Cowes
VIC 3922 · Bass Coast
6,593 (2021) → 7,101 est. (2025) · High Growth
Based on transport, liveability & education. Safety is scored separately below.
Cowes is a high growth suburb in Bass Coast, VIC 3922, about 77km from Melbourne CBD. Its median house price of $838K is around the same as the VIC average. The suburb has 2 schools, a transport score of 23/100, and is a short drive from the coast. Cowes has an overall score of 46/100, based on transport, liveability and education, plus a separate residential safety score of 52/100.
Demographics
Age distribution
Top countries of birth: England (6.45%), New Zealand (1.64%), India (1.17%), Italy (0.93%), Scotland (0.65%)
Top languages: Italian (1.02%), Punjabi (0.82%), Greek (0.64%), Mandarin (0.56%), Spanish (0.52%)
Source: ABS Census 2021
Property
Median price history
Source: Valuer-General Victoria (DTF) · Updated 2024
Residential Safety
Recorded residential incidents (latest year), with rate per 100,000 residents:
Includes street and public-place assaults — supplementary context, not part of the safety score.
Residential incidents over time
Sum of the five residential categories above — not all recorded crime.
Area crime context
An independent score — crime data quality varies by state, so safety is shown separately and is not part of the overall score.
Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria (suburb-level) · Updated 2025
Schools
Limited school choices
Below average for school access — fewer schools nearby, and families may need to travel for preferred options.
Average ICSEA of schools within 10km 1050 (above the national average of 1000).
In suburb
- Cowes Primary SchoolPrimary · GovernmentICSEA 1020
- Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Primary SchoolPrimary · CatholicICSEA 1020
Nearby (within 10km)
- Newhaven CollegeCombined · Independent · 3.4kmICSEA 1078
- Phillip Island Village SchoolPrimary · Independent · 5kmICSEA 1083
Source: ACARA 2023
Transport
Source: TfNSW GTFS
Liveability
Amenities within 2–3km
Counted within a short distance of the suburb centre (so nearby facilities count), with the in-boundary count shown beneath.
Source: Bureau of Meteorology · OpenStreetMap
Fitness
Limited facilities
Below average — fewer fitness options nearby, so you may need to travel to a gym or pool.
Facilities within 3km of the suburb centre. The Fitness Score is a national percentile of these counts per resident.
Source: OpenStreetMap
Outdoors
Limited outdoor options
Below average — fewer parks and green spaces close by.
Within 3km of the suburb centre. The Outdoor Score is a national percentile led by parks and green space.
Source: OpenStreetMap
Culture
Limited cultural access
Below average — fewer cultural venues nearby.
Within 3km of the suburb centre. The Culture Score is a national percentile weighting theatres, museums, galleries, libraries and arts centres most heavily.
Source: OpenStreetMap
Entertainment Scene
Entertainment paradise
A seriously impressive licensed venue scene — top 20% nationally for density of pubs, bars, clubs and dining.
View nearby venues on the Entertainment Map →
Source: VGCCC (Victorian liquor register)
Childcare
Strong options nearby
Well above average for childcare services — good choice and quality, with most families finding a place without a long drive.
View childcare centres on the map →
Source: ACECQA National Quality Framework Register
Population & Growth
High GrowthSource: ABS ERP & NSW DPHI
Nearby suburbs in Bass Coast
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Frequently asked questions about Cowes
Is Cowes safe?
Cowes has a residential safety score of 52/100, based on residential crime (break-ins, theft from dwellings, vehicle theft, domestic assault and robbery) per resident relative to the NSW median. Its total recorded incident rate is 5,809 per 100,000 across all categories.
What are property prices in Cowes?
In Cowes, the .
How far is Cowes from Melbourne CBD?
Cowes is about 76.9 km from Melbourne CBD.
What schools are in Cowes?
Cowes has 2 schools, with an average ICSEA of 1020 (the national average is 1000). Schools are listed factually, not ranked.
What is public transport like in Cowes?
Cowes has a transport score of 23/100 and 24 bus stops.