Median house price
$905k
+10% change
VIC · Yarra Ranges Council
Upwey, 3158
Est. population · Jun 2025
6,973
Growth (1 yr)
+0.4%
Growth (5 yr)
-0.8%
Median age
41
Median income
$2,171/wk
Employment rate
67.8%
Median house price · 4th Quarter 2025
$905,000
Languages at home
6.5%non-English
Most common: Russian, German, Italian
2021 Census · usual residence
Desirability score
- High desirability
- National parks
- Excellent transport
- Education hub
- Café precinct
Suburb profile
Upwey sits up in the Yarra Ranges Council hills, a mid-sized suburb where elevation and tree cover define the mood. Residents are mostly families and working professionals, with a strong presence of young families throughout. Sport and recreation are easy to access, with local venues supporting active weekends and after-work routines.
Outdoor life is easy here, with generous parks and room for kids, dogs and weekend strolls. Most routine trips are on foot, while buses and trains cover longer journeys across the metro area. Housing is expensive relative to much of the state.
Crime trends have improved of late compared with the previous period. Construction and infill projects are noticeably reshaping parts of the area.
Desirability rates good overall, led by stronger community and employment, plus schools and education compared with similar metro suburbs.
At a glance
Upwey snapshot
A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk
Median rent
—
No data available
Population (ERP)
6,973
+0.4% annual growth
Dwelling vacancy
4.6%
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 Metro Melbourne · Established
Safety
22nd
percentile in state (higher = safer)
Pop. growth
50th
percentile in VIC
Advantage (IRSAD)
9/10
national SEIFA decile
School ICSEA
78th
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
- 67.9/100 — Good
- State standing
- Top 12% of Victoria's suburbs
- National rank
- 342nd in Australia
- State rank
- 143rd in VIC
- Peer rank
- #58 among Metro Melbourne · Established suburbs
- Cohort rank
- #103 among Metro Melbourne suburbs
- Data confidence
- 100%
Data sources & freshness
- Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
Housing
- Median house price (4th Quarter 2025)
- $905,000
- Median price change
- +10%
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
6,973(June 2025)
+0.4% annual · -0.8% over 5 years · 50th percentile in VIC
Growth figures & methodology
- Annual growth
- +0.4%
- 5-year growth
- -0.8%
- Change in 1 year
- +25
- Change in 5 years
- -60
- 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 (~6,900), extrapolated at -0.1% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.
2021 Census figures
2021 Census
- Population
- 6,818
- Median age
- 41
- Median household income / week
- $2,171
- Dwelling vacancy
- 4.6%
- Unoccupied private dwellings
- 115 of 2,524
- Median monthly mortgage
- $1,950
- Employment rate
- 67.8%
- Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
- 2,374 / 9 / 24
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)
- 184
- Against the person
- 26
- Against property
- 136
- Rate per 1,000 residents
- 26.4
- Person-crime prevalence
- About 1 in 262 residents
- State safety percentile
- 21.5th (lower crime is better)
- Decrease (daily rate)
- -32.8%
Most common offence types
- B21 Criminal Damage14
- B22 Graffiti14
- B41 Motor Vehicle Theft17
- B42 Steal From A Motor Vehicle48
- B49 Other Theft17
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
- 5
- Median school ICSEA (5 schools)
- 1,078
- Median ICSEA percentile
- 78th
School list
- Upwey Primary SchoolPrimary · Government · ICSEA 1114 · 88th percentile · LBOTE 22% · 129 students · Top SEA quarter 47% · 0.4 km awayView on My School →
- Upwey High SchoolSecondary · Government · ICSEA 1048 · 67th percentile · LBOTE 5% · 744 students · Top SEA quarter 20% · 0.5 km awayView on My School →
- Upwey South Primary SchoolPrimary · Government · ICSEA 1078 · 78th percentile · LBOTE 6% · 321 students · Top SEA quarter 28% · 0.9 km awayView on My School →
- Tecoma Primary SchoolPrimary · Government · ICSEA 1080 · 79th percentile · LBOTE 14% · 361 students · Top SEA quarter 31% · 1.4 km awayView on My School →
- Upper Ferntree Gully Primary SchoolPrimary · Government · ICSEA 1038 · 64th percentile · LBOTE 11% · 80 students · Top SEA quarter 17% · 1.7 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
2 childcare services from OpenStreetMap
- Dandenong Ranges Childcare CentreMorris Roadchildcare
- Upwey South Pre SchoolMorris Roadkindergarten
Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)
Childcare centre count
Data sources & freshness
- Childcare services — OpenStreetMap · current · Updated
Public transport
41 public transport stops in this suburb
- Decision point
- Upwey Rail Replacement Bus Stop
- Upwey Railway Station
- Upwey Station
- Upwey Station
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
202 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km
6 restaurants · 6 cafes · 1 bars · 1 supermarkets · 2 fast food · 2 bakeries · 2 places of worship · 11 playgrounds
Local character & venue list
Local character
- Highly walkable for everyday errands
- Great for outdoor family life — 5 parks mapped in suburb, 11 playgrounds nearby
- Well connected by public transport — 41 public transport stops
- Strong local sport and recreation — 42 sport and outdoor facilities nearby
- Walkability proxy
- 85/100
- Cafés per 1,000 residents
- 0.88
- Food & drink per 1,000 residents
- 2.49
- Parks per 1,000 residents
- 0.73
Food & drink(17)
- Upwey Village BakeryBakery
26 Main Street, Upwey
- Upwey Village Pies and CakesBakery
- The Fat GoatBar
2 Morris Road, Upwey
- BurrinjaCafe
18 Matson Drive, Upwey
- Have Ya BeanCafe
- Magpie House CafeCafe
48 Main Street, Upwey
- MariaCafe
56-58 Main Street, Upwey
- Tasty AzCafe
- The Side CornerCafe
45 Main Street, Upwey
- Upwey Fish and ChipsFast food
- Upwey PizaFast food
43 Main Street, Upwey
- NevedyaRestaurant
52 Main Street
- Pearl Garden RestaurantRestaurant
36 Main Street
- Tamarind Thai CusineRestaurant
16 Main Street, Upwey
- The Main CornerRestaurant
43A Main Street, Upwey
- Tin Pan Alley FoodsmithsRestaurant
60 Main Street, Upwey
- Upwey / Belgrave RSLRestaurant
Shopping(3)
- 7-ElevenConvenience store
- Golden Star Milk BarConvenience store
22 Main Street
- IGASupermarket
62-64 Main Street, Upwey
Community(5)
- Dandenong Ranges Childcare CentreChildcare
89 Morris Road, Upwey
- Upwey South Pre SchoolKindergarten
125 Morris Road, Upwey
- Upwey High SchoolSchool
1451 Burwood Highway
- Upwey Primary SchoolSchool
15 Darling Avenue
- Upwey South Primary SchoolSchool
91 Morris Road
Health & services(4)
- Moore Physiotherapy & Clinical PilatesClinic
Unit 3 2 Morris Road, Upwey
- Upwey ChiropracticClinic
33 Main Street, Upwey
- Upwey DentalDentist
Shop 3 9-21 Main Street, Upwey
- Upwey DoctorsMedical clinic
78-80 Main Street, Upwey
Sport & outdoors(47)
- Club LimeGym
- Kooringal ReservePark
- Park
- Roma ReservePark
- Thompson Road ReservePark
- Upwey South Recreation ReservePark
- Playground (9)
- Tasman Avenue PlaygroundPlayground
- Wright Avenue PlaygroundPlayground
- Sports centre (4)
- Upwey High SchoolSports centre
1451 Burwood Highway, Upwey
- Upwey South Tennis ClubSports centre
- Sports field
- Upwey Skate ParkSports field
- Swimming pool (22)
Entertainment(2)
- Upwey / Belgrave RSLMuseum
- Burrinja Cultural Centre - TheaterTheatre
18 Matson Drive, Upwey
Transport(20)
17 bus stops · 3 train stations
Other(36)
- Cellarbarations UpweyAlcohol
42 Main Street, Upwey
- Community Bank UpweyBank
30 - 32 Main Street, Upwey
- CK ImageBeauty salon
Shop 5 9-21 Main Street, Upwey
- Rejuvenate You BeautyBeauty salon
- Bench (17)
- Omega AutomotiveCar repair
76 Main Street, Upwey
- Upwey MotorsCar repair
- The Treasure ShopCharity
6 Main Street, Upwey
- Drinking water
- Sarah's FlowersFlorist
2 Main Street, Upwey
- Burrinja Cultural Centre - GalleriesGallery
18 Matson Drive, Upwey
- Gallery
- Rouge BearGift
- MAK Hair and BeautyHairdresser
Shop 8 9-21 Main Street, Upwey
- Shangri-LaHairdresser
37 Main Street, Upwey
- Information (3)
- Upwey Coin LaundretteLaundry
- Upwey MusicMusical Instrument
- Brooking Street ReserveNature Reserve
- Nature Reserve (2)
- Upwey NewsagencyNewsagent
18 Main Street, Upwey
- Parking (31)
- Silhouette Stock Feed & SuppliesPet
- Silhouette Grooming & Pet SuppliesPet Grooming
- 7-ElevenPetrol station
- Picnic Table (6)
- Churh of the Holy SpiritPlace of worship
5-7 Morris Road, Upwey
- Upwey Baptist ChurchPlace of worship
21 Darling Avenue
- Australia PostPost Box
- Post Box
- Upwey Post OfficePost office
- Public toilets
- Hooked Fish and ChipsSeafood
Shop 7 9-21 Main Street, Upwey
- Shelter (5)
- CherrycoreTattoo
- Waste Basket (11)
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
9 parks and public open space in this suburb
- Brooking Street ReserveNature reserve
- Kooringal ReservePark
- Park or reserveNature reserve
- Roma ReservePark
- Thompson Road ReservePark
- Upwey South Recreation ReservePark
Data sources & freshness
- Parks & reserves — State government + ABS LGA boundaries · current · Updated
Green cover
- Parks & woodland (OSM)
- 12
- Parks (OSM)
- 5
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
- Churh of the Holy Spirit
5-7 Morris Road, Upwey
- Upwey Baptist Church
21 Darling Avenue
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
- 2
- Nearest hospital
- Angliss Hospital (1.5 km)
- Nearest hospital type
- Hospital
- Nearest hospital emergency
- Emergency department
- Emergency department in suburb
- Not in suburb
- Moore Physiotherapy & Clinical PilatesMorris RoadClinic
- Upwey ChiropracticMain StreetClinic
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)
- 192
- 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° / 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 (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).
79 planning-related records
2021· 31 proposals
September 2021
- Buildings and works to extend an existing dwelling in an Erosion Management Overlay21 ALPINE AVENUE UPWEY 3158Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Buildings and works to construct an outbuilding and associated vegetation removal63 GRIFFITHS ROAD UPWEY 3158Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
August 2021
- Buildings and works to construct a dependant persons unit and vegetation removal17 BROOKING STREET UPWEY 3158Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Buildings and works to construct a garage9 HIGHCLIFF ROAD UPWEY 3158Lapsed
- Buildings and works to construct a front fence139 OLD BELGRAVE ROAD UPWEY 3158Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Buildings and works to construct a dwelling74 GRIFFITHS ROAD UPWEY 3158Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Buildings and works to extend a dwelling52 HUME STREET UPWEY 3158Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Buildings and works to extend a dwelling13 ALEXANDER AVENUE UPWEY 3158Withdrawn
July 2021
- Buildings and works to construct a dependent persons unit70 KOORINGAL ROAD UPWEY 3158NOD issued by a delegate
- Buildings and works to construct an outbuilding217 GLENFERN ROAD UPWEY 3158Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Buildings and works to construct a Dependent persons unit108 MORRIS ROAD UPWEY 3158Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
June 2021
- Buildings and works to construct a dwelling and earthworks greater than 600mm14 FERGUSON STREET UPWEY 3158Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Buildings and works to extend and alter an existing dwelling4 IRVINE STREET UPWEY 3158Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
May 2021
- Buildings and works to extend an existing dwelling and construct an outbuilding4 WARRA ROAD UPWEY 3158In progress
- Construction of an outbuilding and 22,000 litre water tank229 GLENFERN ROAD UPWEY 3158Withdrawn
- Buildings and works to construct an outbuilding25 KOORINGAL ROAD UPWEY 3158Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Buildings and works to construct an outbuilding20 DEALBATA ROAD UPWEY 3158Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
April 2021
- Buildings and works to extend an existing dwelling14 MELALEUCA DRIVE UPWEY 3158Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Use and development for a temporary car park and vegetation removal1451 BURWOOD HIGHWAY UPWEY 3158Permit issued by the RA
- Buildings and works to extend an existing dwelling20 DEALBATA ROAD UPWEY 3158Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Buildings and works to extend existing dwelling (Verandah)1 Birdwood AvenueNo permit required
March 2021
- Buildings and works to construct an outbuilding and earthworks greater than 600mm2 Leonard StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Buildings and works to construct a dwelling28 BAYVIEW AVENUE UPWEY 3158Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Buildings and works to extend an existing dwelling348 Glenfern RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
February 2021
- Buildings and works to extend an existing dwelling8 The HighwayPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Buildings and works to extend an existing dwelling7 Creekbank StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Buildings and works to extend an existing dwelling5 Cecil CourtNo permit required
January 2021
- Buildings and works to extend an existing dwelling20 McLaren StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Buildings and works to alter and extend an existing dwelling and construct a fence48 Alexander AvenuePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Buildings and works to construct a swimming pool25 LEONARD STREET UPWEY 3158Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Buildings works to construct a dwelling70 Morris RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
2020· 9 proposals
December 2020
- Buildings and works to extend and alter existing dwelling and construct a front fence44 Morris RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Use of land for the sale and consumption of liquor52 Main StreetWithdrawn
- Buildings and works to construct a dwelling, retaining walls and vegetation removal13 Highcliff RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Buildings and works to construct a swimming pool25 Leonard StreetWithdrawn
- Two lot subdivision9 Bayview AvenuePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
November 2020
- Buildings and works to construct a dwelling2A HILLSIDE GROVE UPWEY 3158Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Buildings and works to alter and extend an existing dwelling17 ALEXANDER AVENUE UPWEY 3158Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
- Buildings and works associated with the construction of a dwelling31-33 Highcliff RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
October 2020
- Buildings and works to extend an existing dwelling, and construction of two outbuildings7 Belbrook RoadPermit 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
Hazards
- Bushfire planning zone
- Overlay applies
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
- Casey
- Member of Parliament
- Aaron VIOLI (Liberal)
- Results from
- 2025 federal election
- Electorate enrolment (2025)
- 122,351
- Turnout (2025)
- 94.5%
- Swing since 2022 (2025)
- -1.5 pp toward Coalition
Two-party preferred (2025)
Coalition 52.9%Labor 47.1%
Estimated suburb voting profile
Estimated from 8 nearby ordinary polling places (up to 4.0 km away).
Coalition 30.7%Labor 69.3%
22.2 percentage points more Labor-leaning than the electorate
Estimated swing since 2022: +2.6 pp toward Labor
Nearest polling places
- UpweyLabor 70.5% · Coalition 29.4% TPP (2025)0.7 km away
- Upwey SouthLabor 67.5% · Coalition 32.5% TPP (2025)0.9 km away
- Upper Ferntree Gully (Casey)Labor 69.4% · Coalition 30.6% TPP (2025)1.4 km away
- TecomaLabor 69.4% · Coalition 30.6% TPP (2025)1.7 km away
- BelgraveLabor 71.4% · Coalition 28.6% TPP (2025)2.4 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)
- 9/10
- 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
- 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 Yarra Ranges Council
Other suburbs in the same local government area.
Comparable suburbs
Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of Victoria.