Spotswood

Population growth drivers in Spotswood are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Feb 2026, the population of the suburb of Spotswood is estimated at around 3,272, reflecting an increase of 452 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 2,820. This change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,933 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 536 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of approximately 1,035 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Spotswood's population growth of 16.0% since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (9.9%) and state average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 62.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting 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 projections indicate an above median population growth for the suburb of Spotswood, with an expected increase of 637 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 11.0% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Spotswood averaged approximately 102 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 511 homes. By FY-26, 18 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.2 new residents per year per dwelling constructed were added between FY-21 and FY-25.

So far in FY-26, $17.7 million in commercial approvals have been recorded. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Spotswood records 280.0% more construction activity per person. New development consists of 11.0% detached houses and 89.0% attached dwellings, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 66.0% houses. The location has approximately 55 people per dwelling approval. Future projections estimate Spotswood adding 360 residents by 2041. Current construction levels should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Future projections show Spotswood adding 360 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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 affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects that could impact this region. Notable projects are Newport Village, Better Places Spotswood & South Kingsville, South Kingsville Place, and West Gate Tunnel Project. The following details the most relevant ones.

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.

AreaSearch assessment positions Spotswood ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Spotswood has an educated workforce with professional services well represented. Its unemployment rate was 3.8% in the past year, showing a 4.5% employment growth. As of September 2025, 1,933 residents were employed at an unemployment rate of 0.9% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation was high at 83.9%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. A significant 45.7% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Major employment industries included health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. Public administration & safety had notable concentration at 1.6 times the regional average.

Retail trade showed lower representation at 8.1%, compared to the regional average of 9.8%. The worker-to-resident ratio was 0.7, indicating ample local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.5% and labour force grew by 5.6%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.9 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0%, labour force growth of 3.3%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Spotswood's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on 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

Spotswood suburb's income level is among Australia's highest according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Spotswood's median taxpayer income is $73,476 and average income stands at $90,283, compared to Greater Melbourne's $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimates as of September 2025 would be approximately $79,538 (median) and $97,731 (average). According to 2021 Census figures, Spotswood's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 89th and 92nd percentiles. Income analysis shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 29.1% of Spotswood residents (952 individuals), consistent with metropolitan trends at 32.8%. Notably, 41.4% earn above $3,000 weekly, reflecting prosperous pockets driving local economic activity. Housing accounts for 14.6% of income, while strong earnings place residents in the 89th percentile for disposable income. The area'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

The 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 was at 27.5%, with the remainder being mortgaged (39.4%) or rented (33.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,300, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure for Spotswood was recorded at $456, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Spotswood's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 high, with 44.7% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications. This compares to 30.4% nationally and 32.0% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 29.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.1%) and graduate diplomas (5.0%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 26.2% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 10.6% and certificates for 15.6%.

Educational participation is 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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by four different routes that together facilitate 2,875 weekly passenger trips. The transport accessibility in Spotswood is rated as excellent, with residents typically residing just 168 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outwards, with cars being the primary mode of transportation at 80%. Trains are used by 12% of residents. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling in Spotswood.

According to the 2021 Census, 45.7% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 410 trips per day, equating to about 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 excellent results for Spotswood based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 62% of the total population (2041 people) have private health cover, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's 56.7%.

This compares to the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and asthma were found to be the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 8.0% and 6.7% of residents respectively. A total of 73.8% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Working-age residents show low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 13.2% of residents aged 65 and over (431 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly 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 shows high cultural diversity, with 23.9% born overseas and 20.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 42.2%. Judaism, though small in number, is overrepresented at 0.3%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 1.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (22.1%), Australian (20.6%), and Irish (9.4%). Some ethnicities show notable differences: Croatian (1.9% vs regional 0.7%), Serbian (0.8% vs 0.4%), and Maltese (1.6% vs 1.1%) are overrepresented in Spotswood.

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 and equivalent to Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Spotswood has a higher percentage of residents aged 45-54 (16.3%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (13.4%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the 15-24 age group has increased from 8.0% to 10.3%, while the 65-74 cohort has grown from 6.8% to 8.3%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 15.3% to 13.4%, and the 0-4 group has dropped from 7.3% to 5.9%. By 2041, Spotswood's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 55-64 age group is projected to grow by 32%, reaching 389 people from 294. Meanwhile, both the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are expected to decrease in number.