Bayswater (Vic.)

Population growth drivers in Bayswater are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of Bayswater (Vic.) is around 13,172, reflecting an increase of 910 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 7.4% rise from the previous population count of 12,262. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 13,079 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 138 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,638 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Bayswater's growth since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA4 region (4.0%) and SA3 area, making it 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 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 with 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 trends, an above median population growth is projected for the suburb until 2041, with an expected expansion of 1,913 persons, reflecting a gain of 15.3% in total over the 17 years.

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

Bayswater's building approvals analysis shows approximately 66 dwellings receiving development approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 331 homes were approved, with an additional 9 approved in FY26 so far. On average, 1 person per year moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five years. However, recent data indicates this has intensified to 4.8 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply.

The average construction value of development projects is $429,000, aligning with broader regional averages. This year, $51.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Bayswater records elevated construction levels at 13.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. New development consists of 35.0% detached houses and 65.0% medium and high-density housing, a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 62.0% houses. This trend reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring more diverse, affordable housing options.

Bayswater has around 210 people per approval, indicating a developing area. Looking ahead, AreaSearch estimates that Bayswater will grow by 2,022 residents by 2041, with present construction rates appearing balanced with future demand to foster steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

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 affecting the region. Notable initiatives include the 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.

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Employment conditions in Bayswater remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Bayswater has an educated workforce with significant representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate was 4.9% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.4%.

As of June 2025, 6,959 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 0.2% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation in Bayswater is similar to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key industries for employment among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and manufacturing, with a notable concentration in manufacturing at 1.4 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 7.8% compared to the regional average of 10.1%.

The area hosts more jobs than residents, with 1.1 workers per resident as recorded by the Census. Employment increased by 1.4% while labour force grew by 0.7% over a 12-month period ending in Sep-22, leading to a 0.6 percentage point decrease in unemployment rate. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bayswater's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's aggregation of postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows Bayswater had a median taxpayer income of $53,324 and an average income of $60,746. These figures are below the national averages of $54,892 and $73,761 respectively in Greater Melbourne. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimated median and average incomes for Bayswater as of September 2025 would be approximately $59,808 and $68,133 respectively. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Bayswater rank modestly, between the 41st and 46th percentiles. Income distribution data shows that 35.9% of Bayswater's population (4,728 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 after housing costs, 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

The dwelling structure in Bayswater, as recorded at the latest Census, consisted of 61.7% houses and 38.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Melbourne metro had 83.4% houses and 16.7% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Bayswater was 28.2%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (37.2%) or rented (34.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,820, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure in Bayswater was recorded at $375, compared to Melbourne metro's $400. Nationally, Bayswater's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were comparable to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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

Bayswater trail's educational qualifications benchmark against regional averages, with 30.1% of its residents aged 15+ holding university degrees, compared to Greater Melbourne's 37.0%. This gap suggests potential for educational development and skill enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 20.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 33.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.6%) and certificates (21.5%).

Educational participation is high, at 26.3%, comprising 8.6% in primary, 6.1% in secondary, and 4.7% in tertiary education. Bayswater's 5 schools have a combined enrollment of 1,039 students, serving distinct age groups with balanced educational opportunities (ICSEA: 1024). School places per 100 residents (7.9) are below the regional average (12.0), indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

Bayswater has 67 active public transport stops, including train and bus services. These stops are served by 14 different routes that collectively facilitate 3,469 weekly passenger trips. The transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents located an average of 248 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 495 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 51 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 all age groups but more so among older cohorts.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51%, covering about 6,703 people in total. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 9.2% and 8.5% of residents respectively. Conversely, 67.5% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 69.4% across Greater Melbourne. As of the latest data (2016), 18.3% of Bayswater's population is aged 65 and over, totaling 2,410 people, which is lower than the 19.5% in Greater Melbourne. However, health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those for the broader population.

Bayswater is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Bayswater's population shows high cultural diversity, with 36.4% born overseas and 32.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Bayswater, comprising 41.9%. Buddhism is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, accounting for 4.2% of Bayswater's population.

The top three ancestry groups are English (23.1%), Australian (20.7%), and Other (10.5%). Some ethnic groups show notable divergences: Hungarian at 0.5%, Sri Lankan at 0.9%, and Dutch at 2.0%.

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

The median age in Bayswater is 38 years, close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and equivalent to Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Bayswater has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (6.6%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (10.3%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 10.4% to 11.5%, while the 25-34 age group has declined from 16.4% to 15.4%. By 2041, Bayswater's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 31%, reaching 2,111 people from 1,606. Meanwhile, both the 35-44 and 0-4 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.