Bayswater

Bayswater has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Bayswater's population is around 13,802 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,213 people (9.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,589 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 13,305 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 145 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,716 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Bayswater's 9.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (4.9%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 80.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above-median population growth of national statistical areas is projected, with the area expected to grow by 1,981 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 10.8% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Bayswater when compared nationally

Bayswater has experienced around 77 dwellings receiving development approval each year, with 388 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 24 so far in FY-26. Given an average of only 0.9 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is meeting or surpassing demand, providing greater buyer choice while supporting potential for population growth above projections, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $312,000, aligned with broader regional development. Additionally, $51.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting robust local business investment.

Compared to Greater Melbourne, Bayswater records somewhat elevated construction (32.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. New development consists of 36.0% detached houses and 64.0% townhouses or apartments. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 62.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. At around 202 people per approval, Bayswater reflects a developing area.

Population forecasts indicate Bayswater will gain 1,484 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 32 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include 711-717 Mountain Highway Mixed Use Development, Marie Wallace Bayswater Oval Sportsfield Renewal, 58-60 Station Street Land Sale Development, and Knox Housing Targets, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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

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Employment conditions in Bayswater remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Bayswater has a well-educated workforce, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of 5.3%, and 2.0% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 7,159 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 0.5% above Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (66.9% compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.3%). Based on Census responses, a high 26.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, construction, and manufacturing. The area shows particularly strong specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level. In contrast, professional & technical services employ just 7.9% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. With 1.1 workers for every resident, as at the Census, the area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 2.0% while the labour force increased by 1.6%, resulting in unemployment falling by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Bayswater. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Bayswater's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Bayswater SA2's median income among taxpayers is $57,417, with an average of $64,634. This is below the national average, and compares to Greater Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $62,154 (median) and $69,966 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Bayswater, between the 42nd and 46th percentiles. Looking at income distribution, the predominant cohort spans 36.0% of locals (4,968 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen in the region where 32.8% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 40th percentile, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Bayswater displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Bayswater, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 62.2% houses and 37.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Bayswater slightly lagged that of Melbourne metro, at 28.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (37.2%) or rented (34.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Melbourne metro average at $1,827, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $376, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Bayswater's mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceed the national figure of $375.

Bayswater has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 67.9% of all households, comprising 28.8% couples with children, 24.7% couples without children, and 13.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.1%, with lone person households at 28.3% and group households comprising 3.7% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Bayswater performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

Educational qualifications in Bayswater trail regional benchmarks, with 30.0% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 37.0% in Greater Melbourne. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 20.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 33.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (21.6%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.3% of residents aged 15+ currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.5% in primary education, 6.2% in secondary education, and 4.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 67 active transport stops operating within Bayswater, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 14 individual routes, collectively providing 3,339 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 247 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 88%, with 7% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling. A high 26.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 477 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 49 weekly trips per individual stop.

Bayswater's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Bayswater's health metrics sit close to national benchmarks, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The level of common health conditions among the general population is somewhat typical, though higher than the national average among older cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~7,066 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 9.1% and 8.5% of residents, respectively, while 67.7% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 18.6% of residents aged 65 and over (2,569 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they rank lower nationally than the broader population.

Bayswater was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Bayswater scores highly on cultural diversity, with 36.5% of its population born overseas and 32.3% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Bayswater is Christianity, which makes up 41.7% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 4.2% of the population, compared to 4.2% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Bayswater are English, comprising 23.0% of the population, Australian, comprising 20.7% of the population, and Other, comprising 10.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Hungarian is notably overrepresented at 0.5% of Bayswater (vs 0.3% regionally), Dutch at 2.1% (vs 1.2%) and Sri Lankan at 0.9% (vs 0.8%).

Bayswater's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The 38-year median age in Bayswater is close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and similarly equivalent to the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Bayswater has a higher concentration of 75 - 84 residents (6.7%) but fewer 5 - 14 year-olds (10.2%). Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 10.5% to 11.7% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 16.4% to 15.1%. By 2041, Bayswater is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 45 to 54 group will grow by 27% (456 people), reaching 2,122 from 1,665. Meanwhile, both 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 age groups will see reduced numbers.