Beaufort

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 AreaSearch's analysis, Beaufort's population is around 5,149 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 505 people (10.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,644 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,835 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 236 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2.8 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Beaufort's 10.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (7.9%) and the Rest of Vic., marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 84.5% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 utilizes 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, above-median population growth for non-metropolitan areas nationally is projected, with the area expected to grow by 661 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 6.7% in total over the 17 years.

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

Beaufort has experienced around 28 dwellings receiving development approval per year, totalling 141 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 19 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 2.1 new residents per year for each dwelling over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), suggesting solid demand that supports property values, new homes are being built at an average cost of $347,000. Additionally, $5.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, reflecting the area's residential character.

Compared to the Rest of Vic., Beaufort shows moderately higher building activity (17.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), preserving reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand, though development activity has moderated in recent periods. Furthermore, new construction has consisted entirely of standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 238 people per dwelling approval, Beaufort shows a developing market.

Looking ahead, Beaufort is expected to grow by 347 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Beaufort has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 11 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Beaufort Linear Park Master Plan, Beaufort Lake Caravan Park Upgrade, Beaufort Bypass, and Correa Park Residential Development, 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.

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 performance in Beaufort has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Beaufort possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation and an unemployment rate of 4.2%. As of December 2025, 2,147 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 0.5% above Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%, and workforce participation lags significantly (54.0% compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 18.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. The area has a particular employment specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 2.4 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 13.5% versus the regional average of 16.8%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.7% while employment declined by 1.1%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Vic. experienced an employment decline of 0.6% and a labour force decline of 0.7%, with a 0.1 percentage point drop. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Beaufort. 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 Beaufort's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.5% over five years and 12.1% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

The Beaufort SA2's income level is lower than the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Beaufort SA2's median income among taxpayers is $48,227 and the average income stands at $58,500, compared to Regional Vic.'s figures of $50,954 and $62,728 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $52,206 (median) and $63,326 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Beaufort all fall between the 12th and 15th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 27.8% of the community (1,431 individuals), mirroring the broader area where 30.3% occupy this bracket. While housing costs are modest with 89.3% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 18th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure within Beaufort, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 95.5% houses and 4.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Beaufort was well beyond that of Regional Vic. at 51.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (35.5%) or rented (13.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Vic. average at $1,216, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $218, compared to Regional Vic.'s $1,430 and $285. Nationally, Beaufort's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 66.3% of all households, comprising 22.8% couples with children, 33.4% couples without children, and 9.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 33.7%, with lone person households at 31.4% and group households comprising 2.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

Educational attainment in Beaufort aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (15.5%) substantially below the VIC average of 33.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 10.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 39.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (28.4%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.4% in primary education, 9.6% in secondary education, and 3.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 8 active transport stops operating within Beaufort, comprising a mix of train services. These stops are serviced by 7 individual routes, collectively providing 99 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 1022 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 94%, with 5% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 18.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 14 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 12 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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Beaufort, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~2,492 people). This compares to 50.5% across Regional Vic. and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.0% and 10.2% of residents, respectively, while 59.2% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 25.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,291 people), which is higher than the 23.9% in Regional Vic., with national rankings even higher than the general population.

The latest Census data sees Beaufort placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Beaufort was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 82.3% of its population being citizens, 89.3% born in Australia, and 97.5% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Beaufort is Christianity, which makes up 48.0% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.1% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional Vic..

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Beaufort are English, comprising 33.2% of the population, Australian, comprising 32.4% of the population, and Irish, comprising 10.2% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Scottish is notably overrepresented at 9.8% of Beaufort (vs 8.8% regionally), Dutch at 2.0% (vs 1.7%) and Macedonian at 0.2% (vs 0.2%).

Beaufort hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Beaufort's median age of 48 years is materially older than Regional Vic.'s 43 and significantly higher than the Australian median of 38. The age profile shows 45 - 54 year-olds are particularly prominent (13.9%), while the 5 - 14 group is comparatively smaller (10.0%) than in Regional Vic.. Post-2021 Census data shows the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 8.7% to 11.7% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 9.1% to 10.3%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 16.0% to 13.5%. Demographic modeling suggests Beaufort's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, expanding by 241 people (40%) from 602 to 844. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 75 to 84 and 15 to 24 cohorts.