suburb.guide

VIC · Golden Plains Council

Smythes Creek, 3351

Est. population · Jun 2025

2,023

Growth (1 yr)

+2.7%

Growth (5 yr)

+18.6%

Median age

38

Median income

$2,132/wk

Employment rate

65.6%

Median house price · 4th Quarter 2025

$608,000

Languages at home

4.5%non-English

Most common: Punjabi, Russian, Filipino

2021 Census · usual residence

Desirability score

43.4/100
Average

636th in VIC

Verified 92% confidence

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

Suburb profile

Smythes Creek is a quieter smaller community in Golden Plains Council, where peace, space and a country-town pace still dominate. Families and commuters make up much of the community, with family life visible on every street. Life here is grounded in local routine rather than big-city choice.

Everyday basics may be close by, but bigger shopping and services typically require a trip to a nearby centre. Outdoor life is easy here, with generous parks and room for kids, dogs and weekend strolls. A car helps for most daily errands, though buses still link the suburb further afield.

Housing sits above the suburban middle: not the top of the market, but clearly pricier than average. Construction and infill projects are noticeably reshaping parts of the area.

Against similar regional towns, the suburb sits around average overall, mainly because schools and education, plus safety lag behind, despite relative strength in growth momentum, plus community and employment. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.

At a glance

Smythes Creek snapshot

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

Median house price

$608k

+17% change

Median rent

—

No data available

Population (ERP)

2,023

+2.7% annual growth

Dwelling vacancy

3.6%

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

#58

among Country & regional · Emerging

Safety

86th

percentile in state (higher = safer)

Pop. growth

93rd

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
43.4/100 — Average
National rank
3189th in Australia
State rank
636th in VIC
Peer rank
#58 among Country & regional · Emerging suburbs
Cohort rank
#214 among Country & regional suburbs
Data confidence
92%

Data sources & freshness

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

Housing

Median house price (4th Quarter 2025)
$608,000
Median price change
+16.9%

Contributes to desirability score · Housing (15%) · Future Growth (7%)

Median price, rental yield and vacancy Recent price momentum

Data sources & freshness

Population

Estimated resident population

2,023(June 2025)

+2.7% annual · +18.6% over 5 years · 93th percentile in VIC

Growth figures & methodology
Annual growth
+2.7%
5-year growth
+18.6%
Change in 1 year
+53
Change in 5 years
+317
Growth rank in VIC
93th 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 (~2,300), extrapolated at +2.6% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.

2021 Census figures

2021 Census

Population
1,762
Median age
38
Median household income / week
$2,132
Dwelling vacancy
3.6%
Unoccupied private dwellings
21 of 582
Median monthly mortgage
$1,647
Employment rate
65.6%
Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
554 / 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 increased compared with the previous period.

Offence counts & rates
Total offences (2026)
307
Against the person
58
Against property
222
Rate per 1,000 residents
151.8
Person-crime prevalence
About 1 in 30 residents
State safety percentile
85.8th (lower crime is better)
Increase (daily rate)
+3%

Most common offence types

  • A232 Non-Fv Common Assault21
  • B21 Criminal Damage25
  • B42 Steal From A Motor Vehicle21
  • B43 Steal From A Retail Store89
  • B49 Other Theft44

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)

Crime rate and year-on-year trend

Data sources & freshness

Family & Lifestyle

Childcare

1 childcare service from OpenStreetMap

  • Brady Bunch Early Learning Centrekindergarten

Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)

Childcare centre count

Data sources & freshness

  • Childcare services — OpenStreetMap · current · Updated

Public transport

6 public transport stops in this suburb

  • Bells Rd/Glenelg Hwy
  • Bells Rd/Glenelg Hwy
  • Bells Rd/Glenelg Hwy
  • Bells Rd/Glenelg Hwy
  • Delacombe Town Centre

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Public transport stop coverage

Data sources & freshness

Amenities

1 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km

Local character & venue list

Local character

  • Limited walkable amenities nearby
Walkability proxy
9/100
Cafés per 1,000 residents
0
Food & drink per 1,000 residents
0
Parks per 1,000 residents
0.57
Other(1)
  • Track

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

Green cover

Parks & woodland (OSM)
14
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

Hospitals & GP clinics in suburb
2
Nearest hospital
Queen Elizabeth Centre (8.0 km)
Nearest hospital type
Hospital
Nearest hospital emergency
Emergency department
Emergency department in suburb
Not in suburb
  • Delacombe Medical CentreDrummond Street NorthDoctor
  • Discount ChemistPharmacy

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Hospitals and GP clinics

Data sources & freshness

NDIS participation

NDIS participants (31 March 2026)
77
Participants per 1,000 residents
38.1

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).

38 planning-related records

2021· 15 proposals

  • September 2021

  • use of the land (dwelling) under clause 35.03-1 (RLZ), construction of a building and associated with a section 2 use under clause 35.03-4 (RLZ) and construction of a building (dwelling) under clause 44.06-2 (BMO)
    924 GLENELG HIGHWAY SMYTHES CREEK 3351Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of an outbuilding (shed) associated with a section 2 use, and to construct a building within specified setbacks under clause 35.08-4 (RLZ).
    36 KENNEDYS ROAD SMYTHES CREEK 3351Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use of the land (dwelling) and associated buildings and works under clauses 35.03-1 and 35.03-4 (RLZ), construction of a building (dwelling) under clause 44.06-2 (BMO), earthworks (dam) under clause 35.03-4, construction of an outbuilding (shed) with dimensions greater than specified under clause 43.02-2 (DDO), and variation of restrictive covenant PS813902A to move the building envelope under clause 52.02 (Easements, restrictions and reserves)
    924 GLENELG HIGHWAY SMYTHES CREEK 3351Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use of the land (dwelling) under clause 35.03-1 (RLZ) and buildings and works associated with a section 2 use under clause 35.03-4 (RLZ)
    924 GLENELG HIGHWAY SMYTHES CREEK 3351Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use of the land (dwelling) under clause 32.03-1 (RLZ) construction of a building and works associated with section 2 use and within designated setbacks under clause 35.03-4 (RLZ)
    389 BELLS ROAD SMYTHES CREEK 3351Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • August 2021

  • Permit to keep 5 dogs
    41 KARINGAL PARK DRIVE SMYTHES CREEK 3351Withdrawn
  • The use and development of the land for the purposes of a dwelling pursuant to the provisions of the RLZ (Clauses 35.03-1 & 35.03-4) and BMO (Clause 44.06-2)
    234 POST OFFICE ROAD SMYTHES CREEK 3351Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of a building (shed) within a specified setback under clause 35.03-4 (RLZ)
    74 WESTGATE ROAD SMYTHES CREEK 3351Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • July 2021

  • Use and development of a dwelling and shed
    537 FINCHS ROAD SMYTHES CREEK 3351Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • construction of an outbuilding (shed) associated with a section 2 use and with dimensions greater than specified and within a designated setback under clause 35.03-5 (RLZ) and construction of a building (shed) with dimensions greater than specified under clause 42.02-2 (DDO)
    124 FINCHS ROAD SMYTHES CREEK 3351Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • extension to existing existing building (shed) over 100sqm under clause 32.05-4 (RLZ) and clause 43.10 (DDO7)
    216 HENDERSONS ROAD SMYTHES CREEK 3351Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • June 2021

  • Construction of an outbuilding (shed) associated with a section 2 use and with dimensions great than specified under clause 35.03-4 (RLZ), with dimensions greater than specified under clause 43.02-2 (DDO) and 44.06-2 (BMO)
    209 Kennedys RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Staged Multi Lot Subdivision
    88 CHERRY FLAT ROAD SMYTHES CREEK 3351Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • May 2021

  • Construction of an outbuilding (shed) associated with a section 2 use, greater than 100sqm and within a setback specified in the zone under clause 35.03-4 (RLZ) construction of an outbuilding (shed) with dimensions greater than specified in the schedule under clause 43.02-2 (DDO7) and construction of a building (shed) under clause 44.06-2 (BMO)
    165 Jollys Hill RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • April 2021

  • Use of the land (dwelling) under clause 35.03-1 (RLZ), buildings and works associated with a section 2 use under clause 35.03-4 (RLZ), construction of a building (shed) with dimensions greater than specified and within a specified setback under clause 35.03-4 (RLZ) and construction of an outbuilding (shed) under clause 43.02-2 (DDO7).
    47 BELLS ROAD SMYTHES CREEK 3351Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
2020· 23 proposals

  • December 2020

  • Construction and carrying out works to a dwelling greater than 100sqm and within a setback under clause 35.03-4 (RLZ) and extension to existing building (outbuilding) under clause 44.06-2 (BMO) in accordance with endorsed plans
    29 ALLAN COURT SMYTHES CREEK 3351In progress

  • November 2020

  • Development of a farm shed
    4 Kingston CourtPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • The development of the land for the purposes of a shed pursuant to the provisions of the RLZ & DDO7
    27 Kirks RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use of the land for a dwelling under clause 35.03-1 and to construct a building and works associated with a section 2 use under clause 35.03-4
    126 Hendersons RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • October 2020

  • The construction of a building (shed) and carrying out works under clauses 35.03-4, 44.06-2 and 43.02-2 in accordance with endorsed plans
    126 Tudors RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Alterations and additions to existing dwelling greater than 100sqm and within 100m of a waterway pursuant to clause 35.03-4 (RLZ) and extension to an existing dwelling pursuant to clause 44.06-2 (BMO) in accordance with endorsed plans
    61 Kirkwood DrivePermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • September 2020

  • Construction of a building (replacement dwelling) pursuant to clause 35.03-4 (RLZ) in accordance with endorsed plans
    22 Jollys Hill RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • The use and development of the land for a dwelling in accordance with endorsed plans
    32 Kennedys RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • The use of the land for the purposes of a home based business (joinery) pursuant to Clause 52.11-2 of the planning scheme
    18 KIRKWOOD DRIVE SMYTHES CREEK 3351NOD issued by the Resp. Authority
  • Alterations and additions to existing shopping centre, display of signage and a reduction of car parking requirements
    315 Glenelg HighwayPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • August 2020

  • The development of the land for a shed
    129 Kirks RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use of land for domestic animal boarding
    580 Bells RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • July 2020

  • the development of the land for a dwelling and the development of the land for a shed
    LOT 6 Stuart CourtWithdrawn
  • The use and development of the land for a contractors depot pursuant to the provisions of the RLZ (Clauses 35.03-1 & 35.03-4)
    87 FINCHS ROAD SMYTHES CREEK 3351Withdrawn

  • June 2020

  • The development of the land for a shed
    20 DOBLE ROADPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • April 2020

  • Installation of Business Identification Signage
    315 Glenelg HighwayPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • March 2020

  • Development of horse stables
    164 Bells RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Two lot subdivision
    331 Glenelg HighwayPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use of the premises for the sale and consumption of liquor
    Tenancy 17-19/315 Glenelg HighwayPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • The development of the land for a dwelling
    141 JOLLYS HILL ROADPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • The use and development of the land for dwelling
    11 KOALA COURTPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • February 2020

  • Staged multi lot subdivision and associated works including Creation of access to a Road Zone, Category1, removal of native vegetation, and creation of a restriction
    Lot D Glenelg HighwayPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • January 2020

  • Use and development of a dwelling, outbuildling and associated works
    469 Glenelg HighwayPermit 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 6.4 km away).

Coalition 40.2%Labor 59.8%

0.8 percentage points more Coalition-leaning than the electorate

Estimated swing since 2022: -2.8 pp toward Coalition

Nearest polling places

  • Ross CreekLabor 53.5% · Coalition 46.5% TPP (2025)3.5 km away
  • HaddonLabor 53.1% · Coalition 46.9% TPP (2025)4.3 km away
  • DelacombeLabor 68.0% · Coalition 32.0% TPP (2025)5.1 km away
  • Sebastopol NorthLabor 68.0% · Coalition 32.0% TPP (2025)6.0 km away
  • Alfredton WestLabor 62.4% · Coalition 37.6% TPP (2025)6.2 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)
8/10

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.