Caulfield

Population growth drivers in Caulfield are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, Caulfield's population is estimated at around 6,108 people. This reflects an increase of 360 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,748. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population being 5,985 as of June 2024, based on ABS ERP data and 41 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 4,155 persons per square kilometer, placing Caulfield in the top 10% nationally according to AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 6.3% since the Census is within 0.8 percentage points of its SA4 region's growth rate of 7.1%. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains during recent periods.

For projections, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. By 2041, Caulfield's population is projected to expand by 1,103 persons, reflecting a gain of 17.2% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Caulfield according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Caulfield shows an average of approximately 27 dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 139 homes were approved, with a further 4 approved so far in FY-26. Over these five years, an estimated 0.5 new residents were added per year per dwelling constructed.

This suggests that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth above projections. The average expected construction cost of new dwellings is $784,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, $7.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting Caulfield's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Caulfield records about three-quarters the building activity per person and places among the 62nd percentile of areas assessed nationally. Recent construction comprises 9.0% detached dwellings and 91.0% attached dwellings, suggesting a shift towards higher-density living to create more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

This represents a notable change from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 40.0% houses. With around 240 people per dwelling approval, Caulfield indicates a developing market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Caulfield is projected to add 1,051 residents by 2041. Construction is maintaining pace with projected growth, although buyers may face increasing competition as population increases.

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

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes to its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified nine such projects that could impact this area. Notable ones include the Former ABC Elsternwick Studio Site at 8 Gordon Street, the Elsternwick Cultural Precinct, the implementation of the Elsternwick Structure Plan, and the Fabric Residential Development. The following list details those considered 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.

Caulfield has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Caulfield has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 4.6% as of June 2025, aligning with Greater Melbourne's rate but with slightly lower workforce participation at 61.6%.

Key employment industries include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area specializes in professional & technical jobs, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level, while construction shows lower representation at 5.7% compared to the regional average of 9.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the year ending June 2025, labour force levels increased by 1.3%, but employment decreased slightly by 0.1%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.4 percentage points.

In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 3.5% and unemployment increase by only 0.5 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in Sep-22, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Caulfield's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.3% over five years and 14.7% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

The latest AreaSearch postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Caulfield has exceptionally high incomes nationally. The median income is $59,575 and the average income stands at $95,119. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's figures of a median income of $54,892 and an average income of $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $66,819 (median) and $106,685 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Caulfield, between the 74th and 76th percentiles nationally. Looking at income distribution, the predominant cohort spans 29.0% of locals (1,771 people) with incomes ranging from $1,500 to $2,999 per week. This pattern is similar to the broader area where 32.8% of residents fall within this range. A substantial proportion of high earners, at 35.3%, indicates strong economic capacity throughout the district. Housing accounts for 14.9% of income and strong earnings rank residents within the 76th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Caulfield displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Caulfield's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 39.9% houses and 60.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 47.8% houses and 52.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Caulfield stood at 38.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.5% and rented dwellings at 32.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,500, surpassing Melbourne metro's average of $2,396. The median weekly rent in Caulfield was recorded at $475, compared to Melbourne metro's $435. Nationally, Caulfield's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Caulfield features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 68.3 percent of all households, including 29.8 percent couples with children, 28.3 percent couples without children, and 8.4 percent single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 31.7 percent, with lone person households at 26.7 percent and group households making up 5.2 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.5.

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

Caulfield's residents aged 15+ have a higher proportion with university qualifications (52.5%) than the national average (30.4%) or Victoria state average (33.4%). Bachelor degrees are most common at 35.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.0%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Vocational pathways account for 20.5% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 11.1% and certificates at 9.4%. Educational participation is high, with 29.2% currently enrolled in formal education: tertiary (8.3%), primary (8.1%), secondary (7.4%).

Educational facilities seem to be located outside Caulfield's immediate boundaries, requiring residents to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

Caulfield has 27 active public transport stops operating currently. These include a mix of light rail and bus services. Five different routes serve these stops, collectively providing 2,481 weekly passenger trips.

Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 166 meters to the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 354 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 91 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Caulfield are marginally below the national average with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Caulfield's health indicators show below-average results, with common health conditions among its general population being somewhat typical but higher than the national average for older cohorts. Approximately 64% of Caulfield's total population (3,926 people) have private health cover, which is exceptionally high compared to the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 9.5% and 6.2% of residents respectively. However, 69.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, which is lower than the 74.0% figure for Greater Melbourne. Caulfield has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 24.2% (1,478 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 16.8%. Health outcomes among seniors in Caulfield present some challenges that require more attention than those for the broader population.

Caulfield is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Caulfield's population shows high cultural diversity, with 30.9% speaking a language other than English at home and 42.1% born overseas. The predominant religion is Judaism, comprising 44.5%, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's 17.5%. In ancestry, the top groups are Other (22.4%), Australian (17.3%), and English (14.7%).

Notably, Polish (6.7%) and Russian (4.3%) populations exceed regional averages of 3.1% and 2.2%, respectively, while South African stands at 3.9% compared to the region's 1.4%.

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

The median age in Caulfield is 42 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's average of 38 years. The 75-84 age group comprises 8.8% of Caulfield's population, compared to Greater Melbourne, while the 35-44 cohort makes up 12.0%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15-24 age group has increased from 11.6% to 13.4%, and the 75-84 cohort has risen from 7.0% to 8.8%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort has decreased from 12.5% to 11.1%, and the 45-54 group has dropped from 12.5% to 11.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest significant demographic changes in Caulfield, with the 75-84 age group expected to grow by 52% (279 people), reaching 817 from 537. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 60% of total population growth, indicating the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0-4 cohort is projected to show minimal growth of just 3% (7 people).