Spotswood (Vic.)

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Based on examination of ABS population updates for the wider region and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census, the population of the suburb of Spotswood is estimated to be approximately 4,657 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 1,837 people (65.1%) since the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 2,820 people. The variation is derived from the resident population of 4,648, calculated by Districts after analyzing the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 543 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population translates to a density ratio of 1,473 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the average observed across national locations evaluated by Districts. The 65.1% growth of the suburb of Spotswood since the 2021 census outpaced the SA3 area (6.8%) as well as the state, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was chiefly propelled by overseas migration, which accounted for approximately of overall population gains during recent periods.

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Spotswood has a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of only 3.3%, and 10.1% in estimated employment growth over the past year, based on Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 3,030 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.5% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation is well above the benchmark (82.5% compared to Greater Melbourne's 70.2%). Based on Census responses, a high 45.7% of residents were found to work from home, though COVID-19 lockdown impacts should be taken into account.

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The income level in the suburb of Spotswood is among the highest in Australia according to the latest ATO data aggregated by Districts for financial year 2023. The suburb of Spotswood's median income among taxpayers is $73,476 and the average income stands at $90,283, which compares to figures for Greater Melbourne's of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $80,544 (median) and $98,968 (average) as of March 2026. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Spotswood, between the 89th and 92nd percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 29.1% of the community ( individuals), consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing in the same category. A significant earn above weekly, reflecting pockets of prosperity that drive robust local economic activity. Housing accounts for of income while strong earnings rank residents within the th percentile for disposable income and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the th decile.

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Dwelling structure within Spotswood, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 65.7% houses and 34.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Spotswood was lagging that of Melbourne metro, at 27.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (39.4%) or rented (33.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Melbourne metro average at $2,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $456, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $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.

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Family households dominate at 71.9% of all households, comprising 35.9% couples with children, 25.1% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 28.1%, with lone person households at 24.4% and group households comprising 3.9% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people matches the Greater Melbourne average.

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Educational attainment in Spotswood significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 44.7% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia and 32.0% in SA4 region. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 29.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.1%) and graduate diplomas (5.0%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 26.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (15.6%).

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Public transport analysis reveals 18 active transport stops operating within Spotswood comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 4 individual routes, collectively providing 2,875 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 168 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 80%, with 12% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling. A high 45.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Spotswood, based on Districts' assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups , and the rate of private health cover found to be exceptionally high at approximately 62% of the total population (2,905 people). This compares to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. The national average is 55.7%.

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Spotswood was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 23.9% of its population born overseas and 20.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Spotswood was found to be Christianity, which makes up 42.2% of people in Spotswood. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.3% of the population, compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne.

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The 38-year median age in Spotswood is close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and similarly equivalent to the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Spotswood has a higher concentration of 45 - 54 residents (18.4%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (12.7%). This 45 - 54 concentration is well above the national 12.0%. Since the 2021 Census, the area has seen its median age climb 1.2 years to 38, up from 37. Specifically, the 45 to 54 age group has grown from 15.5% to 18.4% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from to . Conversely, the to cohort has declined from to and the to group dropped from to . By Spotswood is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the to group will grow by ( people), reaching from . Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the to and to cohorts.

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Spotswood currently has an estimated 270 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 177 children aged 0-2 and 119 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 32% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 0% by 2041 (to approximately 270 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 479. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 11.8 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 30% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.