Clayfield

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of Clayfield as of Nov 2025 is around 11,768 people. This reflects an increase of 871 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,897 people. The change was inferred from the resident population of 11,760 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 40 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 4,202 persons per square kilometer, placing Clayfield in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 8.0% growth since census is within 0.9 percentage points of the national average (8.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 84.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are used, applying proportional growth weightings for age cohorts based on ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data. Moving forward with demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of Australian statistical areas is expected, with Clayfield expected to increase by 832 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 7.1% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Clayfield has recorded around 22 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 111 homes were approved, with a further 28 approved so far in FY-26. This results in an average of 5.5 people moving to the area per dwelling built over these years.

The demand for housing significantly outpaces supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers. New properties are constructed at an average value of $794,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, there have been $4.1 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature. Comparatively, Clayfield shows substantially reduced construction activity compared to Greater Brisbane, with 72.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties.

Nationally, this is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New development consists of 65.0% detached dwellings and 35.0% townhouses or apartments, offering choices across price ranges from spacious family homes to more accessible compact options. Notably, 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 612 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. Looking ahead, Clayfield is expected to grow by 840 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 20% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 41 projects that may impact this region. Notable projects include Clayfield Development Aggregate, Platinum at Hamilton (formerly Icon), Greville, and Northshore Hamilton Street Renewal. The following details projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch analysis places Clayfield well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Clayfield has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 3.1% as of June 2025, which is below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.6%. As of June 2025, 7,590 residents were in work, with a workforce participation rate of 72.0%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade. The area shows particular strength in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

However, construction has a limited presence at 5.2% compared to the regional average of 9.0%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 3.6%, while labour force grew by 2.8%, resulting in a fall in unemployment rate by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 4.4% and labour force grow by 4.0%, with unemployment falling by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Clayfield. These projections estimate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Clayfield's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 7.2% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022. Clayfield's median income among taxpayers was $67,341 with an average of $115,616. Nationally, this is exceptionally high compared to Greater Brisbane's median of $55,645 and average of $70,520. By September 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% would be approximately $76,762 (median) and $131,791 (average). Census data shows individual earnings at the 85th percentile nationally are $1,102 weekly. The largest segment of earners in Clayfield comprises 31.1%, earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly with 3,659 residents. This pattern is similar to the region where 33.3% occupy this range. Economic strength is evident with 30.5% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. High housing costs consume 15.3% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Clayfield, as per the latest Census evaluation, 37.8% of dwellings were houses while 62.2% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In contrast, Brisbane metropolitan area had 36.5% houses and 63.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Clayfield stood at 25%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.2% and rented ones at 43.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, lower than Brisbane's average of $2,167. Weekly rent in Clayfield was recorded at $350, compared to Brisbane's $410. Nationally, Clayfield's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower than the national figure of $375.

Clayfield features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 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 account for 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 aligns with the Greater Brisbane average.

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 is notably higher than broader averages. Among residents aged 15+, 48.2% possess university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland and 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent (31.8%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.7%) and graduate diplomas (4.7%). Vocational pathways account for 24.7%, with advanced diplomas at 11.0% and certificates at 13.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.1% in tertiary, 8.0% in primary, and 6.9% in secondary education. Clayfield's four schools have a combined enrollment of 3,063 students as of the latest data. The area has a significant socio-educational advantage with an ICSEA score of 1149. It includes two primary and two K-12 schools, functioning as an education hub with 26 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 13.6. This attracts students from surrounding communities.

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

Clayfield has 53 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 134 different routes, facilitating 8,672 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 140 meters to the nearest stop.

On average, there are 1,238 trips daily across all routes, translating to about 163 weekly trips per individual stop.

Clayfield's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Clayfield. Prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups is very low.

Approximately 73% of the total population (8,591 people) has private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 9.4 and 7.4% of residents respectively. 72.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 73.7% across Greater Brisbane. As of 15th June 2021, 15.3% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,800 people), which is higher than the 12.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Clayfield 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

Clayfield's population showed higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 27.8% born overseas and 18.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Clayfield, accounting for 51.1%. Hinduism, however, was more prevalent in Clayfield at 5.7%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 2.7%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (26.8%), Australian (20.8%), and Irish (11.8%). Scottish ancestry was notably higher in Clayfield at 9.1% versus the regional average of 8.7%. French ancestry was 0.6%, slightly lower than the regional 0.7%, while Welsh ancestry was also 0.6%, matching the regional figure.

Clayfield's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

At age 37 years, Clayfield's median age is nearly matching Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years while also being very close to Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Clayfield has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (17.8%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (10.7%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the 65-74 age group has grown from 7.5% to 8.3% of the population. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 14.0% to 13.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Clayfield's age profile will evolve significantly. The 65-74 cohort is projected to grow by 36%, adding 356 residents to reach 1,333. Senior residents aged 65+ are expected to drive 69% of population growth, reflecting demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, the 5-14 and 0-4 cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.