Clayfield

An assessment of population growth drivers in Clayfield reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Clayfield's population is approximately 11,641 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 887 people from the 2021 Census count of 10,754. The growth is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data for June 2024 (11,622) and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 3,973 persons per square kilometer, placing Clayfield in the top 10% of locations assessed by AreaSearch. Between the 2021 Census and February 2026, Clayfield's population growth rate was 8.2%, which is within 1.7 percentage points of the national average (9.9%). Overseas migration contributed approximately 84.1% of overall 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 and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023, based on 2021 data, are adopted. These state projections do not provide age category splits; therefore, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Based on demographic trends and the latest annual ERP population numbers, Clayfield is expected to increase by approximately 735 persons by 2041, reflecting a total gain of 6.2% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Clayfield recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Clayfield has received approximately 20 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 102 homes. As of FY-26, 26 approvals have been recorded. On average, 5.7 people moved to the area per year for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating strong demand outpacing supply. The average construction cost value of new dwellings is $463,000, reflecting a focus on premium segment properties.

In FY-26, $4.1 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, highlighting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Clayfield has 74.0% lower building activity per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, building activity is also lower, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity consists of 75.0% detached dwellings and 25.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining Clayfield's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes.

Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (37.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. With around 730 people per dwelling approval, Clayfield reflects a highly mature market. Future projections estimate Clayfield to add 716 residents by 2041, with building activity keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

Clayfield has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

The performance of an area can be significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 43 such projects that are likely to impact the area. Notable among these are Clayfield Development Aggregate, Northshore Hamilton Street Renewal, Nouveau Albion, and Clayfield Villagio Shopping Centre Revitalisation. The following list details those projects likely 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.

The employment environment in Clayfield shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Clayfield has an educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 3.4%. Over the past year, it had an estimated employment growth of 0.6%.

As of September 2025, 7,310 residents are employed with an unemployment rate of 0.6%, lower than Greater Brisbane's 4.0%. Workforce participation in Clayfield is 76.4%, higher than Greater Brisbane's 70.7%. According to Census responses, 26.5% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries are health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and retail trade.

The area has a high specialization in professional & technical services with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level. However, construction is under-represented at 5.2%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 9.0%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Clayfield saw employment increase by 0.6% alongside labour force growth of 0.7%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 3.8% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a drop in unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Clayfield's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 30, 2023 shows Clayfield SA2 has exceptionally high national income levels. The median income is $69,680 and the average is $112,465. In comparison, Greater Brisbane's figures are a median of $58,236 and an average of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since June 30, 2023, current estimates would be approximately $76,585 for the median income and $123,610 for the average as of September 2025. Census data reveals individual earnings at the 85th percentile nationally are $1,099 weekly. Income brackets indicate that 30.7% of locals (3,573 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 category, consistent with broader trends across the broader area showing 33.3% in the same category. A substantial proportion of high earners, at 30.3%, indicates strong economic capacity throughout Clayfield. High housing costs consume 15.4% of income, but strong earnings still place disposable income at the 62nd percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Clayfield features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Clayfield's dwelling structure in the latest Census showed 37.2% houses and 62.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 77.5% houses and 22.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Clayfield was at 24.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.2% and rented ones at 44.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Clayfield was $350, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Clayfield's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower than the national figure of $375.

Clayfield features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 55.7% of all households, including 23.0% couples with children, 23.2% couples without children, and 7.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 44.3%, with lone person households at 38.6% and group households comprising 5.7%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Clayfield demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Clayfield's educational attainment is notably higher than broader averages. Among residents aged 15+, 48.2% possess university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland (QLD) and 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 31.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.6%) and graduate diplomas (4.7%). Vocational pathways account for 24.8% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 11.1% and certificates at 13.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.3% in tertiary, 7.9% in primary, and 6.8% pursuing secondary education.

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

Clayfield has 51 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 167 routes, facilitating 8,647 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 141 meters to the nearest stop. The area is primarily residential, with most commuters traveling outward. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 70%, followed by trains at 15% and buses at 7%. Vehicle ownership stands at 1.0 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 26.5% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 1,235 trips per day, equating to approximately 169 weekly trips per individual stop.

Clayfield's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Clayfield's health outcomes show remarkable results, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 76% of the total population (8,858 people), compared to 55.8% in Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues affect 9.6% of residents, while asthma impacts 7.4%. A significant majority, 72.4%, report being completely clear of medical ailments, higher than the 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. The under-65 population exhibits better-than-average health outcomes. Clayfield has 16.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,868 people). Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Clayfield was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Clayfield, as per the findings, exhibited higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 18.2% of its residents speaking a language other than English at home and 28.1% being born overseas. Christianity was identified as the predominant religion in Clayfield, comprising 51.2% of the population. Notably, Hinduism showed an overrepresentation in Clayfield compared to Greater Brisbane, with 5.6% versus 2.2%.

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups were English at 26.6%, Australian at 20.7%, and Irish at 11.8%. Some ethnic groups had notable differences in representation: Scottish was overrepresented at 9.1% compared to 7.4% regionally, French at 0.6% versus 0.5%, and German at 4.2% matching the regional figure.

Clayfield's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Clayfield's median age is 38, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 but equal to Australia's median age of 38. The age group of 25-34 shows strong representation at 16.9% compared to Greater Brisbane, while the 0-4 cohort is less prevalent at 4.0%. Between 2021 and present, the 65-74 age group has increased from 7.5% to 8.8% of Clayfield's population. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has decreased from 18.0% to 16.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Clayfield's age structure. Notably, the 75-84 group is projected to grow by 52%, reaching 925 people from a previous count of 608. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 70% of the projected growth. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 5-14 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.