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 11,773 as of May 2026. This figure reflects a growth of 1,019 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,754. The increase is inferred from ABS data: an estimated resident population of 11,773 in June 2025 and 41 new addresses validated since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 4,018 persons per square kilometer, placing Clayfield among the top 10% of locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 9.5% since the 2021 Census exceeds the national average of 9.3%, indicating it as a growth leader in its region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 83.0% of Clayfield's population gains during recent periods.

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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Future population trends suggest Clayfield will experience a growth just below the national median by 2041. Based on latest annual ERP population numbers, the area is expected to expand by 580 persons over this period, reflecting an overall gain of 4.9%.

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 per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 102 homes were approved, with an additional 31 approved so far in FY-26. On average, around 5.7 new residents have arrived annually for each dwelling constructed during this period.

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

Nationally, development activity is also lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity in Clayfield consists of 75.0% detached dwellings and 25.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. This proportion favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (37.0% at Census), demonstrating ongoing robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. Clayfield has around 730 people per dwelling approval, reflecting a highly mature market. Looking ahead, AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects that Clayfield will grow by approximately 580 residents through to 2041. Present construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Clayfield has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 41 projects that may impact the area. Notable projects include Clayfield Development Aggregate, Northshore Hamilton Street Renewal, Nouveau Albion, and Clayfield Villagio Shopping Centre Revitalisation. The following list details those 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.

Employment performance in Clayfield has been broadly consistent with national averages

Clayfield has an educated workforce with professional services well represented. Its unemployment rate was 3.9% as of December 2025. Over the past year, employment stability remained relatively consistent.

By December 2025, 7,336 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate 0.3% lower than Greater Brisbane's 4.1%. Workforce participation was high at 75.9%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 69.6%. According to Census responses, 26.5% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade.

The area had a notable concentration in professional & technical services, with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average. However, construction had limited presence at 5.2%, compared to the regional average of 9.0%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.3% while labour force grew by 1.3%, leading to a rise in unemployment by 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 3.2%, labour force grow by 3.0%, and unemployment fall by 0.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in May-25, project national 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.

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 2023. Clayfield SA2 had a median income of $69,680 and an average income of $112,465 among taxpayers. These figures placed Clayfield in the top percentile nationally compared to Greater Brisbane's median of $58,236 and average of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 would be approximately $77,596 (median) and $125,241 (average). According to the 2021 Census, individual earnings at the 85th percentile nationally were $1,099 weekly. The earnings profile showed that 30.7% of locals (3,614 people) fell into the $1,500 - $2,999 income category, similar to the surrounding region where this cohort represented 33.3%. Economic strength was evident with 30.3% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. High housing costs consumed 15.4% of income, but strong earnings placed disposable income 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The latest Census recorded that 37.2% of dwellings in Clayfield were houses, with the remaining 62.8% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. In comparison, Brisbane metro had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Clayfield stood at 24.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.2% and rented ones at 44.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. The 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% have university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland and 30.4% nationwide. 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% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.3% in tertiary education, 7.9% in primary education, 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 operational 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. The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 141 meters, indicating excellent transport accessibility. Primarily residential, most Clayfield residents commute outward. Cars remain the dominant mode of transportation at 70%, with trains accounting for 15% and buses for 7%. On average, there is one vehicle per dwelling, below the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 26.5% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 1,235 trips daily, 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 data shows excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were very low across all age groups. Private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 76% of the total population (8,959 people), compared to 55.8% in Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions were mental health issues affecting 9.6% of residents and asthma impacting 7.4%, while 72.4% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% in Greater Brisbane. The under-65 population had better than average health outcomes. The area has 15.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,801 people). Health outcomes among seniors were particularly strong, broadly in line 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's population showed higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 18.2% speaking a language other than English at home and 28.1% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Clayfield, accounting for 51.2%. Hinduism had an overrepresentation of 5.6%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 2.2%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (26.6%), Australian (20.7%), and Irish (11.8%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Scottish was higher at 9.1% in Clayfield versus 7.4% regionally, French was slightly higher at 0.6% compared to 0.5%, and German remained the same at 4.2%.

Clayfield's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Clayfield's median age is 37 years, closely matching Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and nearing Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Clayfield has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (18.3%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (10.6%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the 65-74 age group has increased from 7.5% to 8.4%, while the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 14.0% to 12.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Clayfield's age profile will change significantly. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 51%, adding 299 residents to reach 885. Residents aged 65 and above are expected to drive 71% of population growth. Conversely, the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are anticipated to experience population declines.