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

Beaufort's population, as of May 2026, is approximately 4,846. This figure represents a growth of 202 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,644. The increase is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 4,816 in June 2025 and an additional 242 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a population density ratio of 2.6 persons per square kilometer. Beaufort's growth rate of 4.3% since the Census exceeds the SA3 area average of 2.8%, indicating it as a region leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 89.4% to recent population gains.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 are used, adjusted employing a method of weighted aggregation to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Nationally, non-metropolitan areas project above-median population growth. By 2041, Beaufort is expected to grow by 640 persons, reflecting a total gain of 12.6% over the 16-year period.

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

Beaufort has received approximately 28 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 141 homes. As of FY-26, 23 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling accommodates about 2.1 new residents annually between FY-21 and FY-25. The average construction cost value for new homes is around $347,000.

This year, $5.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered. Compared to the rest of Victoria, Beaufort has shown moderately higher building activity, with 17.0% more approvals per capita over the five-year period. The area maintains a low-density character, with all new construction comprising standalone homes and around 238 people per dwelling approval.

By 2041, Beaufort is projected to grow by approximately 610 residents, with current housing supply expected to meet demand adequately.

Beaufort has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 46thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects likely affecting this region. Notable ones include Beaufort Linear Park Master Plan, Beaufort Lake Caravan Park Upgrade, Beaufort Bypass, and Correa Park Residential Development. 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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Employment performance in Beaufort has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Beaufort's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs with varied sector representation. The unemployment rate in December 2025 was 4.2%. There were 2,147 employed residents, which was 0.5% higher than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation was lower at 54.1%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.0%. According to Census data, 18.7% of residents worked from home. Leading industries were agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. Agriculture, forestry & fishing had a high employment share at 2.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, health care & social assistance was lower at 13.5%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 16.8%. Over the year to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.7% and employment declined by 1.1%, leading to a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. In contrast, Regional Vic. saw a 0.6% employment decline and 0.7% labour force decline, with a 0.1 percentage point drop in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia May-25 project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Beaufort's industry mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.5% over five years and 12.1% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

The median income in Beaufort SA2 for financial year 2023 was $48,227. The average income stood at $58,500 during the same period. These figures are lower than those of Regional Vic., which had a median income of $50,954 and an average income of $62,728 in 2023. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, the estimated median income as of March 2026 would be approximately $52,866, and the average income would be around $64,128. Census data indicates that incomes in Beaufort fall between the 12th and 15th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income analysis shows that 27.8% of the community (1,347 individuals) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to the broader area where 30.3% fall into this bracket. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 89.3% income retention, 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 in Beaufort, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 95.5% houses and 4.6% other dwellings. In comparison, Regional Vic. had 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Beaufort was 51.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.5% and rented dwellings at 13.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Beaufort was $1,216, below Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in Beaufort was $218, 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 constitute 66.3% of all households, including 22.8% couples with children, 33.4% couples without children, and 9.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 33.7%, with lone person households at 31.4% and group households comprising 2.2%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which 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 has university qualification rates of 15.5%, significantly lower than the Victorian average of 33.4%. This discrepancy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 39.4% of residents aged 15 and above holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 11.0% and certificates at 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

Beaufort has eight active public transport stops, offering a mix of train services. These are served by seven different routes, collectively facilitating 99 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically living 1022 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 94%, with 5% walking. On average, there are 1.9 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 18.7% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 14 trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly 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

Beaufort faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age cohorts. Only approximately 48% of Beaufort's total population (~2,345 people) has private health cover, compared to Regional Vic.'s 50.5% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.0%) and mental health issues (10.2%), with 59.2% claiming no medical ailments, compared to Regional Vic.'s 63.4%. Working-age residents face notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. Beaufort has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over (25.9%, or 1,257 people) than Regional Vic.'s 23.9%, 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's population showed low cultural diversity, with 82.3% being citizens, 89.3% born in Australia, and 97.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 48.0%. Judaism, however, was slightly overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to Regional Vic's 0.1%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (33.2%), Australian (32.4%), and Irish (10.2%). Notably, Scottish (9.8%) and Dutch (2.0%) were disproportionately represented compared to regional averages of 8.8% and 1.7%, respectively.

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 Australia's median of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent, making up 15.4% of the population, while those aged 5-14 are comparatively smaller at 9.9%. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national average of 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 8.7% to 11.0%, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 7.3% to 8.7%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 16.0% to 13.8% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 14.8% to 13.6%. Demographic modeling suggests that Beaufort's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041, with the 25 to 34 age cohort projected to grow steadily, expanding by 256 people (48%) from 532 to 789. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 65 to 74 cohorts.