Caulfield

Population growth drivers in Caulfield are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

The estimated population of the suburb of Caulfield is around 6,214 as of February 2026. This figure reflects an increase of 466 people since the Census in 2021, which reported a population of 5,748. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 6,145 following their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 41 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 4,227 persons per square kilometer, placing Caulfield in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 8.1% growth since the census is within 0.6 percentage points of the SA4 region (8.7%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was primarily responsible for population growth 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, they utilise the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting with a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to demographic trends, an above median population growth is projected for the suburb of Caulfield, with an expected expansion of 1,071 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 14.6% in total over these 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 allocated from statistical area data indicates Caulfield experienced approximately 29 dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, around 148 homes were approved, with a further seven approved in FY-26 to date. This results in an average of about 0.5 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over these five years, suggesting supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth above projections.

The average expected construction cost value for new dwellings over this period was approximately $784,000, indicating developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26 alone, around $35.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating significant local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Caulfield records roughly three-quarters of the building activity per capita and ranks among the 56th percentile nationally based on areas assessed. Recent construction comprises approximately 15.0% detached dwellings and 85.0% attached dwellings, reflecting 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 of currently 40.0% houses, suggesting decreasing availability of developable sites and adapting to changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options.

With around 279 people per dwelling approval, Caulfield exhibits a developing market with future projections indicating an addition of approximately 906 residents by 2041 based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Construction is maintaining pace with projected growth, although increasing competition among buyers can be expected as population grows.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones include Former ABC Elsternwick Studio Site (8 Gordon Street), Elsternwick Cultural Precinct, Elsternwick Structure Plan Implementation, and Fabric Residential Development. The following list details those 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's workforce is highly educated with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 4.6% as of September 2025, aligning with Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation lagged at 64.9%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%.

A significant 45.6% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Leading industries include professional & technical services, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area specializes in professional & technical jobs, with employment share at 1.5 times the regional level, while construction representation is lower at 5.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work.

Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.4%, but employment decreased by 0.2%, leading to a 0.6 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 3.0%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national growth rates 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.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ended June 30, 2023 shows median assessed income in Caulfield suburb was $59,575 with average income at $95,119. In Greater Melbourne, median income was $57,688 and average income was $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% from July 1, 2023 to September 2025, current estimates for Caulfield would be approximately $64,490 (median) and $102,966 (average). Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Caulfield rank between the 74th and 76th percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals that 29.0% of locals (1,802 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly income category, similar to broader area's 32.8%. High earners make up a substantial proportion at 35.3%, indicating strong economic capacity. Housing accounts for 14.9% of income with residents ranking high at the 76th percentile for disposable income. 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 structure, 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 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Caulfield stood at 38.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.5% and rented ones at 32.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,500, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Caulfield was $475, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Caulfield's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,500 versus 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 account for 68.3% of all households, including 29.8% couples with children, 28.3% couples without children, and 8.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 31.7%, with lone person households at 26.7% and group households comprising 5.2%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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 educational attainment is notably higher than national averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 52.5% hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and Victoria's 33.4%. This educational advantage is largely due to bachelor degrees (35.9%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.0%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Vocational pathways account for 20.5%, with advanced diplomas at 11.1% and certificates at 9.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.3% in tertiary, 8.1% in primary, and 7.4% in secondary education.

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 offering a mix of lightrail and bus services. These are served by 5 routes providing a total of 3,560 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 166 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 78%, while train usage stands at 10%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 45.6% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 508 trips daily across all routes, translating to approximately 131 weekly trips per individual stop.

Caulfield's residents are extremely healthy with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Caulfield. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were assessed by AreaSearch. Prevalence of common health conditions was low among the general population, but higher than the national average in older, at-risk cohorts.

Private health cover rate was exceptionally high at approximately 64% of the total population (3,994 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions were mental health issues impacting 9.5% of residents and arthritis affecting 6.2%, while 69.4% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents had low chronic condition prevalence. Caulfield has 25.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,559 people), higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking lower nationally than 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 cultural diversity is notable, with 30.9% of its residents speaking a language other than English at home and 42.1% born overseas. The dominant religion in Caulfield is Judaism, comprising 44.5% of the population, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's 1.0%. In terms of ancestry, the top groups are Other (22.4%), Australian (17.3%), and English (14.7%).

Notably, Polish (6.7%) and Russian (4.3%) populations in Caulfield exceed regional averages of 0.8% and 0.4%, respectively, while South African ancestry is also higher at 3.9%.

Caulfield's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Caulfield as of the 2021 Census was 42 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. The 75-84 age group constituted 9.6% of Caulfield's population in 2021, compared to the 7.0% recorded in the previous Census. Conversely, the 35-44 cohort made up 11.9% of Caulfield's population in 2021, down from 12.5% in the previous Census. The 15-24 age group increased from 11.6% to 13.5%, while the 65-74 cohort decreased from 12.5% to 11.1%. Population forecasts for Caulfield indicate significant demographic changes by 2041, with the 85+ age group projected to grow by 90% (from 273 to 520 people). The combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 59% of total population growth, reflecting Caulfield's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 15-24 cohort is projected to decline by 6 people.