Cowes vs Smiths Beach
The verdict
Cowes is more affordable, with a median house price of $838K versus $897K in Smiths Beach. Cowes rates higher for liveability (64 vs 21). Smiths Beach rates higher for education (70 vs 53). Smiths Beach is closer to the coast (450 m vs 2.4 km).
Scores
CowesSmiths Beach
| Cowes | Smiths Beach | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 46 | 37 |
| Transport | 23 | 24 |
| Education | 53 | 70 |
| Liveability | 64 | 21 |
Overall is based on transport, liveability & education — the metrics available at consistent quality nationwide. Residential safety is compared separately below.
Demographics
| Cowes | Smiths Beach | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 6,593 | 315 |
| Median age | 55 | 51 |
| Median household income (wk) | $1,026 | $1,181 |
| Bachelor degree or higher | 25.5% | 47.3% |
| Born in Australia | 73.1% | 78.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.1 | 2.1 |
Growth: Cowes High Growth · Smiths Beach High Growth
Property
| Cowes | Smiths Beach | |
|---|---|---|
| Median house price | $838K | $897K |
| Median unit price | $539K | Data not available |
| House price YoY | -9.4% | -18.5% |
| Median rent — house (wk) | Data not available | Data not available |
| Rental yield (house) | Data not available | Data not available |
| Days on market (house) | Data not available | Data not available |
Median price history
Safety
| Cowes | Smiths Beach | |
|---|---|---|
| Residential safety score | 52 | — |
| Break & enter dwelling /100k | 683 | Data not available |
| Motor vehicle theft /100k | 197 | Data not available |
| Domestic assault /100k | 592 | 1,587 |
| Total incidents /100k (all) | 5,809 | 3,175 |
Total incidents over time
Schools
| Cowes | Smiths Beach | |
|---|---|---|
| Total schools | 2 | 0 |
| Government | 1 | 0 |
| Independent | 0 | 0 |
| Average ICSEA | 1,020 | Data not available |
See the full school list on each profile: Cowes · Smiths Beach
Transport
| Cowes | Smiths Beach | |
|---|---|---|
| Transport score | 23 | 24 |
| Train stations | 0 | 0 |
| Bus stops | 24 | 1 |
| Light rail stops | 0 | 0 |
| Ferry wharves | 0 | 0 |
| CBD commute (min) | Data not available | Data not available |
| Nearest train station (km) | 10.7 km | 14.2 km |
Liveability
| Cowes | Smiths Beach | |
|---|---|---|
| Summer max temp | 25.8°C | 25.8°C |
| Winter max temp | 14.2°C | 14.2°C |
| Annual rainfall (mm) | 600 | 600 |
| Supermarkets | 4 | 0 |
| Cafes & restaurants | 46 | 1 |
| Parks | 15 | 0 |
| Playgrounds | 6 | Data not available |
| Swimming pools | 13 | Data not available |
| Medical GPs | 1 | 0 |
| Distance to coast (km) | 2.4 km | 450 m |
| Distance to CBD (km) | 76.9 km | 80.5 km |
| Nearest beach (km) | 2.6 km | 620 m |
| Nearest hospital (km) | 2.1 km | 5.5 km |
Population & growth
| Cowes | Smiths Beach | |
|---|---|---|
| Population (2021) | 6,593 | 315 |
| Estimated 2025 | 7,101 | 339 |
| Projected 2041 | 8,849 | 423 |
| Annual growth rate | 1.87% | 1.85% |
Common questions
Which is more affordable, Cowes or Smiths Beach?
Cowes is more affordable, with a median house price of $838K versus $897K.
Which has better public transport, Cowes or Smiths Beach?
Smiths Beach has the higher transport score (Cowes 23/100 vs Smiths Beach 24/100).
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