# Preston - West

Statistical Area 2 (SA2) · Area profile

Located in: Victoria › Greater Melbourne › Darebin › 3072, VIC

Area: 4 km²

Higher incomes and a surge in university qualifications have transformed Preston - West into a professional hub over recent years. The typical resident is 38, and the area is now marked by a highly educated workforce and a growing number of high-earning households. This shift is reflected in the local housing and job market, where professional roles are common. It is a well-connected part of Melbourne that balances a diverse, multi-lingual population with a modern, urban lifestyle.

## Demographics & Identity

The population grew by 4.2% since 2016 to reach 12,696 people. People in de facto relationships are much more common here than in most similar areas, and the typical age is 38, which is exactly the same as the state and national figures.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Total population | 12,696 | — |
| Median age | 38 yrs | — |
| Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander population | 0.7% | — |
| People aged 65 and over | 14.1% | — |
| Children under 15 | 17.0% | — |
| People in a de facto relationship | 15.4% | — |

**Age structure** — Young adults (25–44) 33.6%, Older adults (45–64) 25.4%, Children (0–14) 17.0%, Seniors (65+) 14.1%, Youth (15–24) 10.0%

**Marital status** — Never married 46.1%, Married 39.6%, Divorced 6.9%, Widowed 4.9%, Separated 2.5%

## Ancestry & Birthplace

About 29.9% of residents were born overseas, a figure slightly above the national average. English, Australian, and Italian are the most common ancestries reported.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| People born overseas | 29.9% | — |

**Country of birth** — Australia 66.9%, Italy 4.2%, China 2.6%, India 2.5%, England 2.1%, New Zealand 1.7%, Vietnam 1.3%, Nepal 0.8%, Philippines 0.7%, South Africa 0.3%

**Ancestry** — English 24.4%, Australian 22.9%, Italian 16.3%, Irish 11.7%, Scottish 8.2%, Greek 8.1%, Chinese 5.9%, Indian 3.1%, German 3.0%, Vietnamese 1.8%, Dutch 1.2%, Filipino 0.9%

## Language

Language diversity is much higher than most areas, with 31.4% of people using a language other than English at home. However, this is a drop of 5.1 percentage points since 2016.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| People using another language at home | 31.4% | — |
| People who speak little or no English | 5.8% | -17.2% since 2016 |

**Language used at home** — English only 64.8%, Italian 6.0%, Greek 4.9%, Mandarin 3.1%, Arabic 2.6%, Vietnamese 1.5%, Cantonese 1.0%, Hindi 0.6%, Tagalog 0.2%, Punjabi 0.2%

## Religion

People with no religion make up 46.5% of the community, which is well above the national figure. This group has grown by 10 percentage points since 2016.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| People with no religion | 46.5% | — |

**Religious affiliation** — No religion 46.5%, Christianity 37.3%, Not stated 5.8%, Islam 5.7%, Hinduism 2.0%, Buddhism 2.0%, Other religions 0.6%, Judaism 0.2%

## Education & Qualifications

Education levels are far above the national average, with 40.6% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher. This high level of qualification has risen by 6.7 percentage points since 2016.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Completed Year 12 | 71.8% | — |
| Adults with a bachelor degree or higher | 40.6% | — |
| Schools | 4 | — |
| Schools per 1,000 children | 1.85 | — |
| Schools within 3 km | 52 | — |
| School enrolments | 1,834 | — |
| Average school size | 459 | — |
| Average school ICSEA | 1,139 | — |

**Highest year of school** — Year 12 71.8%, Year 9 or below 10.5%, Year 11 6.6%, Year 10 6.5%

**Highest qualification level** — Bachelor degree 38.2%, Postgraduate degree 15.4%, Certificate III / IV 13.9%, Advanced diploma / diploma 13.7%, Graduate diploma / certificate 6.7%, Certificate I / II 0.9%

**Field of qualification** — Management & commerce 17.0%, Society & culture 15.5%, Creative arts 10.5%, Engineering & related 9.7%, Health 9.0%, Education 8.3%, Information technology 4.6%, Architecture & building 4.6%, Natural & physical sciences 4.5%, Food, hospitality & personal services 4.1%, Agriculture & environment 1.4%

## Income

Typical weekly family incomes are $2,455, which is higher than most similar areas. High earners are more common here, with 28% of households earning over $3,000 a week, up 12 percentage points since 2016.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Median personal income (weekly) | $902 | — |
| Median household income (weekly) | $1,970 | — |
| Median family income (weekly) | $2,455 | — |
| People earning $2,000+ a week | 15.9% | — |
| Households earning $3,000+ a week | 28.0% | — |

**Household income distribution** — $1,500–$2,999 30.0%, $650–$1,499 21.1%, $4,000 or more 15.9%, Under $650 15.2%, $3,000–$3,999 12.1%

**Personal income distribution** — Under $650 37.5%, $650–$1,499 28.9%, $1,500–$2,999 22.2%, $3,000 or more 6.0%

## Health & Disability

Mental health conditions are reported by 10.4% of residents, which is a little above the national figure of 8.8%. Other health indicators, like those needing help with daily activities, are around the middle for similar areas.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| People with a long-term health condition | 27.6% | — |
| People with a mental health condition | 10.4% | — |
| People needing help with daily activities | 5.5% | — |

**Long-term health conditions reported** — Mental health 10.4%, Asthma 8.5%, Other condition 8.4%, Arthritis 7.0%, Diabetes 4.0%, Heart disease 3.0%, Cancer 2.3%, Lung condition 0.9%, Stroke 0.8%, Dementia 0.5%

**Number of long-term health conditions** — None 65.9%, One condition 20.1%, Two conditions 5.4%, Three or more 2.2%

## Community Participation

Providing unpaid care is more common here than in most areas, with 14.1% of people doing so. Conversely, only 1.1% of residents have served in the Defence Force, which is much lower than most areas.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Volunteers | 13.3% | — |
| People providing unpaid care | 14.1% | — |
| People caring for children unpaid | 26.8% | — |
| People who served in the Defence Force | 1.1% | — |
| People doing 15+ hours of unpaid housework | 20.3% | — |

## First Nations

First Nations residents are more likely to speak a traditional language here than in most other areas. They also have a much higher Year 12 completion rate at 55.9% compared to the national figure of 37%.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people | 89 | — |
| First Nations median age | 30 yrs | — |
| First Nations Year 12 completion | 55.9% | — |
| First Nations unemployment rate | 6.8% | — |
| First Nations median personal income | $739 | — |
| First Nations household income | $1,968 | — |
| Speaks a First Nations language | 18.0% | — |

## Family & Households

Most households consist of couples with children, making up 62.2% of the total. People living alone account for 26.4% of homes, which is about the same as the state average.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Average household size | 2.5 | — |
| One-parent families | 12.3% | — |
| People living alone | 26.4% | — |

**Family composition** — Couples with children 62.2%, Couples without children 23.9%, One-parent families 12.3%, Other families 1.6%

**Household size** — 2 people 31.3%, 1 person 26.4%, 3 people 17.8%, 4 people 17.3%, 5 people 5.2%, 6 or more 1.9%

## Housing & Dwellings

Rental properties are more common than usual, and typical weekly rents are $400. Homes here tend to be smaller, with 61.4% having three or more bedrooms, which is far below the national figure.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Median rent (weekly) | $400 | — |
| Median mortgage repayment (monthly) | $2,144 | — |
| Average people per bedroom | 0.90 | — |
| Households renting | 33.7% | — |
| Homes owned outright | 32.6% | — |
| Separate (detached) houses | 60.1% | — |
| Homes with three or more bedrooms | 61.4% | — |

**How homes are owned or rented** — Rented 33.7%, Owned outright 32.6%, Owned with a mortgage 30.9%, Other tenure 1.4%, Not stated 1.4%

**Types of homes** — Separate house 60.1%, Townhouse / semi-detached 29.7%, Flat or apartment 9.7%, Other dwelling 0.3%

**Bedrooms per home** — 3 bedrooms 43.1%, 2 bedrooms 32.3%, 4 bedrooms 15.0%, 1 bedroom 5.1%, 5 or more 3.4%, Studio / none 0.3%

**Weekly rent distribution** — $350–$549 51.9%, $200–$349 21.4%, $550–$749 13.0%, Under $200 7.4%, $750 or more 2.4%

**Monthly mortgage distribution** — $1,800–$2,999 32.8%, $3,000 or more 25.0%, $1,000–$1,799 21.9%, Under $1,000 13.4%

## Transport & Vehicles

Working from home is very popular here, with 37.9% of people doing so, a massive jump from 3.9% in 2016. The area is highly accessible, with 100% of homes within a 10-minute walk of public transport.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Homes with no motor vehicle | 10.4% | — |
| People working from home | 37.9% | — |
| Commuting by public transport | 5.2% | — |
| Public transport stops | 51 | — |
| PT stops per 1,000 people | 4.02 | — |
| Weekly PT departures per 1,000 people | 2,222.4 | — |
| Public transport routes | 9 | — |
| Walk to nearest stop (min) | 1 | — |
| Drive time to the city (min) | 12 | — |
| People reachable in 30 min by transit | 69,022 | — |
| People reachable in 45 min by transit | 292,033 | — |
| Transit time to the city (min) | 54 | — |

**How people get to work** — Worked at home 37.9%, Car (driver) 34.5%, Bicycle 2.4%, Car (passenger) 2.2%, Train 1.9%, Walked 1.4%, Bus 0.6%

**Motor vehicles per home** — 1 vehicle 46.2%, 2 vehicles 31.8%, No vehicle 10.4%, 3 vehicles 8.0%, 4 or more 3.8%

## Migration & Movement

Recent arrivals from overseas make up 14.1% of the population, which is slightly above the national average. This is a decrease of 5.3 percentage points since 2016.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| People who moved in the last 5 years | 37.1% | — |
| Recent arrivals from overseas | 14.1% | — |

## Jobs & Industry

More adults are working or looking for work here than in most similar areas, at 67.8%. Professional roles are the most common occupation, accounting for 35.7% of workers.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | — |
| Labour-force participation | 67.8% | — |
| Employed full-time | 57.6% | — |

**Industries people work in** — Health care & social assistance 14.1%, Education & training 12.4%, Professional & technical 10.5%, Retail trade 9.1%, Public administration & safety 7.9%, Construction 6.7%, Accommodation & food 6.4%, Manufacturing 4.8%, Finance & insurance 4.7%, Transport & warehousing 3.4%, Administrative & support 3.2%, Other services 3.0%, Media & telecommunications 2.7%, Arts & recreation 2.6%, Wholesale trade 2.1%, Rental & real estate 1.2%, Electricity, gas & water 0.9%, Agriculture, forestry & fishing 0.4%, Mining 0.1%

**Occupations people work in** — Professionals 35.7%, Managers 14.3%, Clerical & administrative 11.8%, Technicians & trades 9.8%, Community & personal service 9.8%, Sales workers 7.8%, Labourers 6.2%, Machinery operators & drivers 3.1%

## Economy & Advantage

The area is considered an advantage for most, ranking in the top 20% for overall advantage. This is supported by high scores for education and job skills.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile) | 8 | — |
| Socio-economic disadvantage (IRSD decile) | 7 | — |
| Economic resources (IER decile) | 4 | — |
| Education & occupation (IEO decile) | 8 | — |
| Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD score) | 1,056 | — |
| Population estimate | 13,610 | — |
| Population growth since 2021 | 6.1% | — |
| Businesses | 911 | — |

## Environment & Climate

The area receives more annual rainfall than the state average, with 663mm. Average maximum temperatures are about 20.4 degrees, which is lower than in most similar areas.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Average annual rainfall | 663 | — |
| Average maximum temperature | 20.4 | — |
| Average minimum temperature | 10.9 | — |

## Walkability

This is a walker's paradise with a score of 8.7. Every single home is within a 15-minute walk of groceries, parks, and schools, far exceeding the state average for accessibility.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Walkability score | 8.7 | — |
| Amenity types within a 15-minute walk | 8.0 | — |
| Homes with a 15-minute-city walkshed | 100.0% | — |
| Homes within 15 min walk of groceries | 100.0% | — |
| Homes within 10 min walk of public transport | 100.0% | — |
| Homes within 15 min walk of a school | 100.0% | — |
| Homes within 15 min walk of a park | 100.0% | — |
| Homes within 15 min walk of health services | 99.1% | — |
| Walkable amenities per 1,000 residents | 12.1 | — |
| Street connectivity (intersections/km²) | 480 | — |
| Mean terrain slope | 3.9% | — |

## Schools serving Preston - West

52 schools, 29,432 students, average ICSEA 1,088.

By sector: Government 32, Catholic 16, Independent 4

By type: Primary 35, Secondary 11, Combined 6

Nearest 10 shown:

| School | Sector | Type | Distance | Students |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Preston West Primary School | Government | Primary | 0.6 km | 670 |
| St Raphael's School | Catholic | Primary | 0.7 km | 287 |
| Bell Primary School | Government | Primary | 0.9 km | 440 |
| St John's College Preston | Independent | Combined | 1.1 km | 345 |
| Newlands Primary School | Government | Primary | 1.2 km | 437 |
| Coburg Special Developmental School | Government | Combined | 1.2 km | 67 |
| Sacred Heart School | Catholic | Primary | 1.4 km | 117 |
| Preston High School | Government | Secondary | 1.5 km | 1,275 |
| Coburg High School | Government | Secondary | 1.5 km | 1,265 |
| St Bernard's School | Catholic | Primary | 1.7 km | 152 |

## Areas within Preston - West

[Preston - West Block 1](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa1/20902142901/20902142901) · [Preston - West Block 2](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa1/20902142902/20902142902) · [Preston - West Block 3](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa1/20902142903/20902142903) · [Preston - West Block 4](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa1/20902142904/20902142904) · [Preston - West Block 5](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa1/20902142905/20902142905) · [Preston - West Block 6](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa1/20902142906/20902142906) · [Preston - West Block 7](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa1/20902142907/20902142907) · [Preston - West Block 8](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa1/20902142908/20902142908) · [Preston - West Block 9](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa1/20902142909/20902142909) · [Preston - West Block 10](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa1/20902142910/20902142910) · [Preston - West Block 11](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa1/20902142911/20902142911) · [Preston - West Block 12](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa1/20902142912/20902142912) · [Preston - West Block 13](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa1/20902142913/20902142913) · [Preston - West Block 14](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa1/20902142914/20902142914) · [Preston - West Block 15](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa1/20902142915/20902142915) · [Preston - West Block 16](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa1/20902142916/20902142916)

## Nearby areas

[Coburg - East](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/206011497/coburg-east) · [Reservoir - South West](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/209021526/reservoir-south-west) · [Thornbury](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/206021112/thornbury) · [Preston - East](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/209021428/preston-east) · [Coburg North](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/210031236/coburg-north) · [Northcote - West](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/206021500/northcote-west) · [Brunswick East](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/206011106/brunswick-east) · [Brunswick - North](https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/206011495/brunswick-north)

Interactive profile: https://censusatlas.au/region/sa2/209021429/preston-west