Smythes Creek

Smythes Creek lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of Smythes Creek is around 2,313, reflecting a 31.3% increase since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 1,762. This growth is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,236 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), along with an additional 172 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 84 persons per square kilometer. Smythes Creek's growth exceeded both the non-metro area (6.0%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 83.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering projected demographic shifts, exceptional growth is predicted over the period, with the suburb expected to expand by 1,467 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 54.8% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Smythes Creek among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Smythes Creek recorded around 28 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 143 homes were approved, with a further 9 approved so far in FY-26. Each dwelling built over these years has gained an average of 2.2 new residents per year, indicating strong demand which supports property values.

New homes are being constructed at an average value of $392,000, aligning with regional patterns. This financial year, $1.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting a predominant focus on residential development. Compared to the rest of Victoria, Smythes Creek has seen slightly more development, 24.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period, balancing buyer choice while supporting current property values. This level is notably higher than the national average, reflecting robust developer confidence in the area.

New building activity comprises 92.0% detached houses and 8.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 73 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Looking ahead, Smythes Creek is projected to grow by 1,267 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Smythes Creek has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 20 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects are Alluvium Winter Valley Estate, Winterfield Estate, Winter Valley Rise Estate, and Delacombe Village. The following details projects expected to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

The employment environment in Smythes Creek shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Smythes Creek has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.2% as of an unspecified date, with estimated employment growth of 6.9% over the preceding year.

As of June 2025, 1,130 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 0.6% below Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Smythes Creek was 68.3%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training, with a strong specialization in construction at 1.3 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 2.4% employment compared to the regional average of 7.5%.

The worker-to-resident ratio was 0.6 as of Census data, indicating above-average local employment opportunities. Over a 12-month period ending in an unspecified month, employment increased by 6.9%, labour force increased by 7.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.1 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Vic., where employment fell by 0.9%, labour force contracted by 0.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that Smythes Creek's employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Smythes Creek's median income among taxpayers is $51,196. The average income in the area was $60,037 during this period. Nationally, the median income is higher at $54,887 and the average is $73,382. In Rest of Vic., the median income is $48,741 with an average of $60,693. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Smythes Creek's median and average incomes would be approximately $57,421 and $67,337 respectively by September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, household income ranks at the 74th percentile ($2,132 weekly) in Smythes Creek while personal income sits at the 52nd percentile. The income distribution shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 39.5% of residents (913 people). This aligns with regional levels where this cohort represents 30.3%. After housing costs, residents retain 88.6% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power in the area. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Smythes Creek is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Smythes Creek, as per the latest Census, all dwellings were houses, with none being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This contrasts with Non-Metro Vic., which had 85.6% houses and 14.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Smythes Creek stood at 36.5%, with mortgaged properties at 53.9% and rented ones at 9.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,647, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,499. The median weekly rent in Smythes Creek was $395, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $300. Nationally, Smythes Creek's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,647 versus Australia's average of $1,863, while rents were higher at $395 compared to the national figure of $375.

Smythes Creek features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 86.0% of all households, including 44.9% couples with children, 32.2% couples without children, and 8.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 14.0%, with lone person households at 11.4% and group households making up 2.3%. The median household size is 3.1 people, which is larger than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

Educational achievement in Smythes Creek places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

The area faces educational challenges with university qualification rates at 20.1%, significantly lower than the Victorian average of 33.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 13.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.1%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 39.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 10.5% and certificates at 29.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.8% in secondary education, 9.5% in primary education, and 4.0% pursuing tertiary education. Woady Yaloak Primary School-Ross Creek Campus serves the local educational needs within Smythes Creek, with no students enrolled as of the latest data. The single school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. No schools are located within Smythes Creek, requiring residents to travel for educational services. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Transport analysis shows four active stops operating within Smythes Creek, serving a mix of bus routes. Six individual routes service these stops, collectively providing 446 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated limited, with residents typically located 1438 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 63 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 111 weekly trips per individual stop.

Smythes Creek's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Smythes Creek's health metrics closely match national benchmarks.

Common health conditions are seen across both young and old age cohorts. Approximately 51% (~1,170 people) have private health cover, which is relatively low. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues (10.7%) and arthritis (8.5%). About 66.8% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 62.3% in the rest of Victoria. Around 14.6% (337 people) are aged 65 and over, lower than the 17.8% in the rest of Victoria. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, broadly aligning with the general population's health profile.

Smythes Creek is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Smythes Creek had a cultural diversity below average, with 91.5% of its population born in Australia, 94.7% being citizens, and 95.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 45.1% of Smythes Creek's population. Notably, the 'Other' category was overrepresented at 1.2%, compared to 1.0% in the rest of Victoria.

The top three ancestry groups were English (31.0%), Australian (30.7%), and Irish (10.8%). Other ethnic groups with notable divergences included Dutch at 2.7% (versus 2.1% regionally), Scottish at 10.1% (versus 9.2%), and Maltese at 1.2% (versus 0.4%).

Smythes Creek's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Smythes Creek is 37 years, notably lower than the Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 and close to Australia's national average of 38. The age profile indicates that individuals aged 15-24 are prominent (16.5%), while those aged 75-84 are comparatively smaller (3.9%) than in Rest of Vic.. From 2021 to present, the population aged 25-34 has grown from 10.2% to 12.2%, and the 35-44 cohort has increased from 11.2% to 12.7%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has declined from 14.1% to 12.2%, and the 55-64 group has dropped from 13.3% to 12.0%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Smythes Creek's age structure, with the 25-34 age cohort projected to grow exceptionally, expanding by 348 people (124%) from 282 to 631.