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, the population of the suburb of Beaufort (Vic.) is estimated at around 1,766 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 54 people (3.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,712 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,755, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 77 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 11.3 persons per square kilometer. Beaufort's 3.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's 2.8%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing 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 area expected to expand by 225 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 12.1% over the 16 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Beaufort recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Beaufort averaged approximately 8 new dwelling approvals per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 41 homes were approved in total, with an additional 9 approved so far in FY-26. Each new dwelling built over the past five financial years contributed to approximately 2.5 new residents annually, indicating solid demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value of new homes was $446,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. This year alone, $792,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting Beaufort's residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Beaufort maintains comparable new home approvals per capita, consistent with broader market trends.

Recent development has consisted entirely of standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 183 people per dwelling approval, Beaufort exhibits characteristics of a low-density area. Population forecasts indicate Beaufort will gain approximately 214 residents by 2041, according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Existing development levels appear aligned with future requirements, suggesting stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects likely affecting the region. Notable projects include Beaufort Bypass, Beaufort Linear Park Master Plan, Correa Park Residential Development, and Beaufort Commuter Car Park Upgrade. The following list 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 was 5.0% as of AreaSearch's statistical aggregation. As of December 2025, Beaufort had 729 residents employed, an unemployment rate of 4.3%, which was 1.3% higher than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation in Beaufort was lower at 51.0%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.0%. According to Census responses, only 10.6% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and construction. Beaufort 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 Regional Vic.'s 16.8%.

The area may have limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the working population versus resident population count. In the 12-month period ending June 2025, Beaufort's labour force decreased by 1.0%, with a 1.4% decline in employment, leading to an unemployment rate increase of 0.3 percentage points. Regional Vic., however, saw an employment decline of 0.6%, labour force decline of 0.7%, and a decrease in unemployment by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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 only and do not account for localized population projections.

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

The suburb of Beaufort had a lower than average national income level according to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest ATO data for financial year 2023. Its median taxpayer income was $41,901 and the average was $51,088. These figures compared with Regional Vic.'s median of $50,954 and average of $62,728 respectively. Based on a 9.62% increase since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for March 2026 would be approximately $45,932 (median) and $56,003 (average). The 2021 Census reported Beaufort's household, family, and personal incomes between the 4th and 9th percentiles nationally. In income distribution, 28.4% of residents earned 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. Despite modest housing costs with 87.6% of income retained, total disposable income ranked at the 7th percentile nationally.

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

In Beaufort, as per the latest Census findings, 97.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 3.0% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Regional Vic., where 90.1% of dwellings were houses and 9.9% were other dwellings. Home ownership in Beaufort stood at 51.2%, with mortgaged properties at 31.3% and rented ones at 17.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,160, lower than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Beaufort was $250, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Beaufort's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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, including 19.4% couples with children, 30.0% couples without children, and 11.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up 38.6%, with lone person households at 36.1% and group households comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 2.1 people, 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 indicates a need 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+ 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 primary education (9.2%), secondary education (8.1%), and tertiary education (2.5%).

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

Beaufort has three operational public transport stops, offering a mix of train services. Six unique routes serve these stops, collectively facilitating 96 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents typically located 570 meters from the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most commuters travel outward; cars remain the primary mode at 93%, while 6% walk. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 10.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 13 trips daily 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

Beaufort faces substantial health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Only approximately 47% of Beaufort's total population (~832 people) has private health cover, compared to Regional Vic.'s 50.5% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (12.1%) and mental health issues (11.1%). 54.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Regional Vic.. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. Beaufort has 31.4% of residents aged 65 and over (554 people), higher than Regional Vic.'s 23.9%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

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 born in Australia speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 45.1%. Judaism, however, was not represented in Beaufort, unlike Regional Vic where it made up 0.1%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (34.9%), Australian (32.5%), and Irish (9.9%). Notably, Dutch (1.8%) and Scottish (9.0%) were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 1.7% and 8.8%, respectively. Macedonian representation was similar 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 constitutes 17.5% of Beaufort's population, higher than Regional Vic., while the 35-44 cohort makes up 9.6%, lower than Regional Vic. Nationally, the 65-74 age group stands at 9.4%. Post-2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group grew from 8.0% to 10.0%, and the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 9.2% to 10.5%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 14.2% to 11.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Beaufort's age profile. The 25 to 34 age group is expected to grow by 76 people (43%), reaching 253 from an initial 176. Meanwhile, the 65 to 74 age range is projected to decrease by 15 people.