🔍

Garfield

VIC 3814 • Greater Melbourne

2,114
Population (2021)
$87,204
Median Household Income
26.42 km²
Area
$330/wk
Median Rent
RuralAffordableGrowth SuburbFamily-FriendlyHistoric

About Garfield

Garfield is a small town in the Shire of Cardinia, located 79 kilometres south-east of Melbourne's CBD along the Princes Freeway. Named after US President James A. Garfield, the town recorded a population of 2,114 at the 2021 census. Originally known as Cannibal Creek, Garfield retains a rural village character with a growing residential community drawn by its affordable housing and country atmosphere.

The town centre features a main street with local shops, a primary school, community hall, and sporting facilities. Surrounded by farmland and rolling hills, Garfield offers a peaceful semi-rural lifestyle while still being within commuting distance of Melbourne via the V/Line train. The town appeals to families and first-home buyers looking for space and affordability on Melbourne's outer fringe.

Garfield falls under postcode 3814 and is governed by Cardinia Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Narracan (Eastern Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3814
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Cardinia
Federal Electorate
La Trobe
State Electorate
Narracan (Eastern Victoria)
Type
Rural
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.10°, 145.67°
Statistical Area
Greater Melbourne
Area
26.42 km²
Elevation
29m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$330
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,800
Avg Household Size
2.8 people
Median Age
39 years

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Garfield
0.3 km
4 min
Bunyip
7 km
Gippsland V/Line
Tynong
4 km
Gippsland V/Line

Bus Services

  • Local school bus — Drouin / Warragul 20-30 min

Commute to Melbourne

Distance
79 km
By Train
1 hr 20 min (V/Line to Southern Cross)
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 15 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
55 min

🛣️ V/Line Gippsland services stop at Garfield station; Princes Freeway/M1 for driving

Walkability Car-Dependent

Small town centre is walkable but most daily needs require a car; limited public transport beyond V/Line.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
284.4 / 100k
2yr Up 33.2% 10yr Down 46.9%
Motor vehicle theft
277.7 / 100k
2yr Up 91.6% 10yr Stable
Non-FV assault
193.6 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 17.3%
Robbery (unarmed)
5.2 / 100k
2yr Up 65.4% 10yr Up 27.1%
Steal from vehicle
860.6 / 100k
2yr Up 108.1% 10yr Up 21.7%
View all offence subgroups for Cardinia →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,786
Census 2021
2,114
▲ 18.4% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$32,240
Personal Income 2021
$38,636
▲ 19.8% 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
$38,636 / yr
$743/wk
Household
$87,204 / yr
$1677/wk
Family
$103,584 / yr
$1992/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,747
Born Overseas 205

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 58
  • 2. New Zealand 23
  • 3. Netherlands 17
  • 4. Scotland 9
  • 5. Germany 7
  • 6. Ireland 6
  • 7. Philippines 6
  • 8. United States 6
  • 9. Croatia 4
  • 10. Greece 4

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 994
English 816
Irish 265
Scottish 199
Dutch 99
German 76
Italian 56
Maltese 23
Polish 21
Greek 20

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,371
Both parents born in Australia
303
Both parents born overseas
286
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
46.1%
No Religion
44.3%
Buddhism
0.6%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
119 (5.6%)
5-14 years
322 (15.2%)
15-19 years
142 (6.7%)
20-24 years
101 (4.8%)
25-34 years
265 (12.5%)
35-44 years
251 (11.9%)
45-54 years
258 (12.2%)
55-64 years
275 (13.0%)
65-74 years
205 (9.7%)
75-84 years
138 (6.5%)
85+ years
31 (1.5%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Garfield known for? +

Garfield is a small town in the Shire of Cardinia, located 79 kilometres south-east of Melbourne's CBD along the Princes Freeway. The town centre features a main street with local shops, a primary school, community hall, and sporting facilities.

How far is Garfield from Melbourne CBD? +

Garfield is approximately 79 kilometres from Melbourne CBD, with a typical drive taking around 95-142 minutes depending on traffic and route taken.

Does Garfield have public transport? +

Garfield 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 Garfield? +

According to the 2021 Census, Garfield has a population of approximately 2,114 residents, a modest but established community. The suburb falls within the Cardinia (Shire) local government area.

Is Garfield a good place to live? +

Garfield is a well-regarded family-friendly suburb with parks, schools, and a welcoming community atmosphere. Its residential character and local amenities make it a popular choice for families settling in the area.

What is the postcode for Garfield? +

The postcode for Garfield, VIC is 3814. This postcode covers Garfield and may also serve nearby localities within the same postcode zone.

What is the average income in Garfield? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Garfield is about $743 per week (around $38,600 per year). The median household income is $1,677 per week and the median family income is $1,992 per week.

What is the age profile of Garfield? +

The median age in Garfield is 39. The largest age group is 5–14 (322 residents, around 15%). Around 28% of residents are under 20 and about 18% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Garfield a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Garfield is part of the Cardinia 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 Garfield? +

In Garfield, the median weekly rent is $330, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,800 (2021 Census).