Beaufort (Vic.)

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Beaufort (Vic.) statistical area's population is estimated at around 1,930 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 218 people (12.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,712 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,753 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS on Jun 2024 and an additional 71 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 12.3 persons per square kilometer. Beaufort's 12.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (7.8%), along with the non-metro area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 84.0% 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 any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising 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. As we examine future population trends, an above median population growth of regional areas nationally is projected, with the area expected to expand by 236 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 5.8% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Beaufort when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Beaufort averaged approximately 8 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 41 homes were approved, with a further 7 approved in FY-26 to date. Each dwelling built over these years attracted an average of 2.9 new residents, suggesting strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value for new homes was $446,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, $792,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of Vic., Beaufort maintains comparable new home approvals per person, consistent with broader market balance.

Recent development has comprised entirely standalone homes, preserving Beaufort's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 187 people per dwelling approval, Beaufort exhibits characteristics of a growth area. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate forecasts Beaufort to gain 112 residents by 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling population growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects likely impacting the area, with key ones being Beaufort Bypass, Beaufort Linear Park Master Plan, Correa Park Residential Development, and Beaufort Commuter Car Park Upgrade. The following details those most relevant:.

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The labour market performance in Beaufort lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Beaufort's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate as of September 2025 was 5.2%, with an estimated employment growth of 1.7% over the previous year.

This figure is based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. In comparison to Rest of Vic., Beaufort's unemployment rate is 1.4% higher, at 3.8%. Workforce participation in Beaufort lags behind that of Rest of Vic., with a rate of 47.9% compared to 57.4%. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and construction.

Notably, public administration & safety has an employment share that is 1.9 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 14.3% of Beaufort's workforce compared to 16.8% in Rest of Vic.. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment in Beaufort increased by 1.7%, while the labour force also grew by 1.7%. Unemployment remained essentially unchanged during this period. In contrast, Rest of Vic. saw employment fall by 0.7% and labour force contract by 0.6%, with unemployment rising marginally. Providing broader context, state-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows that VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs. The state unemployment rate was at 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Notably, VIC's employment growth outpaced the national average of 0.14%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Beaufort. These projections suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates differing significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Beaufort's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 5.7% over five years and 12.3% over ten years. However, it is important to note that these figures are based on a simple weighting.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Beaufort's median income among taxpayers was $41,901 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $51,088 during the same period. This compares to figures for Rest of Vic., which were $50,954 and $62,728 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $45,358 (median) and $55,303 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Beaufort fell between the 4th and 9th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. In terms of income distribution, 28.4% of Beaufort's population earned within the $400 - $799 range, differing from regional levels where the $1,500 - $2,999 category was predominant at 30.3%. Lower income households were prevalent in Beaufort, with 40.2% earning below $800 weekly, suggesting affordability pressures for many residents. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 87.6% of income to be retained, total disposable income ranked at just the 7th percentile nationally.

Beaufort is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Beaufort's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 97.0% houses and 3.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s 93.8% houses and 6.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Beaufort was 51.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.3% and rented ones at 17.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,160, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,127. The median weekly rent figure was $250, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $230. Nationally, Beaufort's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Beaufort features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 61.4% of all households, consisting of 19.4% couples with children, 30.0% couples without children, and 11.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 38.6%, with lone person households at 36.1% and group households comprising 2.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.2.

Educational outcomes in Beaufort fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 13.5%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 7.9%, followed by graduate diplomas (3.3%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.3%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 39.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (28.1%).

Educational participation is high, with 25.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.2% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 2.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Beaufort has three active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops offer a mix of train and bus services. Six individual routes service these stops, collectively providing 96 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 570 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 13 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 32 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Beaufort is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Beaufort faces significant health challenges with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately 47% (~909 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.1%) and mental health issues (11.1%), while 54.8% report no medical ailments, compared to 56.8% in Rest of Vic.. In Beaufort, 31.1% (~600 people) are aged 65 and over, higher than the 27.9% in Rest of Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

Beaufort is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Beaufort's population showed low cultural diversity, with 89.1% being Australian citizens, 89.4% born in Australia, and 97.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 45.1%. Judaism was underrepresented, comprising 0.0%, compared to 0.1% regionally.

The top three ancestral groups were English (34.9%), Australian (32.5%), and Irish (9.9%). Notably, Dutch ancestry was overrepresented at 1.8% in Beaufort versus 1.6% regionally, as were Scottish at 9.0% versus 9.3%, and Macedonian at 0.2% versus 0.1%.

Beaufort ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Beaufort's median age is 50, which exceeds Rest of Vic.'s figure of 43 and is above the national average of 38. The 65-74 age group comprises 17.5%, higher than Rest of Vic.'s percentage and well above the national average of 9.4%. The 35-44 cohort, however, makes up only 9.0% of Beaufort's population. According to the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group increased from 8.0% to 9.8%, while the 55 to 64 cohort decreased from 14.2% to 11.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Beaufort's age profile. The 25 to 34 age group is expected to grow by 91 people (49%), from 189 to 281. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5-14 and 15-24 cohorts.