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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Bayswater North's population is estimated at around 9,309 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 295 people (3.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,014 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 9,102 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 212 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,416 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Bayswater North's 3.3% growth since census positions it within 1.6 percentage points of the SA4 region (4.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 67.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, the suburb is expected to expand by 585 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 4.8% in total over the 17 years.

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 shows Bayswater North has had around 19 dwellings approved each year. Between FY21 and FY25, approximately 99 homes were approved, with another 10 so far in FY26. Despite population decline, development activity has been adequate relative to other areas.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $488,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. This financial year, $11.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Bayswater North records lower building activity (51.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Recent periods show increasing development activity, which is also under the national average, suggesting established nature of the area and potential planning limitations. New development consists of 47.0% standalone homes and 53.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from current housing patterns (80.0% houses). At around 373 people per approval, Bayswater North indicates a mature market.

Future projections show the area adding 444 residents by 2041. Current development rates 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 to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 15 projects likely to affect the region. Notable initiatives 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 details projects most relevant to the area.

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.

Bayswater North has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Bayswater North has a skilled workforce with notable representation in the construction sector. Its unemployment rate was 5.1% as of September 2025. Employment stability over the past year is relative.

There are 4,950 residents currently employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.1%, 0.4% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Melbourne's at 71.0%. According to Census responses, 25.1% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and manufacturing.

Manufacturing shows strong specialization with an employment share of 1.5 times the regional level. Professional & technical services have limited presence with 7.1% employment compared to 10.1% regionally. There are approximately 0.9 workers for each resident, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.3%, labour force grew by 0.7%, leading to an unemployment rise of 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 3.0% and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in May-25, project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bayswater North's employment mix suggests local employment should grow 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 indicates that median income in Bayswater North is $53,749 and average income stands at $61,379. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year ending June 2023, estimated median income as of September 2025 would be approximately $58,183, with average income at $66,443. Census data from 2021 shows that household, family and personal incomes in Bayswater North are around the 51st percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate that 36.4% of locals (3,388 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 category, similar to the metropolitan region where this cohort represents 32.8%. Housing affordability pressures in Bayswater North are severe, with only 82.9% of income remaining post-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

Dwelling structure in Bayswater North, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 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 in the area was $1,835, lower than Melbourne metro's $2,000. Median weekly rent in Bayswater North was $360, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Bayswater North's mortgage repayments were below 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 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 at 2.5%. The median household size is 2.5 people, 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 most common at 17.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are held by 36.8% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 12.4% and certificates at 24.4%. Educational participation is high, with 27.3% 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 are served by 13 different routes that together facilitate 2,049 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is considered good, with residents typically located 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.

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 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. 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 (~4,759 people), compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 10.5% and 9.0% of residents respectively. However, 66.1% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 19.2%, or 1,787 people, compared to 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 2016, had a higher overseas-born population of 25.3%, compared to the Melbourne average of 35.9%. In this area, 20.6% spoke languages other than English at home, lower than Melbourne's 34.6%. Christianity was the predominant religion at 41.5%, slightly higher than Melbourne's 47.8%.

The 'Other' religious category had a slight overrepresentation of 1.7%, compared to Melbourne's 2.3%. Ancestry-wise, Australian (26.2%) and English (26.0%) were substantially higher than the regional averages of 18.4% and 20.1% respectively. However, 'Other' ancestry was notably lower at 9.2%, compared to Melbourne's 14.6%. Notable ethnic group divergences included Dutch (2.1%), Hungarian (0.4%), and Sri Lankan (0.7%) being overrepresented in Bayswater North compared to the 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 years and equivalent to Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Bayswater North has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (10.1%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (9.8%). Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the population aged 75-84 grew from 4.3% to 6.3%, while the 65-74 age group increased from 8.9% to 10.1%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group declined from 12.5% to 10.7%. By 2041, Bayswater North's population is projected to see significant shifts in its age composition. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 46%, reaching 855 people from 586. This growth will be led by the aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above comprising 74% of projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 55-64 and 0-4 age cohorts.