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 1937 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 225 people (13.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1712 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1753, 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 growth of 13.1% 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 of Beaufort (Vic.) 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 a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Examining future population trends, an above median population growth of regional areas nationally is projected, with the suburb expected to expand by 238 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 5.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Beaufort averaged around 8 new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years (FY-21 to FY-25), an estimated 41 homes were approved, with another 7 so far in FY-26. Each new dwelling built over these years attracted an average of 2.9 new residents, indicating solid demand that supports property values.

New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost value of $446,000, reflecting a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, $792,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of Vic., Beaufort shows comparable new home approvals per person, maintaining market balance consistent with the broader area.

Recent development has consisted entirely of standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 187 people per dwelling approval, Beaufort exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Beaufort is forecasted to gain approximately 104 residents by 2041. Current construction levels suggest that housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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 that could affect this 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.

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's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs with prominent essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 5.3% in the past year, showing an estimated employment growth of 1.8%. As of September 2025735 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.5% above Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation at 52.1% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%.

Only 10.6% of residents work from home, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and construction, with a specialization in public administration & safety at 1.9 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 14.3% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 16.8%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by Census working population vs resident population counts.

Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, employment increased by 1.8%, labour force also increased by 1.8%, and unemployment remained essentially unchanged, contrasting with Rest of Vic.'s employment decrease of 0.7% and labour force contraction of 0.6%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Beaufort's employment mix suggests local employment growth of 5.7% over five years and 12.3% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

The suburb of Beaufort's income level is lower than average nationally according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year ended 30 June 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Beaufort is $41,901 and the average income stands at $51,088. These figures compare to those of Rest of Vic., which are $50,954 and $62,728 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year ended 30 June 2023, current estimates for Beaufort would be approximately $45,358 (median) and $55,303 (average) as of September 2025. From the Census conducted on 10 August 2021, household, family and personal incomes in Beaufort all fall between the 4th and 9th percentiles nationally. In terms of income distribution, 28.4% of the population (550 individuals) fall within the $400 - $799 income range, differing from regional levels where the $1,500 - $2,999 category predominates at 30.3%. Lower income households are prevalent, with 40.2% earning below $800 weekly, indicating affordability pressures for many residents. While housing costs are modest with 87.6% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks 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 housing structure, as recorded in the latest Census, comprised 97.0% houses and 3.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Beaufort stood at 51.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.3% and rented dwellings at 17.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,160, below Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent figure in Beaufort was $250, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. 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, including 19.4% that are couples with children, 30.0% consisting of couples without children, and 11.2% being 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 2.4.

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%. 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 such qualifications - advanced diplomas comprise 11.2% and certificates make up 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. These stops are served by six distinct routes, facilitating 96 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is assessed as moderate, with residents living an average of 570 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most Beaufort residents commute outward using private vehicles at a rate of 93%, while 6% walk. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, only 10.6% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 13 trips daily, resulting in 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 significant health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population (around 912 people), compared to 50.5% in Rest of Vic., and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis, affecting 12.1% of residents, and mental health issues, impacting 11.1%. Conversely, 54.8% report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Rest of Vic.. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors at 30.4% (588 people), compared to Rest of Vic.'s 23.9%. Health outcomes among seniors present additional 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 found to be below average, with 89.1% of its population being citizens born in Australia speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion, making up 45.1% of Beaufort's population. Judaism is overrepresented compared to the rest of Victoria, comprising 0.0% versus 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (34.9%), Australian (32.5%), and Irish (9.9%). Notably, Dutch (1.8%) and Scottish (9.0%) are slightly overrepresented compared to regional averages of 1.7% and 8.8%, respectively. Macedonian representation is similar regionally at 0.2%.

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. The 65-74 age group comprises 16.9% of Beaufort's population, higher than Rest of Vic.'s percentage and significantly above the national average of 9.5%. Conversely, the 35-44 cohort makes up 9.1%, which is less prevalent compared to Rest of Vic. Following the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group grew from 8.0% to 10.6%, while the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 14.2% to 11.3% and the 65 to 74 group decreased from 18.0% to 16.9%. Demographic modeling indicates that Beaufort's age profile will significantly change by 2041. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow by 72 people (35%), increasing from 205 to 278. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 75 to 84 and 15 to 24 cohorts.