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 was approximately 5,201 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 557 people (12.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,644. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,836 in June 2024 and an additional 224 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2.8 persons per square kilometer. Beaufort's growth rate exceeded that of non-metro areas (6.0%) and SA3 areas between 2021 and June 2024, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 84.5% of population gains during this period.

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 weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Nationally, non-metropolitan areas are projected to have above median population growth. By 2041, Beaufort is expected to grow by 661 persons based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total gain of 5.7% over the 17 years.

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

Beaufort has seen approximately 28 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 141 homes. As of FY-26, 11 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling adds around 2.1 new residents annually over these five years (FY-21 to FY-25), indicating strong demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average cost of $347,000.

This year, $5.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to the rest of Victoria, Beaufort shows moderately higher building activity, with a 17.0% increase per person over the five-year period. This preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand, although recent development activity has moderated slightly.

All new construction consists of standalone homes, preserving the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 238 people per dwelling approval, Beaufort indicates a developing market. By 2041, Beaufort is projected to grow by 295 residents (AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Current construction levels suggest that housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth beyond current forecasts.

Beaufort has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects that could affect this region. Notable projects include the Beaufort Linear Park Master Plan, Beaufort Lake Caravan Park Upgrade, Beaufort Bypass, and Correa Park Residential Development. The following list details those expected to be most 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 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 diverse industry representation. The unemployment rate was 4.4% in September 2025, showing a 1.7% increase from the previous year.

This rate is 0.6% higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Beaufort is lower at 49.1%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Leading employment industries among residents include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has a strong presence with an employment share 2.4 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance has limited presence at 13.5%, compared to the regional average of 16.8%. Over the year to September 2025, employment in Beaufort increased by 1.7% while labour force increased by 1.9%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. saw a contraction in employment and labour force, with a marginal increase in unemployment. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows VIC 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 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Beaufort's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.5% over five years and 12.1% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

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

The Beaufort SA2's median income among taxpayers was $45,764 and average income stood at $55,798 in financial year 2022, according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. These figures compare to Rest of Vic.'s median income of $48,741 and average income of $60,693 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% from financial year 2022 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $51,329 (median) and $62,583 (average). According to 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Beaufort all fall between the 12th and 15th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 27.8% of the community earns within the $1,500 - 2,999 band (1,445 individuals), mirroring regional levels where 30.3% occupy this bracket. Housing costs are modest with 89.3% of income retained, but 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

Beaufort's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 95.5% houses and 4.6% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and others. This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s structure of 93.8% houses and 6.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Beaufort stood at 51.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.5% and rented ones at 13.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,216, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,127. Weekly rent in Beaufort was $218, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s figure of $230. Nationally, Beaufort's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,216 compared to 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 fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 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 constitute 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 aligns with the average for the Rest of Vic.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 15.5%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (28.4%). Educational participation is high at 32.4%, comprising 12.4% in primary education, 9.6% in secondary education, and 3.1% in tertiary education.

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 in operation, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 15 different routes, collectively facilitating 164 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is assessed as limited, with residents typically residing 1022 meters away from the nearest stop.

The service frequency averages 23 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 20 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Beaufort is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Beaufort faces significant health challenges with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately 48% (~2,475 people) have private health cover, below the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (11.0%) and mental health issues (10.2%). About 59.2% report no medical ailments, compared to 56.8% in Rest of Vic.. Around 25.5% (~1,326 people) are aged 65 and over, lower than the 27.9% in Rest of Vic., but with better health metrics 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 had a cultural diversity level below average, with 82.3% of its population being citizens and 89.3% born in Australia. English was the language spoken at home by 97.5% of residents. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 48.0% of Beaufort's population.

Judaism, however, was overrepresented compared to regional figures, comprising 0.1% locally versus 0.1% across Rest of Vic.. The top three ancestry groups were English (33.2%), Australian (32.4%), and Irish (10.2%). Notably, Scottish ancestry was higher in Beaufort at 9.8%, compared to 9.3% regionally. Dutch ancestry also showed a higher representation at 2.0% locally versus 1.6% regionally, as did Macedonian ancestry at 0.2% versus 0.1%.

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

Beaufort's median age of 48 years is notably older than Rest of 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 15.3%, while the 5-14 group is comparatively smaller at 10.1% compared to Rest of Vic.. 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 increased from 8.7% to 11.0%, and the 15 to 24 cohort has risen from 9.1% to 10.2%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 16.0% to 13.7%. Demographic modeling suggests that Beaufort's age profile will undergo significant changes by 2041. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow steadily, increasing by 270 people (47%) from 573 to 844. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 55 to 64 and 45 to 54 cohorts.