Baxter

Baxter is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the Baxter statistical area's population was estimated at around 2,318 as of Nov 2025. This reflected an increase of 152 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,166. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 2,194 residents following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release (June 2024) and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population resulted in a density ratio of 233 persons per square kilometer. Baxter's growth of 7.0% since the 2021 census exceeded both its SA3 area (3.7%) and SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader. Natural growth contributed approximately 52.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the Baxter area is expected to grow by 238 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 5.5% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Baxter, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Baxter experiencing around 9 dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 49 homes were approved, with an additional 1 in FY-26. This results in an average of 0.5 people moving to the area per dwelling built over these years.

New supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction value for new dwellings is $502,000, indicating a focus on premium properties. In FY-26, $2.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting a predominantly residential focus.

Compared to Greater Melbourne, Baxter has 14.0% lower construction activity per person and ranks among the 23rd percentile nationally. This results in relatively constrained buyer choice, supporting interest in existing dwellings. Recent construction comprises 83.0% detached houses and 17.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 732 people. Future projections show Baxter adding 128 residents by 2041, with current construction levels expected to adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Baxter has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Somerville Police Station, Somerville Residential Growth Area, Somerville Central Shopping Centre Expansion, and Somerville Recreation Centre. The following details those considered most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

The labour market in Baxter demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Baxter has a balanced workforce across white and blue collar jobs. Its construction sector is notable with an unemployment rate of 3.6% and estimated employment growth of 2.4% in the past year, as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of September 2025, Baxter has 1,197 residents employed, with an unemployment rate at 1.0% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries include construction, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Construction employment share is 2.2 times the regional level.

Professional & technical services are under-represented at 4.7% compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited based on Census working population vs resident population data. In the past year, employment increased by 2.4%, while labour force and unemployment remained flat. By comparison, Greater Melbourne had employment growth of 3.0% and a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data to 25-Nov shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National forecasts from May-25 estimate total employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Baxter's industry mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows median income in Baxter is $50,852 and average income is $65,776. This is lower than national figures of $57,688 (median) and $75,164 (average). In Greater Melbourne, median income is $57,688 and average income is $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth from June 2023 to September 2025, estimated incomes in Baxter would be approximately $55,047 (median) and $71,203 (average). Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly in Baxter, between the 35th and 43rd percentiles. Incomes of $1,500 - 2,999 are reported by 33.5% of Baxter's population (776 individuals), similar to Melbourne's 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe; only 83.3% of income remains in Baxter, ranking at the 35th percentile.

Baxter is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

The dwelling structure in Baxter, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.3% houses and 12.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Melbourne metro had 85.5% houses and 14.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Baxter was at 35.0%, with the rest being mortgaged (48.3%) or rented (16.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Baxter was $1,690, below Melbourne metro's average of $1,989. The median weekly rent in Baxter was $360, compared to Melbourne metro's $380. Nationally, Baxter's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Baxter features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 66.9% of all households, including 26.4% couples with children, 27.4% couples without children, and 12.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 33.1%, with lone person households at 31.0% and group households comprising 1.6%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.4.

Educational outcomes in Baxter fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 14.7%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.9% of residents aged 15 and above holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.4%) and certificates (32.5%). A total of 24.0% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising 7.8% in primary, 5.5% in secondary, and 3.5% in tertiary education.

A substantial 24.0% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 7.8% in primary education, 5.5% in secondary education, and 3.5% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

The analysis of public transport in Baxter shows that there are currently twelve active transport stops operating within the area. These stops offer a mix of train and bus services. There are four individual routes servicing these stops collectively providing 456 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in Baxter is rated as good, with residents typically located 226 meters from the nearest transport stop. The service frequency averages sixty-five trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately thirty-eight weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Baxter is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Baxter faces significant health challenges, as indicated by its health data. Both younger and older age groups exhibit high prevalence of common health conditions.

Private health cover is prevalent at approximately 53%, comprising around 1,225 people, compared to Greater Melbourne's 57.8%. Mental health issues affect 11.2% of residents, while arthritis impacts 10.1%. About 60.7% report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Melbourne's 63.9%. The area has 21.4%, or approximately 496 people aged 65 and over, compared to Greater Melbourne's 29.9%. Health outcomes among seniors largely align with the general population's health profile.

Baxter is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Baxter's population showed below-average cultural diversity, with 85.6% born in Australia, 90.4% being citizens, and 95.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 40.4%. The 'Other' religious category had a higher representation in Baxter at 0.6%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 0.3%.

Ancestry-wise, the top three groups were English (31.9%), Australian (30.5%), and Irish (9.0%). Notably, Dutch ancestry was overrepresented at 2.4% in Baxter versus 1.8% regionally, as were Polish (0.8% vs 0.6%) and Scottish (8.5% vs 9.0%).

Baxter's population is slightly older than the national pattern

Baxter has a median age of 40, which is slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's figure of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Baxter has a notably higher proportion of the 55-64 age group (14.5%) and a lower proportion of the 35-44 age group (12.7%). Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 6.5% to 7.9%, while the 35-44 age group increased from 11.6% to 12.7%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has declined from 16.8% to 15.8%. Demographic modeling indicates that Baxter's age profile will significantly change by 2041. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to grow significantly, increasing by 118 people (65%) from 183 to 302. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 91% of total population growth, reflecting Baxter's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 15-24 and 55-64 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.