Caulfield South

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

As of May 2026, the estimated population of Caulfield South is around 13,475, reflecting a growth of 1,147 people since the 2021 Census. The population was reported as 12,328 in the 2021 Census. This increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 13,365 following examination of the ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2025, and an additional 283 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio stands at 4,120 persons per square kilometer, placing Caulfield South within the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's population growth rate of 9.3% since the 2021 census exceeds that of its SA4 region (8.0%), indicating it as a growth leader in the area. Overseas migration was the primary driver behind this growth.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 released in 2023 for areas not covered by the first dataset. Applying these projections, Caulfield South is expected to increase its population by 1,921 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 13.4% over the 16-year period.

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

Between FY-21 and FY-25, Caulfield South averaged approximately 103 new dwelling approvals per year, totalling an estimated 518 homes. As of FY-26, 21 approvals have been recorded. Over the past five financial years, on average, 0.1 person moved to the area for each dwelling built. This indicates that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average construction value of new properties is $784,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, there have been $74.1 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Caulfield South records somewhat elevated construction, at 28.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. This preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand, although construction activity has eased recently. New development in Caulfield South consists of 18.0% standalone homes and 82.0% attached dwellings.

This skew towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 55.0% houses. This change indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. With around 152 people per dwelling approval, Caulfield South shows characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is expected to grow by 1,811 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good 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 impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones include Former ABC Elsternwick Studio Site (8 Gordon Street), Olive Green, Elsternwick Cultural Precinct, and Fabric Residential Development. The following list details those expected to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment performance in Caulfield South has been broadly consistent with national averages

Caulfield South has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate was 3.5% in the past year. As of December 2025, 7,331 residents are employed, with a 1.2% lower unemployment rate than Greater Melbourne's 4.8%.

Workforce participation is similar to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. In Census responses, 46.0% worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area specializes in professional & technical jobs with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level, while construction shows lower representation at 6.0% versus the regional average of 9.7%.

Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.2%, labour force by 0.1%, reducing unemployment by 0.1 percentage points. Greater Melbourne recorded higher employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections vary significantly. 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

The median taxpayer income in Caulfield South suburb is $65,423, with an average of $104,456, based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This places it among the top percentile nationally, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. By March 2026, based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes would be approximately $71,717 (median) and $114,505 (average). According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Caulfield South rank highly nationally, between the 84th and 86th percentiles. The income distribution shows that 28.1% of individuals earn over $4000+, differing from broader area patterns where $1500 - $2999 dominates with 32.8%. Economic strength is evident, with 40.6% of households earning high weekly incomes exceeding $3000, 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 housing structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 54.7% houses and 45.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to 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, exceeding Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Caulfield South was $496, higher than Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863, and rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

Caulfield South has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical 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 make up the remaining 27.3%, consisting of 23.9% lone person households and 3.4% group households. The median household size is 2.6 people, which matches 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% possess 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% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.4% in primary, 8.3% in secondary, and 6.6% in 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 are covered by six routes that facilitate 4,174 weekly passenger trips in total. The area's transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents typically located 191 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 81%, while train usage stands at 8%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 46% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 596 trips daily across all routes, translating to approximately 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's health outcomes data shows excellent results, with AreaSearch assessing mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence as low, especially among younger cohorts. The area has a high private health cover rate of approximately 68% (9,152 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7% and the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common conditions, affecting 7.2% and 6.5% of residents respectively, while 71.9% report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Melbourne's 72.6%.

Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 19.4% (2,614 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. Senior health outcomes are above average but rank lower nationally than 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 predominant religion in Caulfield South is Judaism, comprising 39.1% of the population, compared to 1.0% 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 compared to the regional average of 0.4%, as are Polish (5.9% vs 0.8%) and South Australian (3.6% vs 0.4%) groups in Caulfield South.

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 slightly older than Australia's median of 38. Compared to the Greater Melbourne average, Caulfield South has a notably higher proportion of people aged 75-84 (7.7% locally), while those aged 25-34 are under-represented (12.5%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 75 to 84 increased from 5.5% to 7.7%, and the 15 to 24 cohort grew from 10.8% to 12.8%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort declined from 11.1% to 9.6%, and the 45 to 54 group decreased from 14.0% to 12.8%. Demographic modeling predicts significant changes in Caulfield South's age profile by 2041, with the 45 to 54 cohort projected to grow strongly at 22%, adding 384 residents to reach 2,109. The 15 to 24 group is expected to have modest growth of 0%, adding only 5 residents.