🔍

Chelsea

VIC 3196 • Greater Melbourne

8,347
Population (2021)
$87,516
Median Household Income
2.63 km²
Area
$375/wk
Median Rent
CoastalBaysideFamily-FriendlyEstablished

About Chelsea

Chelsea is a bayside suburb of Melbourne, located approximately 30 kilometres south-east of the CBD within the City of Kingston local government area. Situated on Port Phillip Bay, the suburb recorded a population of 8,347 at the 2021 census and covers around 2.6 square kilometres with a density of over 3,200 people per square kilometre. Chelsea is the most significant bayside suburban centre between Mordialloc and Frankston, and was largely developed in the post-World War II era. The median household income of $1,683 per week reflects a mix of established families and older residents.

Chelsea is popular with beachgoers in summer, with its Port Phillip Bay beach providing a focal point for recreation. Bicentennial Park — developed on a former rubbish tip — features modern barbecue facilities and the popular Mount Chelsea adventure playground. The suburb has a strong community sporting culture, including an Australian Rules football team in the Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football League and the Chelsea Yacht Club, formed in 1938. Chelsea attracts an older demographic with smaller household sizes and fewer families with children than many Melbourne suburbs, and is well served by the Nepean Highway retail strip.

Chelsea falls under postcode 3196 and is governed by Kingston Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Mordialloc (South-Eastern Metropolitan) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3196
Urban Area
Chelsea
LGA / Council
Kingston
Federal Electorate
Dunkley
State Electorate
Mordialloc (South-Eastern Metropolitan)
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.05°, 145.12°
Statistical Area
Greater Melbourne
Area
2.63 km²
Elevation
8m

🏷️ Property Prices June quarter 2025

Median sale prices in Chelsea for the June quarter 2025. Median sale prices published by the Valuer-General Victoria.

🏡House
$1.14M
14 sales · ▼ 3.6% YoY
🏢Unit / Apartment
$709K
47 sales · ▼ 8.8% YoY

Source: Valuer-General Victoria — Victorian Property Sales Report. Medians are for the latest quarter; the change shown is the official 12-month movement. Suburbs with very few sales in a quarter can be volatile.

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$375
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,008
Avg Household Size
2.2 people
Median Age
41 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
3.1%

104 state housing + 8 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Chelsea
0.5 km
7 min
Bonbeach
1.2 km
15 min
Edithvale
1.8 km
22 min

Bus Services

  • 703,882 — Frankston and Mordialloc interchanges 15–30 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
30 km
By Train
~48–55 min (Chelsea station, Frankston Line, direct to Flinders Street)
By Bus
Connect to Frankston Line stations
By Car (Peak)
50–70 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
35–45 min

🛣️ Chelsea station is on the Frankston Line providing frequent direct services to Melbourne CBD. Trains run approximately every 10–20 minutes during peak hours.

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Chelsea has a walkable town centre along Nepean Highway with shops, cafes and services within easy reach of the station. The beach is accessible on foot from much of the suburb. A car is helpful but not essential for daily needs.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Woolworths
    31-33 Bath Street Chelsea 3196 VIC

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Kingston Local Government Area, which contains Chelsea. Rates are per 100,000 residents for the year ending September 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
272.4 / 100k
2yr Down 20.8% 10yr Down 23.9%
Motor vehicle theft
324.8 / 100k
2yr Up 97.7% 10yr Up 38.4%
Non-FV assault
230.7 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 33.3%
Robbery (unarmed)
3.6 / 100k
2yr Down 26.8% 10yr Up 13.7%
Steal from vehicle
1,004.9 / 100k
2yr Up 29.3% 10yr Up 14.7%
View all offence subgroups for Kingston →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
7,773
Census 2021
8,347
▲ 7.4% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$37,752
Personal Income 2021
$49,452
▲ 31.0% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$49,452 / yr
$951/wk
Household
$87,516 / yr
$1683/wk
Family
$123,448 / yr
$2374/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 5,975
Born Overseas 2,038

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 400
  • 2. New Zealand 158
  • 3. India 115
  • 4. Philippines 74
  • 5. Scotland 71
  • 6. China 68
  • 7. South Africa 61
  • 8. Ireland 56
  • 9. Italy 54
  • 10. Mauritius 50

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 3,180
Australian 2,576
Irish 1,109
Scottish 883
Italian 475
German 337
Greek 275
Chinese 233
Dutch 170
Indian 153

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

3,909
Both parents born in Australia
2,770
Both parents born overseas
1,267
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
47.7%
Christianity
42.4%
Buddhism
1.3%
Hinduism
0.9%
Islam
0.6%
Judaism
0.5%
Sikhism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
534 (6.4%)
5-14 years
894 (10.7%)
15-19 years
302 (3.6%)
20-24 years
323 (3.9%)
25-34 years
1,205 (14.4%)
35-44 years
1,311 (15.7%)
45-54 years
1,156 (13.8%)
55-64 years
948 (11.4%)
65-74 years
829 (9.9%)
75-84 years
531 (6.4%)
85+ years
307 (3.7%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chelsea known for? +

Chelsea is a bayside suburb of Melbourne, located approximately 30 kilometres south-east of the CBD within the City of Kingston local government area. Chelsea is popular with beachgoers in summer, with its Port Phillip Bay beach providing a focal point for recreation.

How far is Chelsea from Melbourne CBD? +

Chelsea is approximately 30 kilometres from Melbourne CBD, with a typical drive taking around 36-54 minutes depending on traffic and route taken.

Does Chelsea have public transport? +

Chelsea is served by PTV (Public Transport Victoria) bus services and is within reach of the Melbourne Metro rail network. Check ptv.vic.gov.au for current route and timetable information.

What is the population of Chelsea? +

According to the 2021 Census, Chelsea has a population of approximately 8,347 residents, reflecting a well-established community. The suburb falls within the Kingston (City) local government area.

Is Chelsea a good place to live? +

Chelsea is highly appealing to those seeking a coastal lifestyle, with easy access to beaches, waterways, and outdoor recreation. It suits families, retirees, and sea-changers looking for a relaxed pace of life close to nature.

What is the postcode for Chelsea? +

The postcode for Chelsea, VIC is 3196. This postcode covers Chelsea and may also serve nearby localities within the same postcode zone.

What is the average income in Chelsea? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Chelsea is about $951 per week (around $49,500 per year). The median household income is $1,683 per week and the median family income is $2,374 per week.

What is the median house price in Chelsea? +

As of June quarter 2025, the median house price is $1,137,500, down 3.6% year-on-year, and the median unit/apartment price is $709,000, down 8.8% year-on-year. Figures are based on Valuer-General Victoria — Victorian Property Sales Report.

What is the age profile of Chelsea? +

The median age in Chelsea is 41. The largest age group is 35–44 (1,311 residents, around 16%). Around 21% of residents are under 20 and about 20% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Chelsea a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Chelsea is part of the Kingston LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.

How much is rent in Chelsea? +

In Chelsea, the median weekly rent is $375, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $2,008 (2021 Census).