suburb.guide

VIC · Darebin Council

Preston, 3072

Current weather

11.3°CLight drizzle

82% humidity · 23.4 km/h wind · 12.9° / 10.7° today · 8.3 mm rain

Desirability score

69.3/100

190th in Australia

89% data confidence

How this score is calculated

Suburb snapshot

Preston (Vic.) is a larger established suburb in the Darebin area, home to around 33,790 residents (2021 Census). Available data shows 6,155 offences in 2026 with falling year-on-year trends (-16%), roughly 182.2 offences per 1,000 residents, 11 school and preschool sites in the area, strong public transport coverage with many Public Transport Victoria stops, many local shops, services and recreation venues, 3 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
33,790
Median age
37
Median household income / week
$1,844
Dwelling vacancy
9.6%
Unoccupied private dwellings
1,457 of 15,106
Median monthly mortgage
$2,000
Employment rate
63.7%
Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
791 / 3,397 / 2,498

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 · 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)
6,155
Against the person
643
Against property
4,205
Rate per 1,000 residents
182.2
Person-crime prevalence
About 1 in 53 residents
State safety percentile
89.7th (lower crime is better)
Decrease (daily rate)
-15.6%

Reported offences decreased compared with the previous period.

Reported offences by period

Most common offence types

  • B21 Criminal Damage428
  • B42 Steal From A Motor Vehicle894
  • B43 Steal From A Retail Store900
  • B49 Other Theft504
  • B53 Obtain Benefit By Deception358

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)

Crime rate and year-on-year trend

Data sources & freshness

Schools & preschools

Schools & preschools
11
Median school ICSEA (10 schools)
1,108.5
  • Bell Primary SchoolPrimary
  • East Preston Islamic CollegeCombined
  • Newlands Primary SchoolPrimary
  • Northern College of the Arts and TechnologySecondary
  • Preston High SchoolSecondary
  • Preston Primary SchoolPrimary
  • Preston South Primary SchoolPrimary
  • Preston West Primary SchoolPrimary
  • Sacred Heart SchoolPrimary
  • St John's College PrestonCombined

Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)

School and preschool counts, median school ICSEA

Data sources & freshness

Public transport

234 public transport stops in this suburb

  • Bell Rail Replacement Bus Stop
  • Bell Station
  • Bell Station
  • Preston Station
  • Preston Station

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Public transport stop coverage

Data sources & freshness

Roadworks & transport

3 active roadworks / incidents

  • Maintenance Works activities occurring between 10/04/2026 and 31/07/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM, Weekends 8:00 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.ST GEORGES ROAD, UNNAMED09 Apr 2026 – 30 Jul 2026
  • Maintenance Works activities occurring between 10/04/2026 and 31/07/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM, Weekends 8:00 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.CRAMER STREET, BOND STREET09 Apr 2026 – 30 Jul 2026
  • Road Safety Camera Works activities occurring between 30/04/2026 and 31/07/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 8:00 PM to 5:30 AM, Weekends 8:00 PM to 6:00 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 6 to 10 min.BELL STREET, ALBERT STREET29 Apr 2026 – 30 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).

458 planning-related records

2021· 40 proposals

  • August 2021

  • Vic Smart Application: Proposed use as a take-away cafe & restaurant, change to the entry facade feature to the tile finish and non-illuminated logo box above the walkway as shown on the plans accompanying the application.
    14 THE CENTREWAY PRESTON 3072No permit required
  • Construction of front fence on a lot greater than 300sqm within a Special Building Overlay (SBO)
    10 LEICESTER STREET PRESTON 3072Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Proposed development of three dwellings on a lot as shown on the plans accompanying the application.
    24 ELM STREET PRESTON 3072Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Removal of Easement as shown on the plans accompanying the application
    57 SHOWERS STREET PRESTON 3072Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • vicsmart application Proposed double storey extension to existing dwelling on land affected by the Special Building Overlay as shown on the plans accompanying the application
    10 DEVON STREET PRESTON 3072Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Proposed triple storey development comprising two (2) dwellings and home based businesses
    81 DUNDAS STREET PRESTON 3072NOD issued by a delegate
  • Removal of one tree on land covered by an Environmental Significance Overlay
    22 WOOD STREET PRESTON 3072Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • A medium density housing development comprising the construction of two (2) double storey dwellings on land in the General Residential Zone - Schedule 2
    72 MAY STREET PRESTON 3072Refusal issued by a delegate
  • Proposed colourbond steel veranda as shown on the plans accompanying the application
    1A KITCHENER GROVE PRESTON 3072Withdrawn
  • Four (4) Lot Subdivision as shown on the plans accompanying the application
    50 ETON STREET PRESTON 3072Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Sign to an existing building within a Heritage and Design and Development Overlay generally in accordance with the endorsed plans
    141 PLENTY ROAD PRESTON 3072Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • A medium density comprised of four double storey townhouses
    1 MYRTLE GROVE PRESTON 3072Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of a medium density housing development comprising of three (3) double storey dwellings
    57 JENSEN ROAD PRESTON 3072Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of four (4) dwellings on land covered by the Special Building Overlay as shown on the plans accompanying the application
    59 TYLER STREET PRESTON 3072Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • The construction of two (2) double-storey dwellings as shown on the plans accompanying the application
    9 HAY STREET PRESTON 3072Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Building and works comprising two double storey dwellings in accordance with the endorsed plans.
    21 KATHLEEN STREET PRESTON 3072Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Proposed carport as shown on the plans accompanying the application
    7/383 GILBERT ROAD PRESTON 3072Withdrawn
  • Use of the land for the purpose of Industry (Motor repairs); and the construction and display of business identification and internally illuminated signage and works within the Design and Development Overlay (Schedule 3)
    129 PLENTY ROAD PRESTON 3072Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • July 2021

  • Construction of two side-by-side dwellings
    14 TOOLANGI GROVE PRESTON 3072Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Three (3) Lot Subdivision as shown on the plans accompanying the application
    76 Wood StreetWithdrawn
  • Three (3) Lot Subdivision generally in accordance with the endorsed plans.
    76 WOOD STREET PRESTON 3072Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings and works and a reduction to the car parking requirement on land in the Industrial 3 Zone and a proposed advertising sign
    44 QUINN STREET PRESTON 3072Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Three (3) Lot Subdivision as shown on the plans accompanying the application
    10 BELGROVE STREET PRESTON 3072Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Building and works comprising construction of four (4) dwellings on a lot.
    152 RAGLAN STREET PRESTON 3072NOD issued by a delegate
  • Construction of five dwellings on a lot, in accordance with the endorsed plans.
    16 SINNOTT STREET PRESTON 3072Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Proposed signage and a reduction in the car parking requirement as shown on the plans accompanying the application.
    531 HIGH STREET PRESTON 3072Withdrawn
  • Replacement veranda roof to the front entrance of the church as shown on the plans accompanying the application
    40-42 GILBERT ROAD PRESTON 3072Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Vic Smart application proposing Two (2) Lot Subdivision as shown on the plans accompanying the application
    1 Knapp StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Building and works comprising minor internal alterations and a second storey addition to an existing dwelling on land affected by a Heritage Overlay
    1/16 MALCOLM STREET PRESTON 3072Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings and works associated with a takeaway food premises (food van) and alteration of access to a road in a Road Zone Category 1 (Clause 52.29) as shown on the plans accompanying the application
    101 BELL STREET PRESTON 3072Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • A medium density housing development comprised of the construction of four (4) double storey dwellings; a reduction in the car parking requirement for Unit 4; alteration of access to a road in Transport Zone 2
    564 BELL STREET PRESTON 3072Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of two (2) dwellings in a side-by-side configuration
    49 HOTHAM STREET PRESTON 3072Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Two (2) Lot Subdivision as shown on the plans accompanying the application
    38 TYLER STREET PRESTON 3072Withdrawn
  • Construction of a double storey dwelling to the side of the existing dwelling as shown on the plans accompanying the application.
    51 Jensen RoadWithdrawn
  • Demolition of outbuildings, partial demolition of the existing dwelling and front fence, external alterations to the existing dwelling, construction of a gate within the front fence, and a medium density development comprising the construction of one (1) double storey dwelling to the rear of the existing dwelling, on land within a Heritage Overlay, in accordance with the endorsed plans.
    7 LIVINGSTONE PARADE PRESTON 3072Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Partial demolition and proposed rear addition to existing dwelling and separate Studio outbuilding on land affected by a heritage overlay (HO169) as shown on the plans accompanying the application.
    32 ETNAM STREET PRESTON 3072Lapsed
  • Proposed waiver of carparking requirement as shown on the plans accompanying the application.
    432-440 HIGH STREET PRESTON 3072Lapsed
  • Vic Smart application proposing Two (2) Lot Subdivision as shown on the plans accompanying the application
    11 Townhall AvenuePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Six (6) lot subdivision generally in accordance with the endorsed plans.
    1 HAWKER AVENUE PRESTON 3072Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Three (3) Lot Subdivision as shown on the plans accompanying the application
    158 RAGLAN STREET PRESTON 3072Permit 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) · Period: 2020–2022 · Updated on site · Public MapServer last updated Feb 2024 — applications through FY 2022–23 only; newer PPARS data requires council/API access

Amenities

806 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km

  • BWSAlcohol
  • CellarbrationsAlcohol

    380 High Street

  • Antiques A BracAntiques
  • Oven’sAppliance
  • Art By IArt
  • Clan CollectiveArt
  • ANZATM
  • atmXATM
  • Bendigo BankATM
  • Commonwealth BankATM

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

Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)

Food, shopping, recreation and sport (OpenStreetMap)

Data sources & freshness

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

Parks & reserves

26 parks and public open space in this suburb

  • 49a Jacka StreetPark
  • A H Capp ReservePark
  • A.G. Davis ParkPark
  • Asling ReservePark
  • C.H. Sullivan Memorial ParkPark
  • Epping Railway Line Linear ReservePark
  • Florence Adams ReservePark
  • G.H. Mott ReservePark
  • Greenbelt ReservePark
  • H. Swain ReservePark

Data sources & freshness

Health access

Hospitals & GP clinics
31
Emergency department
Not in suburb
  • Chemist Warehousepharmacy
  • Chemist Warehousepharmacy
  • Chemist Warehousepharmacy
  • Complete Care Medical Centredoctor
  • DentistHigh Streetdentist
  • Dorevitch Pathologyyes
  • General Dental Clinicdentist
  • Gower St Family Dentaldoctor
  • High Street HolisticHigh Streetalternative
  • High Street Medical and Dentist Centre PrestonHigh Streetclinic

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Hospitals and GP clinics

Data sources & freshness

Socio-economic (SEIFA)

IRSAD decile (2021)
8/10
IRSD decile (2021)
5/10

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

Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)

Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile)

Data sources & freshness

Heritage

1 state heritage place

  • PRESTON TRAMWAY WORKSHOPSNH2031

Data sources & freshness

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

Childcare

12 childcare services from OpenStreetMap

  • Darebin Childcare and Kindergarten - PrestonGower Streetchildcare
  • Explorers early learningMurray Roadkindergarten
  • Goodstart Early LearningDalgety Streetchildcare
  • Gower Street KindergartenGower Streetkindergarten
  • J. S. Grey Kindergartenkindergarten
  • Kool KidzPlenty Roadkindergarten
  • NCDCchildcare
  • Niño Early Learning Adventureschildcare
  • Northland Kinder HavenWood Streetkindergarten
  • The Bridge Prestonchildcare

Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)

Childcare centre count

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.

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)

Bushfire hazard overlays

Data sources & freshness

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

Green cover

Parks & woodland (OSM)
38
Parks (OSM)
30

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

Desirability index

Desirability score
69.3/100
National rank
190th in Australia
State rank
59th in VIC
Peer rank
#13 among Metro Melbourne · Growth area suburbs
Cohort rank
#40 among Metro Melbourne suburbs
Data confidence
89%

Data sources & freshness

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

Recent changes

  • B21 Criminal Damagecrime428
  • B42 Steal From A Motor Vehiclecrime894
  • B43 Steal From A Retail Storecrime900
  • B49 Other Theftcrime504
  • B53 Obtain Benefit By Deceptioncrime358
  • Darebin Childcare and Kindergarten - PrestonchildcareGower Streetchildcare
  • Explorers early learningchildcareMurray Roadkindergarten
  • Goodstart Early LearningchildcareDalgety Streetchildcare
  • Gower Street KindergartenchildcareGower Streetkindergarten
  • J. S. Grey Kindergartenchildcarekindergarten

Data sources & freshness

Similar suburbs

Suburbs with a similar population, SEIFA decile and location.