suburb.guide

VIC · Moonee Valley Council

Essendon, VIC, 3040

Current weather

13.1°CRain showers

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

Desirability index

88.5/100

#52 among Metro Melbourne suburbs

How this score is calculated

Suburb snapshot

Essendon is a mid-sized suburb in the Moonee Valley area, home to around 21,240 residents (2021 Census). Recent indicators show 1,423 offences in 2026 with relatively stable year-on-year trends (-4%), roughly 67.0 offences per 1,000 residents, 7 school and preschool sites in the area, strong public transport coverage with many Public Transport Victoria stops, a higher concentration of local shops, services, and recreation amenities, 35 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
21,240
Median age
39
Median household income / week
$2,132
Dwelling vacancy
12.1%
Unoccupied private dwellings
1,172 of 9,699
Median monthly mortgage
$2,275
Employment rate
66.1%
Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
509 / 1,671 / 2,810

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)
1,423
Against the person
149
Against property
1,012
Rate per 1,000 residents
67
Person-crime prevalence
About 1 in 143 residents
State safety percentile
59.9th (lower crime is better)
Year-on-year change
-3.5%

Most common offence types

  • B21 Criminal Damage99
  • B41 Motor Vehicle Theft120
  • B42 Steal From A Motor Vehicle344
  • B49 Other Theft147
  • C32 Drug Possession87

Data sources & freshness

Schools & preschools

Schools & preschools
7
Median school ICSEA (7 schools)
1,108
  • Aberfeldie Primary SchoolPrimary
  • Buckley Park CollegeSecondary
  • Essendon Primary SchoolPrimary
  • Lowther Hall Anglican Grammar SchoolCombined
  • St Bernard's CollegeSecondary
  • St Columba's CollegeSecondary
  • St Therese's SchoolPrimary

Data sources & freshness

Public transport

170 public transport stops in this suburb

  • Essendon Rail Replacement Bus Stop
  • Essendon Station
  • Essendon Station
  • Essendon Station
  • Essendon Station

Data sources & freshness

Roadworks & transport

35 active roadworks / incidents

  • Building / 3rd Party Works activities occurring between 05/05/2026 and 18/09/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Weekends 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. 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.MT ALEXANDER ROAD, LINCOLN ROAD04 May 2026 – 17 Sep 2026
  • Building / 3rd Party Works activities occurring between 05/05/2026 and 18/09/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Weekends 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. 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.LINCOLN ROAD, WILLIAM STREET04 May 2026 – 17 Sep 2026
  • Maintenance Works activities occurring between 24/06/2026 and 30/08/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM, Weekends 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM. Altered speed limit during operation will be Nil and the traffic delay is expected to be 6 to 10 min.BUCKLEY STREET, GARNET STREET23 Jun 2026 – 29 Aug 2026
  • Maintenance Works activities occurring between 24/06/2026 and 30/08/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 9:30 PM to 5:00 AM, Weekends 9:30 PM to 5:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed eastbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 6 to 10 min.BUCKLEY STREET, GARNET STREET23 Jun 2026 – 29 Aug 2026
  • Other DTP Works (not Tram, Train or Bus Replacements) activities occurring between 28/06/2026 and 30/10/2026 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 westbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.BULLA ROAD, CARNARVON ROAD27 Jun 2026 – 29 Oct 2026
  • Other DTP Works (not Tram, Train or Bus Replacements) activities occurring between 28/06/2026 and 30/10/2026 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 westbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.BULLA ROAD, CARNARVON ROAD27 Jun 2026 – 29 Oct 2026
  • Other DTP Works (not Tram, Train or Bus Replacements) activities occurring between 28/06/2026 and 30/10/2026 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 westbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.CARNARVON ROAD, BULLA ROAD27 Jun 2026 – 29 Oct 2026
  • Other DTP Works (not Tram, Train or Bus Replacements) activities occurring between 28/06/2026 and 30/10/2026 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 westbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.MT ALEXANDER ROAD, LINCOLN ROAD27 Jun 2026 – 29 Oct 2026
  • Other DTP Works (not Tram, Train or Bus Replacements) activities occurring between 28/06/2026 and 30/10/2026 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 westbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.MT ALEXANDER ROAD, BULLA ROAD27 Jun 2026 – 29 Oct 2026
  • Public Transport Works (With DTP Contact only) activities occurring between 23/03/2026 and 30/07/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 10:30 PM to 5:30 AM, Weekends 10:30 PM to 5:30 AM. 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.MT ALEXANDER ROAD, GLASS STREET22 Mar 2026 – 29 Jul 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).

223 planning-related records

2022· 1 proposal

  • February 2022

  • Construction of two dwellings
    2 NIMMO STREET ESSENDON 3040NOD issued by a delegate
2021· 84 proposals

  • November 2021

  • Construction of buildings and works associated with one dwelling within an Environmental Significance Overlay (ESO2) and Special Building Overlay
    17 SCOTT STREET ESSENDON 3040Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • August 2021

  • Construction of a multi-storey building in a Commercial 1 Zone and Design and Development Overlay (DDO7), construct two or more dwellings on a lot in a General Residential Zone, a reduction in car parking requirements and alteration of access to a road in a Transport Zone 2
    367 KEILOR ROAD ESSENDON 3040NOD issued by the Resp. Authority

  • July 2021

  • 14 Lot Subdivision
    8 LINCOLN ROAD ESSENDON 3040Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Insall solar panels on a dwelling in a Heritage Overlay Schedule 1 (HO1)
    22 Miller StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of buildings and works associated with one dwelling within an Environmental Significance Overlay (ESO2)
    21 SALMON AVENUE ESSENDON 3040Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of two dwellings
    9 LYON STREET ESSENDON 3040NOD issued by a delegate
  • Two Proposed Dwellings on One Lot
    9 LYON STREET ESSENDON 3040Withdrawn
  • Change of Use to an Indoor Recreation Facility (gym) including illuminated business identification signage, buildings and works
    898 MT ALEXANDER ROAD ESSENDON 3040Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Partial demolition and extension to the rear of an existing dwelling in a Heritage Overlay
    36 MCCRACKEN STREET ESSENDON 3040Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of three dwellings and new access to a Transport Road Zone Category 2
    115 LINCOLN ROAD ESSENDON 3040NOD issued by a delegate
  • Construction of two dwellings
    138 DEAKIN STREET ESSENDON 3040NOD issued by a delegate
  • Three Lot Subdivision
    1 WOODVALE GROVE ESSENDON 3040Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of a verandah on a site under a Heritage Overlay area
    10 GLEN STREET ESSENDON 3040Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Demolition of a gate, partial demolition of an existing dwelling and garage, construction of alterations and additions including a first floor extension, carport and external painting within a Heritage Overlay (Schedule 3) area
    7 PETERLEIGH GROVE ESSENDON 3040Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of a front fence in a General Residential Zone
    32 WILLIAM STREET ESSENDON 3040No permit required
  • Two Lot Subdivision
    124 MARKET STREET ESSENDON 3040Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Demolition of outbuildings and a fence the construction of an outbuilding in the Heritage Overlay
    49 MCCRACKEN STREET ESSENDON 3040Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of two dwellings
    10 GRAVES STREET ESSENDON 3040Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Partial demolition, construction of an extension, external alterations and external painting to a dwelling in the Heritage Overlay (HO301)
    47 HODDLE STREET ESSENDON 3040Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of two dwellings
    31 GRAVES STREET ESSENDON 3040Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • June 2021

  • Partial demolition and construction of buildings and works (including a verandah) to an existing dwelling in a Heritage Overlay area
    3 Laluma StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of two dwellings
    18 LINCOLN ROAD ESSENDON 3040NOD issued by a delegate
  • Construction of two dwellings
    4 BRIDGE STREET ESSENDON 3040Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Development of a mixed use building
    1/ 115 KEILOR ROAD ESSENDON 3040In progress
  • Demolition of outbuildings, partial demolition of a dwelling and the construction of additions and alterations to an existing dwelling, including a front fence in a Heritage Overlay area
    3 KIORA STREET ESSENDON 3040Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Extension to a dwelling on a lot less than 300 metres
    19 MCPHAIL STREET ESSENDON 3040Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use the land for the sale and consumption of liquor (associated with a food and drinks premises) and the display of business identification signs and internally illuminated signs in a Heritage Overlay (HO424)
    1-3 ROSE STREET ESSENDON 3040Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Demolition of outbuildings, partial demolition of a dwelling and the construction of additions and alterations to an existing dwelling in a Heritage Overlay area
    48 ROBERTS STREET ESSENDON 3040Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Removal and Creation of Easements under Section 23 of the Subdivision Act 1988
    16A LAWSON STREET ESSENDON 3040Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Five Lot Subdivision
    103 Ogilvie StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • May 2021

  • Construction of two dwellings
    74 DEAKIN STREET ESSENDON 3040NOD issued by a delegate
  • Construction of two dwellings - AMENDMENT
    159 Deakin StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of two dwellings
    6 FLOWER STREET ESSENDON 3040NOD issued by a delegate
  • Construction of four dwellings
    91 SPENCER STREET ESSENDON 3040Withdrawn
  • Partial demolition, construction of an extension (including garage and front verandah), front fence, driveway and other associated works to a dwelling in a Heritage Overlay (HO504)
    71 PRIMROSE STREET ESSENDON 3040Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of two dwellings
    105 BRADSHAW STREET ESSENDON 3040NOD issued by a delegate
  • Construction of two dwellings
    58 BRADSHAW STREET ESSENDON 3040Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Sale and consumption of liquor, display of internally illuminated business identification signage, reduction in carparking and buildings and works to a site in the Design and Development Overlay Schedule 3
    888-896 MT ALEXANDER ROAD ESSENDON 3040NOD issued by a delegate
  • Proposed retractable awning over existing courtyard
    5/ 7 Overman CourtWithdrawn
2020· 138 proposals

138 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

181 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km

  • Alcohol
  • BWSAlcohol
  • Next ATMATM
  • Bbq (4)
  • Bench (16)
  • Essendon CycleryBicycle

    926 Mt Alexander Road

  • Bicycle Parking (6)
  • Alma Street/Waverley StreetBus stop
  • Brewster Street/Mount Alexander RoadBus stop
  • Collins Street/Keilor 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

12 parks and public open space in this suburb

  • Bradshaw ReservePark
  • Buckley ParkPark
  • Clarinda ParkPark
  • Cliff Allison ParkPark
  • Cross Keys OvalPark
  • F W Olver ReservePark
  • Five Mile Creek ReservePark
  • L.T. Thompson ParkPark
  • Lincoln ParkPark
  • Montgomery ReservePark

Data sources & freshness

Health access

Hospitals & GP clinics
10
Emergency department
Not in suburb
  • Chemist WarehouseFletcher Streetpharmacy
  • Dental One Essendondentist
  • DentistMount Alexander Roaddentist
  • Lincoln Rd Dentaldentist
  • Melbourne Sports Physiotherapy EssendonMount Alexander Road Service Roadphysiotherapist
  • Move Wise Osteopathyalternative
  • Optometristoptometrist
  • Propel PhysiotherapyLincoln Roadphysiotherapist
  • SIA Medical Centrepharmacy
  • SaiMed Specialist Centredoctor

Data sources & freshness

Socio-economic (SEIFA)

IRSAD decile (2021)
10/10
IRSD decile (2021)
9/10

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

Data sources & freshness

Heritage

7 state heritage places

  • CANARY ISLAND DATE PALM AVENUENH1200
  • ESSENDON RAILWAY STATION COMPLEXNH1562
  • FORMER ESSENDON HIGH SCHOOLNH1294
  • FORMER ESSENDON TECHNICAL SCHOOLNH1295
  • LOWTHER HALL ANGLICAN GRAMMAR SCHOOLNH0146
  • RESIDENCE 2 RIVERVIEW ROADNH1160
  • ST COLUMBANS CATHOLIC MISSIONNH1286

Data sources & freshness

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

Childcare

4 childcare services from OpenStreetMap

  • Essendon Maternal and Child Care Centrekindergarten
  • Montgomery Park Childrens Centrekindergarten
  • Montgomery Park Childrens Centrekindergarten
  • Montgomery Park Childrens Centrekindergarten

Data sources & freshness

  • Childcare services — OpenStreetMap · 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)
20
Parks (OSM)
20

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
88.5/100
Cohort rank
#52 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

  • Essendon Maternal and Child Care Centrechildcarekindergarten
  • Montgomery Park Childrens Centrechildcarekindergarten
  • Montgomery Park Childrens Centrechildcarekindergarten
  • Montgomery Park Childrens Centrechildcarekindergarten
  • CANARY ISLAND DATE PALM AVENUEheritageNH1200
  • ESSENDON RAILWAY STATION COMPLEXheritageNH1562
  • FORMER ESSENDON HIGH SCHOOLheritageNH1294
  • FORMER ESSENDON TECHNICAL SCHOOLheritageNH1295
  • LOWTHER HALL ANGLICAN GRAMMAR SCHOOLheritageNH0146
  • RESIDENCE 2 RIVERVIEW ROADheritageNH1160

Data sources & freshness

  • Childcare services — OpenStreetMap · Updated on site
  • State heritage register — State heritage authority · Updated on site

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