suburb.guide

VIC · Melton Council

Toolern Vale, 3337

Est. population · Jun 2025

581

Growth (1 yr)

+0.3%

Growth (5 yr)

+1.0%

Median age

44

Median income

$1,908/wk

Employment rate

58.2%

Languages at home

7.1%non-English

Most common: Greek, Serbian, Vietnamese

2021 Census · usual residence

Desirability score

23/100
Below average

1207th in VIC

Verified 70% confidence

How this score is calculated
  • National parks
  • Education hub
  • High desirability
What Toolern Vale is known for: National parks, Education hub, High desirability

Suburb profile

Toolern Vale is a quieter residential smaller community in Melton Council, more about homes and street life than a busy local strip. The area suits established families and long-term locals, with plenty of young families in the mix. Dining is thinner on the ground than in busier metro pockets, so many residents head to neighbouring suburbs for a night out.

There is enough green space nearby for walks, picnics and after-school play. Day-to-day life is more car-oriented here than in denser, more walkable pockets. Housing sits in the middle of the local market: neither cheap nor premium.

Reported crime has been rising recently. Renewal is happening in measured doses, with new development complementing what is already there.

Desirability lands below average here: softer growth momentum weighing on the result versus similar metro suburbs, even with community and employment holding up better. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.

At a glance

Toolern Vale snapshot

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

Median house price

—

No data available

Median rent

—

No data available

Population (ERP)

581

+0.3% annual growth

Dwelling vacancy

10.1%

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

#155

among Metro Melbourne · Established

Safety

85th

percentile in state (higher = safer)

Pop. growth

50th

percentile in VIC

Advantage (IRSAD)

6/10

national SEIFA decile

School ICSEA

28th

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
23.0/100 — Below average
National rank
6498th in Australia
State rank
1207th in VIC
Peer rank
#155 among Metro Melbourne · Established suburbs
Cohort rank
#396 among Metro Melbourne suburbs
Data confidence
70%

Data sources & freshness

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

Population

Estimated resident population

581(June 2025)

+0.3% annual · +1.0% over 5 years · 50th percentile in VIC

Growth figures & methodology
Annual growth
+0.3%
5-year growth
+1.0%
Change in 1 year
+2
Change in 5 years
+6
Growth rank in VIC
50th 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 (~600), extrapolated at +1.1% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.

2021 Census figures

2021 Census

Population
818
Median age
44
Median household income / week
$1,908
Dwelling vacancy
10.1%
Unoccupied private dwellings
29 of 288
Median monthly mortgage
$2,167
Employment rate
58.2%
Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
259 / 4 / 0 (+ 3 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)
87
Against the person
8
Against property
51
Rate per 1,000 residents
149.7
Person-crime prevalence
About 1 in 102 residents
State safety percentile
85.4th (lower crime is better)
Increase (daily rate)
+38.1%

Most common offence types

  • B21 Criminal Damage10
  • B41 Motor Vehicle Theft8
  • B49 Other Theft15
  • D11 Firearms Offences9
  • E13 Resist Or Hinder Officer5

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)

Crime rate and year-on-year trend

Data sources & freshness

Family & Lifestyle

Schools & preschools

Schools within 2 km
1
Median school ICSEA
957
Median ICSEA percentile
28th
School list
  • Toolern Vale and District Primary SchoolPrimary · Government · ICSEA 957 · 28th percentile · LBOTE 11% · 155 students · Top SEA quarter 3% · 0.4 km awayView on My School →

Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)

School and preschool counts, median school ICSEA

Data sources & freshness

Amenities

8 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km

Local character & venue list

Local character

  • Limited walkable amenities nearby
Walkability proxy
0/100
Cafés per 1,000 residents
0
Food & drink per 1,000 residents
0
Parks per 1,000 residents
1.22
Community(1)
  • Toolern Vale and District Primary SchoolSchool

    361-521 Creamery Road

Sport & outdoors(1)
  • Sports field
Other(5)
  • Toolern Vale Fire Station CFAFire station

    203-215 Creamery Road, Toolern Vale

  • Parking
  • Public toilets
  • Shelter
  • Track (2)

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

  • MacPherson ParkPark
  • Yangardook Bushland ReserveNature reserve

Data sources & freshness

Green cover

Parks & woodland (OSM)
7
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
Hospital (9.4 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)
42
Participants per 1,000 residents
72.3

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).

24 planning-related records

2021· 11 proposals

  • September 2021

  • Buildings and works by carrying out alterations and extensions to an existing dwelling on the land affected by an Environmental Significance Overlay control.
    198-222 HJORTHS ROAD TOOLERN VALE 3337Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use and development of land for the purpose of a dwelling and vegetation removal (including native vegetation) on land affected by a Bushfire Management Overlay control.
    435-475 GISBORNE-MELTON ROAD TOOLERN VALE 3337Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • August 2021

  • Amended plans and permit associated with a permit for earthworks to construct a dam and horse trotting track, by increasing the size of the dam.
    1-95 BURNS LANE TOOLERN VALE 3337Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • May 2021

  • Two lot subdivision
    273-363 MCCORKELLS ROAD TOOLERN VALE 3337Refusal issued by the Resp. Authority
  • Use and development of land for horse husbandry associated with an exi sting dwelling
    233-249 Gisborne-Melton RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Development of land by Buildings and Works for a large shed.
    1335-1359 Holden RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Amended plans associated with a permit for Use and Development of the land for a Saleyard and Market in accordance with the endorsed plans
    1241-1247 HOLDEN ROAD TOOLERN VALE 3337Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • April 2021

  • Melton Christian College - Use and development of a primary school associated business identification signage and removal of native vegetation
    674-740 COBURNS ROAD TOOLERN VALE 3337Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • February 2021

  • Development of a shed ancillary to an existing dwelling. Dwelling Extension
    5 Cornwall Park CourtPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • January 2021

  • Building and works for construction of a verandah exceeding 3m in heig ht attached to an existing dwelling on the Lot.
    94-116 Andersons RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings and works for construction of a shed.
    1917-1965 Diggers Rest-Coimadai RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
2020· 13 proposals

  • November 2020

  • Amend plans associated with Development of land by Buildings and Works for a large shed.
    1405-1435 Gisborne-Melton RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • October 2020

  • Use and development of land for the purposes of a single storey dwelli ng and garage.
    8A CORNWALL PARK COURT TOOLERN VALE 3337In progress

  • September 2020

  • Buildings and works involving the re-alignment of the existing vehicle crossover.
    1498-1502 Diggers Rest-Coimadai RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Development of an Agricultural Outbuilding (hay shed)
    801 Melton RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • May 2020

  • Proposed use and development of the land for the purposes of a solar farm and utility installation, associated infrastructure, earthworks, access and removal of native vegetation.
    1375-1415 HOLDEN ROAD TOOLERN VALE 3337NOD issued by the Resp. Authority
  • Building and works to an existing dwelling involving the construction of an outbuilding (Shed)
    1651-1661 Gisborne-Melton RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • April 2020

  • Use and development of the land for a Single Dwelling and Shed.
    518-520 Benson RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • March 2020

  • Building and works associated with an existing dwelling involving the construction of a deck and pergola.
    127-181 Ryans LanePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Rural subdivision of land into thirteen lots.
    2389 Diggers Rest-Coimadai RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Amended plans associated with a planning permit for the use and development of the land for the purpose of a dwelling on land affected by a Bushfire Management Overlay control and an Environmental Significance Overlay control.
    224-264 Hjorths RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • February 2020

  • Building and works (Horse Stables and Hay Shed) associated with an existing dwelling.
    1260-1398 Diggers Rest-Coimadai RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings and works associated with an existing dwelling involving the construction of a colourbond fence, vehicle crossover over the creek and a shed
    23-35 O'Connell AvenuePermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • January 2020

  • Section 71 Amendement - Development of the land for the purpose of a double-storey dwelling and creation of access to a road in a Road Zone (category one)
    410-432 Gisborne-Melton 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
Hawke
Member of Parliament
Sam RAE (Australian Labor Party)
Results from
2025 federal election
Electorate enrolment (2025)
118,785
Turnout (2025)
91.1%
Swing since 2022 (2025)
0.0 pp

Two-party preferred (2025)

Coalition 42.4%Labor 57.6%

Estimated suburb voting profile

Estimated from 8 nearby ordinary polling places (up to 10.4 km away).

Coalition 56.5%Labor 43.5%

14.2 percentage points more Coalition-leaning than the electorate

Estimated swing since 2022: -3.9 pp toward Coalition

Nearest polling places

  • Toolern ValeLabor 43.0% · Coalition 57.0% TPP (2025)0.5 km away
  • KurunjangLabor 60.0% · Coalition 40.0% TPP (2025)7.9 km away
  • HarknessLabor 63.7% · Coalition 36.3% TPP (2025)8.3 km away
  • West MeltonLabor 61.1% · Coalition 38.9% TPP (2025)8.6 km away
  • MeltonLabor 59.8% · Coalition 40.2% TPP (2025)8.7 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)
6/10
IRSD decile (2021)
6/10

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 Melton Council

Other suburbs in the same local government area.

Comparable suburbs

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