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's population is estimated at around 1,937 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 225 people (13.1%) 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 in June 2024 and an additional 74 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 13.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (7.9%), along with the Rest of Vic., marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb 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 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 from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends project an above median growth for regional areas nationally, with the suburb expected to expand by 221 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 1.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

Beaufort averaged approximately 8 new dwelling approvals annually between FY21 and FY25, with a total of 41 homes approved during this period. In FY26, 7 dwellings have been approved so far. Each new home built attracted an average of 2.8 new residents over the past five financial years.

The average construction cost for new homes was $446,000, indicating a focus on premium properties. This year, commercial approvals valued at $792,000 have been registered, reflecting Beaufort's residential character. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Beaufort maintains comparable new home approvals per capita, suggesting balanced market conditions.

All recent development has consisted of standalone homes, preserving Beaufort's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers with an average of 187 people per dwelling approval. By 2041, Beaufort is projected to gain 37 residents based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially facilitating population growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects likely to impact this region. Notable initiatives include Beaufort Bypass, Beaufort Linear Park Master Plan, Correa Park Residential Development, and Beaufort Commuter Car Park Upgrade. The following list details those expected to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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

Beaufort has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs, with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 4.9%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, Beaufort had 741 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.2% higher than Regional Vic.'s 3.7%.

Workforce participation in Beaufort was significantly lower at 52.0%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%. Census responses showed that only 10.6% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and construction sectors. Beaufort specializes in public administration & safety employment, with a share 1.9 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance is under-represented, at 14.3% of Beaufort's workforce compared to Regional Vic.'s 16.8%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. In the 12-month period ending in May-25, labour force decreased by 0.8%, employment declined by 0.9%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.2 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Vic. had an employment decline of 0.6% and labour force decline of 0.7%, with unemployment falling by 0.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia suggest that over five years, national employment will expand by 6.6%, and by 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Beaufort's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.3% over ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for local population projections.

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

The suburb of Beaufort had an income level lower than average nationally according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Beaufort was $41,901 and the average income stood at $51,088. These figures compared to Regional Vic.'s median of $50,954 and average of $62,728 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Beaufort's median income would be approximately $45,358 and the average around $55,303 as of September 2025. From the Census conducted in 2021, household, family, and personal incomes in Beaufort fell between the 4th and 9th percentiles nationally. Income distribution showed that 28.4% of the population (550 individuals) had incomes 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 with 40.2% earning below $800 weekly, indicating affordability pressures for many residents. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 87.6% of income retention, 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

Dwelling structure in Beaufort, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 97.0% houses and 3.0% other dwellings. In Regional Vic., it was 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Beaufort was 51.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.3% and rented at 17.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,160, below Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in Beaufort was $250, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, mortgage repayments averaged $1,863 and rents were $375.

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

Family households account for 61.4 percent of all households, consisting of 19.4 percent couples with children, 30.0 percent couples without children, and 11.2 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 38.6 percent, with lone person households at 36.1 percent and group households comprising 2.3 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

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 disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 7.9%, followed by graduate diplomas (3.3%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.3% of residents aged 15 and above holding them, including 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 services and are collectively served by six individual routes, providing 96 weekly passenger trips in total. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as moderate, with residents typically located approximately 570 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward to other areas for work or leisure. Car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 93%, while walking accounts for 6% of trips. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling in Beaufort.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 10.6% of residents work from home, which may be partially attributed to COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 13 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 32 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Beaufort is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant health challenges in Beaufort, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover was found to be very low at approximately 47% of the total population (around 912 people), compared to Regional Vic.'s 50.5%.

Nationally, it averages at 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions in Beaufort are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 12.1% and 11.1% of residents respectively. Conversely, 54.8% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Regional Vic.'s 63.4%. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. Beaufort has 30.7% of residents aged 65 and over (594 people), higher than Regional Vic.'s 23.9%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Beaufort had a cultural diversity below average, with 89.1% of its population being citizens, 89.4% born in Australia, and 97.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Beaufort, comprising 45.1%. Judaism was notably underrepresented at 0.0%, compared to Regional Vic's 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (34.9%), Australian (32.5%), and Irish (9.9%). Dutch (1.8%) and Scottish (9.0%) were overrepresented in Beaufort, while Macedonian was equally represented at 0.2%.

Beaufort ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Beaufort's median age is 50, surpassing Regional Vic.'s figure of 43 and the national average of 38. The 65-74 age group comprises 17.0% of Beaufort's population, higher than Regional Vic., while the 35-44 cohort makes up 9.3%. This is compared to a national figure of 9.5% for the 65-74 age group. Post-2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group grew from 8.0% to 10.6%, while the 55 to 64 cohort decreased from 14.2% to 11.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Beaufort's age profile. The 25 to 34 age group is expected to grow by 63 people (31%), reaching 269. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45 to 54 and 5 to 14 cohorts.