Caulfield

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

As of Nov 2025, the population of the Caulfield statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 6,213 people. This reflects an increase of 465 people since the Census in 2021, which reported a population of 5,748 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population being 6,145 as of June 2024, along with validation of additional 41 new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 4,226 persons per square kilometer, placing Caulfield (SA2) within the top 10% nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. The area's growth rate of 8.1% since the census is close to that of its SA4 region at 8.5%. Overseas migration was the primary driver for this population increase.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 adjusted to SA2 levels for areas not covered by the former data. Future demographic trends project an above median growth for the Caulfield (SA2), with an expected expansion of 1,065 persons to reach a total population of around 7,278 by 2041, reflecting a gain of approximately 14.6% 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 has experienced approximately 29 dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, FY-21 to FY-25, around 148 homes were approved, with a further 7 approved in FY-26 so far. This indicates that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering greater buyer choice and supporting potential population growth above projections.

The average new resident per year per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years was 0.5. Developments are focused on the premium market with an average construction cost of $784,000. In FY-26, Caulfield has recorded $35.4 million in commercial development approvals, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Caulfield records about three-quarters the building activity per person and places among the 56th percentile of areas assessed nationally. Recent construction comprises 15.0% detached dwellings and 85.0% attached dwellings, indicating 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, currently at 40.0% houses. With around 279 people per dwelling approval, Caulfield shows a developing market with future projections estimating an addition of 908 residents by 2041 based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Construction is maintaining 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 in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects that could impact this region. 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 likely to be 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 an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate is 4.6%, stable over the past year according to AreaSearch data aggregation.

As of September 2025, 3,244 residents are employed, aligning with Greater Melbourne's 4.7% unemployment rate but having lower workforce participation at 61.6%. Key employment industries include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Notably, professional & technical jobs are 1.5 times the regional average while construction is lower at 5.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data.

Over September 2024 to September 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.4% with employment decreasing by 0.2%, raising unemployment by 0.6 percentage points in Caulfield. Conversely, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 3.0%. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, slightly higher than the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Caulfield's employment mix suggests local jobs could increase by 7.3% in five years and 14.7% in ten years, though this is a simple 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 2023 shows that Caulfield suburb has a high national median income of $59,575 and an average income of $95,119. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's figures of a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Caulfield are approximately $64,490 (median) and $102,966 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that household, family, and personal incomes in Caulfield rank highly nationally, between the 74th and 76th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 29.0% of locals (1,801 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, similar to the broader area where 32.8% occupy this range. A substantial proportion of high earners (35.3%) indicates strong economic capacity in the district. Housing accounts for 14.9% of income, and residents rank 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, comprised 39.9% houses and 60.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Melbourne metro had 47.8% houses and 52.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Caulfield was at 38.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.5% and rented ones at 32.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,500, higher than Melbourne metro's $2,396. The median weekly rent figure in Caulfield was $475, compared to Melbourne metro's $435. Nationally, Caulfield's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863 and rents substantially above the national average of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 31.7%, with lone person households at 26.7% and group households making up 5.2%. 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 educational attainment is notably higher than national and state averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 52.5% have university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 33.4% in Victoria. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 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 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, including lightrail and bus services. These stops are served by five routes that collectively facilitate 3,560 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 166 meters to the nearest stop.

The service frequency is 508 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 131 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 compared to national norms. Common health conditions are prevalent among its general population at levels slightly above the national average for older cohorts but similar overall.

Private health cover is exceptionally high in Caulfield, with approximately 64% of the total population (3,993 people) having it, compared to the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 9.5% and 6.2% of residents respectively. Conversely, 69.4% of Caulfield residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 74.0% across Greater Melbourne. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, with 24.3% (1,509 people) compared to the 16.8% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors 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 comprises 30.9% who speak a language other than English at home, with 42.1% born overseas. The predominant religion is Judaism, at 44.5%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 17.5%. Top ancestry groups include Other (22.4%), Australian (17.3%), and English (14.7%).

Notably, Polish (6.7%) and Russian (4.3%) are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 3.1% and 2.2%, respectively. South African ancestry is also higher at 3.9%.

Caulfield's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Caulfield is 42 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and Australia's national average of 38 years. The 75-84 age group comprises 8.9% of the population in Caulfield, compared to a lower prevalence of the 35-44 cohort at 12.0%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 11.6% to 13.5%, while the 75 to 84 cohort has grown from 7.0% to 8.9%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 age group has declined from 12.5% to 11.1%, and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 12.5% to 11.3%. Population forecasts for Caulfield in 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes, with the 75 to 84 age group projected to grow by 47 people (from 552 to 814), accounting for 65% of total population growth. In contrast, the 15 to 24 cohort is expected to decline by 6 people.