Bayswater North

An assessment of population growth drivers in Bayswater North reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of May 2026, the population of Bayswater North is estimated to be around 9,291, reflecting an increase of 277 people since the 2021 Census. The 2021 Census reported a population of 9,014 in the suburb. This increase was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 9,227 following their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, and an additional 227 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is calculated as 1,414 persons per square kilometer, which is above the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Bayswater North's growth of 3.1% since the census places it within 0.7 percentage points of its SA4 region (3.8%), indicating strong growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 67.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth in the area.

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, they utilise the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth 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 suburb is expected to increase its population by 582 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 5.6% over the 16-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Bayswater North shows approximately 20 dwellings receiving development approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 101 homes were approved, with an additional 32 approved so far in FY-26. Despite a declining population, development activity has been adequate relative to other areas.

New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $488,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. This year, $11.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, showing steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Bayswater North records roughly half the building activity per person and ranks among the 46th percentile of areas assessed nationally. This indicates more limited housing choices for buyers, supporting demand for existing dwellings. However, development activity has picked up in recent periods. The area's established nature is suggested by its development activity being under the national average, potentially due to planning limitations.

New development in Bayswater North consists of 47.0% standalone homes and 53.0% townhouses or apartments. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options, appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This marks a significant shift from the existing housing pattern, which is currently 80.0% houses. This change suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. Bayswater North indicates a mature market with around 356 people per approval. Future projections show the area adding 518 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Bayswater North has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include the Bayswater North Primary School Redevelopment and Upgrades, Suffern Reserve Playground Renewal, Kilsyth Connect Logistics Park, and Bayswater Business Precinct Transformation Strategy. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Bayswater North has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Bayswater North has a skilled workforce with notable representation in the construction sector. Its unemployment rate was 5.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 0.8%. As of December 2025, 4992 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 0.7% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation was similar to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. According to Census responses, 25.1% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and manufacturing, with a strong specialization in manufacturing at 1.5 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services have limited presence with 7.1% employment compared to the regional average of 10.1%.

The ratio of 0.9 workers per resident indicates substantial local employment opportunities. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.8%, labour force grew by 1.7%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.8 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 2.4%, labour force expand by 2.8%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bayswater North's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ended June 2023 shows median income in Bayswater North was $53,749 and average income was $61,379. This is below Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Assuming a Wage Price Index growth rate of 9.62% from July 2023 to March 2026, estimated median income in Bayswater North would be approximately $58,920 and average income would be around $67,284 by March 2026. Census data from 2021 indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Bayswater North are at the 51st percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that 36.4% of locals (3,381 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to Melbourne's metropolitan region where this cohort represents 32.8%. Housing affordability is severe, with only 82.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 45th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Bayswater North, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 79.8% houses and 20.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's figures of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bayswater North was at 28.5%, with the rest being mortgaged (46.4%) or rented (25.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,835, lower than Melbourne metro's figure of $2,000 and also below the national average of $1,863 as at 30 June 2021. The median weekly rent figure for Bayswater North was recorded at $360, which is less than Melbourne metro's $390 and the national figure of $375.

Bayswater North has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 70.7% of all households, including 33.0% couples with children, 23.3% couples without children, and 13.2% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 29.3%, with lone person households at 26.8% and group households making up 2.5%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Bayswater North exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 26.7%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 17.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 36.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.4%) and certificates (24.4%). Educational participation is high, with 27.3% currently enrolled in formal education: 9.9% in primary, 6.8% in secondary, and 3.3% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.9% in primary education, 6.8% in secondary education, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Bayswater North has 66 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 13 different routes that together facilitate 2,049 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents located an average of 212 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation, used by 91% of residents. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling in the area.

According to the 2021 Census, 25.1% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 292 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 31 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Bayswater North is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Bayswater North faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~4,750 people), compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 10.5 and 9.0% of residents respectively. However, 66.1% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 18.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,755 people), higher than the 15.0% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Bayswater North was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Bayswater North, as per the 2016 Census, had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas. Its population with overseas birth was 25.3%, and those speaking languages other than English at home were 20.6%. Christianity dominated religiously, at 41.5%.

The 'Other' religion category showed an overrepresentation of 1.7% compared to Greater Melbourne's 2.3%. Ancestry-wise, Australian (26.2%) and English (26.0%) groups were substantially higher than regional averages of 18.4% and 20.1%, respectively. However, the 'Other' group was notably lower at 9.2% compared to the region's 14.6%. Notable ethnic group divergences included Dutch (2.1% vs regional 1.2%), Hungarian (0.4% vs 0.3%), and Sri Lankan (0.7% vs 0.8%).

Bayswater North's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Bayswater North is 38 years, close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and equivalent to Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Bayswater North has a higher percentage of residents aged 65-74 (10.3%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (9.9%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 75-84 has increased from 4.3% to 6.0%, while those aged 65-74 have risen from 8.9% to 10.3%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has declined from 12.5% to 11.0%. By 2041, Bayswater North's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 47%, reaching 821 people from 557. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 71% of the population growth. Meanwhile, declines are projected for the 55-64 and 15-24 age groups.