Beaufort (Vic.)

Beaufort lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Beaufort (Vic.) is around 1,730 people. This figure reflects an increase from the 2021 Census population of 1,712 people, representing a growth of 18 individuals or approximately 1.1%. The latest estimated resident population (ERP) for the suburb, as calculated by AreaSearch based on ABS data released in June 2024, is 1,568 people. This estimate considers an additional 71 validated new addresses since the Census date. The current population density ratio is 11.0 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, from 2011 to 2021, Beaufort has shown a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%, outperforming its surrounding Statistical Area Level 3 (SA3) region.

Interstate migration contributed approximately 84.0% of overall population gains during this period. For future projections, AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia's SA2-level projections released in 2024, using the year 2022 as the base. For areas not covered by these projections, AreaSearch employs the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, with adjustments made through a weighted aggregation method from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on these aggregated projections, Beaufort is expected to experience population growth just below the median of Australia's regional areas. By the year 2041, the suburb's population is projected to increase by approximately 215 persons, reflecting a total increase of around 16.8% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Beaufort according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Beaufort averaged around 5 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY21 and FY25, an estimated 29 homes were approved, with 1 more in FY26 so far. Over the past five financial years, an average of 4.1 people moved to the area for each dwelling built.

This substantial lag between supply and demand has led to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures, with new homes being constructed at an average value of $446,000. In FY26, there have been $1.3 million in commercial approvals, indicating Beaufort's residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Beaufort shows approximately 65% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 39th percentile nationally, suggesting limited buyer options while demand for established properties strengthens. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated count of 445 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet development environment. Future projections show Beaufort adding 291 residents by 2041. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Beaufort has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Five projects could significantly affect the region's performance: Beaufort Bypass, Beaufort Linear Park Master Plan, Correa Park Residential Development, Beaufort Commuter Car Park Upgrade.

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

Beaufort has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, notable representation in essential services sectors, and an unemployment rate of 5.0% as of June 2025. Over the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 7.1%.

Compared to Rest of Vic., Beaufort's unemployment rate is higher by 1.2 percentage points at 3.8%, while workforce participation lags behind at 47.9% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Key industries for Beaufort residents include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and construction. The area specializes in public administration & safety with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level but has a lower representation in health care & social assistance at 14.3% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 16.8%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison.

Over a 12-month period, employment increased by 7.1%, labour force by 6.6%, and unemployment fell by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. saw employment fall by 0.9%, labour force contract by 0.4%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across 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 consider localized population projections.

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

Beaufort's median income among taxpayers was $41,901 in financial year 2022, according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. The average income stood at $51,088 during the same period. This compares to figures for Rest of Vic., which were $48,741 and $60,693 respectively. By September 2025, estimates based on a 12.16% Wage Price Index growth suggest median income will be approximately $46,996 and average income around $57,300. The 2021 Census revealed that household, family, and personal incomes in Beaufort all fell between the 4th and 9th percentiles nationally. Income distribution showed that 28.4% of Beaufort's population (491 individuals) had incomes within the $400 - $799 range, differing from regional levels where the $1,500 - $2,999 category predominated at 30.3%. Notably, 40.2% of households earned below $800 weekly, indicating affordability pressures for many residents. Despite modest housing costs with 87.6% of income retained, total disposable income ranked at just the 7th percentile nationally in Beaufort.

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

In Beaufort, as per the latest Census, 97.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 3.0% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. In comparison, Non-Metro Vic. had 93.8% houses and 6.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Beaufort stood at 51.2%, similar to Non-Metro Vic.'s rate. Mortgaged dwellings comprised 31.3%, while rented dwellings made up 17.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Beaufort was $1,160, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,127. The median weekly rent figure in Beaufort was $250, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $230. Nationally, Beaufort's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,160 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $250 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households compose 61.4% of all households, including 19.4% couples with children, 30.0% couples without children, and 11.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 38.6%, with lone person households making up 36.1% and group households comprising 2.3%. 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%, considerably lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 7.9%, followed by graduate diplomas (3.3%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.3%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 39.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 11.2% and certificates at 28.1%. Educational participation is high, with 25.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 9.2% in primary, 8.1% in secondary, and 2.5% in tertiary education.

The area has two schools serving 365 students - Beaufort Primary School and Beaufort Secondary College - with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 973) offering balanced educational opportunities. It functions as an education hub with 21.1 school places per 100 residents, attracting students from surrounding communities compared to the regional average of 10.7.

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, with 14 individual routes in total. Collectively, these routes provide 161 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 570 meters from the nearest transport stop. On average, there are 23 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 53 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% (~815 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 12.1%) and mental health issues (11.1%). About 54.8% report no medical ailments, compared to 56.8% in Rest of Vic.. Beaufort has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 31.0% (536 people), compared to the state average of 27.9%. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges, despite performing 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 cultural diversity was below average, with 89.1% of its population being citizens, 89.4% born in Australia, and 97.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated as the main religion, comprising 45.1%. However, Judaism was notably underrepresented at 0.0%, compared to 0.1% across Rest of Vic..

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (34.9%), Australian (32.5%), and Irish (9.9%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Dutch were overrepresented at 1.8% in Beaufort versus 1.6% regionally, Scottish at 9.0% compared to 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 well above the national average of 38 years. The 65-74 age group comprises 17.4% of Beaufort's population, compared to Rest of Vic.'s percentage, while the 35-44 cohort makes up 9.0%. This 65-74 concentration is higher than the national figure of 9.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 8.0% to 9.8% of Beaufort's population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 14.2% to 11.4%. Demographic modeling indicates that by 2041, Beaufort's age profile will evolve significantly. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to increase markedly, with an expansion of 103 people (61%) from 169 to 273. Conversely, numbers in the 65 to 74 age range are expected to fall by 14.