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, as estimated by AreaSearch based on ABS updates and new addresses validated since Nov 2025, is around 13,309. This represents an increase of 981 people (8.0%) from the 2021 Census figure of 12,328. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 12,990 in Jun 2024, derived from ABS ERP data and validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 4,070 persons per square kilometer, placing Caulfield South in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's growth rate of 8.0% since the 2021 census exceeded its SA4 region's growth rate of 7.1%. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population gains during recent periods.

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 ABS data. Considering these projections, an above median population growth is anticipated for the suburb until 2041, with an expected increase of 1,998 persons reflecting a total increase of 12.1%.

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

AreaSearch analysis shows Caulfield South had around 105 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 527 homes. As of FY-26, 15 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, an average of 0.2 people moved to the area per dwelling built. Commercial development approvals in FY-26 totalled $101.7 million.

Comparing Caulfield South's construction activity with Greater Melbourne over this period shows it was 29.0% above average. New building activity consisted of 19.0% detached houses and 81.0% medium to high-density housing, indicating a shift from the area's existing housing composition of 55.0% houses. With around 159 people per dwelling approval, Caulfield South exhibits growth area characteristics. By 2041, AreaSearch estimates an increase of 1,608 residents. Current development patterns suggest new housing supply will meet demand, benefiting buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond projections.

Looking ahead, Caulfield South is expected to grow by 1,608 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Caulfield South 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 identified 11 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include 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 well represented. Its unemployment rate is 3.7%.

Employment stability over the past year is relative. As of June 2025, 7,283 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.9% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading employment industries include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

The area specializes in professional & technical services with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level. Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 6.0% versus the regional average of 9.7%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 0.3% and labour force by 1.5%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 1.1 percentage points. Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a 0.5 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Caulfield South. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. 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 for financial year 2022, 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 Greater Melbourne's median of $54,892 and average of $73,761. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $73,378 (median) and $117,158 (average). According to the 2021 Census, Caulfield South's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 84th and 86th percentiles. Income analysis shows that the $4000+ bracket dominates with 28.1% of residents (3,739 people), differing from regional patterns where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 32.8%. Economic strength is evident through 40.6% of households earning high weekly incomes exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated 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, consisted of 54.7% houses and 45.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Melbourne metro had 47.8% houses and 52.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Caulfield South was higher at 37.5%, with the rest being mortgaged (36.1%) or rented (26.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,889, above Melbourne metro's average of $2,396. Median weekly rent in Caulfield South was $496, compared to Melbourne metro's $435. Nationally, Caulfield South's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,889 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and 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 account for 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 constitute 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, 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 high, with 52.1% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, surpassing both national (30.4%) and Victorian (33.4%) averages. 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, with advanced diplomas at 10.7% and certificates also at 10.7%. Educational participation is high, 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. Caulfield South's five schools have a combined enrollment of 1,137 students as of the latest data. The area has significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement, with an ICSEA score of 1131. The educational mix includes two primary schools and three K-12 schools. School places per 100 residents (8.5) are below the regional average (14.1), indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

The public transport analysis indicates that there are currently 57 active transport stops functioning within Caulfield South. These comprise a mix of light rail and bus services. Six individual routes serve these stops collectively facilitating 3,467 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility to transport is rated as excellent with residents typically situated 191 meters away from the nearest stop. On average, service frequency stands at 495 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 60 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 health conditions. The private health cover rate is notably high at approximately 68% (9,039 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 65.2%. Nationally, the average stands at 55.3%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions in the area, affecting 7.2% and 6.5% of residents respectively. A total of 71.9% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to Greater Melbourne's 74.0%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 19.7% (2,621 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 16.8%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average and align with the general population's health profile.

Caulfield South 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 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 predominant religion in Caulfield South is Judaism, accounting for 39.1% of the population, compared to 17.5% across Greater Melbourne. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Other (20.0%), Australian (19.2%), and English (16.5%).

Notably, Russian (3.9%) is overrepresented in Caulfield South compared to the regional average of 2.2%. Similarly, Polish (5.9%) and South African (3.6%) are also overrepresented compared to their respective regional averages of 3.1% and 1.4%.

Caulfield South hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Caulfield South's median age is 41 years, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and slightly above Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Caulfield South has a notably higher percentage of the 75-84 cohort (7.3%) and a lower percentage of 25-34 year-olds (12.0%). According to the 2021 Census, the 15-24 age group increased from 10.8% to 12.7%, while the 75-84 cohort rose from 5.5% to 7.3%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 14.0% to 12.9%, and the 65-74 group decreased from 11.1% to 10.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Caulfield South's age profile. The 75-84 cohort is expected to grow by 47%, adding 456 residents to reach 1,428. Residents aged 65 and older are projected to represent 54% of the population growth. The 15-24 group is anticipated to grow at a modest rate of 1%, adding only 12 residents.