Bayswater (Vic.)

Population growth drivers in Bayswater are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of November 2025, Bayswater (Vic.) statistical area (Lv2) has an estimated population of around 13,639. This reflects an increase of 1,377 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,262. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of resident population at 13,144 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 138 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,696 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Bayswater's growth rate of 11.2% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (4.9%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 81.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises 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 are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the Bayswater (Vic.) (SA2) is expected to expand by 1,939 persons to reach a total population of around 15,578 by 2041, reflecting an overall gain of 11.6% over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Bayswater when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates that Bayswater has experienced approximately 71 dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 357 homes were approved, with an additional 18 approved so far in FY26. On average, one person moves to the area for each dwelling built over these five years, suggesting that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand.

The average construction cost value of new dwellings is $429,000, which is higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. This year, $36.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Bayswater has a somewhat elevated construction rate, at 21.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. New development consists of 33.0% detached houses and 67.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 62.0% houses. This trend suggests decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for more diverse, affordable housing options.

Bayswater has a population density of around 166 people per approval, indicating a developing area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Bayswater is expected to grow by 1,581 residents through to 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Bayswater has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 31 projects likely influencing the area. Notable ones are 711-717 Mountain Highway Mixed Use Development, Marie Wallace Bayswater Oval Sportsfield Renewal, 58-60 Station Street Land Sale Development, and Deakin University Burwood Campus Expansion. The following list details 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 conditions in Bayswater remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Bayswater's workforce is highly educated with significant representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.1% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.8%.

As of September 2025, 7,066 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.4% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation in Bayswater was similar to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries for employment among residents included health care & social assistance, construction, and manufacturing, with a notable concentration in manufacturing at 1.4 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services showed lower representation at 7.8% compared to the regional average of 10.1%.

The area hosted more jobs than residents, with 1.1 workers per resident as recorded by the Census. In the 12-month period prior, employment increased by 1.8% while labour force grew by 1.0%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.8 percentage points. Comparing this to Greater Melbourne, employment growth was 3.0%, labour force growth was 3.3%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from Victoria up to 25-Nov showed employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bayswater's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Bayswater had a median taxpayer income of $53,325 and an average income of $60,743. These figures are below the national averages of $57,688 and $75,164 in Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated median and average incomes for Bayswater as of September 2025 are approximately $57,724 and $65,754 respectively. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Bayswater rank modestly between the 41st and 46th percentiles. Income distribution data indicates that 35.9% of Bayswater's population (4,896 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to regional levels where 32.8% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Bayswater, with only 82.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 39th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Bayswater displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Bayswater's dwellings, as recorded in the latest Census, consisted of 61.7% houses and 38.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Melbourne metro had 83.4% houses and 16.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bayswater was at 28.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.2% and rented ones at 34.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,820, lower than Melbourne metro's $2,000 but close to the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Bayswater was $375, matching the national figure and lower than Melbourne metro's $400.

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

Family households constitute 67.8 percent of all households, including 28.6 percent couples with children, 24.7 percent couples without children, and 13.2 percent single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 32.2 percent, with lone person households at 28.6 percent and group households comprising 3.7 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.7.

Bayswater performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

In Bayswater Trail, as of [date], 30.1% of residents aged 15 and above hold university degrees, compared to Greater Melbourne's 37.0%. This indicates room for educational development. Bachelor degrees are the most common (20.0%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 33.1% of residents aged 15 and above holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (21.5%).

Educational participation is high, with 26.3% currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 8.6% in primary, 6.1% in secondary, and 4.7% in tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Bayswater shows that there are currently 68 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops offer a mix of train and bus services. There are 14 individual routes that collectively provide 3,339 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of these transport services is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 248 meters away from the nearest transport stop. On average, service frequency across all routes amounts to 477 trips per day, which equates to roughly 49 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Bayswater faces significant health challenges with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, particularly among older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~6,940 people). The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 9.2 and 8.5% of residents respectively. In contrast, 67.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.4% across Greater Melbourne. As of June 2021, 18.3% of residents are aged 65 and over (2,495 people), which is lower than the 19.5% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges requiring more attention than the broader population.

Bayswater was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Bayswater has a high level of cultural diversity, with 36.4% of its population born overseas and 32.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Bayswater, making up 41.9% of the population. However, Buddhism is notably overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 4.2% versus 4.6%.

The top three ancestry groups in Bayswater are English (23.1%), Australian (20.7%), and Other (10.5%). There are also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Hungarian is overrepresented at 0.5% compared to the regional average of 0.4%, Sri Lankan is underrepresented at 0.9% versus 1.4%, and Dutch is slightly overrepresented at 2.0% compared to 1.8%.

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

The median age in Bayswater is 38 years, closely matching Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Bayswater has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (6.6%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (10.3%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 increased from 10.4% to 11.5%, while the 25-34 age group decreased from 16.4% to 15.4%. By 2041, Bayswater's age composition is projected to change significantly. The 45-54 age group is expected to grow by 27% (451 people), reaching 2,115 from the current 1,663. Conversely, both the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups are anticipated to decrease in number.