Spotswood

Population growth drivers in Spotswood are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Spotswood is around 4,657, reflecting a growth of 1,837 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 2,820. This increase represents a 65.1% change from the previous census figure. The current resident population estimate of 4,648 is based on AreaSearch's examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 543 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,473 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Spotswood's growth rate of 65.1% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area (6.8%) and the state level, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 62.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth for the suburb.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends indicate an increase just below the median of Australian statistical areas, with the suburb expected to grow by 239 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 4.9% over the 16-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Spotswood averaged around 101 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 509 homes. As of FY26109 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, there has been an average of 0.1 new residents per year per dwelling constructed. This supply pace meets or exceeds demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average development value is $420,000, higher than regional norms due to quality-focused development. Commercial approvals this financial year totalled $17.7 million, indicating moderate commercial development. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Spotswood records 240.0% more construction activity per person. This reflects strong developer confidence in the area despite recent moderation in development activity. New development consists of 11.0% detached houses and 89.0% attached dwellings, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns (currently 66.0% houses). This trend suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. Spotswood has approximately 54 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

Future projections estimate Spotswood will add 230 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Spotswood has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified nine projects expected to affect the area. Notable projects include Newport Village, Better Places Spotswood & South Kingsville, South Kingsville Place, and West Gate Tunnel Project. The following list details those considered most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Spotswood significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Spotswood has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate is 3.5%. Over the past year, estimated employment growth was 12.7%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of December 2025, 3,060 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.3% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%. Workforce participation in Spotswood is high at 83.5%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. Census responses show that 45.7% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training.

Public administration & safety shows notable concentration with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average. Retail trade has lower representation at 8.1% compared to the regional average of 9.8%. The ratio of 0.7 workers per resident indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 12.7% and labour force grew by 13.6%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.8 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4%, labour force growth of 2.8%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Spotswood's employment mix, local employment is estimated to increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

The suburb of Spotswood has one of the highest income levels in Australia, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest ATO data for the financial year ended 30 June 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Spotswood is $73,476, with an average income of $90,283. This compares to figures for Greater Melbourne of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth from financial year 2023 to March 2026, estimated median and average incomes are approximately $80,544 and $98,968 respectively. According to the 2021 Census, Spotswood's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 89th and 92nd percentiles. Income analysis shows that 29.1% of individuals in Spotswood earn within the $1,500 - $2,999 weekly range, consistent with broader metropolitan trends at 32.8%. Notably, 41.4% earn above $3,000 weekly, indicating prosperity and robust local economic activity. Housing costs account for 14.6% of income, while strong earnings place residents in the 89th percentile for disposable income. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Spotswood displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Spotswood, as per the latest Census, consisted of 65.7% houses and 34.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Spotswood stood at 27.5%, with the rest being mortgaged (39.4%) or rented (33.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,300, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Spotswood was $456, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Spotswood's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,300 against the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Spotswood features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 71.9% of all households, including 35.9% couples with children, 25.1% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 28.1%, with lone person households at 24.4% and group households comprising 3.9%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the Greater Melbourne average.

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

Educational attainment in Spotswood is notably higher than broader benchmarks. As of the latest data, 44.7% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.0% in the SA4 region. This indicates a substantial educational advantage for the area, positioning it favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 29.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.1%) and graduate diplomas (5.0%).

Trade and technical skills are also prominent, with 26.2% of residents aged 15 and above holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas account for 10.6% and certificates for 15.6%. Educational participation is notably high, with 29.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.9% in primary education, 6.5% in secondary education, and 5.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Spotswood has 18 active public transport stops serving mixed bus routes. These are covered by four distinct routes, facilitating 2,875 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 168 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most commute outward; cars dominate at 80%, while trains account for 12%. Average vehicle ownership is 1.2 per dwelling. As of the 2021 Census, 45.7% work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 410 trips daily across all routes, equating to around 159 weekly trips per individual stop.

Spotswood's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data shows Spotswood has excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions have very low prevalence across all age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 62% of the total population, compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues impact 8.0% of residents, while asthma affects 6.7%. 73.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. Spotswood has 12.7% of residents aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, broadly in line with the general population nationally.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Spotswood was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Spotswood's population showed high diversity, with 23.9% born overseas and 20.4% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 42.2%. Judaism was overrepresented at 0.3%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 1.0%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (22.1%), Australian (20.6%), and Irish (9.4%). Notably, Croatian (1.9% vs regional 0.7%), Serbian (0.8% vs 0.4%), and Maltese (1.6% vs 1.1%) were overrepresented.

Spotswood's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Spotswood is 38 years, close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and equivalent to Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Spotswood has a higher proportion of residents aged 45-54 (18.4%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (12.7%). This concentration of 45-54 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 12.0%. Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Spotswood's median age increased by 1.2 years to 38 years. During this period, the proportion of residents aged 45-54 grew from 15.5% to 18.4%, while those aged 15-24 increased from 8.0% to 9.6%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 25-34 declined from 15.3% to 12.7%, and the proportion of residents aged 0-4 dropped from 7.3% to 5.8%. By 2041, Spotswood's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 55-64 age group is projected to grow by 117%, reaching 962 people from 442. Meanwhile, population declines are forecast for the 0-4 and 5-14 age cohorts.