Clarinda

Clarinda is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As per ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations for the suburb of Clarinda, the estimated population as of February 2026 is around 7,608. This figure reflects a growth of 167 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,441. The increase was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 7,595 in June 2024, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 44 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,167 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary driver for this growth.

AreaSearch employs ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, they use VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Future population trends suggest a median increase is expected by 2041, with the suburb projected to grow by 298 persons, reflecting a total increase of approximately 3.5% 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

Clarinda has seen approximately 16 residential properties granted approval annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Around 84 homes have been approved in the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, with another 12 approved so far in FY26. The population decline during this period suggests that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, offering good choice for buyers.

Developers target the premium market segment as new dwellings are developed at an average cost of $720,000. There have been $11.8 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Clarinda shows around 58% of construction activity per person and ranks among the 11th percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing properties. This activity is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New development consists of equal parts detached and attached dwellings (50.0% each), offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This marks a significant shift from current housing patterns, which are predominantly houses (88.0%), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs.

Clarinda has around 1374 people per approval, indicating a mature, established area. Future projections show an estimated addition of 266 residents by 2041 based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. 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 this 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.

Clarinda has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Clarinda has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. Its unemployment rate was 4.0% as of September 2025. Employment grew by an estimated 3.8% over the past year.

As of this date, 3684 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.7% lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.7%. Workforce participation in Clarinda was 58.9%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. A high proportion of residents, 25.6%, worked from home according to Census responses. Dominant employment sectors were health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade.

Manufacturing had a particularly high share at 1.5 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services were under-represented at 8.2% compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Over the year ending September 2025, employment increased by 3.8%, labour force by 4.4%, leading to a rise in unemployment of 0.5 percentage points. In Greater Melbourne, employment grew by 3.0%, labour force expanded by 3.3%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Clarinda's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023, Clarinda's median taxpayer income was $49,379 and the average was $59,180. Both figures are below Greater Melbourne's averages of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% from July 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income is approximately $53,453 and average income is around $64,062 during this period. Census data from 2021 shows individual incomes at the 17th percentile ($640 weekly) and household incomes at the 40th percentile. In Clarinda, 31.2% of residents (2,373 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 income bracket, similar to the broader area where 32.8% occupy this bracket. After housing expenses, 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

Clarinda's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.8% houses and 12.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, '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 ones at 23.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, aligning with Melbourne metro's average, while the median weekly rent was $394, slightly higher than Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Clarinda's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863 by $137, and rents were $19 more than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 account for the remaining 23.6%, with lone person households at 20.7% and group households comprising 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 trail Greater Melbourne's benchmarks, with 31.4% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to the regional average of 37.0%. This gap suggests potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 21.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 26.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 10.1%, while certificates make up 16.0%.

Educational participation is notably 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 collectively facilitate 1,218 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 233 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential area, most Clarinda residents commute outward. 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 proportion of residents, specifically 25.6%, work from home, which may be partially attributed to COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 174 trips per day, 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's health data shows positive outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks for mortality rates and health conditions. The prevalence of common health issues is low among residents but higher among older, at-risk groups compared to national averages. Private health cover is relatively low, with approximately 50% (~3,825 people) covered, compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent conditions are arthritis (affecting 8.4%) and mental health issues (7.5%). Notably, 68.4% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Working-age residents have 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 a population where 57.9% speak a language other than English at home, with 54.0% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Clarinda, comprising 58.6%. Buddhism is more prevalent here compared to Greater Melbourne, representing 7.7% versus 4.2%.

The top three ancestral groups based on parental birth are Other (20.9%), Greek (13.1%), and Australian (11.3%). These percentages differ significantly from regional averages: Other (14.6%), Greek (2.7%), and Australian (18.4%). Notably, Russian (1.0%) and Sri Lankan (1.4%) groups are overrepresented in Clarinda compared to regional figures of 0.4% and 0.8%, respectively. Additionally, the Indian population is higher at 8.5% than the regional average of 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 average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Clarinda has a higher percentage of residents aged 75-84 (10.1%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.5%). According to the 2021 Census, the age group of 75 to 84 years has increased from 8.0% to 10.1%, while the 15 to 24 age group has risen from 10.1% to 11.4%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 12.2% to 11.0%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Clarinda's age structure. The 75 to 84 age group is expected to grow by 32%, reaching 1,013 people from 768. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 77% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 0 to 4 and 55 to 64 age groups are projected to decrease in number.