Caulfield

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

The population of Caulfield is estimated at around 6,214 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 466 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,748. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 6,145 residents following examination of ABS data released in June 2024, and an additional 41 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to 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 census positions it within 0.6 percentage points of its SA4 region (8.7%). Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb of Caulfield is expected to grow by 1,130 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 17.1% over the 17-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Caulfield averaged approximately 29 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 148 homes. As of FY-26, 7 approvals have been recorded. The average population increase per dwelling built in Caulfield between FY-21 and FY-25 was 0.4 people per year, indicating that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering more buyer choices while supporting potential population growth above projections. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $784,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This financial year has seen $35.4 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Caulfield records about three-quarters the building activity per person and ranks among the 56th percentile nationally when measured against other areas assessed. New development consists of 15.0% standalone homes and 85.0% townhouses or apartments, creating more affordable entry points and suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 40.0% houses. Caulfield reflects a transitioning market with around 279 people per approval.

Looking ahead, AreaSearch estimates that Caulfield is expected to grow by 1,061 residents through to 2041. Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers may encounter growing competition as population increases.

Caulfield 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 seven projects likely to impact the area. Key projects 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.

Employment conditions in Caulfield remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Caulfield has an educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 4.4% in December 2025, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.8%. Workforce participation was 64.2%, below Greater Melbourne's 71.3%.

A significant 45.6% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries for employment were professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area had a high specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. Construction employed only 5.7% of local workers compared to Greater Melbourne's 9.7%.

Many residents commuted elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.4%, employment declined by 0.2%, and unemployment fell by 0.2 percentage points in Caulfield. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 2.4% over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest total employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years nationally. Applying these projections to Caulfield's employment mix indicates potential local growth of 7.3% over five years and 14.7% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released on 30 June 2023, the suburb of Caulfield's median income among taxpayers is $59,575, with an average of $95,119. This is high nationally compared to Greater Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $64,490 (median) and $102,966 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Caulfield rank highly nationally, between the 74th and 76th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 29.0% of residents (1,802 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, reflecting patterns seen in surrounding regions where 32.8% similarly occupy this range. Caulfield demonstrates significant affluence with 35.3% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. Housing accounts for 14.9% of income while 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 structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 39.9% houses and 60.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Melbourne metro had 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 $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 Australia's 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 constitute 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 has a notably high level of educational attainment among residents aged 15 and above, with 52.5% holding university qualifications. This exceeds the national average of 30.4% and the Victorian average of 33.4%. The area's educational advantage is reflected in its knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 35.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.0%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%).

Vocational pathways account for 20.5% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas making up 11.1% and certificates 9.4%. Educational participation in Caulfield is high, with 29.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.3% in tertiary education, 8.1% in primary education, and 7.4% pursuing 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 operating within it, comprising a mix of light rail and bus services. These stops are serviced by 5 individual routes that collectively provide 3,560 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 166 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 78%, with 10% using the train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 45.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 508 trips per day across all routes, equating 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 to be low among the general population, though higher than the national average among older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 64% of the total population (3,994 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and 55.7% nationally.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 9.5 and 6.2% of residents respectively, while 69.4% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 25.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,559 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they rank 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 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 compared to just 1.0% across Greater Melbourne. Regarding ancestry, the top three groups are Other (22.4%), Australian (17.3%), and English (14.7%).

Notably, Polish (6.7%) and Russian (4.3%) residents in Caulfield are significantly higher than regional averages of 0.8% and 0.4%, respectively. Additionally, South Australian residents in Caulfield comprise 3.9%, compared to the regional average of 0.4%.

Caulfield's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Caulfield is 42 years, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's average of 38 years. The 75-84 age group makes up 9.7% of Caulfield's population, compared to Greater Melbourne's figure, while the 35-44 age group constitutes 12.1%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 7.0% to 9.7%, and the 15 to 24 cohort has risen from 11.6% to 13.5%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has decreased from 12.5% to 11.0%, and the 45 to 54 group has fallen from 12.5% to 11.2%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Caulfield. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 92%, reaching 525 people from 273. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 53% of total population growth, reflecting Caulfield's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 15 to 24 and 55 to 64 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.