Bayswater

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

Bayswater's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 13,475. This represents an increase of 886 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,589. The change is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 13,387 as of June 2024 and an additional 138 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,676 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Bayswater's growth rate of 7.0% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (4.0%) and the SA3 area, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 80.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using 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. According to these projections, Bayswater is expected to experience above median population growth, with an increase of 1,981 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 13.4% over the 17-year period.

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

Bayswater has seen approximately 77 dwellings granted development approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 388 homes have been approved, with a further 20 approved in FY26 so far. On average, these new constructions have resulted in about 0.9 new residents per year.

This supply has met or exceeded demand, providing increased buyer choice and supporting potential population growth above projections. The average construction cost of new properties is $312,000, aligning with broader regional development trends. In the current financial year, Bayswater has recorded $51.6 million in commercial development approvals, indicating strong local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Bayswater's construction activity is 32.0% higher per person over the past five years, maintaining good buyer choice and supporting existing property values. The new developments consist of 36.0% detached houses and 64.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 62.0% houses.

This trend towards denser development offers accessible entry options, appealing to downsizers, investors, and first-time buyers. With around 202 people per approval, Bayswater reflects an area experiencing growth. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the population is forecasted to increase by 1,811 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Bayswater has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 40thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 33 projects that may affect this region. Notable 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. The following list outlines those most likely to be relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

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

Bayswater has a well-educated workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.0% as of September 2014, with an estimated employment growth of 1.9% over the past year.

As of September 2025, 7,142 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 0.4% higher than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation in Bayswater is similar to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and manufacturing, with a particularly strong specialization in manufacturing at 1.4 times the regional level. Professional & technical services employ just 7.9% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 10.1%.

There are 1.1 workers for every resident, indicating that Bayswater functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 1.9% while labour force increased by 1.0%, resulting in a decrease of unemployment by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with an increase in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 indicate national employment is expected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Bayswater's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though 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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Bayswater SA2 had a median income of $53,436 and an average income of $60,687. This is below the national average. Greater Melbourne had a median income of $54,892 and an average income of $73,761 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Bayswater would be approximately $59,934 (median) and $68,067 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family, and personal incomes in Bayswater rank modestly, between the 42nd and 46th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 36.0% of locals (4,851 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen regionally where 32.8% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 40th percentile. 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

In Bayswater, according to the latest Census evaluation, 62.2% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 37.7% consisting of semi-detached properties, apartments, and other dwelling types. This compares to Melbourne metropolitan area's figures of 83.4% houses and 16.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Bayswater stood at 28.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.2% and rented ones at 34.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,827, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent in Bayswater was $376, compared to Melbourne metro's $400. Nationally, Bayswater's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 67.9 percent of all households, including 28.8 percent that are couples with children, 24.7 percent that are couples without children, and 13.1 percent that are single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.1 percent, with lone person households at 28.3 percent and group households comprising 3.7 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.7.

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

Educational qualifications in Bayswater trail regional benchmarks show that 30.0% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees, compared to 37.0% in Greater Melbourne. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 20.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are held by 33.3% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.7% and certificates at 21.6%. Educational participation is high, with 26.3% of residents 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

Bayswater has 67 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 14 different routes, together facilitating 3,469 weekly passenger trips. The transport accessibility is rated good, with residents generally located 247 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 495 daily trips across all routes, equating to around 51 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Bayswater are marginally below the national average 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 indicators show below-average results compared to national averages. Common health conditions are prevalent at levels similar to other areas but higher among older residents.

Approximately half of Bayswater's total population (6,737 people) has private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 9.1% and 8.5% of residents respectively. About two-thirds of residents (67.7%) report no medical ailments, slightly less than Greater Melbourne's 69.4%. Bayswater has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (18.2%, or 2,449 people) compared to Greater Melbourne (19.5%). Health outcomes among older residents require more attention due to presenting challenges.

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's cultural diversity is notable, with 36.5% of its population born overseas and 32.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Bayswater, accounting for 41.7% of the population. Buddhism is slightly overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 4.2% versus 4.6%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (23.0%), Australian (20.7%), and Other (10.5%). Notable divergences exist in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Hungarian (0.5% vs regional 0.4%), Dutch (2.1% vs 1.8%), and Sri Lankan (0.9% vs 1.4%).

Bayswater's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Bayswater is 38 years, close to Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and equivalent to Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Bayswater has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (6.5%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (10.3%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 increased from 10.5% to 11.6%, while the 25-34 cohort decreased from 16.4% to 15.5%. By 2041, Bayswater's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 45-54 group is projected to grow by 30%, reaching 2,122 people from 1,638. Meanwhile, both the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups are expected to decrease in number.