Clayfield

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Clayfield's population is around 11,641 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 887 people (8.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,754 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,622 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 42 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 3,973 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, making land in the area a highly sought resource. Clayfield's 8.2% growth since the census positions it within 1.7 percentage points of the national average (9.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 84.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Moving forward with demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of national statistical areas is expected, with the area expected to expand by 735 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 6.2% in total over the 17 years.

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 experienced around 20 dwellings receiving development approval annually, totalling 102 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 27 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 5.7 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $463,000, demonstrating a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. Additionally, $4.1 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

Compared to Greater Brisbane, Clayfield records markedly lower building activity (74.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This activity is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. New building activity shows 75.0% detached dwellings and 25.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. 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 show Clayfield adding 716 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Building activity is 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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 43 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Clayfield Development Aggregate, Northshore Hamilton Street Renewal, Nouveau Albion, and Clayfield Villagio Shopping Centre Revitalisation, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 labour market in Clayfield demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Clayfield features a highly educated workforce, with professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of only 3.9%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 7,336 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.3% below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (77.1% compared to Greater Brisbane's 71.2%). Based on Census responses, a high 26.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and retail trade. The area shows particularly strong specialization in professional & technical, with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level. On the other hand, construction is under-represented, with only 5.2% of Clayfield's workforce compared to 9.0% in Greater Brisbane. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 0.3% alongside labour force increasing by 1.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 3.2% and labour force growth of 3.0%, with a 0.1 percentage point drop. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Clayfield. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Clayfield's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.6% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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 FY-23 reveals that income in the Clayfield SA2 is exceptionally high nationally, with the median assessed at $69,680 while the average income stands at $112,465. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane's figures of a median income of $58,236 and an average income of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $76,585 (median) and $123,610 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals individual earnings stand out at the 85th percentile nationally ($1,099 weekly). Income brackets indicate the predominant cohort spans 30.7% of locals (3,573 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, consistent with broader trends across the area showing 33.3% in the same category. The substantial proportion of high earners (30.3% above $3,000/week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout Clayfield. High housing costs consume 15.4% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 62nd percentile and 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

Dwelling structure within Clayfield, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 37.2% houses and 62.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Clayfield was slightly lagging that of Brisbane metro, at 24.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (31.2%) or rented (44.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Brisbane metro average at $2,000, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $350, compared to Brisbane metro's $1,863 and $380. Nationally, Clayfield's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less 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 dominate at 55.7% of all households, comprising 23.0% couples with children, 23.2% couples without children, and 7.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 44.3%, with lone person households at 38.6% and group households comprising 5.7% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people 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

Educational attainment in Clayfield significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 48.2% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 25.7% in QLD and 30.4% in Australia. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 31.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.6%) and graduate diplomas (4.7%). Vocational pathways account for 24.8% of qualifications among those aged 15+; advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (13.7%).

Educational participation is notably 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.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 51 active transport stops operating within Clayfield, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 167 individual routes, collectively providing 8,647 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 141 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 70%, with 15% by train and 7% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A high 26.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 1,235 trips per day across all routes, 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

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Clayfield, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 76% of the total population (8,858 people). This compares to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be mental health issues and asthma, impacting 9.6% and 7.4% of residents, respectively, while 72.4% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 16.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,868 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with 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 was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 18.2% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 28.1% born overseas. The main religion in Clayfield is Christianity, which makes up 51.2% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Hinduism, which comprises 5.6% of the population, compared to 2.2% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Clayfield are English, comprising 26.6% of the population, Australian, comprising 20.7% of the population, and Irish, comprising 11.8% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Scottish is notably overrepresented at 9.1% of Clayfield (vs 7.4% regionally), French at 0.6% (vs 0.5%) and German at 4.2% (vs 4.2%).

Clayfield's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

With a median age of 38, Clayfield is slightly older than the Greater Brisbane figure of 36, though equal to Australia's 38 years. The 25 - 34 age group shows strong representation at 16.9% compared to Greater Brisbane, whereas the 0 - 4 cohort is less prevalent at 4.0%. In the period since 2021, the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 7.5% to 8.8% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 18.0% to 16.9%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Clayfield's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 52% (316 people), reaching 925 from 608. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 70% of projected growth. On the other hand, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.