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Cowes, Australia

Victoria · Australia

Cowes is a small town in Victoria, Australia with a population of 4,770. Elevation: 92 ft (28 m). Average temperature: 58°F (15°C).

2.0 /5.0
C Fair
4,770 Population 597/sq mi density
92 ft Elevation 28 meters
58°F Avg Temperature 15°C
32.9 in Annual Rain
Australia / Melbourne Timezone
$19,807 Median Income
C
Overall
2.0 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C+
Economy
2.7 / 5.0
$19,807 median income, 4.4% unemployment
F
Affordability
1.3 / 5.0
$186,400 home value, $932/mo rent

Discover Cowes, Australia

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.

Full City Profile

About Cowes

Cowes

Cowes is the main township on Phillip Island in the Gippsland region of Victoria, Australia. Located approximately two hours' drive from Melbourne, it is also accessible from Melbourne by bus or passenger ferry from Stony Point on the Mornington Peninsula. Positioned on the northern coast of Phillip Island, Cowes faces French Island and the Mornington Peninsula, offering sweeping views across Western Port Bay. According to the 2021 census, Cowes had a population of 6,593. Its north-facing Cowes Beach was named the 10th best beach in Australia for 2025, known for its safe swimming conditions and family-friendly atmosphere.

People

Population4,770
Median Age55.0 yrs
Density597/mi²

Economy

C+
Median Income$19,807
Per Capita$19,807
Unemployment4.4%

Housing

F
Home Value$186,400
Rent$932
Ownership72.1%
Housing Units1,908

Climate

Avg Temp58°F (15°C)
Rain32.9 in/yr
Sunny Days297/yr
Elevation92 ft (28 m)
Population4,770
Population Density597 / sq mi
Elevation92 ft (28 m)
Coordinates-38.4523°, 145.2387°
TimezoneAustralia/Melbourne
Country🇦🇺 Australia
State / ProvinceVictoria
Average Temperature58°F (15°C)
January Average66°F (19°C)
July Average53°F (11°C)
Annual Precipitation32.9 inches (834 mm)
Annual Snowfall0.0 inches (0 cm)
Median Household Income$19,807
Median Age55.0 years

About Cowes

Cowes is a small town in Australia (Victoria) with a population of 4,770. The city sits at an elevation of 92 feet (28 meters) above sea level. The average annual temperature is 58°F (15°C). Temperatures range from 66°F in January to 53°F in July. Annual precipitation averages 32.9 inches. The timezone is Australia/Melbourne.

Cowes has a population of 4,770 with a density of 597 people per square mile, spread across 8.0 square miles. The median age is 55.0 years, 41% older than the national median of 38.9.

Population

4,770
Total Population
597
People / sq mi
55.0yrs
Median Age
41% above Australia avg
8.0mi²
Land Area

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages 100.0%

Social Characteristics

Cowes vs Australia Average

The median household income in Cowes is $19,807, which is 74% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,807 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $381, 73% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.4% (above the 3.6% US average). The area has 453 business establishments.

Income: Cowes vs Australia

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$19,807
74% below Australia avg
Per Capita Income$19,807
Avg Weekly Wage$381

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment4.4%
22% above Australia avg
Establishments (County)453

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

The median home value in Cowes is $186,400, 34% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $932 (20% below the national average of $1,163). 72.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,908 total housing units in the city. The home price-to-income ratio is 9.4x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$186,400
34% below Australia avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$932
20% below Australia avg

Ownership & Property

Homeownership72.1%
Owner-Occupied72.1%
Renter-Occupied27.9%
Housing Units1,908

Property Tax

Climate in Cowes

Cowes has an average annual temperature of 14.6°C (58°F). The hottest month is Feb (19.6°C), the coldest is Jul (10°C). Average annual precipitation is 720 mm.

Month Avg °C / °F Min / Max °C Rain (mm)
Jan 19.3°C / 67°F 13.9° / 24.7° 36.2
Feb 19.6°C / 67°F 14.4° / 24.9° 40.8
Mar 18°C / 64°F 12.7° / 23.4° 41.9
Apr 15.1°C / 59°F 10.1° / 20.1° 60.0
May 12.6°C / 55°F 8.4° / 16.8° 72.8
Jun 10.4°C / 51°F 6.6° / 14.3° 70.4
Jul 10°C / 50°F 6.3° / 13.7° 74.5
Aug 10.6°C / 51°F 6.7° / 14.6° 80.1
Sep 12.2°C / 54°F 7.7° / 16.7° 66.9
Oct 13.8°C / 57°F 8.9° / 18.6° 62.9
Nov 16°C / 61°F 10.8° / 21.3° 55.4
Dec 17.4°C / 63°F 12.1° / 22.7° 58.0
Cowes enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winters average 66°F in January while summers reach 53°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 297 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 32.9 inches. The city sits at an elevation of 92 feet.

Temperature

66°F Jan (19°C) 53°F Jul (11°C)
Annual Average58.2°F
8% above Australia avg
January Average66°F (19°C)
July Average53°F (11°C)
Sunny Days297 days/yr

Geography

Elevation92 ft (28 m)
Area8.0 sq mi (20.7 km²)
Population Density597/sq mi
Coordinates-38.4523°N, 145.2387°W
TimezoneAustralia/Melbourne

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 32.9"
14% below Australia avg
Snowfall 0.0"
Wettest Month (Oct) 3.31"
Driest Month (Feb) 1.61"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

40 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M5.2. Most recent: M3.9 on Aug 6, 2024.

Jun 19, 2012 11 km NNE of Mirboo North, Australia M5.2 85 km
Aug 29, 2000 5 km ENE of Mirboo North, Australia M5.0 86 km
Sep 25, 1996 32 km SE of Alexandra, Australia M4.7 138 km
Jul 20, 2012 8 km S of Trafalgar, Australia M4.6 83 km
Mar 6, 2009 1 km SE of Korumburra, Australia M4.5 52 km
Jun 29, 2023 34 km SSW of Mount Buller, Australia M4.4 146 km
Jul 5, 2011 2 km NNE of Korumburra, Australia M4.4 53 km
Sep 25, 1996 26 km ENE of Neerim South, Australia M4.3 105 km
Feb 8, 2024 3 km E of Leongatha, Australia M4.3 65 km
Mar 18, 2009 0 km N of Korumburra, Australia M4.3 51 km
Sep 24, 2002 10 km SSE of Leongatha, Australia M4.0 67 km
Aug 6, 2024 34 km SSW of Mount Buller, Australia M3.9 149 km
Apr 10, 2003 Bass Strait, Australia M3.9 105 km
May 28, 2023 5 km W of Mickleham, Australia M3.8 107 km
Jul 5, 2011 2 km NW of Korumburra, Australia M3.7 50 km
Aug 21, 2001 2 km N of Kallista, Australia M3.6 65 km
Nov 8, 1992 20 km NNE of Colac, Australia M3.6 137 km
Sep 24, 2002 8 km ESE of Leongatha, Australia M3.5 70 km
Mar 8, 2007 13 km N of Bunyip, Australia M3.5 68 km
May 19, 1990 37 km N of Yallourn North, Australia M3.5 118 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 66°F (19°C) 2.0 in
February 66°F (19°C) 1.6 in Warmest, Driest
March 64°F (18°C) 2.2 in
April 59°F (15°C) 2.5 in
May 55°F (13°C) 3.2 in
June 51°F (10°C) 3.1 in
July 53°F (11°C) 3.2 in
August 51°F (10°C) 3.2 in Coldest
September 53°F (12°C) 3.2 in
October 56°F (13°C) 3.3 in Wettest
November 59°F (15°C) 2.4 in
December 62°F (17°C) 2.3 in

Cowes has a seasonal temperature swing of 16°F / from 51°F in August to 66°F in February. Total annual precipitation is 32.3 inches, with October being the wettest month (3.3") and February the driest (1.6").

View full weather details →

Schools in Cowes

2 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Cowes Primary School
Our Lady Star of the Sea Primary School
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Cowes

1 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
South Coast FM pop music, pop rock AAC 128 kbps

Museums in Cowes

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Chicory Kiln
Fisherman's Cottage
Hastings Museum
National Vietnam Veterans Museum
Old Post Office Museum
Victorian Maritime Centre

Libraries in Cowes

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Hastings Library0.0
Mornington Peninsula Library0.0
Phillip Island Library0.0

Farmers Markets in Cowes

NameAddressSeasonHoursOrganicWebsite
Bittern Sunday market

Hotels in Cowes

2 hotels within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Island Breeze Resort
North Pier Hotel

Restaurants in Cowes

24 restaurants within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Bani's
Beach HQ
Bedrock Family Restaurant
Chapel Lane
Cowes Curry Club
Fig And Olive Steakhouse
Gullivers Eatery
Hotel Phillip Island
Isola Di Capri
Kim's
Kristos
La Porchetta
North Pier Hotel
Pika' Sushi
Pino's
Pino's Trattori
Roasa's Piazza
Sambreros
Sherwoods
Thai on the Island
The Corner
The Lost Cowe
Wing Ho Chinese Food
Wing Lock

Cafes in Cowes

20 cafes within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Ânerie General
Blue Bamboo
Cafe Baazar
Cafe Biscotti
Cafe Lugano
Ember & Oak
Fork and Waffle
G'Day Tiger
Island Coffee Corner
Island Whole Foods
M & O
Mod Eisley Cantina
Mon Diue
Penny Lane
Phillip Island Coffee Co
The Boatramp Cafe
The Island Food Store
The Island Nook
The Jetty
Waterboy Cafe

Dentists in Cowes

4 dentists within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Cowes Dental Surgery
Denture Clinic
Phillip Island Family Dental Care
Supreme Dental Cowes

Veterinaries in Cowes

1 veterinaries within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Cowes Veterinary Surgery

Gas Stations in Cowes

3 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

BP
EG Australia
Mobil Cowes

Banks in Cowes

3 banks within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Bendigo Bank
Commonwealth Bank
NAB

Shopping Malls in Cowes

1 shopping malls within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Cowes Shopping Centre

Gyms in Cowes

4 gyms within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

CrossFit
Phillip Island Gym
PilatesChoice Cowes
Yowza Wellbeing

Golf Courses in Cowes

1 golf courses within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Phillip Island Golf Club

Breweries in Cowes

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
Mornington Peninsula Brewery
Red Hill Brewery

Airports Near Cowes

17 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Melbourne Essendon AirportMEBMedium Airport
Melbourne Moorabbin AirportMBWMedium Airport
Bunurong FieldSmall Airport
Bunyip AirportSmall Airport
Coldstream AirportSmall Airport
Drouin AirportSmall Airport
Drysdale AirstripSmall Airport
Inverloch AirportSmall Airport
Koo Wee Rup (Aardel Port) AirfieldSmall Airport
Leongatha AirportSmall Airport
Longwarry AirportSmall Airport
Nar Nar Goon AirstripSmall Airport
RAAF Williams, Point Cook BaseSmall Airport
St Leonards AirfieldSmall Airport
Tooradin AirportSmall Airport
Tyabb AirportSmall Airport
Wonthaggi AirportSmall Airport

Post Offices in Cowes

1 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
Cowes Post Office

Treatment Centers in Cowes

1 treatment centers.

CenterTypePhone
The Mornington Centre

Churches & Religious Organizations in Cowes

3 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
St Johns Uniting Church
St Philip's Church
St. Mary's Catholic Church

Quick Facts

Timezone
Australia/Melbourne

🇦🇺 About Australia

Capital Canberra
Population 24,992,369
Area 7,686,850 km²
GDP (USD) $1,734,451,264,656
GDP per capita $65,058
HDI 0.946
Life expectancy 83.1 years
Internet users 97.1%
Urban population 87.5%
Currency AUD (Dollar)
Languages English
Calling code +61
TLD .au
Driving side left

Public Holidays in Australia

25 public holidays this year

Date Holiday Local Name
Jan 1 New Year's Day New Year's Day
Jan 26 Australia Day Australia Day
Mar 2 Labour Day Labour Day
Mar 9 Adelaide Cup Day Adelaide Cup Day
Mar 9 Canberra Day Canberra Day
Mar 9 Eight Hours Day Eight Hours Day
Mar 9 Labour Day Labour Day
Apr 3 Good Friday Good Friday
Apr 4 Holy Saturday Easter Eve
Apr 5 Easter Sunday Easter Sunday
Apr 6 Easter Monday Easter Monday
Apr 25 Anzac Day Anzac Day
Apr 27 Anzac Day Anzac Day
May 4 Labour Day Labour Day
May 4 May Day May Day
Jun 1 Reconciliation Day Reconciliation Day
Jun 1 Western Australia Day Western Australia Day
Jun 8 King's Birthday King's Birthday
Aug 3 Picnic Day Picnic Day
Sep 28 King's Birthday King's Birthday
Oct 5 King's Birthday King's Birthday
Oct 5 Labour Day Labour Day
Nov 3 Melbourne Cup Melbourne Cup
Dec 25 Christmas Day Christmas Day
Dec 28 St. Stephen's Day Boxing Day

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Frequently Asked Questions About Cowes

What is the population of Cowes?

Cowes has a population of 4,770 residents and is located in Australia. The population density is 597 people per square mile, spread across 8.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 55.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years.

Is Cowes expensive to live in?

The median household income is $19,807, 74% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $186,400 (34% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $932 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 9.4x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

What is the weather like in Cowes?

Cowes enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 66°F in January, while summers reach an average of 53°F in July. The area receives 297 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 32.9 inches.

How is the job market in Cowes?

Cowes has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.4%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $381. There are 453 business establishments in the area.

How much does housing cost in Cowes?

The median home value in Cowes is $186,400. For renters, the median monthly rent is $932. The homeownership rate is 72.1%.

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