Clayfield

An assessment of population growth drivers in Clayfield reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As per AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated since May 2026, the suburb of Clayfield has an estimated population of around 11,887. This figure represents a growth of 990 people (9.1%) from the 2021 Census count of 10,897 inhabitants. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 38 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 4,245 persons per square kilometer, placing Clayfield within the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 84.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth for the suburb. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 (based on 2021 data) are used, applying proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Looking ahead with demographic trends, Clayfield is expected to experience a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation by 2041, with an anticipated expansion of 651 persons reflecting a total increase of 5.5% over the 16-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Clayfield recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Clayfield had approximately 21 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 108 homes were approved, with an additional 32 approved so far in FY-26. This results in about 5.5 new residents per year for every home built over the past five financial years.

Supply is lagging demand, indicating heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $810,000, targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This financial year, $4.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Clayfield has markedly lower building activity, 73.0% below the regional average per person, supporting stronger demand and values for established dwellings. This is also under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and potential planning limitations.

New building activity shows 65.0% detached houses and 35.0% attached dwellings, with an increasing blend of attached housing types offering choices across price ranges. Developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (38.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes amid densification trends. The location has approximately 727 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. Looking ahead, Clayfield is expected to grow by 651 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

Clayfield has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 39 projects that may impact the area. Notable projects include Clayfield Development Aggregate, Platinum at Hamilton (formerly Icon), Greville, and Northshore Hamilton Street Renewal. 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.

Employment performance in Clayfield has been broadly consistent with national averages

Clayfield has a highly educated workforce with professional services showing strong representation. The unemployment rate is 4.0%. Employment stability in the area over the past year is relative.

As of December 2025, 7,380 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.2% below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is high at 75.6%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 69.6%. According to Census responses, 26.6% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade.

The area has a notable concentration in professional & technical employment at 1.6 times the regional average. Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 5.2% compared to the regional average of 9.0%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 0.3% while labour force grew by 1.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 3.2% and labour force growth of 3.0%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Clayfield's local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.6% over ten years based on industry-specific projections applied to the area's current employment mix.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Clayfield's median income among taxpayers is $67,341. The average income is $115,617. This places Clayfield in the top percentile nationally. In comparison, Greater Brisbane has a median income of $58,236 and an average of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 would be approximately $74,991 (median) and $128,751 (average). According to the 2021 Census, individual earnings in Clayfield are at the 85th percentile nationally ($1,102 weekly). The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 31.1% of the community (3,696 individuals), aligning with regional trends where this cohort represents 33.3%. High earners above $3,000/week make up 30.5%, indicating strong economic capacity. Housing costs consume 15.3% of income, but disposable income remains at the 63rd percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Clayfield features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Clayfield's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 37.8% houses and 62.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 77.5% houses and 22.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Clayfield stood at 25.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.2% and rented ones at 43.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,863, while the median weekly rent was $350, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Clayfield's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were lower than the national figure of $375.

Clayfield features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 56.2% of all households, including 23.4% couples with children, 23.4% couples without children, and 8.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 43.8%, with lone person households at 38.2% and group households comprising 5.6%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Clayfield demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Clayfield's educational attainment exceeds broader standards significantly. Among residents aged 15 and above, 48.2% possess university qualifications, compared to Queensland's 25.7% and Australia's 30.4%. This notable educational advantage places the area favourably for knowledge-based prospects. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 31.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.7%) and graduate diplomas (4.7%).

Vocational pathways comprise 24.7% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above - advanced diplomas account for 11.0% and certificates for 13.7%. Educational participation is notably high, with 29.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.1% in tertiary education, 8.0% in primary education, and 6.9% pursuing secondary education.

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

Clayfield has 51 active public transport stops serving a mix of train and bus services. These stops are operated by 167 individual routes, collectively facilitating 8,657 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 140 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area. Car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 70%, followed by train at 16% and bus at 7%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.0, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 26.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 1,236 trips per day, equating to approximately 169 weekly trips per individual stop.

Clayfield's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Clayfield. AreaSearch's assessment indicates low prevalence of common health conditions in both young and old age cohorts. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 73% of the total population (8,678 people), compared to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are mental health issues affecting 9.4% of residents and asthma impacting 7.4%. A total of 72.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 15.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,830 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Clayfield was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Clayfield, as per the data from June 2016, had a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 27.8% of its population born overseas and 18.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Clayfield, accounting for 51.1% of the population. However, Hinduism stood out as it comprised 5.7% of Clayfield's population compared to just 2.2% across Greater Brisbane.

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups were English (26.8%), Australian (20.8%), and Irish (11.8%). Notable differences existed in the representation of Scottish (9.1% vs regional 7.4%), French (0.6% vs 0.5%), and Welsh (0.6% vs 0.5%) groups.

Clayfield's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Clayfield's median age is nearly 37 years, close to Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Clayfield has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (18.1%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (10.5%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of residents aged 65-74 has increased from 7.5% to 8.5%, while the proportion of those aged 45-54 has decreased from 14.0% to 12.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Clayfield's age profile will significantly change. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 52%, adding 311 residents to reach 906. Residents aged 65 and above are expected to drive 70% of population growth. Conversely, the cohorts aged 5-14 and 0-4 are projected to experience population declines.