suburb.guide

VIC · Hobsons Bay Council

Spotswood, 3015

Current weather

11°COvercast

79% humidity · 20.6 km/h wind · 13° / 10.3° today · 10.3 mm rain

Updated

Desirability score

46.9/100
Average

Top 35% of Victoria's suburbs

89% data confidence

How this score is calculated
  • Premium
  • Top transport
  • Growing
  • Parks
  • Schools
What Spotswood is known for: Premium, Top transport, Growing, Parks, Schools

Suburb profile

In Hobsons Bay, Spotswood is a settled mid-sized suburb with a familiar suburban feel and good links to the wider city. Neighbouring suburbs are within easy reach, so the wider metro area always feels accessible. Tree-lined streets and leafy pockets give the suburb a noticeably green, settled character.

Working households and growing families are the backbone of local life, with plenty of young families in the mix. Everyday errands and local outings are straightforward, with the wider metro area adding variety. Parks, reserves and open space make it genuinely outdoor-friendly for walks, sport and weekend downtime.

Buses and trains connect the area to surrounding suburbs, keeping the wider city within easy reach. Housing carries a premium, but residents tend to feel the lifestyle justifies the commitment.

The desirability score is around average, weighed down by weaker growth momentum and housing affordability against similar metro suburbs, even with parks and green space and community and employment holding up better.

Population

Population
2,820
Median age
37
Median household income / week
$2,460
Dwelling vacancy
9.6%
Unoccupied private dwellings
113 of 1,171
Median monthly mortgage
$2,300
Employment rate
70%
Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
54 / 324 / 31

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)
521
Against the person
30
Against property
411
Rate per 1,000 residents
184.8
Person-crime prevalence
About 1 in 94 residents
State safety percentile
89.7th (lower crime is better)
Decrease (daily rate)
-6.8%

Reported offences decreased compared with the previous period.

Reported offences by period

Most common offence types

  • B41 Motor Vehicle Theft34
  • B42 Steal From A Motor Vehicle105
  • B43 Steal From A Retail Store125
  • B49 Other Theft33
  • C32 Drug Possession24

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)

Crime rate and year-on-year trend

Data sources & freshness

Schools & preschools

Schools & preschools
2
Median school ICSEA (2 schools)
1,119.5
  • Spotswood Primary SchoolPrimary
  • St Margaret Mary's SchoolPrimary

Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)

School and preschool counts, median school ICSEA

Data sources & freshness

Public transport

27 public transport stops in this suburb

  • Connex
  • Spotswood Rail Replacement Bus Stop
  • Spotswood Railway Station
  • Spotswood Station
  • Spotswood Station

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Public transport stop coverage

Data sources & freshness

Roadworks & transport

80 active roadworks / incidents

  • Building / 3rd Party Works activities occurring between 19/06/2026 and 01/09/2026 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 southbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.MELBOURNE ROAD, WEST GATE OUT-MELBOURNE RAMP OF18 Jun 2026 – 31 Aug 2026
  • Building / 3rd Party Works activities occurring between 19/06/2026 and 01/09/2026 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 southbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.MELBOURNE ROAD, WEST GATE OUT-MELBOURNE RAMP OF18 Jun 2026 – 31 Aug 2026
  • Building / 3rd Party Works activities occurring between 19/06/2026 and 01/09/2026 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 southbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.WILLIAMSTOWN ROAD, MELBOURNE ROAD18 Jun 2026 – 31 Aug 2026
  • Building / 3rd Party Works activities occurring between 19/06/2026 and 01/09/2026 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 southbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.WEST GATE OUT-MELBOURNE RAMP OF, MELBOURNE ROAD18 Jun 2026 – 31 Aug 2026
  • Building / 3rd Party Works activities occurring between 19/06/2026 and 01/09/2026 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 southbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.MELBOURNE ROAD, WILLIAMSTOWN ROAD18 Jun 2026 – 31 Aug 2026
  • CityLink activities occurring between 03/06/2026 and 30/07/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM, Weekends 8:00 PM to 6:00 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.WEST GATE TUNNEL, undefined02 Jun 2026 – 29 Jul 2026
  • CityLink activities occurring between 03/06/2026 and 30/07/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM, Weekends 8:00 PM to 6:00 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.WEST GATE TUNNEL, MELBOURNE-WEST GATE OUT RAMP ON02 Jun 2026 – 29 Jul 2026
  • CityLink activities occurring between 03/06/2026 and 30/07/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM, Weekends 8:00 PM to 6:00 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.WEST GATE TUNNEL02 Jun 2026 – 29 Jul 2026
  • CityLink activities occurring between 03/06/2026 and 30/07/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM, Weekends 8:00 PM to 6:00 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.MELBOURNE-WEST GATE OUT RAMP ON, undefined02 Jun 2026 – 29 Jul 2026
  • CityLink activities occurring between 03/06/2026 and 30/07/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM, Weekends 8:00 PM to 6:00 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.MELBOURNE-WEST GATE OUT RAMP ON, SIMCOCK-WEST GATE OUT RAMP ON02 Jun 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).

62 planning-related records

2022· 1 proposal

  • September 2022

  • The use and development of the land for the purpose of a transport terminal (freight interchange) and to display a business sign
    512-578 MELBOURNE RD SPOTSWOOD 3015In progress
2021· 27 proposals

  • December 2021

  • Buildings and works- maintenance shed
    1 MCLISTER ST SPOTSWOOD 3015In progress

  • September 2021

  • Construction of a second dwelling to rear of the existing dwelling with a reduction in the car parking requirement
    121 HUDSONS RD SPOTSWOOD 3015In progress
  • Use of the premises for industry (manufacturing pet food)
    50 HUDSONS RD SPOTSWOOD 3015Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of two double storey dwellings
    31 MARY ST SPOTSWOOD 3015NOD issued by a delegate
  • Construction of two double storey dwellings
    13 STEEL ST SPOTSWOOD 3015Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of three double storey dwellings on a lot
    7 STEPHENSON ST SPOTSWOOD 3015NOD issued by a delegate

  • August 2021

  • Buildings and works comprising the construction of two new fuel tanks and associated works
    39-81 BURLEIGH ST SPOTSWOOD 3015Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • July 2021

  • Two lot subdivision
    15 ABBOTT ST SPOTSWOOD 3015Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use the existing building for the purpose of an office and food and drink premises (cafe) with associated buildings and works, a reduction in the statutory car parking requirement and the display of business identification signage
    1 HUDSONS RD SPOTSWOOD 3015NOD issued by a delegate
  • Two lot subdivision
    16 BIRMINGHAM ST SPOTSWOOD 3015Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use of the premises for sale and consumption of liquor associated with existing cafes
    2-18 BOOKER ST SPOTSWOOD 3015Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction and display of business identification signage.
    31-69 MCLISTER ST SPOTSWOOD 3015Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • June 2021

  • Construction of a double storey dwelling to the rear of the existing dwelling and a reduction in the car parking requirement
    41 HUDSONS RD SPOTSWOOD 3015NOD issued by a delegate
  • Construction of first floor extension to existing dwelling
    36 ROBERT ST SPOTSWOOD 3015NOD issued by a delegate
  • Construction of two double storey dwellings and a reduction in the car parking requirement
    2 REED ST SPOTSWOOD 3015Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • May 2021

  • Construction of two double storey dwellings
    175 HUDSONS RD SPOTSWOOD 3015Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use of the land for a market with an associated reduction in the car parking requirement
    8 SIMCOCK AVE SPOTSWOOD 3015In progress
  • Two lot subdivision
    18 Robert StPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • April 2021

  • Buildings and works - two dwellings and alterations and additions to an existing dwelling
    9 GEORGE ST SPOTSWOOD 3015Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • 4 Lot Subdivision
    44-76 SIMCOCK AVE SPOTSWOOD 3015In progress

  • March 2021

  • Construction of a Fence
    9 Cullen CtPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of a double storey dwelling to the rear of the existing dwelling
    78 THE AVENUE SPOTSWOOD 3015NOD issued by a delegate

  • February 2021

  • Window replacement in IN1Z and HO89
    431 Douglas PdePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of a verandah
    Hick StNo permit required

  • January 2021

  • Three lot subdivision
    11 Ferguson StPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings and works - two dwellings
    16 Vernier StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Subdivision of the land into two lots (PS843158L) in accordance with the endorsed plans
    105 The AvenuePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
2020· 12 proposals

  • December 2020

  • Construction of two or more dwellings on a lot in the General Residential Zone and reduction in the visitor car parking requirement under Clause 52.06 of the Hobsons Bay Planning Scheme in accordance with the endorsed plans
    81 Hope StPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Demolition of the existing dwelling and construction of two double storey dwellings
    72 THE AVENUE SPOTSWOOD 3015Refusal issued by a delegate
  • The construction of two or more dwellings on a lot under clause 32.08-6 (two dwellings) in accordance with the endorsed plans
    Robb StPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • The removal and lopping of trees in accordance with the endorsed plans
    McLister StPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • October 2020

  • Demolition of the existing dwelling and construction of two double storey dwellings
    11 Hick StPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Business Signage - Temporary Business signage
    31-69 MCLISTER ST SPOTSWOOD 3015Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Subdivision of the land into five lots (PS825392E) in accordance with the endorsed plans
    81 Hope StPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Subdivision of the land into three lots (PS836729H) in accordance with the endorsed plans
    Strong StPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use and development of the land for the purpose of a neighbourhood activity centre including a supermarket, liquor store mini-major tenancy (shop), specialty shops, medical centre, cafe and 350 dwellings plus a reduction in the statutory car parking requirement, creation of access to a road in a road zone 1, sale and consumption of liquor associated with the liquor store
    31-69 McLister StPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • September 2020

  • Subdivision of the land into two lots (PS842651K) in accordance with the endorsed plans
    Hudsons RdPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of a dwelling to create a dual occupancy in accordance with the plans endorsed to form part of the permit
    Bernard StWithdrawn

  • August 2020

  • The construction of a dwelling to the rear of the existing dwelling under clause 32.08-6 and reduction in the car parking requirements under clause 52.06-3 in accordance with the endorsed plans
    47 Hudsons RdNOD issued by a delegate

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

73 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km

  • Dan Murphy'sAlcohol
  • Bbq (2)
  • AngelBeauty salon
  • Bench (13)
  • Spoke n SprocketBicycle

    Unit 4 50 Hudsons Road, Spotswood

  • Bicycle Parking (2)
  • Hudsons Rd/Stephenson StBus stop
  • Kernot St/The AvenueBus stop
  • Spotswood rail replacement stopBus stop
  • Watt St/Montgomery CresBus stop

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

8 parks and public open space in this suburb

  • AGM ParkPark
  • Craig Street ParkPark
  • Donald McLean ReservePark
  • Fred Goldsmith Playing FieldPark
  • Memorial ParkPark
  • Newport River Bank ReservePark
  • Stony Creek ParkPark
  • Westgate Bridge Memorial ParkPark

Data sources & freshness

Health access

Hospitals & GP clinics
4
Emergency department
Not in suburb
  • Luminaire Dentaldentist
  • Melbourne Road Dental Surgerydentist
  • Oculus Dexteroptometrist
  • Rookey RoadHudsons Roadpsychotherapist

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Hospitals and GP clinics

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.

Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)

Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile)

Data sources & freshness

Heritage

2 state heritage places

  • CSL (COMMONWEALTH SERUM LABORATORIES) COLLECTION BOOKER STYH2422
  • SEWERAGE PUMPING STATIONNH1555

Data sources & freshness

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

Childcare

1 childcare service from OpenStreetMap

  • kindergartenkindergarten

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)
20
Parks (OSM)
11

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
46.9/100 — Average
State standing
Top 35% of Victoria's suburbs
National rank
2146th in Australia
State rank
433rd in VIC
Peer rank
#108 among Metro Melbourne · Growth area suburbs
Cohort rank
#270 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

  • B41 Motor Vehicle Theftcrime34
  • B42 Steal From A Motor Vehiclecrime105
  • B43 Steal From A Retail Storecrime125
  • B49 Other Theftcrime33
  • C32 Drug Possessioncrime24
  • kindergartenchildcarekindergarten
  • CSL (COMMONWEALTH SERUM LABORATORIES) COLLECTION BOOKER STheritageYH2422
  • SEWERAGE PUMPING STATIONheritageNH1555
  • Luminaire Dentalhealthdentist
  • Melbourne Road Dental Surgeryhealthdentist

Data sources & freshness

  • Childcare services — OpenStreetMap · Updated on site
  • Recorded offences by suburb/town — Crime Statistics Agency (Victoria) · Updated on site · Year ending March release
  • Hospitals & clinics — OpenStreetMap + state health datasets · Updated on site
  • State heritage register — State heritage authority · Updated on site

More in Hobsons Bay Council

Other suburbs in the same local government area.

Comparable suburbs

Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of Victoria.