Clarinda

Clarinda has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

As of Feb 2026, Clarinda's population is estimated at around 7,608. This reflects an increase of 167 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,441. The change was inferred from AreaSearch validation of resident population data, which stood at 7,595 following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,167 persons per square kilometer, higher than average national levels assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration primarily drove recent population growth in Clarinda.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, it utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future demographic trends suggest a population increase just below the median of Australian statistical areas, with Clarinda expected to grow by 291 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 3.6% over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Clarinda is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers derived from statistical area data, Clarinda has seen approximately 17 new homes approved annually. Between financial years FY21 and FY25, around 86 homes were approved, with a further 16 approved in FY26 so far. Despite population decline, new supply appears to have kept pace with demand, offering good choice for buyers.

The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $720,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. In FY26, $11.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting steady commercial investment activity. Comparatively, Clarinda shows around 60% of Greater Melbourne's construction activity per person and ranks among the 13th percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing properties. This is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity consists of 50.0% detached dwellings and 50.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating a shift towards denser development to cater to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. The location has approximately 1259 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an established market.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Clarinda is forecasted to gain 278 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Clarinda has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects that could impact the region. Notable ones include Monash Medical Centre Redevelopment, Canterbury Gardens Estate, Kingston Heath Residential Estate, and Talbot Village (Former Talbot Quarry). The following list details those likely to be most 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.

Employment conditions in Clarinda remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Clarinda has a well-educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate is 4.2% and it saw estimated employment growth of 3.7% in the past year (AreaSearch). As of December 2025, Clarinda had 3,717 residents employed at an unemployment rate of 4.8%, which was 0.6% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate.

Workforce participation lagged significantly at 59.4%. High home working rates were reported (25.6%). Key industries include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing showed notable concentration with employment levels at 1.5 times the regional average.

Professional & technical services had lower representation at 8.2% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Employment opportunities appeared limited locally based on Census data. Between December 2024 and 2025, employment levels increased by 3.7%, labour force grew by 4.5%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 0.8 percentage points (AreaSearch). Greater Melbourne recorded lower growth rates during this period. Jobs and Skills Australia's May-25 forecasts suggest national employment expansion of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Clarinda's industry mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Clarinda suburb's income level is lower than average nationally, per latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Clarinda's median income among taxpayers is $49,379 and average income stands at $59,180. Greater Melbourne's figures are $57,688 (median) and $75,164 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Clarinda would be approximately $53,453 (median) and $64,062 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows individual incomes at the 17th percentile ($640 weekly), while household incomes are at the 40th percentile. The earnings profile shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 31.2% of residents (2,373 people). After housing costs, 85.0% of income remains for other expenses. Clarinda's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Clarinda is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Clarinda, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 87.8% houses and 12.2% other dwellings. In comparison, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Clarinda was 44.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.2% and rented dwellings at 23.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Clarinda was $2,000, aligning with Melbourne metro's average. Median weekly rent in Clarinda was $394, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Clarinda's median monthly mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 76.4% of all households, including 38.0% couples with children, 24.2% couples without children, and 12.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 23.6%, with lone person households at 20.7% and group households at 2.9%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Clarinda exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Clarinda's educational qualifications lag behind regional averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 31.4% have university degrees, compared to Greater Melbourne's 37.0%. This disparity suggests room for educational advancement and skill enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 21.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%).

Vocational credentials are also common, with 26.1% of residents aged 15 and above holding them – advanced diplomas account for 10.1%, while certificates make up 16.0%. Educational participation is high in Clarinda, with 25.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.1% in primary education, 6.3% in secondary education, and 5.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Clarinda has 33 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by eight different routes that together facilitate 1,218 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically living 233 meters from the nearest stop. Most Clarinda residents commute outward daily. Car remains the dominant mode of transportation, used by 87% of residents, while train usage stands at 7%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling in the area.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 25.6% of Clarinda residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, an average of 174 trips are made daily, equating to approximately 36 weekly trips per individual stop.

Clarinda's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Clarinda residents show positive health outcomes overall, according to AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions, aligning with national benchmarks. Common health conditions are low among the general population but higher in older, at-risk cohorts compared to national averages. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% (3,825 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (8.4%) and mental health issues (7.5%), with 68.4% reporting no medical ailments, versus Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Working-age residents show low chronic condition prevalence. Clarinda has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 27.0% (2,054 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

Clarinda is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Clarinda has one of the highest language diversity rates in the country, with 57.9% speaking a language other than English at home. Born overseas, 54.0% of Clarinda's population resides there. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 58.6%.

Buddhism stands out at 7.7%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 4.2%. In ancestry, 'Other' leads at 20.9%, higher than the regional average of 14.6%. Greeks follow at 13.1% (regional: 2.7%), while Australians are underrepresented at 11.3% (regional: 18.4%). Notable overrepresentation exists for Russians (Clarinda: 1.0%, regional: 0.4%), Sri Lankans (1.4%, vs 0.8%), and Indians (8.5%, vs 4.2%).

Clarinda hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Clarinda is 45 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Clarinda has a higher proportion of residents aged 75-84 (10.1%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.6%). According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75-84 has increased from 8.0% to 10.1%, while those aged 15-24 have risen from 10.1% to 11.4%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 45-54 has decreased from 12.2% to 11.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Clarinda's age structure. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 33%, reaching 1,023 people from the current figure of 768. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 76% of total population growth, reflecting Clarinda's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 0-4 and 55-64 age groups are projected to decrease in number.