Bayswater (Vic.)

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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the suburb of Bayswater (Vic.) had an estimated population of 13,647 as of Feb 2026. This figure reflects a growth of 1,385 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,262. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 13,144 residents following examination of ABS ERP data (June 2024) and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,697 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Bayswater's growth rate of 11.3% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (4.9%) and SA3 area, positioning it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 81.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, it utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future demographic trends project above median population growth for the area, with an expected expansion of 1,942 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 11.6% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Bayswater had around 71 dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 357 homes were approved, with 18 more in FY-26 so far. On average, one person moved to the area for each dwelling built over those five years.

This suggests new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost of new dwellings was $429,000, higher than regional norms but reflecting quality-focused development. Commercial development approvals totaled $36.2 million in FY-26, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Bayswater's construction is 21.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This balance supports buyer choice and current property values.

New development consists of 33.0% detached houses and 67.0% medium and high-density housing, a shift from the area's existing housing (currently 62.0% houses). This trend offers accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. Bayswater has around 166 people per approval, indicating a developing area. By 2041, it is expected to grow by 1,578 residents (AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate). Given 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 20% nationally

Area infrastructure significantly impacts performance. AreaSearch identified 31 projects potentially affecting the area. Major initiatives include 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 most relevant projects.

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 strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.1% as of the past year's AreaSearch data aggregation. In September 2025, 7,066 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.1%, 0.4% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation was lower at 66.8% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 26.7% of residents worked from home. Key industries for employment were health care & social assistance, construction, and manufacturing. Manufacturing had notable concentration with levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Professional & technical services showed lower representation at 7.8% versus the regional average of 10.1%. There was a ratio of 1.1 workers per resident as at the Census, indicating Bayswater functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. In the 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 1.9% while labour force grew by 1.0%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.8 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0%, labour force growth of 3.3%, and a rise in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in May-25, project national employment expansion by 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.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Bayswater had a median income among taxpayers of $53,325. The average income stood at $60,743. Both figures are below the national average, which compares to $57,688 and $75,164 across Greater Melbourne respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for median income would be approximately $57,724 by September 2025, with the average estimated at $65,754 during the same period. According to 2021 Census figures, household incomes in Bayswater rank modestly between the 41st and 46th percentiles. Distribution data shows that 35.9% of the population (4,899 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range. This pattern is 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

Bayswater's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 61.7% houses and 38.3% 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 stood at 28.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.2% and rented ones at 34.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,820, lower than Melbourne metro's $2,000. Median weekly rent was $375, similar to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Bayswater's mortgage repayments were below the average of $1,863, while rents were comparable at $375.

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

Family households constitute 67.8% of all households, including 28.6% couples with children, 24.7% couples without children, and 13.2% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 32.2%, with lone person households at 28.6% and group households comprising 3.7%. The median household size is 2.4 people, smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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

Bayswater Trail has educational qualifications that differ from Greater Melbourne's regional benchmarks. Specifically, 30.1% of residents aged 15 and above hold university degrees, compared to 37.0% in Greater Melbourne. This indicates a potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 20.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%).

Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 33.1% of residents aged 15 and above holding them - advanced diplomas account for 11.6% and certificates for 21.5%. Educational participation is high, with 26.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.6% in primary education, 6.1% in secondary education, and 4.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are serviced by 14 different routes, providing a total of 3,339 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents' homes to the nearest transport stop is 248 meters. Most residents commute outward from Bayswater. Car remains the primary mode of transport, used by 88% of residents, with train usage at 7%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling in the area.

According to the 2021 Census, a significant proportion (26.7%) of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 477 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 49 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Bayswater is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Bayswater faces significant health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~6,944 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 9.2 and 8.5% of residents respectively. 67.5% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 18.7% of residents aged 65 and over (2,551 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general 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 main religion in Bayswater, comprising 41.9% of people. However, Buddhism is notably overrepresented, making up 4.2% of the population compared to the regional average of 4.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (23.1%), Australian (20.7%), and Other (10.5%). Some ethnic groups show notable divergences: Hungarian is overrepresented at 0.5%, Sri Lankan at 0.9%, and Dutch at 2.0% compared to regional averages of 0.3%, 0.8%, and 1.2% respectively.

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

The median age in Bayswater is close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and equivalent to the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Bayswater has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (6.8%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (10.1%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 grew from 10.4% to 11.6%, while the 25-34 age group declined from 16.4% to 14.9%. By 2041, Bayswater's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 45-54 age group will grow by 28% (465 people), reaching 2,117 from 1,651. Meanwhile, both the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are projected to decrease in number.