Caulfield South

Caulfield South has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

The population of the Caulfield South statistical area (Lv2) was estimated at 12,992 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 664 people from the 2021 Census count of 12,328. The growth is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 12,830 in June 2024 and the validation of 283 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,973 persons per square kilometer, placing the area within the top 10% nationally assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary driver for this growth.

AreaSearch's projections for Caulfield South (SA2) are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia figures released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and VIC State Government Regional/LGA projections from 2023 adjusted using weighted aggregation. These projections indicate an above median population growth for the area, with an expected increase of 2,036 persons by 2041, reflecting a total rise of 15.1% over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Caulfield South when compared nationally

Caulfield South experienced approximately 103 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 518 homes. As of FY26, 17 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.2 people moved to the area per dwelling built between FY21 and FY25. This suggests new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, offering more options for buyers and potentially driving population growth beyond current projections.

The average expected construction cost of new properties is $784,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Commercial development approvals in Caulfield South reached $74.1 million this financial year, demonstrating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Caulfield South shows elevated construction activity, at 27.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. New building activity comprises 18.0% detached houses and 82.0% medium to high-density housing.

This shift from the area's current 55.0% houses indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles, with a need for more diverse, affordable housing options. Caulfield South has a population density of around 153 people per dwelling approval, characteristic of a low-density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Caulfield South is projected to gain 1,963 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Caulfield South has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 11 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are Former ABC Elsternwick Studio Site (8 Gordon Street), Olive Green, Elsternwick Cultural Precinct, 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.

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AreaSearch analysis indicates Caulfield South maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Caulfield South has a highly educated workforce with professional services being well-represented. Its unemployment rate was 3.7% in the past year, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.7%.

As of September 2025, 7,252 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.0% below Greater Melbourne's rate and workforce participation similar to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. The leading employment industries are professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Caulfield South specializes particularly in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level. However, construction shows lower representation at 6.0% compared to the regional average of 9.7%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data on working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.2% in Caulfield South while labour force increased by 0.7%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a smaller increase in unemployment rate of 0.3 percentage points. As of 25-Nov-25, Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.3%, and employment growth outpaced the national average of 0.14%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Caulfield South's employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to its local employment mix.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023, Caulfield South had a median taxpayer income of $65,423 and an average income of $104,456. Nationally, these figures are exceptionally high, compared to Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $70,820 (median) and $113,074 (average). The 2021 Census shows Caulfield South's household, family, and personal incomes rank between the 84th and 86th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 28.1% of residents earn over $4,000, differing from regional patterns where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates at 32.8%. High weekly earnings exceeding $3,000 are achieved by 40.6% of households, supporting elevated consumer spending. High housing costs consume 15.7% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 85th percentile, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

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

Caulfield South's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 54.7% houses and 45.3% 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 South was at 37.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.1% and rented ones at 26.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,889, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,396. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $496, compared to Melbourne metro's $435. Nationally, Caulfield South's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Caulfield South has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 72.7% of all households, including 37.0% couples with children, 26.6% couples without children, and 8.1% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 27.3%, with lone person households at 23.9% and group households making up 3.4%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.5.

Caulfield South 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 Caulfield South is notably higher than national averages. As of the latest data, 52.1% of residents aged 15 years and above hold university qualifications, surpassing Australia's 30.4% and Victoria's 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 34.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.8%) and graduate diplomas (4.8%). Vocational pathways account for 21.4% of qualifications among those aged 15 years and above, with advanced diplomas at 10.7% and certificates also at 10.7%.

Educational participation is high in Caulfield South, with 29.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.4% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 6.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Caulfield South has 57 active public transport stops, operating a mix of lightrail and buses. These are served by 6 routes that together facilitate 4,174 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 191 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency is high, with 596 daily trips across all routes, equating to about 73 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Caulfield South is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Caulfield South shows superior health outcomes for both younger and older age groups, with low prevalence of common conditions. Private health cover stands at approximately 68% of its total population of 8,824 people, higher than Greater Melbourne's 65.8%, and the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues affect 7.2% of residents, while arthritis impacts 6.5%.

Notably, 71.9% report no medical ailments, compared to 74.0% in Greater Melbourne. The area has 19.7% of residents aged 65 and over (2,559 people), higher than Greater Melbourne's 16.8%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, mirroring the general population's health profile.

Caulfield South was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Caulfield South has high cultural diversity, with 26.4% speaking a language other than English at home and 38.0% born overseas. The predominant religion is Judaism, at 39.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 17.5%. Top ancestry groups are Other (20.0%), Australian (19.2%), and English (16.5%).

Notably, Russian (3.9%) and Polish (5.9%) are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 2.2% and 3.1%, respectively. South African ancestry is also higher at 3.6% versus the region's 1.4%.

Caulfield South's median age exceeds the national pattern

Caulfield South's median age is 41 years, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and slightly older than Australia's median of 38. Locally, the 75-84 age cohort is notably over-represented at 7.3%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 12.0%. Post-2021 Census, the 15-24 age group grew from 10.8% to 12.7%, and the 75-84 cohort increased from 5.5% to 7.3%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group declined from 14.0% to 12.9%, and the 65-74 group dropped from 11.1% to 10.0%. Demographic projections indicate significant changes in Caulfield South's age profile by 2041. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 51%, adding 482 residents to reach 1,431. The 0-4 age group is expected to grow at a more modest rate of 5%, adding only 29 residents.