Home › AUS › Rest of Vic. › Gippsland - South West › Cowes
Rest of Vic. / Gippsland - South West
$508
Median rent / wk
Period ending Sep 2025
+4.3%
Rent growth / yr
Period ending Sep 2025
7,858
People
17 Jul 2026
+19.2%
Growth since 2021
Census
145
For sale now
indexed listings
Data sourcesABSDFFH Rental ReportACARARefreshed July 2026
ABS QuickStats SAL20657How we calculate this
How figures are calculatedFigures are extracted from the sources listed here at the observation date shown, and displayed unchanged. Rank bars use the profile's score out of 10 where one exists. Missing values are shown as unavailable — never estimated or back-filled.
Suburb (SAL) analysis
This analysis uses Suburb (SAL) boundaries, which can differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when they share the same name. SAL 20657.
7,858
People
est. as @ 17 Jul 2026
2021 Census | 6,593 people
20.86 km²
Land area
376.7 /km²
Density
3.3%
Unemployment
159 /yr
Resi approvals
The suburb of Cowes is located 75 kilometers south-southeast from the Melbourne CBD on Victoria's picturesque Phillip Island. As of May 2026, the population is estimated at around 7,858 people, marking a significant growth of 1,265 residents (19.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,593. This latest population estimate is calculated using aggregated SA2-level ERP counts alongside quarterly updated national address file data. The area's growth profile is one of the strongest in the country, characterised by above-average population growth forecasts and high population growth since the Census. This expansion is supported by strong outright home ownership, below-average median household sizes, and development activity and population drivers that track well above average. The local economy benefits from a notable arts and recreation employment base, complementing the island's natural appeal. The demographic landscape of the suburb of Cowes is defined by a high proportion of retirement aged and older Australians, alongside elderly residents. The local households consist largely of lone person households and couples without children who generally report lower quartile income levels. Visitors are drawn to the location's stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, and diverse wildlife, including its famous little penguins, seals, and koalas. Local heritage sites and museums showcase the island's history, while sports activities like surfing and the renowned Phillip Island Circuit cater to active visitors. Overall, the area offers a distinct mix of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural experiences.
Estimated residents are up from 6,593 at the 2021 Census — a change of 1,265 people, or 19.2%.
Districts View
Population growth
Cowes ranks in the 95th percentile nationally for population growth, with the population up +19.2% since the 2021 Census.
Forecast demand
Official forecasts point to an additional 3,798 residents by 2041 — growth of 48.3% on the current estimated population.
Infrastructure pipeline
8 major projects are tracked in and around Cowes, and infrastructure activity ranks in the 63rd percentile nationally.
Employment outlook
Industry-weighted employment growth of 6.4% is forecast over the next five years based on the local industry mix.
Below-average resident incomes
Cowes ranks in the 4th percentile nationally for income (score 0.4/10).
Lower household incomes can constrain rent growth and buyer depth, and increase sensitivity to interest-rate and cost-of-living pressure.
Limited public transport access
Cowes ranks in the 19th percentile nationally for transport & access (score 1.9/10).
Car-dependent locations can appeal to a narrower tenant pool and are more exposed to fuel and commuting costs.
High development activity
Residential development activity ranks in the 93rd percentile nationally, with 798 dwelling approvals over five years.
Strong incoming supply can absorb demand and dampen rent and price growth until new stock is taken up.
Districts' reading of national rankings, Census change and the tracked project pipeline for Cowes. Each line cites its evidence; this is interpretation, not advice. The Investment Report PDF is the long form of this thesis.
Sales activity
Data to 17 Jul 2026No market glance has been ingested for this suburb yet. Recorded sales below come from Districts property records where indexed.
Residential supply
Data to 17 Jul 2026Districts view
The level of residential development activity in Cowes was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country
Detail
According to an assessment by Districts of ABS building permit statistics allocated from regional databases, the suburb of Cowes has averaged approximately 159 residential approvals annually, totaling an estimated 798 dwellings approved over the last 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25) and 60 during the current FY-26. Based on an average of 1.9 new occupants per year for each home built over the last 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25), the property market is well equilibrated between supply and demand, facilitating steady conditions, with new dwellings recording an average construction cost of $588,000, showing a focus by builders on upscale, premium residences. Furthermore, commercial approvals valued at $9.5 million have been logged in the current financial year, demonstrating ongoing commercial investment activity.
In comparison to the Rest of Vic., the suburb of Cowes exhibits 105.0% higher development activity per person, which should grant purchasers plenty of choices. This rate is far higher than the national average, indicating substantial confidence among builders in this location. The new building activity consists of 49.0% detached houses and 51.0% attached residences. This movement toward higher-density projects offers affordable options for buyers and draws interest from investors, downsizers, and first-time buyers. This represents a major shift from the existing housing profile (currently consisting of 84.0% houses), driven by a decline in vacant land and reflecting changing lifestyle preferences and budget constraints. Having approximately 37 residents for each approved dwelling, the suburb of Cowes displays the typical features of a growing region.
Demographic forecasts suggest that the suburb of Cowes will add 3,798 inhabitants up to 2041 (starting from the most recent quarterly calculation by Districts). Under current building trends, the supply of new housing is projected to easily satisfy demand, creating favorable circumstances for buyers and potentially supporting population growth that outpaces current forecasts.
Districts' assessment of the Bass Coast LGA register has identified 4 substantial development applications lodged in Cowes over the past 5 years. Minor and ancillary works — single dwellings, outbuildings, signage and smaller residential developments — are excluded. Of the four, one has likely already been built, one is approved and yet to be built and two were withdrawn.
4 applications in the profile extract.
Recent Development Approvals by Type
ABS / Districts
| Metrici | Cowes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Latest FY Approvals | 84 | 185,138 | 502 |
| Current FY-to-Date Approvals | 60 | 184,871 | 475 |
| –Detached House Approvals | 76/49.3% | 89,436/61.9% | 490/84.2% |
| –Attached/Other Approvals | 78/50.7% | 55,043/38.1% | 92/15.8% |
| Average Annual Approvals | 159 | 188,882 | 818 |
| Total 5-Year Approvals | 798 | 944,410 | 4,090 |
| Approvals per 1,000 People (2yr) | 28.4 | 6.5 | 8.9 |
| Approvals per 1,000 People (5yr) | 23.3 | 7.2 | 11.4 |
| Pop Growth per Approval (2yr) | 1.5 | 2.8 | 1.4 |
| Pop Growth per Approval (5yr) | 1.9 | 2.1 | 1.5 |
| Persons per Approval | 37 | 158 | 121 |
| Residential Value per Unit | 588 | 342 | 330 |
| Commercial Development Value | 9,464 | 105,080,908 | 222,372 |
| Development Drivers Ranking | 93 | 100 | 89 |
Project pipeline
Data to 17 Jul 2026Districts view
Cowes has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally
Detail
Few factors shape a region's performance as much as adjustments to local infrastructure, key construction projects, and zoning plans. In total, Districts has tracked 10 developments that are expected to influence the locality. Notable developments include Samuel Property Warley Avenue Apartments, Isle of Wight Hotel Redevelopment, Lifestyle Communities Phillip Island, and the Phillip Island Recreation Reserve Master Plan, with the subsequent list detailing the most significant ones.
Tourism
ConstructionRedevelopment of 140-year-old pub into 7-story mixed-use hotel with 163 keys, pool deck, rooftop sports courts, and key-worker hostel. Includes pub, bistro, dining options, and shops.
Source 1 for Isle of Wight Hotel Redevelopment (opens in new tab)Source 2 for Isle of Wight Hotel Redevelopment (opens in new tab)
Residential Development
ConstructionA retirement community development at 498 Settlement Road, Cowes, located 350m from the beach. Features modern, low-maintenance homes for over 50s downsizers with multi-million-dollar amenities. Sales suite operates at 59 Justice Road, Cowes. Multiple home designs available on extra large lots.
Source for Lifestyle Communities Phillip Island (opens in new tab)
Sports & Recreation
PlanningA long-term strategic master plan for 32 hectares of public open space, now progressing as the Phillip Island Sporting Precinct. The plan includes the development of two football and cricket ovals, four netball courts, a fenced off-leash dog park, and walking tracks. It also incorporates a future aquatic centre, though delivery of the aquatic component has been staged as a secondary phase following the redevelopment of the Wonthaggi facility.
Source 1 for Phillip Island Recreation Reserve Master Plan (opens in new tab)Source 2 for Phillip Island Recreation Reserve Master Plan (opens in new tab)
Residential Development
ApprovedPermit approved luxury residential development comprising 91 apartments across two five-storey buildings with 117 car spaces on a 4,053sqm beachfront site. The project remains approved, however the site was placed on the market during 2025 for sale to another developer with the benefit of the existing permit. No construction has commenced.
Source for Samuel Property Warley Avenue Apartments (opens in new tab)
Health & Medical
CompletedA multi-million dollar double-storey community hospital at 50-58 Church Street, Cowes. Features include expanded Urgent Care Centre, day surgery across two operating theatres, low complexity dialysis, chemotherapy, dental services, radiology precinct with CT scans, ultrasound and general x-ray, and non-retail pharmacy. Construction by SJ Higgins started August 2023.
Source 1 for Phillip Island Community Hospital (opens in new tab)Source 2 for Phillip Island Community Hospital (opens in new tab)
8 projects tracked around Cowes (Vic.), in the source's significance order. Stages and reference links are as published by the source.
On the market now
Data to 17 Jul 2026$650,000–$695,000
House · 3 bed
Listed 17 Aug 2026
$770,000
Townhouse · 3 bed · 314m² land
Listed 22 Dec 2025
$279,000
Apartment · 2 bed
Listed 4 Sept 2023
$1,500,000–$1,600,000
Apartment · 3 bed
Listed 21 Mar 2025
$765,000
Townhouse · 3 bed · 174m² land
Listed 4 Mar 2025
$1,180,000–$1,250,000
House · 4 bed · 2,459m² land
Listed 7 Mar 2025
$399,000
Apartment · 1 bed
Listed 19 Sept 2024
$300,000
Villa · 2 bed
Listed 21 Nov 2025
$475,000–$485,000
Land · 0 bed · 875m² land
Listed 2 Oct 2025
$549,000
Townhouse · 3 bed
Listed 26 Oct 2025
$380,000–$410,000
Apartment · 1 bed
Listed 5 Nov 2025
$290,000
Land · 0 bed · 344m² land
Listed 7 Nov 2025
$2,950,000
House · 4 bed
Listed 11 Nov 2025
$560,000–$590,000
Unit · 3 bed · 228m² land
Listed 28 Aug 2025
$585,000–$620,000
Townhouse · 4 bed
Listed 8 Aug 2025
$599,000–$638,000
Townhouse · 3 bed · 181m² land
Listed 20 Aug 2025
$2,400,000
House · 4 bed · 4,000m² land
Listed 28 Nov 2025
$449,000
Unit · 2 bed
Listed 16 Jan 2026
$549,000
Unit · 3 bed · 308m² land
Listed 8 Feb 2026
$898,888
Apartment · 4 bed
Listed 1 Dec 2025
$349,000
House · 1 bed
Listed 9 Feb 2026
$699,000
Apartment · 3 bed
Listed 12 Feb 2026
$259,000
Apartment · 2 bed
Listed 26 Nov 2025
$350,000
Apartment · 1 bed
Listed 6 Feb 2026
$389,000
Villa · 3 bed
Listed 16 Dec 2025
$985,000–$1,080,000
Townhouse · 3 bed · 123m² land
Listed 5 Feb 2026
$1,200,000–$1,300,000
Land · 0 bed · 1,241m² land
Listed 26 Mar 2026
$640,000–$660,000
Townhouse · 3 bed
Listed 25 Mar 2026
$740,000–$760,000
Townhouse · 3 bed · 286m² land
Listed 5 Mar 2026
$1,295,000
House · 4 bed · 1,040m² land
Listed 25 Feb 2026
$1,100,000–$1,200,000
Land · 0 bed
Listed 20 Mar 2026
$369,000
Apartment · 2 bed
Listed 30 Mar 2026
$500,000
Unit · 2 bed
Listed 4 June 2026
$440,000–$480,000
Unit · 2 bed · 153m² land
Listed 2 Apr 2026
$890,000
Land · 0 bed · 3,415m² land
Listed 27 May 2026
$850,000–$2,500,000
Apartment · 3 bed
Listed 26 May 2026
$1,100,000–$1,200,000
House · 4 bed · 1,443m² land
Listed 17 Apr 2026
$895,000
Townhouse · 4 bed · 446m² land
Listed 10 Apr 2026
$700,000–$720,000
Townhouse · 3 bed
Listed 31 Mar 2026
$899,000–$980,000
House · 7 bed · 462m² land
Listed 16 June 2026
$325,000
Land · 0 bed · 400m² land
Listed 2 July 2026
$495,000
Villa · 3 bed
Listed 14 June 2026
$459,000
Unit · 1 bed
Listed 15 June 2026
$390,000–$410,000
Unit · 2 bed · 248m² land
Listed 10 July 2026
$695,000
Townhouse · 3 bed
Listed 21 July 2026
$539,000–$589,000
Unit · 3 bed
Listed 23 July 2026
$660,000–$725,000
House · 3 bed
Listed 21 Aug 2026
$390,000–$410,000
Unit · 2 bed · 222m² land
Listed 29 July 2026
$460,000–$500,000
Apartment · 3 bed · 4,056m² land
Listed 19 Aug 2026
$550,000
Unit · 2 bed · 163m² land
Listed 4 Aug 2026
$599,000–$639,000
House For Sale · 3 bed · 553m² land
Listed 5 Feb 2024
$450,000–$480,000
Land For Sale · 0 bed · 729m² land
Listed 28 Aug 2024
$677,000
House For Sale · 2 bed · 604m² land
Listed 9 Sept 2024
$330,000
Land For Sale · 0 bed · 448m² land
Listed 25 Sept 2024
$245,000
Land For Sale · 0 bed · 366m² land
Listed 15 Oct 2024
$690,000–$740,000
House For Sale · 4 bed
Listed 27 Mar 2025
$499,000–$525,000
Land For Sale · 0 bed · 628m² land
Listed 13 May 2025
$529,000
Land For Sale · 0 bed · 720m² land
Listed 25 June 2025
$590,000–$640,000
House For Sale · 3 bed · 703m² land
Listed 26 June 2025
$349,000
Land For Sale · 0 bed · 616m² land
Listed 2 July 2025
$590,000–$640,000
Townhouse For Sale · 3 bed · 445m² land
Listed 10 July 2025
$400,000–$440,000
Land For Sale · 0 bed · 604m² land
Listed 22 July 2025
$810,000
House For Sale · 4 bed
Listed 17 Sept 2025
$260,000
Land For Sale · 0 bed · 329m² land
Listed 24 Sept 2025
$1,700,000
House For Sale · 4 bed
Listed 9 Oct 2025
$700,000–$770,000
House For Sale · 3 bed · 585m² land
Listed 13 Oct 2025
$390,000–$410,000
Land For Sale · 0 bed · 651m² land
Listed 16 Oct 2025
$875,000–$925,000
House For Sale · 3 bed · 738m² land
Listed 23 Oct 2025
$635,000–$695,000
House For Sale · 4 bed · 660m² land
Listed 23 Oct 2025
$749,000
House For Sale · 4 bed · 601m² land
Listed 26 Nov 2025
$950,000–$1,030,000
House For Sale · 4 bed · 698m² land
Listed 8 Dec 2025
$859,000
House For Sale · 4 bed · 962m² land
Listed 9 Dec 2025
$5,800,000–$6,300,000
House For Sale · 6 bed · 8,967m² land
Listed 10 Dec 2025
$1,220,000–$1,250,000
House For Sale · 4 bed · 671m² land
Listed 12 Dec 2025
$450,000
Land For Sale · 0 bed · 603m² land
Listed 14 Dec 2025
$2,450,000–$2,695,000
House For Sale · 3 bed · 1,780m² land
Listed 19 Dec 2025
$700,000
Land For Sale · 0 bed · 2,989m² land
Listed 21 Dec 2025
$695,000
House For Sale · 3 bed · 604m² land
Listed 21 Dec 2025
$559,000–$599,000
House For Sale · 3 bed · 660m² land
Listed 13 Jan 2026
$749,000
House For Sale · 3 bed · 766m² land
Listed 16 Jan 2026
$695,000
House For Sale · 3 bed
Listed 18 Jan 2026
$420,000
Land For Sale · 0 bed · 557m² land
Listed 23 Jan 2026
$850,000–$865,000
House For Sale · 5 bed
Listed 2 Feb 2026
$695,000–$735,000
House For Sale · 5 bed · 964m² land
Listed 15 Feb 2026
$650,000–$700,000
House For Sale · 3 bed · 721m² land
Listed 16 Feb 2026
$395,000
Land For Sale · 0 bed · 470m² land
Listed 24 Feb 2026
$690,000–$720,000
House For Sale · 4 bed · 455m² land
Listed 26 Feb 2026
$685,000
House For Sale · 3 bed · 656m² land
Listed 26 Feb 2026
$750,000
Townhouse For Sale · 3 bed · 203m² land
Listed 27 Feb 2026
$1,095,000
House For Sale · 5 bed · 703m² land
Listed 27 Feb 2026
$675,000–$725,000
House For Sale · 3 bed · 691m² land
Listed 27 Feb 2026
$525,000
House For Sale · 2 bed · 621m² land
Listed 11 Mar 2026
$570,000
House For Sale · 3 bed
Listed 11 Mar 2026
$489,000
Land For Sale · 0 bed · 815m² land
Listed 11 Mar 2026
$395,000–$425,000
Land For Sale · 0 bed · 420m² land
Listed 13 Mar 2026
$639,000
House For Sale · 3 bed · 434m² land
Listed 16 Mar 2026
$900,000–$950,000
House For Sale · 4 bed · 763m² land
Listed 25 Mar 2026
$750,000–$799,000
House For Sale · 3 bed
Listed 30 Mar 2026
$699,000
Land For Sale · 0 bed · 935m² land
Listed 30 Mar 2026
$285,000
Land For Sale · 0 bed · 448m² land
Listed 31 Mar 2026
$380,000
Land For Sale · 0 bed · 619m² land
Listed 1 Apr 2026
$995,000
House For Sale · 3 bed · 792m² land
Listed 11 Apr 2026
$675,000
House For Sale · 3 bed
Listed 29 Apr 2026
$815,000
House For Sale · 3 bed · 655m² land
Listed 6 May 2026
$1,040,000
House For Sale · 5 bed · 736m² land
Listed 11 May 2026
$465,000
Land For Sale · 0 bed · 417m² land
Listed 13 May 2026
$695,000–$720,000
House For Sale · 4 bed · 576m² land
Listed 17 May 2026
$889,000
House For Sale · 3 bed · 720m² land
Listed 18 May 2026
$680,000–$730,000
House For Sale · 4 bed · 438m² land
Listed 22 May 2026
$1,400,000–$1,500,000
House For Sale · 5 bed
Listed 27 May 2026
$680,000
House For Sale · 3 bed · 650m² land
Listed 28 May 2026
$650,000
House For Sale · 3 bed · 331m² land
Listed 28 May 2026
$1,350,000–$1,450,000
House For Sale · 5 bed · 481m² land
Listed 3 June 2026
$499,000
Townhouse · 2 bed
Listed 28 Aug 2026
$689,000
House For Sale · 3 bed · 812m² land
Listed 10 June 2026
$600,000–$650,000
House For Sale · 3 bed · 585m² land
Listed 11 June 2026
$965,000
House For Sale · 4 bed · 662m² land
Listed 17 June 2026
$550,000
House For Sale · 2 bed · 603m² land
Listed 19 June 2026
$750,000–$780,000
House For Sale · 4 bed · 502m² land
Listed 19 June 2026
$735,000
House For Sale · 3 bed · 658m² land
Listed 23 June 2026
$750,000–$790,000
House For Sale · 3 bed · 643m² land
Listed 23 June 2026
$729,000–$799,000
House For Sale · 3 bed · 814m² land
Listed 24 June 2026
$950,000–$990,000
House For Sale · 3 bed · 917m² land
Listed 29 June 2026
$1,650,000
House For Sale · 4 bed · 1,323m² land
Listed 6 July 2026
$795,000
House For Sale · 4 bed
Listed 6 July 2026
$615,000–$675,000
House For Sale · 4 bed
Listed 7 July 2026
$729,000–$799,000
House For Sale · 4 bed · 415m² land
Listed 14 July 2026
$1,150,000
House For Sale · 4 bed · 1,057m² land
Listed 14 July 2026
$590,000–$640,000
House For Sale · 3 bed · 811m² land
Listed 17 July 2026
$735,000
House For Sale · 3 bed · 593m² land
Listed 17 July 2026
$790,000–$869,000
House For Sale · 4 bed · 564m² land
Listed 22 July 2026
$980,000
House For Sale · 4 bed · 654m² land
Listed 29 July 2026
$1,160,000–$1,190,000
House For Sale · 4 bed · 601m² land
Listed 30 July 2026
$1,075,000
House For Sale · 3 bed · 657m² land
Listed 3 Aug 2026
$720,000–$750,000
House For Sale · 4 bed · 874m² land
Listed 3 Aug 2026
$945,000
House For Sale · 4 bed · 825m² land
Listed 8 Aug 2026
$1,100,000–$1,200,000
House For Sale · 6 bed · 681m² land
Listed 10 Aug 2026
$800,000–$880,000
House For Sale · 4 bed · 768m² land
Listed 10 Aug 2026
$990,000
House For Sale · 4 bed · 966m² land
Listed 12 Aug 2026
$650,000–$715,000
House For Sale · 3 bed · 404m² land
Listed 14 Aug 2026
$639,000
House For Sale · 3 bed · 650m² land
Listed 14 Aug 2026
$520,000–$570,000
House For Sale · 3 bed · 619m² land
Listed 17 Aug 2026
$795,000
House For Sale · 5 bed · 614m² land
Listed 19 Aug 2026
$560,000–$595,000
House For Sale · 3 bed
Listed 21 Aug 2026
$649,000
House For Sale · 4 bed
Listed 25 Aug 2026
From indexed listing events. Districts records what the listing publishes — asks and attributes are the agent's, not a valuation.
Properties
Data to 17 Jul 2026Source: Districts property records · 97 in 2026 · 174 recorded sales in total
Other indexed properties in Cowes with no sale record in Districts yet.
Nearby
Data to 17 Jul 2026| Suburb | Distance | People | Median | Growth | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cowes | — | 7,858 | — | — | — |
| Somers | 9.4 km | 1,792 | — | — | — |
| Crib Point | 11.8 km | 3,270 | — | — | — |
| Cape Woolamai | 12.3 km | 2,687 | — | — | — |
| Balnarring | 13.6 km | 2,337 | — | — | — |
| Bittern | 13.9 km | 4,183 | — | — | — |
| San Remo (Vic.) | 14.7 km | 2,183 | — | — | — |
| Hastings (Vic.) | 17.4 km | 10,715 | — | — | — |
| Tyabb | 22.2 km | 3,704 | — | — | — |
| Safety Beach (Vic.) | 25.8 km | 7,021 | — | — | — |
| Somerville (Vic.) | 25.9 km | 12,636 | — | — | — |
| Dromana | 26.2 km | 7,399 | — | — | — |
| Mount Martha | 27.6 km | 20,303 | — | — | — |
| McCrae | 28.6 km | 3,647 | — | — | — |
| Pearcedale | 28.8 km | 4,055 | — | — | — |
| Baxter | 29.7 km | 2,318 | — | — | — |
| Rosebud | 29.8 km | 15,298 | — | — | — |
| Mornington (Vic.) | 30.0 km | 26,003 | — | — | — |
| Tooradin | 30.8 km | 1,751 | — | — | — |
| Mount Eliza | 32.1 km | 19,051 | — | — | — |
| Capel Sound | 32.5 km | 5,589 | — | — | — |
Market columns show — where a nearby suburb has not been ingested yet.
Development activity and population drivers well above average
High population growth forecasts
Strong outright home ownership
Above-average growth since Census
Low median household size
Notable arts and recreation employment base
Rapid growth area - recent expansion in the top 10% of locations compared nationally
Projections for population growth among the highest in the country
Employment growth over the past year near the strongest in the nation
Industry weighted employment projections in the top 10% of the nation
Population Growth
9.5
Density
4.0
Development Activity
9.3
Employment Drivers
5.6
Infrastructure Drivers
6.3
Education
5.1
Amenities
6.2
Transport & Access
Demographics
Data to 17 Jul 2026Districts view
Cowes lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to Districts analysis of short and medium-term trends
Detail
According to investigations of ABS demographic statistics for the surrounding region, combined with address records verified by Districts following the Census, the population of the suburb of Cowes is calculated at roughly 7,858 in May 2026. This indicates a growth of 1,265 individuals (19.2%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented a total of 6,593 residents. The shift is calculated from a resident headcount of 7,786, projected by Districts using the most recent ABS ERP statistics (June 2025) along with 642 verified new addresses added since the Census. This population size represents a density of 376 residents per square kilometer, which offers considerable space per inhabitant and options for future expansion. The 19.2% rate of expansion in the suburb of Cowes since the 2021 Census outpaced the Rest of Vic. (4.3%) and the surrounding SA4 region, establishing it as a primary driver of growth in the area. Growth in the local population was heavily supported by interstate migration, which accounted for approximately of the overall population rise in recent times.
Employment
Data to 17 Jul 2026Districts view
Employment performance in Cowes exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators
Detail
The suburb of Cowes possesses a talented labour force, with tourism and hospitality representing significant sectors, a jobless rate of just 3.3%, and a 7.0% estimated rise in employment over the preceding year, according to Districts aggregations of regional statistics. In March 2026, there are 3,225 employed locals, with the jobless rate tracking 0.4% lower than the Regional Vic. average of 3.7%, while the rate of workforce participation is considerably lower (49.1% compared to 61.1% in Regional Vic.). Census data indicates that a moderate 21.3% of workers performed their roles from home, although this may have been influenced by COVID-19 restriction periods.
The primary employment fields for working locals are health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. The locality shows a particularly high concentration of workers in accommodation & food, with employment shares reaching times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is less common, employing only of the workforce in the suburb of Cowes compared to across Regional Vic.. The suburb appears to have a shortage of local jobs, as shown by comparing the count of working residents against the local working population in the Census.
Income
Data to 17 Jul 20262021 CensusDistricts view
Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to Districts analysis
Detail
Based on Districts' compilation of the latest postcode-level ATO statistics published for financial year 2023, taxpayers in the suburb of Cowes recorded a median income of $37,177 and an average income of $52,087. These figures are below the national averages and compare to $50,954 (median) and $62,728 (average) across Regional Vic.. Accounting for Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimates for March 2026 are approximately $40,753 for median earnings and $57,098 for average earnings. Census data from 2021 shows that household, family, and individual incomes in the suburb of Cowes all rank between the 4th and 10th percentiles across the nation. The statistics indicate the largest group of residents comprises 29.9% of the local population (2,349 people) who fall into the $400 - weekly income tier, whereas the surrounding region is led by the - tier at . Financial pressure from housing is high, leaving only of income after housing costs, which ranks at the th percentile.
Housing stock
Data to 17 Jul 20262021 CensusDistricts view
Cowes is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
Detail
The residential landscape in the suburb of Cowes at the time of the last Census consisted of 83.7% detached houses and 16.3% alternative housing types (including townhouses, flats, and other dwellings), compared to 90.1% houses and 9.9% alternative dwellings across Regional Vic.. Additionally, outright home ownership in the suburb of Cowes was much higher than the Regional Vic. rate, standing at 49.1%, with the remaining properties occupied by people with a mortgage (23.4%) or tenants (27.6%). The median monthly home loan payment in the area was higher than the Regional Vic. average at $1,550, and the median weekly rent was recorded at $331, compared to Regional Vic. figures of $1,430 and $285. On a national level, mortgage payments in the suburb of Cowes are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are also well below the countrywide figure of $375.
Households
Data to 17 Jul 20262021 CensusDistricts view
Cowes features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size
Detail
Family units constitute the majority of households at 62.9%, which includes 17.6% couples with children, 35.0% couples without children, and 9.8% single parent households. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 37.1%, with single-person households representing 34.8% and group share houses making up 2.4% of the total. The median household occupancy of 2.1 people is smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.
Household Types (Census)
ABS / Districts
Education
Data to 17 Jul 20262021 CensusDistricts view
Educational attainment in Cowes aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics
Detail
The area experiences lower levels of tertiary education, with university graduation rates (19.1%) sitting significantly below the VIC average of 33.4%. This represents a hurdle as well as an opening for focused education programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common credential at 13.1%, followed by postgraduate degrees (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational and technical training is prominent, with 41.9% of residents aged 15+ possessing vocational qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas (14.1%) and certificates (27.8%).
A significant 24.3% of local residents are enrolled in structured study. This cohort is made up of attending primary school, in high school, and enrolled in tertiary courses.
Amenities
Data to 17 Jul 2026Districts view
Amenity provision was found to be above the typical area assessed nationally by Districts, based on counts and proximity analysis
Supermarket
1.5km · score 88
Child Care
1.3km · score 53
GP
4.8km · score 51
Government Services
25km · score 66
Post Office
0km · score 0
Getting around
Data to 17 Jul 2026Districts view
Transport servicing is very low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Detail
Public transport data indicates there are 24 active transit stops within the suburb of Cowes. These locations are served by 3 separate routes, which combine to offer 156 weekly services for commuters. Transport access is classified as moderate, with residents living an average of 407 meters from their closest stop. As the area is predominantly residential, most workers travel elsewhere to work, with private vehicles remaining the primary transit method at 89%, while 7% of residents walk. Car ownership is an average of 1.2 vehicles per household, which is below the regional average. About 21.3% of workers worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 rules.
The frequency of transit services averages runs per day across all routes, which translates to roughly weekly runs per stop.
Healthcare
Data to 17 Jul 2026Data to 2024Districts view
Cowes's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts
Detail
Health indicators in the suburb of Cowes are close to nationwide baselines, according to Districts' evaluation of death rates and the frequency of chronic illnesses. The rate of common health issues among the broader population is relatively standard, though it tracks above the national average for older age groups, and private health insurance coverage is very low, held by approximately 48% of the population (~3,733 people). This compares to 50.5% in Regional Vic. and a national average of 55.7%.
The most frequent medical diagnoses in the locality were arthritis and mental health challenges, affecting 12.3 and 9.6% of residents, respectively. Meanwhile, 58.3% of residents reported having no long-term health conditions, compared to across Regional Vic.. The working-age population exhibits notable health difficulties, with higher rates of chronic conditions. Residents aged and over make up of the population ( people), which is higher than the recorded in Regional Vic.. Senior health metrics present some challenges, although they rank more favorably on a national scale than the overall local population.
Ancestry & language
Data to 17 Jul 20262021 CensusDistricts view
In terms of cultural diversity, Cowes records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in Districts' assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics
Detail
The suburb of Cowes aligns closely with the broader regional averages for cultural metrics, with 87.1% of residents holding citizenship, 78.6% born in Australia, and 91.5% using only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, representing 46.2% of local residents. The most distinct statistical overrepresentation is observed in Judaism, which accounts for 0.1% of the population, matching the 0.1% recorded across Regional Vic..
Regarding ancestral backgrounds (parents' birthplace), the three most common heritages in the suburb of Cowes are English at 33.1%, Australian at 27.1%, and Scottish at . There are also distinct variations in several other ethnic origins: Dutch is overrepresented at of the population in the suburb of Cowes (compared to in the region), Maltese at (compared to ), and Welsh at (compared to ).
Age structure
Data to 17 Jul 20262021 CensusDistricts view
Cowes ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide
Detail
With a median age of 55 years, the suburb of Cowes is significantly older than the Regional Vic. median of 43 and is substantially above the national average of 38. The age distribution reveals that the 65 - 74 age tier is particularly large (20.7%), whereas the 25 - 34 bracket is smaller (7.7%) than in Regional Vic.. This concentration of 65 - 74 year-olds is much higher than the national share of 9.4%. Since 2021, the 15 to 24 age bracket has risen from 6.4% to 8.0% of the population, and the 75 to 84 group has grown from 10.8% to 12.0%. In contrast, the to tier has decreased from to and the to group has dropped from to . Looking forward to demographic projections indicate notable changes in the age structure of the suburb of Cowes, with the to age group expected to grow steadily, rising by individuals () from to .
Child care
Data to 17 Jul 2026Districts view
Cowes was found to possess higher than average child care supply broadly for children under 5, though with mixed findings across service types as long day care is well-supplied while out of school hours care appears more constrained.
Detail
Cowes currently has an estimated 314 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 184 children aged 0-2 and 124 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 14% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 51% by 2041 (to approximately 474 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 641. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 6.3 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.
1.9
Income
0.4
Age
9.7
Household Composition
1.1
Housing
4.5
Cultural Diversity
4.2
Health
4.7
Housing Cost
3.2
Rate Sensitivity
0.0
Districts incorporates demographic projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia for individual SA2 zones, which were published in 2024 using 2022 as the baseline. For any SA2 regions lacking this coverage, Districts applies the Regional/LGA projections from the VIC State Government published in 2023, adjusting them using a weighted system to aggregate population expansion from the LGA level to the SA2 level. Growth dynamics for specific age cohorts derived from these aggregations are also utilized for all locations from 2032 to 2041. Regarding upcoming demographic shifts, remarkable population gains placing the locality in the top 10 percent of Australia's regional zones are projected, with the area expected to increase by 3,870 individuals by 2041 according to aggregated SA2-level figures, indicating a total growth of 48.3% over the 16 years.
Annual Population Growth Rates (CAGR) by Period
ABS / Districts
| Metrici | Cowes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Latest Population Est. | 7,858 | 1,643,738 | 27,798,796 |
| Growth Since Census | 19.2% | 4.3% | 9.3% |
| Population 2021 Census | 6,593 | 1,576,613 | 25,422,788 |
| Natural Increase | 0.0% | 15.0% | 20.0% |
| Overseas Migration | 20.0% | 47.0% | 80.0% |
| Interstate Migration | 80.0% | 38.0% | 0.0% |
| Population Forecast Growth (2041) | 48.3% | 8.2% | 19.8% |
| Persons per Square Kilometer | 376 | 7 | 3 |
According to Districts evaluations of SALM and ABS statistics aggregated from regional boundaries, over the 12 months ending March 2026, the number of employed people rose by 7.0% and the labour force expanded by 5.9%, leading to a 1.0 percentage point reduction in unemployment. In contrast, Regional Vic. experienced a 0.1% drop in employment, a 0.3% reduction in the labour force, and a 0.2 percentage point decline in unemployment. National employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia issued in May-25 offer additional perspectives on prospective local demand in the suburb of Cowes. These forecasts, spanning five and ten-year horizons, have been aligned with the local workforce makeup to estimate occupational trends. While employment nationwide is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, the expected growth rates vary widely across different industries. Applying these sector-specific forecasts to the employment profile of the suburb of Cowes indicates that local jobs are projected to rise by 6.4% over five years and 13.2% over ten years (note that this is a basic weighted extrapolation for demonstration purposes and does not incorporate local population forecasts).
Employment Change (Persons)
DEWR / ABS / Districts
| Metrici | Cowes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Employment | 3,225 | 14,651,372 | 34,947 |
| –Health Care & Social Assistance | 14.1% | 15.2% | 14.8% |
| –Accommodation & Food | 13.5% | 6.8% | 7.2% |
| –Retail Trade | 12.0% | 9.5% | 9.9% |
| Labour Force | 3,336 | 15,298,546 | 35,990 |
| Participation Rate | 49.1% | 67.2% | 56.1% |
| Working from Home | 21.3% | 23.9% | 20.6% |
| Unemployment | 3.3% | 4.2% | 2.9% |
| 1Yr Emp. Growth | 7.0% | 1.5% | 4.0% |
| 5Yr Emp. Growth Forecast | 6.4% | 6.5% | 6.1% |
| Employment Drivers Ranking | 56 | 100 | 63 |
Latest Annual Income Estimate
ATO / ABS / Districts
| Metrici | Cowes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Income Est. | 40,753 | 62,634 | 49,485 |
| Average Annual Income Est. | 57,098 | 80,499 | 62,871 |
| ATO Median Taxable Income | 37,177 | 57,137 | 45,142 |
| ATO Average Taxable Income | 52,087 | 73,435 | 57,354 |
| Median Household Income | 1,026 | 1,746 | 1,202 |
| –$0 to 399 | 311 (9.5%) | 638,312 (6.3%) | 2,534 (8.3%) |
| –$400 to 799 | 978 (29.9%) | 1,671,771 (16.5%) | 7,725 (25.3%) |
| –$800 to 1,499 | 925 (28.3%) | 2,158,104 (21.3%) | 8,183 (26.8%) |
| –$1,500 to 2,999 | 733 (22.4%) | 3,201,695 (31.6%) | 8,214 (26.9%) |
| –$3,000 to 3,999 | 167 (5.1%) | 1,114,514 (11.0%) | 2,138 (7.0%) |
| –$4,000+ | 160 (4.9%) | 1,357,681 (13.4%) | 1,771 (5.8%) |
| Median Family Income | 1,339 | 2,120 | 1,551 |
| –$0 to 399 | 103 (5.0%) | 236,192 (3.3%) | 835 (4.1%) |
| –$400 to 799 | 393 (19.1%) | 758,676 (10.6%) | 3,237 (15.9%) |
| –$800 to 1,499 | 677 (32.9%) | 1,474,408 (20.6%) | 5,862 (28.8%) |
| –$1,500 to 2,999 | 624 (30.3%) | 2,562,321 (35.8%) | 7,002 (34.4%) |
| –$3,000 to 3,999 | 140 (6.8%) | 973,396 (13.6%) | 1,934 (9.5%) |
| –$4,000+ | 122 (5.9%) | 1,145,171 (16.0%) | 1,486 (7.3%) |
| Median Personal Income | 586 | 805 | 637 |
| –$0 to 399 | 2,334 (29.7%) | 7,303,780 (26.3%) | 21,843 (28.7%) |
| –$400 to 799 | 2,774 (35.3%) | 6,526,191 (23.5%) | 23,746 (31.2%) |
| –$800 to 1,499 | 1,744 (22.2%) | 7,137,153 (25.7%) | 18,342 (24.1%) |
| –$1,500 to 2,999 | 786 (10.0%) | 5,359,808 (19.3%) | 9,970 (13.1%) |
| –$3,000 to 3,499 | 79 (1.0%) | 527,649 (1.9%) | 761 (1.0%) |
| –$3,500+ | 141 (1.8%) | 944,215 (3.4%) | 1,446 (1.9%) |
| –Low Income (<$800/wk) | 39.4% | 22.8% | 33.6% |
| –High Income (>$3,000/wk) | 10.0% | 24.4% | 12.8% |
| Largest Income Group | $400 - 799 | $1,500 - 2,999 | $1,500 - 2,999 |
| Household Disposable Income | 3,688 | 6,376 | 4,502 |
| SEIFA Score | 3.4 | 5.6 | 4.1 |
Cowes at a glance
Source: ABS 2021 Census
Rents today
$508/wk
DFFH median rent
Period ending Sep 2025
+4.3%
DFFH rent movement, 1 yr
Rents are rising
The DFFH median weekly rent rose 4.3% year on year to $508/wk (Period ending Sep 2025).
The 2021 Census recorded a median rent of $331/wk — an older point-in-time figure, kept separate from current medians.
RTBA rental bond lodgements are not in this extract. Rents above are report medians, not bond data.
Housing Tenure (Census)
ABS / Districts
| Metrici | Cowes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Dwellings (Census) | 2,747 | 9,275,218 | 28,734 |
| –Owned Outright | 49.1% | 32.1% | 49.1% |
| –Owned with Mortgage | 23.4% | 36.2% | 31.9% |
| –Rented | 27.6% | 31.7% | 19.1% |
| –Detached Houses | 83.7% | 72.5% | 93.3% |
| –Semi-Detached | 11.8% | 12.6% | 4.5% |
| –Apartments | 4.1% | 14.3% | 1.3% |
| –Other Dwellings | 0.4% | 0.6% | 0.9% |
| –Median Monthly Mortgage | 1,550 | 1,863 | 1,450 |
| –Median Weekly Rent | 331 | 375 | 295 |
| –$0-149/wk | 4.9% | 7.3% | 9.1% |
| –$150-349/wk | 49.7% | 33.4% | 62.0% |
| –$350-649/wk | 45.4% | 50.9% | 27.7% |
| –$650-949/wk | 0.0% | 6.6% | 0.5% |
| –>$950/wk | 0.0% | 1.8% | 0.7% |
| –Aggregate Housing Cost | 758 | 1,189 | 706 |
| –Mortgage / Income | 34.9% | 24.6% | 27.8% |
| –Rent / Income | 32.3% | 21.5% | 24.5% |
| –Persons per Bedroom | 0.7 | 0.8 | 0.7 |
| Metrici | Cowes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Current Household Est. | 3,274 | 10,142,077 | 30,565 |
| Median Household Size | 2.1 | 2.5 | 2.3 |
| Total Households (Census) | 2,747 | 9,275,217 | 28,734 |
| –Lone Person Households | 34.8% | 25.6% | 31.1% |
| –Group Households | 2.4% | 3.9% | 2.3% |
| –Other Households | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| –Family Households | 62.9% | 70.5% | 66.6% |
| –Couple with Children | 17.6% | 31.4% | 22.8% |
| –Couple No Children | 35.0% | 26.8% | 33.8% |
| –One Parent Family | 9.8% | 11.1% | 9.3% |
| –Avg Children per Family | 1.9 | 1.6 | 1.9 |
| Currently Married | 49.5% | 46.5% | 49.1% |
| Never Married | 24.5% | 36.5% | 29.0% |
Qualification Attainment by Type - Residents Aged 15+ (Census)
ABS / Districts
| Metrici | Cowes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| University Qualifications | 19.1% | 30.4% | 20.7% |
| –Bachelor Degree | 13.1% | 20.0% | 13.9% |
| –Postgraduate Degree | 3.2% | 7.6% | 3.6% |
| –Advanced Diploma | 14.1% | 10.8% | 11.6% |
| –Certificate | 27.8% | 22.0% | 28.2% |
| No Tertiary Qualifications | 38.9% | 36.8% | 39.4% |
| Number of Schools | 2 | 11,054 | 45 |
| Total School Attendance | 654 | 4,176,099 | 10,014 |
| ICSEA Score | 1,022 | 1,001 | 1,002 |
| Education Drivers Ranking | 51 | 100 | 47 |
Schools detail
| # | School name | Type | Places | ICSEA | Distance (km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cowes Primary School | Primary | 517 | 1024 | 0.96 |
| 2 | Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School | Primary | 137 | 1021 | 1.90 |
Showing 1 to 2 of 2 results
Parcel Locker
0km · score 0
Dentist
1.5km · score 89
Hospital
21km · score 75
Shopping Centre
22km · score 48
Banks
1.5km · score 93
Pharmacy
5.0km · score 51
Fitness Centre
23km · score 42
Schools
2.8km · score 48
Transport Servicing
GTFS / Districts
| Metrici | Cowes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport Stops | 24 | 171,981 | 223 |
| Routes | 3 | 12,966 | 13 |
| Weekly Trips | 156 | 1,140,068 | 524 |
| Avg Dist. Between Stops (m) | 266 | 235 | 547 |
| Avg Dist. to Local Pop. (m) | 407 | 7,586 | 1,594 |
| Population per Stop | 312 | 161 | 347 |
| Population per Trip | 48 | 24.3 | 147.7 |
| Population per Route | 2,498 | 2,136 | 5,955 |
| Public Transport Access Ranking | 19 | 100 | 19 |
| Vehicles per Dwelling | 1.2 | 1.4 | 1.5 |
| Work from Home | 21.3% | 23.9% | 20.6% |
| Single Mode Commute | 78.3% | 73.8% | 78.7% |
| Two Mode | 0.4% | 1.9% | 0.7% |
| Three+ Mode | 0.0% | 0.3% | 0.1% |
| –Car | 89.2% | 84.1% | 91.5% |
| –Train | 0.0% | 4.9% | 0.3% |
| –Bus | 0.3% | 3.6% | 0.4% |
| –Walk | 7.3% | 3.7% | 5.7% |
| –Cycle | 2.0% | 1.0% | 0.8% |
| –Ferry | 0.0% | 0.1% | 0.1% |
| –Tram/Light Rail | 0.0% | 0.5% | 0.0% |
| –Other | 0.9% | 1.1% | 0.8% |
Private Health Insurance Coverage
ATO / Districts
| Metrici | Cowes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Health Cover Rate | 47.5% | 55.7% | 47.7% |
| Need for Assistance | 8.4% | 5.8% | 6.8% |
| Zero L/T Health Conditions | 58.3% | 69.8% | 61.6% |
| One Long Term Condition | 25.5% | 20.5% | 24.5% |
| Two Long Term Conditions | 10.4% | 6.4% | 8.8% |
| 3+ Long Term Conditions | 5.8% | 3.3% | 5.1% |
| –Arthritis | 12.3% | 7.7% | 11.2% |
| –Asthma | 7.5% | 7.4% | 7.9% |
| –Cancer | 4.2% | 2.6% | 3.7% |
| –Dementia / Alzheimers | 1.0% | 0.7% | 0.7% |
| –Diabetes | 5.4% | 4.3% | 5.0% |
| –Heart Disease | 5.6% | 3.6% | 5.3% |
| –Kidney Disease | 1.2% | 0.8% | 1.0% |
| –Lung Condition | 2.6% | 1.6% | 2.4% |
| –Mental Health Issue | 9.6% | 8.0% | 8.9% |
| –Stroke | 1.6% | 0.8% | 1.3% |
| –Other Condition | 8.2% | 7.3% | 7.6% |
Place of Birth (Census)
ABS / Districts
| Metrici | Cowes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Born Overseas | 21.4% | 29.3% | 14.7% |
| Born in Australia | 78.6% | 70.7% | 85.3% |
| Australian Citizens | 87.1% | 83.8% | 89.3% |
| Speak English Only | 91.5% | 76.4% | 95.1% |
| Speak Other Language | 8.5% | 23.6% | 4.9% |
| Indigenous Population | 0.7% | 2.2% | 0.8% |
| Largest Ethnic Group | English | English | English |
| Main Religion | Christianity | Christianity | Christianity |
| –Buddhism | 1.1% | 2.6% | 0.9% |
| –Christianity | 46.2% | 47.5% | 42.9% |
| –Hinduism | 0.9% | 2.9% | 0.3% |
| –Islam | 0.3% | 3.5% | 0.1% |
| –Judaism | 0.1% | 0.4% | 0.1% |
| –Other | 0.9% | 1.4% | 0.5% |
| –No Religion | 50.5% | 41.6% | 55.2% |
Age Distribution
ABS / Geoscience Australia / State Govts / Districts
| Metrici | Cowes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Age | 55 | 38 | 50 |
| Largest Age Group | 65 to 74 | 25 to 34 | 65 to 74 |
| Children (0-14) | 13.4% | 17.5% | 15.1% |
| Working Age (15-64) | 50.2% | 64.7% | 55.4% |
| Seniors (65+) | 36.9% | 17.8% | 29.5% |
| Age Distribution Variance | 23.0% | 16.0% | 17.0% |
| Dependency Ratio | 100.0% | 55.0% | 80.0% |
| Fastest Growing Age Group | 85+ | 85+ | 85+ |
Cowes contains 4 Long Day Care centres (361 places) and 2 OSHC facilities (70 places), with overall provision relative to the local child population appearing favorable compared to national benchmarks, and above the Regional Vic. average. With no preschool/kindergarten services observed in the area, only long day care, the ratio of children per place for the under 5 age group is 0.9 - placing the area among the top 20% nationally for supply per child. With projected population growth of 48.3% between now and 2041, and 51.0% in the under 5 age group in particular, 190 new places will be needed to maintain today's ratios. As well as this projected growth, other factors worth noting are lower female labour force participation of 41.3%, as well as lower than average income performance.
In assessing child care markets local school supply is a particularly important factor, given school-run convenience, and enrolment vs child care place analysis can provide useful insight into capacity both for parents seeking child care options and child care operators assessing opportunities in an area. The catchment sees a level of school enrolment relative to population of 8.3 per 100 residents with 654 enrolments across primary and secondary institutions. A lower-than-typical rate which suggests pressure might be taken off local services somewhat by school hubs in nearby areas. Additionally, the level of school places per child care place (LDC+PSK) is moderate. Proximity analysis saw distances of local residents to their nearest child care centre being longer than typical nationally while fees are notably lower than national averages. Another finding worth noting is the low level of commercial activity in the area and assessment of local working populations which suggest many of the local population commute elsewhere for work with nearby services potentially taking some pressure off local child care centres.
3 school catchments intersect Cowes (note; school catchment data provided for public schools only), in which a combined 2,175 children aged under 5 reside, served by 2,063 LDC and preschool places. The overall demand-to-supply ratio across these catchments is 1.1 children per place, with limited variance in this ratio.
Children per LDC Place by Geographic Level
ACECQA / ABS / GNAF / Geoscience Australia / State Govts / Districts