suburb.guide

VIC · Melbourne Council

West Melbourne, VIC, 3003

Current weather

13.1°CRain showers

79% humidity · 27.4 km/h wind · 15.5° / 11.4° today · 5.2 mm rain

Desirability index

38.8/100

#296 among Metro Melbourne suburbs

How this score is calculated

Suburb snapshot

West Melbourne is a mid-sized suburb in the Melbourne area, home to around 8,025 residents (2021 Census). Recent indicators show 1,672 offences in 2026 with relatively stable year-on-year trends (+1%), roughly 208.3 offences per 1,000 residents, 1 school and preschool site in the area, strong public transport coverage with many Public Transport Victoria stops, a solid spread of nearby amenities and everyday services, 61 active roadworks or transport incidents on nearby routes, and notable planning and development activity on record. Snapshot data also shows parks or public open space within the suburb and hospitals or GP clinics within the suburb.

Population

Population
8,025
Median age
31
Median household income / week
$1,788
Dwelling vacancy
22.4%
Unoccupied private dwellings
1,113 of 4,968
Median monthly mortgage
$2,106
Employment rate
70.7%
Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
184 / 718 / 3,066

Data sources & freshness

  • 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Period: 2021 · Updated on site · 2021 Census release

    The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.

Crime & safety

Total offences (2026)
1,672
Against the person
305
Against property
1,000
Rate per 1,000 residents
208.3
Person-crime prevalence
About 1 in 26 residents
State safety percentile
91.9th (lower crime is better)
Year-on-year change
+1.1%

Most common offence types

  • B42 Steal From A Motor Vehicle220
  • B49 Other Theft180
  • C32 Drug Possession121
  • E21 Breach Family Violence Order98
  • Other Crimes Against The Person101

Data sources & freshness

Schools & preschools

Schools & preschools
1
Median school ICSEA
1,053
  • Simonds Catholic CollegeSecondary

Data sources & freshness

Public transport

104 public transport stops in this suburb

  • North Melbourne Station
  • North Melbourne Station
  • North Melbourne Station
  • North Melbourne Station
  • North Melbourne Station

Data sources & freshness

Roadworks & transport

61 active roadworks / incidents

  • Maintenance Works activities occurring between 11/06/2026 and 01/08/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM, Weekends 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed multiple directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.UNNAMED, SIMS STREET10 Jun 2026 – 31 Jul 2026
  • Maintenance Works activities occurring between 11/06/2026 and 01/08/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM, Weekends 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed multiple directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.SIMS STREET, UNNAMED10 Jun 2026 – 31 Jul 2026
  • Maintenance Works activities occurring between 11/06/2026 and 01/08/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM, Weekends 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed multiple directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.DOCK LINK ROAD, UNNAMED10 Jun 2026 – 31 Jul 2026
  • Maintenance Works activities occurring between 11/06/2026 and 01/08/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM, Weekends 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed multiple directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.UNNAMED, DOCK LINK ROAD10 Jun 2026 – 31 Jul 2026
  • Maintenance Works activities occurring between 11/06/2026 and 01/08/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM, Weekends 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed multiple directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.FOOTSCRAY ROAD, UNNAMED10 Jun 2026 – 31 Jul 2026
  • Maintenance Works activities occurring between 16/06/2026 and 31/07/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM, Weekends 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed multiple directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.UNNAMED, SIMS STREET15 Jun 2026 – 30 Jul 2026
  • Maintenance Works activities occurring between 16/06/2026 and 31/07/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM, Weekends 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed multiple directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.SIMS STREET, FOOTSCRAY ROAD15 Jun 2026 – 30 Jul 2026
  • Maintenance Works activities occurring between 16/06/2026 and 31/07/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed multiple directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.UNNAMED, SIMS STREET15 Jun 2026 – 30 Jul 2026
  • Maintenance Works activities occurring between 16/06/2026 and 31/07/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed multiple directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.SIMS STREET, FOOTSCRAY ROAD15 Jun 2026 – 30 Jul 2026
  • Maintenance Works activities occurring between 20/05/2026 and 31/08/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed westbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.FOOTSCRAY ROAD, PEARL RIVER ROAD19 May 2026 – 30 Aug 2026

Data sources & freshness

  • Road incidents & closures — State road authority open-data feeds · Period: current · Updated on site · Hourly refresh where supported

Planning & development

Development applications from PPARS statewide register (lodged 2020–2022). Free public PPARS MapServer — applications through ~2022 (service last updated Feb 2024).

126 planning-related records

2022· 1 proposal

  • January 2022

  • Amend the permit and endorsed plans pursuant to Section 72 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 for the construction and display of internally-illuminated business identification signage
    388 SPENCER STREET WEST MELBOURNE 3003Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
2021· 54 proposals

  • September 2021

  • Buildings and works associated with a skylight
    20 CAPEL STREET WEST MELBOURNE 3003Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construct and display business identification signage
    56-62 ABBOTSFORD STREET WEST MELBOURNE 3003Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Demolition of the existing pergola and building and works to construct a shed
    279-281 ADDERLEY STREET WEST MELBOURNE 3003Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Internal rearrangement of a building or works
    132-134 ADDERLEY STREET WEST MELBOURNE 3003No permit required
  • Section 22 (Subdivision) 2 Lot Subdivision
    58-60 WALSH STREET WEST MELBOURNE 3003Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings and works associated with the construction of a new roof terrace and external access stair
    UNIT 4, 40 BATMAN STREET WEST MELBOURNE 3003Withdrawn

  • August 2021

  • Buildings and works to extend a front fence in the GRZ
    28 EADES PLACE WEST MELBOURNE 3003Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Building and works to install a roller door
    702-714 FOOTSCRAY ROAD WEST MELBOURNE 3003Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • External painting in a Heritage Overlay
    86-90 IRELAND STREET WEST MELBOURNE 3003Lapsed
  • Construction and display of internally illuminated business identification signage
    512-544 SPENCER STREET WEST MELBOURNE 3003Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construct and display a promotion sign
    34 IRELAND STREET WEST MELBOURNE 3003Lapsed
  • Application to amend the permit under Section 72 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 to amending the plans to relocate waste and car parking arrangements. Amending the red line plan to include an outdoor area for liquor consumption within the property
    UNIT 39, 617-643 SPENCER STREET WEST MELBOURNE 3003Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • July 2021

  • Staged subdivision generally in accordance with the accompanying plan - PS826417K
    17-37 ABBOTSFORD STREET WEST MELBOURNE 3003In progress
  • Store exchange Subdivision - PS746057J
    197-231 ROSSLYN STREET WEST MELBOURNE 3003Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use of the land for the sale and consumption of liquor in association with an existing restaurant and café
    343 VICTORIA STREET WEST MELBOURNE 3003NOD issued by a delegate
  • Use of the land for the purpose of a Take away food premises, associated buildings and works and to exceed the maximum car parking rate set by the Parking Overlay
    460-462 LA TROBE STREET WEST MELBOURNE 3003Lapsed
  • Amendment to permit to include parking on adjoining land and the construction of an ATCO Hut
    8-22 SIMS STREET WEST MELBOURNE 3003Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • June 2021

  • Change of use to restricted recreation facility (fitness centre)
    15-31 BATMAN STREET WEST MELBOURNE 3003Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use of the land as a Place of Worship and reduction of carparking requirements
    41-59 SIMS STREET WEST MELBOURNE 3003NOD issued by a delegate
  • Amendment to fence height
    28 EADES PLACE WEST MELBOURNE 3003Withdrawn
  • Amending the wording of conditions 5 (materials schedule), 8 (acoustic report), 20 (civil design) and 22 (landscape plan) of the permit to allow endorsement of documents after demolition has occurred and prior to construction
    205-211 RODEN STREET WEST MELBOURNE 3003NOD issued by a delegate
  • Buildings and works to construct a balustrade
    457 KING STREET WEST MELBOURNE 3003Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Change of use from residential to retail
    460-462 LA TROBE STREET WEST MELBOURNE 3003Withdrawn

  • May 2021

  • Sale and consumption of liquor at the existing restaurant, display of business identification signage and external painting
    223 VICTORIA STREET WEST MELBOURNE 3003Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construct and display business identification and internally illuminated signage
    426 WILLIAM STREET WEST MELBOURNE 3003Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings and works including partial demolition - modifications to existing windows
    428-430 WILLIAM STREET WEST MELBOURNE 3003Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Amend plans to incorporate various changes
    106-108 MILLER STREET WEST MELBOURNE 3003NOD issued by a delegate
  • Change of use from Boarding Accomodation to Medical centre and reduction in the car parking requirement
    50 DUDLEY STREET WEST MELBOURNE 3003Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Change of use from boarding house to a medical centre
    50 Dudley StreetWithdrawn
  • Demolish the existing wall, construct a new wall, and carry out structural works to the eastern boundary wall
    2 Dudley StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Partial demolition, external alterations and buildings and works to the existing building and to create a vehicle crossover
    67-73 Abbotsford StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • The proposal is for the installation and external re-branding of advertising signage devices on Lot 1/ TP420658 and Lot 1 / TP251968
    388-398 Dynon RoadPermit issued by the RA

  • April 2021

  • Amending the permit pursuant to Section 72 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 in the following manner Amending the description of what the permit allows to authorise a supermarket Amending the plans endorsed under the permit Amending conditions of the permit
    17-37 ABBOTSFORD STREET WEST MELBOURNE 3003NOD issued by a delegate
  • Fresh paint for building
    193-195 VICTORIA STREET WEST MELBOURNE 3003In progress
  • Buildings and works - alterations to the shopfront, including construction and display of business identification signage (non-illuminated)
    221 Victoria StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of additonal 25sqm of internal floor space at first floor of existing two level building.
    203-207 Adderley StreetWithdrawn
  • Use of the land for the sale and consumption of liquor
    197-231 ROSSLYN STREET WEST MELBOURNE 3003NOD issued by a delegate
  • Partial demolition and buildings and works to construct and reconstruct additions and alterations to the existing dwelling
    50 DRYBURGH STREET WEST MELBOURNE 3003Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construct and display internally illuminated business identification signage
    130-136 Miller StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
2020· 71 proposals

71 proposals lodged in 2020. Individual listings are kept for the most recent proposals.

Data sources & freshness

  • PPARS planning permit activity (statewide) — Department of Transport and Planning (Victoria) · Period: 2020; 2020–2022; 2021… · Updated on site · Public MapServer last updated Feb 2024 — applications through FY 2022–23 only; newer PPARS data requires council/API access

Amenities

34 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km

  • Bench (8)
  • 330 Dynon RoadBus stop
  • Dynon Road/Kensington RoadBus stop
  • Freight Terminal/Dynon RoadBus stop
  • Kensington RoadBus stop
  • Kensington Road/Dynon RoadBus stop
  • Lloyd Street/Dynon RoadBus stop
  • Moonee Ponds Creek/Footscray RoadBus stop
  • Radcliffe Street/Dynon RoadBus stop
  • Sims Street/Dynon RoadBus stop

Names and addresses from OpenStreetMap. Unnamed venues show as their type (e.g. Cafe).

Data sources & freshness

  • OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · Period: current · Updated on site · Weekly refresh

Parks & reserves

11 parks and public open space in this suburb

  • Coode Island ReservePark
  • Eades ParkPark
  • Flagstaff GardensPark
  • Hawke and Adderley Street ParkPark
  • Hawke and King Street ReservePark
  • Hawke Street ReservePark
  • Miller Street ParkPark
  • Railway Place and Miller Street ReservePark
  • Shepherd Bridge ReservePark
  • Wildlife ReservePark

Data sources & freshness

Health access

Hospitals & GP clinics
5
Emergency department
Not in suburb
  • Erning's Chinese Medicine ClinicVictoria Streetalternative
  • Menzies Dental ClinicLa Trobe Streetdentist
  • North Melbourne Podiatrypodiatrist
  • Premier Health PartnersKing Streetdoctor
  • Timothy RobinsonVictoria Streetpsychologist

Data sources & freshness

Socio-economic (SEIFA)

IRSAD decile (2021)
10/10
IRSD decile (2021)
8/10

SEIFA indexes from ABS 2021. Decile 10 = most advantaged / least disadvantaged in Australia.

Data sources & freshness

Heritage

12 state heritage places

  • FESTIVAL HALLNH2386
  • FLAGSTAFF GARDENSNH2041
  • FORMER PHOENIX CLOTHING COMPANYNH0801
  • LANGDON BUILDINGNH0527
  • NORTH MELBOURNE RAILWAY STATION COMPLEXNH1582
  • RAIL BRIDGE OVER MARIBYRNONG RIVERNH1213
  • RESIDENCE 62 CAPEL STREETNH0630
  • RESIDENCE 64 CAPEL STREETNH0631
  • ST JAMES OLD CATHEDRALNH0011
  • ST MARY STAR OF THE SEA CHURCH COMPLEXNH2182

Data sources & freshness

  • State heritage register — State heritage authority · Period: current · Updated on site

Hazards

Bushfire planning zone
No overlay at centroid

Bushfire overlay checked at suburb centroid via Victorian Bushfire Management Overlay mapping.

Data sources & freshness

  • Hazard planning overlays — State government hazard layers · Period: current · Updated on site

Green cover

Parks & woodland (OSM)
22
Parks (OSM)
15

OpenStreetMap parks and natural woodland features mapped within the suburb boundary.

Data sources & freshness

  • OpenStreetMap green cover features — OpenStreetMap contributors · Period: current · Updated on site · Weekly refresh

Desirability index

Desirability score
38.8/100
Cohort rank
#296 among Metro Melbourne suburbs

Data sources & freshness

  • Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived score) · Period: current · Updated on site · Derived from source metrics

Recent changes

  • FESTIVAL HALLheritageNH2386
  • FLAGSTAFF GARDENSheritageNH2041
  • FORMER PHOENIX CLOTHING COMPANYheritageNH0801
  • LANGDON BUILDINGheritageNH0527
  • NORTH MELBOURNE RAILWAY STATION COMPLEXheritageNH1582
  • RAIL BRIDGE OVER MARIBYRNONG RIVERheritageNH1213
  • RESIDENCE 62 CAPEL STREETheritageNH0630
  • RESIDENCE 64 CAPEL STREETheritageNH0631
  • ST JAMES OLD CATHEDRALheritageNH0011
  • ST MARY STAR OF THE SEA CHURCH COMPLEXheritageNH2182

Data sources & freshness

  • State heritage register — State heritage authority · Updated on site

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Suburbs with a comparable population profile, socio-economic decile, and location.