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 Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Bayswater North is around 9,309. This reflects an increase since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 9,014 people. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 9,102 following examination of ABS data released in June 2024 and the validation of 212 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,416 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Bayswater North's population growth rate of 3.3% since the census is within 1.6 percentage points of the SA4 region's growth rate of 4.9%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 67.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving this growth primarily.

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 utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting employing 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 these aggregations. By 2041, the suburb is expected to expand by approximately 579 persons, reflecting an increase of around 4.0% in total over the 17-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

Bayswater North has seen approximately 20 dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS data. Between FY-21 and FY-25, about 101 homes were approved, with an additional 30 in FY-26 so far. Despite population decline, development activity has been adequate relative to other areas.

The average construction cost for new properties is $488,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. This year, $11.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Bayswater North has about half the building activity per person and ranks at the 46th percentile nationally. New development consists of 47.0% standalone homes and 53.0% townhouses or apartments, a shift from the current 80.0% houses. At around 358 people per approval, Bayswater North suggests a mature market. By 2041, it is projected to add 372 residents at current development rates, comfortably meeting demand for new housing supply.

Future projections show Bayswater North adding 372 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects that may affect the area. Notable projects include Bayswater North Primary School Redevelopment and Upgrades, Suffern Reserve Playground Renewal, Kilsyth Connect Logistics Park, and Bayswater Business Precinct Transformation Strategy. The following list provides details on those 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.

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

Bayswater North has a skilled workforce with the construction sector prominently represented. The unemployment rate was 5.6% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 0.7%. As of December 2025, 4952 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.6%, which is 0.8% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation was at 69.2%, slightly below Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. According to Census responses, 25.1% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and manufacturing. The area has a strong specialization in manufacturing with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services have limited presence at 7.1%, compared to the regional average of 10.1%. There are substantial local employment opportunities, with a ratio of 0.9 workers per resident as of the Census. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.7% while labour force grew by 1.5%, 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. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in 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.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows that median income in Bayswater North is $53,749 with an average of $61,379. This is below Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average of $75,164. Using a Wage Price Index growth rate of 8.25%, estimated median income for Bayswater North as of September 2025 would be approximately $58,183, with an average of around $66,443. Census data from 2021 indicates that incomes in Bayswater North cluster around the 51st percentile nationally. The predominant income bracket is $1,500 - 2,999, which accounts for 36.4% of locals (3,388 people), similar to Melbourne's metropolitan region at 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures are 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 fifth decile.

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

Bayswater North's dwellings, as recorded in the latest Census, consisted of 79.8% houses and 20.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bayswater North was at 28.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 46.4% and rented dwellings at 25.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,835, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Bayswater North was $360, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Bayswater North's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 account for the remaining 29.3%, with lone person households making up 26.8% and group households comprising 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 of 26.7%, as of a specific data point, is significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. This discrepancy presents both an educational challenge and opportunity for targeted initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 17.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 36.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (12.4%) and certificates (24.4%).

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 on average located 212 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commutes are outward-bound and cars remain the primary mode of transportation at 91%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling in Bayswater North. According to the 2021 Census, 25.1% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 292 trips per day, equating to approximately 31 weekly trips per 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, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (around 4,759 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. About 66.1% of residents claim to be completely free from medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 19.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,815 people), higher than the 15.1% 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, surveyed in June 2016, had a higher cultural diversity compared to most local areas. Its population born overseas was 25.3%, with 20.6% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 41.5%.

Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprised 1.7%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 2.3%. Ancestry-wise, Australian (26.2%) and English (26.0%) were most represented, significantly higher than regional averages of 18.4% and 20.1% respectively. 'Other' ancestry was lower at 9.2%, compared to the region's 14.6%. Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Dutch (2.1%), Hungarian (0.4%), and Sri Lankan (0.7%) were overrepresented in Bayswater North compared to regional averages of 1.2%, 0.3%, and 0.8% respectively.

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 proportion of residents aged 65-74 (10.2%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (9.9%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 75-84 has grown from 4.3% to 6.4%, while the 65-74 cohort increased from 8.9% to 10.2%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has declined from 12.5% to 10.8%. By 2041, Bayswater North's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 45%, reaching 865 people from 595. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 76% of the population growth. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 55-64 and 0-4 age groups.