Median house price
$1.67M
+71% change
VIC · Kingston Council
Waterways, 3195
Est. population · Jun 2025
2,471
Growth (1 yr)
+0.0%
Growth (5 yr)
-1.3%
Median age
41
Median income
$3,013/wk
Employment rate
68.7%
Median house price · 4th Quarter 2025
$1,665,000
Languages at home
45.3%non-English
Most common: Mandarin, Vietnamese, Khmer
2021 Census · usual residence
Desirability score
- National parks
- Excellent transport
- Education hub
- High desirability
Suburb profile
In Kingston Council, Waterways is a settled smaller community where everyday shopping leans on neighbouring suburbs. Residents are mostly families and working professionals, with family life visible on every street. Most local households sit in a multicultural mix, with overseas-born residents and languages other than English common at home.
Green space punches above what many metro suburbs offer, with parks and playgrounds woven through the suburb. A car helps for most daily errands, though buses still link the suburb further afield. Property sits in a premium price band and is harder to enter for many buyers.
Crime trends have improved of late compared with the previous period. Occasional new builds add variety while most of the suburb keeps its established look.
Against similar metro suburbs, the suburb sits around average overall, mainly because growth momentum lag behind, despite relative strength in community and employment, plus schools and education. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.
At a glance
Waterways snapshot
A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk
Median rent
$620/wk
Population (ERP)
2,471
+0.0% annual growth
Dwelling vacancy
3.8%
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
#20
among Metro Melbourne · Emerging
Safety
28th
percentile in state (higher = safer)
Pop. growth
44th
percentile in VIC
Advantage (IRSAD)
10/10
national SEIFA decile
School ICSEA
81st
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
- 47.9/100 — Average
- State standing
- Top 41% of Victoria's suburbs
- National rank
- 2447th in Australia
- State rank
- 515th in VIC
- Peer rank
- #20 among Metro Melbourne · Emerging suburbs
- Cohort rank
- #311 among Metro Melbourne suburbs
- Data confidence
- 89%
Data sources & freshness
- Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
Housing
- All types (Sep 2025 (council median))
- $620
- Median house price (4th Quarter 2025)
- $1,665,000
- Median price change
- +70.8%
Median weekly rent from Victorian government rent reports. Council median fallback may apply where suburb rent is unavailable.
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; Sep 2025 (council median) · Updated · Quarterly releases; council median rent fallback where suburb rent unavailable
Population
Estimated resident population
2,471(June 2025)
+0.0% annual · -1.3% over 5 years · 44th percentile in VIC
Growth figures & methodology
- Annual growth
- +0.0%
- 5-year growth
- -1.3%
- Change in 1 year
- +1
- Change in 5 years
- -33
- Growth rank in VIC
- 44th 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 (~2,450), extrapolated at -0.0% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.
2021 Census figures
2021 Census
- Population
- 2,422
- Median age
- 41
- Median household income / week
- $3,013
- Dwelling vacancy
- 3.8%
- Unoccupied private dwellings
- 28 of 740
- Median monthly mortgage
- $2,500
- Employment rate
- 68.7%
- Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
- 623 / 86 / 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)
- 79
- Against the person
- 16
- Against property
- 43
- Rate per 1,000 residents
- 32
- Person-crime prevalence
- About 1 in 151 residents
- State safety percentile
- 27.8th (lower crime is better)
- Decrease (daily rate)
- -23.3%
Most common offence types
- A231 Fv Common Assault9
- B311 Residential Aggravated Burglary12
- B41 Motor Vehicle Theft6
- B42 Steal From A Motor Vehicle12
- E21 Breach Family Violence Order18
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
- 2
- Median school ICSEA (2 schools)
- 1,088.5
- Median ICSEA percentile
- 81th
School list
- Aspendale Gardens Primary SchoolPrimary · Government · ICSEA 1095 · 83th percentile · LBOTE 20% · 592 students · Top SEA quarter 35% · 1.5 km awayView on My School →
- Lighthouse Christian CollegeCombined · Independent · ICSEA 1082 · 79th percentile · LBOTE 86% · 827 students · Top SEA quarter 31% · 1.9 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
Public transport
5 public transport stops in this suburb
- Governor Rd/Burdekin Bvd
- Governor Rd/Burdekin Bvd
- Princetown Dr/Waterside Dr
- Princetown Dr/Waterside Dr
- The Waterways Bvd/Springvale 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
20 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km
1 cafes · 3 playgrounds
Local character & venue list
Local character
- Limited walkable amenities nearby
- Great for outdoor family life — 8 parks mapped in suburb, 3 playgrounds nearby
- Walkability proxy
- 10/100
- Cafés per 1,000 residents
- 0.41
- Food & drink per 1,000 residents
- 0.41
- Parks per 1,000 residents
- 3.3
Food & drink(1)
- Nest at Waterways CafeCafe
Waterside Drive, Waterways
Sport & outdoors(11)
- Braeside Linear ReservePark
- Park (7)
- Playground (3)
Transport(1)
1 bus stops
Other(6)
- Access
- Bench
- Garden
- Nature Reserve
- Parking (2)
- Shelter
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
- Braeside Linear ReservePark
- Park or reserveNature reserve
Data sources & freshness
- Parks & reserves — State government + ABS LGA boundaries · current · Updated
Green cover
- Parks & woodland (OSM)
- 9
- Parks (OSM)
- 8
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
Health access
- Nearest hospital
- Como Private Hospital (5.7 km)
- Nearest hospital type
- Hospital
- Nearest hospital emergency
- Emergency department
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)
- 56
- Participants per 1,000 residents
- 22.7
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).
15 planning-related records
2021· 5 proposals
September 2021
- Extension to existing dwelling22 ISLAND POINT AVENUE WATERWAYS 3195In progress
June 2021
- Build small verandah over rear sliding door13 PARAGON WAY WATERWAYS 3195In progress
May 2021
- Develop the land for the construction of One (1) Dwelling9 PORTLAND PLACE WATERWAYS 3195Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
April 2021
- Develop the land for the construction of one (1) dwelling8 MULGA LANE WATERWAYS 3195Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
March 2021
- To construct buildings and works two-storey dwelling on this site1 The OutlookPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
2020· 10 proposals
November 2020
- The construction of buildings and works (comprising a single dwelling) on this site, in accordance with the attached endorsed plans6 Shoalwater DrivePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
September 2020
- To construct buildings and works two-storey dwelling on the site, in accordance with plans to be submitted pursuant to Condition 1 hereof3 Moonrise ClosePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
- SINGLE DWELLING9 Coorong CircleWithdrawn
- To construct buildings and works on this site, in accordance with the attached endorsed plans21 The Waterways BoulevardPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
- The development of one (1) dwelling in the Design and Development Overlay - Schedule 62 Sunset ClosePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
August 2020
- The Development of alterations and additions to the existing dwelling (Verandah)3 Moonrise CloseWithdrawn
- The development of alterations and additions to the existing dwelling21 The Waterways BoulevardWithdrawn
- The development of alterations and additions to the existing dwelling (verandah over existing decking)28 Dresden DriveWithdrawn
- The development of alterations and additions to the existing dwelling (verandah)9 Coorong CircleWithdrawn
- The Development of additions (a Verandah) to the existing dwelling6 Shoalwater DriveWithdrawn
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
Roadworks & transport
2 active roadworks / incidents
- Maintenance Works activities occurring between 18/07/2025 and 30/11/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Weekends 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed both directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.GOVERNOR-MORNINGTON PENINSULA OUT RAMP ON, MORNINGTON PENINSULA OUT-GOVERNOR RAMP OF17 Jul 2025 – 29 Nov 2026
- Maintenance Works activities occurring between 18/07/2025 and 30/11/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM, Weekends 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed outbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.GOVERNOR-MORNINGTON PENINSULA OUT RAMP ON, MORNINGTON PENINSULA OUT-GOVERNOR RAMP OF17 Jul 2025 – 29 Nov 2026
Data sources & freshness
- Road incidents & closures — State road authority open-data feeds · 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
- Isaacs
- Member of Parliament
- Mark DREYFUS (Australian Labor Party)
- Results from
- 2025 federal election
- Electorate enrolment (2025)
- 120,753
- Turnout (2025)
- 92.9%
- Swing since 2022 (2025)
- +4.8 pp toward Labor
Two-party preferred (2025)
Coalition 35.7%Labor 64.3%
Estimated suburb voting profile
Estimated from 8 nearby ordinary polling places (up to 3.5 km away).
Coalition 37.2%Labor 62.8%
1.6 percentage points more Coalition-leaning than the electorate
Estimated swing since 2022: +5.9 pp toward Labor
Nearest polling places
- Aspendale CentralLabor 62.9% · Coalition 37.1% TPP (2025)1.3 km away
- Aspendale GardensLabor 62.2% · Coalition 37.8% TPP (2025)1.4 km away
- Keysborough WestLabor 60.2% · Coalition 39.8% TPP (2025)2.0 km away
- AspendaleLabor 64.7% · Coalition 35.3% TPP (2025)2.7 km away
- EdithvaleLabor 63.4% · Coalition 36.6% TPP (2025)2.8 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)
- 10/10
- IRSD decile (2021)
- 10/10
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 Kingston Council
Other suburbs in the same local government area.
Comparable suburbs
Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of Victoria.