
Person-crime prevalence
About 1 in 204 residents
State safety percentile
22.8th (lower crime is better)
Decrease (daily rate)
-5.4%

Most common offence types

  • B21 Criminal Damage3
  • B42 Steal From A Motor Vehicle4
  • B49 Other Theft4
  • C32 Drug Possession4
  • D11 Firearms Offences3

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)

Crime rate and year-on-year trend

Data sources & freshness

Family & Lifestyle

Public transport

1 public transport stops in this suburb

  • Ross Creek Shop/Sebastopol - Smythesdale Rd

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Public transport stop coverage

Data sources & freshness

Amenities

No OpenStreetMap amenities mapped for this suburb yet.

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

1 parks and public open space in this suburb

  • Ross Creek Nature ReserveNature reserve

Data sources & freshness

Green cover

Parks & woodland (OSM)
5
Parks (OSM)
1

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

Health access

Nearest hospital
Queen Elizabeth Centre (11.5 km)
Nearest hospital type
Hospital
Nearest hospital emergency
Emergency department

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Hospitals and GP clinics

Data sources & freshness

NDIS participation

NDIS participants (31 March 2026)
37
Participants per 1,000 residents
29.6

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

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
26° / 12°
Rainfall
128 mm · ~16 rainy days

Autumn (Mar–May)

Usual max / min
21° / 10°
Rainfall
124 mm · ~16 rainy days

Winter (Jun–Aug)

Usual max / min
14° / 6°
Rainfall
149 mm · ~19 rainy days

Spring (Sep–Nov)

Usual max / min
19° / 8°
Rainfall
182 mm · ~23 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).

33 planning-related records

2021· 12 proposals

  • September 2021

  • Use of the land (dwelling) under clause 35.03-1 (RLZ) and buildings and works (dwelling and shed) associated with a section 2 use under clause 35.03-4 (RLZ) and to construct a shed under Clause 43.02-2 (DDO)
    . TUDDENHAMS ROAD ROSS CREEK 3351Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use of the land for a second dwelling under clause 35.03-1 (RLZ) and buildings and works associated with a section 2 use (Construction of a second dwelling) under clause 35.03-4 (RLZ)
    64 TOM JONES ROAD ROSS CREEK 3351Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • August 2021

  • Use of the land under clause 35.03-1 (RLZ), construction of a building (replacement dwelling) associated with a section 2 use under clause 35.03-4 (RLZ) and within a specified setback under clause 35.03-4 (RLZ)
    39 HALEYS ROAD ROSS CREEK 3351Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • July 2021

  • Buildings and works associated with a section 2 use (dwelling) under clause 35.08-4 (RAZ), construct and carry out works associated with accommodation (dwelling) under clause 44.06-2 (BMO)
    747 SOBEYS ROAD ROSS CREEK 3351Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • The use and development of the land for the purposes of a second dwelling and outbuilding pursuant to the provisions of the RAZ1 (Clauses 35.08-1 & 35.08-4) and BMO (Clause 44.06-2)
    75 MONKS ROAD ROSS CREEK 3351Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • June 2021

  • construction of a building (shed) and works associated with a section 2 use under clause 35.03-4 (RLZ)
    963 SEBASTOPOL-SMYTHESDALE ROAD ROSS CREEK 3351Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • construction of a building (shed) associated with a section 2 use under clause 35.03-4 (RLZ) and to construct an outbuilding greater than 120sqm under Clause 43.02 (DDO7).
    42 MERLYNS ROAD ROSS CREEK 3351Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • May 2021

  • Construction of outbuildings (two sheds) with dimensions greater than specified under clause 43.02-2 (DDO)
    41 Merlyns RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • The use and development of the land for the purposes of a dwelling pursuant to the provisions of the RAZ1 (Clauses 35.08-1 & 35.08-4) and BMO (Clause 44.06-2)
    765 SOBEYS ROAD ROSS CREEK 3351Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • March 2021

  • The development of the land for the purposes of earthworks (construction of two new dams and enlargement of an existing dam) pursuant to the provisions of the RLZ (Clause 35.03-4)
    45 Merlyns RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • February 2021

  • The development of the land for the purposes of earthworks (construction of a dam) pursuant to the provisions of the RLZ (Clause 35.03-4) & SMO (Clause 44.02-2)
    860 Sebastopol-Smythesdale RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of a building (shed) associated with an existing CFA shed under clause 32.05-10 (TZ) and 44.02-2 (SMO)
    335 Post Office RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
2020· 21 proposals

  • December 2020

  • Earthworks as specified in the schedule to the zone which change the rate of flow of water across a property boundary (for a dam) under clause 35.03-4 in accordance with endorsed plans
    421 Sebastopol-Smythesdale RoadPermit issued by a delegate

  • November 2020

  • Construct a building (shed) associated with a section 2 use and within 100m of a waterway under clause 35.08-1, in accordance with endorsed plans
    60 Nicholls RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • To construct or carry out works associated with a section 2 use (dwelling) under clause 35.03-4
    211 Tom Jones RoadWithdrawn

  • October 2020

  • Construction of a building (outbuilding greater than 120 sqm) associated with a section 2 use under clause 35.03-4 (RLZ) and 43.02 (DDO7) in accordance with endorsed plans
    167 Spratlings RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • The development of the land for the purposes of a dwelling extension pursuant to the provisions of the RAZ1 & BMO
    105 Morris RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of a building (shed) in association with a section 2 use (dwelling) and within 100m of a waterway pursuant to clause 35.03-4 (RLZ), construction of a building (shed) pursuant to clause 44.02-2 (SMO) and construction of a building greater than 120sqm pursuant to clause 43.02-2 (DDO) in accordance with endorsed plans
    474 Sebastopol-Smythesdale RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • September 2020

  • Development of the land for the purposes of earthworks (construction of a dam) pursuant to the provisions of the RAZ1
    135 State Forest RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • August 2020

  • The development of the land for a dwelling
    545 Sebastopol-Smythesdale RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • The development of the land for buildings and works associated with an existing dwelling
    741 Sebastopol-Smythesdale RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • July 2020

  • The development of the land for a shed
    380 SPRATLINGS ROADPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Earthworks
    28 Vaggs RoadWithdrawn
  • Development of the land for a shed associated with existing fire station
    335 POST OFFICE ROADWithdrawn

  • June 2020

  • The development of the land for a shed
    34 MITCHELL ROADPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • The use and development of the land for a dwelling, development of the land for a shed and earthworks associated with the construction of a dam
    987 Sebastopol-Smythesdale RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • May 2020

  • The development of the land for a shed
    45 HALEYS ROADPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • April 2020

  • The development of the land for a shed
    30 TOM JONES ROADPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • The development of the land for a shed
    92 VAGGS ROADPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • February 2020

  • The use and development of the land for a dwelling
    971 SEBASTOPOL-SMYTHESDALE ROADPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Amend planning permit for the use and development of the land for a dwelling and shed
    346 STATE FOREST ROADPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • January 2020

  • The use and development of the land for a dwelling and shed
    52 VAGGS ROADPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • The development of the land for buildings and works associated with an existing dwelling
    490 SEBASTOPOL-SMYTHESDALE ROADPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)

Development and planning activity

Data sources & freshness

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
Ballarat
Member of Parliament
Catherine KING (Australian Labor Party)
Results from
2025 federal election
Electorate enrolment (2025)
116,238
Turnout (2025)
93.3%
Swing since 2022 (2025)
-2.3 pp toward Coalition

Two-party preferred (2025)

Coalition 39.3%Labor 60.7%

Estimated suburb voting profile

Estimated from 8 nearby ordinary polling places (up to 9.1 km away).

Coalition 44.9%Labor 55.1%

5.5 percentage points more Coalition-leaning than the electorate

Estimated swing since 2022: -2.4 pp toward Coalition

Nearest polling places

  • Ross CreekLabor 53.5% · Coalition 46.5% TPP (2025)1.5 km away
  • NapoleonsLabor 60.1% · Coalition 39.9% TPP (2025)6.8 km away
  • SmythesdaleLabor 57.3% · Coalition 42.7% TPP (2025)6.8 km away
  • HaddonLabor 53.1% · Coalition 46.9% TPP (2025)7.3 km away
  • MagpieLabor 62.0% · Coalition 38.0% TPP (2025)8.1 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

Socio-economic

IRSAD decile (2021)
7/10
IRSD decile (2021)
9/10

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

Compare with

Similar suburbs to weigh up side by side — scores, safety, schools, and lifestyle.

More in Golden Plains Council

Other suburbs in the same local government area.

Comparable suburbs

Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of Victoria.