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 11,618 as of November 2025. This represents an increase of 864 people, or about 8%, since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 10,754. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,622 in June 2024 and an additional 42 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,965 persons per square kilometer, placing Clayfield in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's 8% growth since the census is within 0.9 percentage points of the national average (8.9%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 84.1% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary population growth in Clayfield.

AreaSearch adopts 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 are used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 using 2022 data as the base year. Examining future population trends, Clayfield is expected to increase by approximately 735 persons by 2041 based on the latest population numbers, recording a gain of about 6.4% 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 averaged approximately 20 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25102 homes were approved, with an additional 25 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, around 5.7 new residents per year have been arriving due to these dwellings constructed over the same period.

This indicates a significant demand exceeding supply, which typically results in price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction value of new properties is $463,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, $4.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Clayfield has significantly less development activity, being 74.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties.

This trend is also seen nationally, indicating market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity in Clayfield consists of 75.0% detached dwellings and 25.0% townhouses or apartments, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. This favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (37.0% at Census), demonstrating ongoing robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. Clayfield reflects a highly mature market with around 730 people per dwelling approval. Looking ahead, Clayfield is expected to grow by 739 residents through to 2041. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 43 projects that may impact the area. Notable projects include Clayfield Development Aggregate, Northshore Hamilton Street Renewal, Charlton House - Ascot Green Stage 3, and Nouveau Albion. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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Clayfield ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Clayfield has a highly educated workforce. Professional services are strongly represented with an unemployment rate of 3.0%.

Over the past year, there was estimated employment growth of 3.6%. As of June 2025, 7,501 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.1% below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Clayfield is 71.8%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade.

The area has a particularly notable concentration in professional & technical services, with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average. Construction, however, has limited presence with 5.2% employment compared to 9.0% regionally. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 3.6% and labour force increased by 2.8%, resulting in a decrease in unemployment by 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 4.4%, the labour force grow by 4.0%, and unemployment fall by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Clayfield's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 7.2% over five years and 14.6% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022. Clayfield's median income among taxpayers was $67,395 with an average of $116,622. This placed it in the top percentile nationally. Greater Brisbane had a median income of $55,645 and an average of $70,520. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022, current estimates for Clayfield are approximately $76,824 (median) and $132,937 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census figures showed individual earnings at the 86th percentile nationally ($1,099 weekly). In Clayfield, 30.7% of locals (3,566 people) earned between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, similar to the surrounding region where this cohort represented 33.3%. High earning households, exceeding $3,000 weekly, made up 30.3%, indicating strong consumer spending. Housing costs consumed 15.4% of income, but disposable income ranked at the 62nd percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 8th decile.

Clayfield features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Clayfield's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 37.2% houses and 62.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Brisbane metro had 36.5% houses and 63.6% 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, below Brisbane metro's average of $2,167. Median weekly rent in Clayfield was $350, compared to Brisbane metro's $410. 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 fairly typical 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 44.3%, with lone person households at 38.6% and group households comprising 5.7%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which aligns with the Greater Brisbane average.

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

In Clayfield, educational attainment is notably higher than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15 and above, 48.2% hold university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland and 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are the most common 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. This includes 9.3% in tertiary education, 7.9% in primary education, and 6.8% pursuing secondary education. Clayfield's four schools have a combined enrollment of 3,063 students. The area has significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement (ICSEA: 1149). It functions as an education hub with 26.4 school places per 100 residents, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Clayfield has 52 active public transport stops, serving a mix of train and bus services. These stops are covered by 134 individual routes, offering a total of 8,672 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 141 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency stands at 1,238 daily trips across all routes, translating to about 166 weekly trips per individual stop.

Clayfield's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Clayfield. Both young and old age cohorts have low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 79% of the total population (9,166 people), compared to 71.3% across Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 9.6 and 7.4% of residents respectively. A total of 72.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 73.7% across Greater Brisbane. The area has 15.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,774 people), higher than the 12.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Clayfield 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

Clayfield's cultural diversity was notable, with 18.2% of its population speaking a language other than English at home as of the 2016 Census. This figure exceeded that of most local markets. Additionally, 28.1% of Clayfield residents were born overseas.

Christianity was the dominant religion in Clayfield, accounting for 51.2% of its population. However, Hinduism stood out with a higher representation at 5.6%, compared to the Greater Brisbane average of 2.7%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups in Clayfield were English (26.6%), Australian (20.7%), and Irish (11.8%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Scottish was slightly overrepresented at 9.1% compared to the regional figure of 8.7%, while French was underrepresented at 0.6% versus 0.7%. German ancestry was also present, with a representation of 4.2% in Clayfield.

Clayfield's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Clayfield's median age is nearly 37 years, closely matching Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and approaching Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Clayfield has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (17.9%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (10.7%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 65-74 age group has increased from 7.5% to 8.3%, while the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 14.0% to 13.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Clayfield's age profile. The 65-74 cohort is expected to grow by 36%, adding 350 residents to reach 1,318. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 69% of population growth, indicating demographic aging trends. Conversely, the 5-14 and 0-4 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.