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 Caulfield South was estimated at 12,993 as of February 2026. This figure reflects an increase of 665 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 12,328. AreaSearch's analysis of ABS data and new addresses validated by them shows this growth is inferred from a resident population estimate of 12,830 in June 2024 and an additional 284 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a high population density ratio of 3,973 persons per square kilometer, placing Caulfield South among the top 10% of locations nationally. Overseas migration was the primary driver of this growth.

AreaSearch's projections for Caulfield South are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 are used with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation methods. Projected demographic shifts indicate an above median population growth for the suburb, with an expected expansion to 15,023 persons by 2041, reflecting a 15.1% increase over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Caulfield South had approximately 103 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 518 homes. As of FY26, there have been 17 approvals recorded. The average population increase per year for each dwelling built was 0.2 people between FY21 and FY25. This indicates new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially driving population growth beyond current projections.

The average expected construction cost of new properties in the area is $784,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY26 alone, Caulfield South has seen $74.1 million worth of commercial development approvals, demonstrating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Caulfield South shows elevated construction activity, with 27.0% more approvals per person over the past five years. This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. The current building activity in Caulfield South comprises 18.0% detached houses and 82.0% medium to high-density housing.

This shift towards denser development caters to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers, reflecting decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles. The area has a low density characteristic, with around 153 people per dwelling approval. 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, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects that could impact this region. 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 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.

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

Caulfield South has a highly educated workforce with professional services being strongly represented. The unemployment rate is 3.7%. Employment stability in the area over the past year is relatively high.

As of September 2025, there are 7,252 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.0% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation is broadly similar to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. According to Census responses, 46.0% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries among residents include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

The area shows strong specialization in professional & technical services with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level. Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 6.0% compared to the regional average of 9.7%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.2%, labour force increased by 0.7%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that over five years, national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% and over ten years by 13.7%. Applying these projections to Caulfield South's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.6% over ten years.

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 on June 30, 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 the national median of $57,688 and Melbourne's average of $75,164. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income will reach approximately $70,820 and the average will be around $113,074, based on an 8.25% Wage Price Index growth since June 2023. 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 (3,651 people) earn over $4,000 annually, differing from regional patterns where the majority earn between $1,500 and $2,999. Economic strength is evident with 40.6% of households earning over $3,000 weekly, supporting high consumer spending. High housing costs consume 15.7% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 85th percentile nationally. 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 structure, as per the latest Census, had 54.7% houses and 45.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Caulfield South stood at 37.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.1% and rented ones at 26.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,889, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Caulfield South was $496, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Caulfield South's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,889 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Caulfield South has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical 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 account for the remaining 27.3%, with lone person households at 23.9% and group households comprising 3.4%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the Greater Melbourne average.

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

Caulfield South's educational attainment exceeds national and state averages. Among residents aged 15+, 52.1% have university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and Victoria's 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common (34.5%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.8%) and graduate diplomas (4.8%). Vocational pathways account for 21.4%, with advanced diplomas at 10.7% and certificates also at 10.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.7% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.4% in primary, 8.3% in secondary, 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, offering a mix of light rail and bus services. These stops are served by 6 different routes, collectively facilitating 4,174 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated highly, with residents typically located just 191 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward, primarily by car (81%), while 8% use trains. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 46% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

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

Caulfield South's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Caulfield South shows exceptional health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are low, especially among younger cohorts. Private health cover is high at approximately 68%, compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent conditions are mental health issues (7.2%) and arthritis (6.5%), with 71.9% reporting no medical ailments, similar to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has a higher proportion of seniors (20.2%, or 2,624 people) than Greater Melbourne (15.1%). Although health outcomes among seniors are above average, they rank lower nationally compared to the broader population.

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 a high level of cultural diversity, with 26.4% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 38.0% born overseas. The dominant religion in Caulfield South is Judaism, comprising 39.1% of the population, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's 1.0%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Other (20.0%), Australian (19.2%), and English (16.5%).

Notably, Russian (3.9%) Polish (5.9%), and South African (3.6%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.4%, 0.8%, and 0.4% respectively.

Caulfield South's median age exceeds the national pattern

Caulfield South's median age is 41 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and somewhat older than Australia's median of 38. Comparing with the Greater Melbourne average, Caulfield South has a notably over-represented 75-84 cohort at 7.9%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 11.6%. According to the 2021 Census data, the 75-84 age group grew from 5.5% to 7.9%, and the 15-24 cohort increased from 10.8% to 13.0%. Conversely, the 45-54 group declined from 14.0% to 12.8%, and the 65-74 age group dropped from 11.1% to 9.9%. Demographic projections suggest that Caulfield South's age profile will change significantly by 2041, with the 75-84 cohort showing the strongest growth at 40%, adding 414 residents to reach 1,441. The 15-24 group is projected to grow more modestly at 1%, adding only 21 residents.