Clayton

Population growth drivers in Clayton are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025, Clayton's estimated population is around 25,112. This reflects a growth of 6,124 people (32.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,988. AreaSearch estimated Clayton's resident population at 24,753 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 431 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 3,211 persons per square kilometer, placing Clayton in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Clayton's growth rate exceeded both the national average (9.7%) and state average since the 2021 census, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 99.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting them employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, a significant population increase is forecast for the Clayton statistical area (Lv2), with an expected growth of 11,229 persons by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 45.7% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Clayton among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis shows Clayton had around 90 residential properties approved annually over the past five financial years ending FY25. This totals an estimated 451 homes. As of FY26, 57 approvals have been recorded. On average, each home built between FY21 and FY25 accommodated 7 new residents per year, indicating demand outstripping supply.

New properties are constructed at an average cost of $506,000, reflecting a focus on the premium market. In FY26, Clayton has seen $15.0 million in commercial development approvals. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Clayton exhibits approximately 75% of construction activity per person and ranks among the 57th percentile nationally when measured by area assessments. New building activity comprises 15.0% detached houses and 85.0% attached dwellings, favouring higher-density living which creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This shift contrasts with Clayton's current housing composition of 36.0% houses.

With around 270 people per dwelling approval, Clayton indicates a growing market. AreaSearch projects Clayton to add 11,478 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

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

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 37 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include the Monash Medical Centre Tower Expansion Project, the Monash Accommodation Student Housing Development, the 409 Clayton Road Mixed-Use Development, and the Monash University Campus Centre Redevelopment. The following list details those projects deemed 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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Clayton performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Clayton has a highly educated workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate is 1.8%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.7%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.9%. As of September 2025, there are 15,960 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 2.8% below Greater Melbourne's rate. Workforce participation is somewhat lower than standard, at 59.9% compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food.

Clayton has a particular specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level. However, construction has limited presence, at 5.6% compared to the regional level of 9.7%. There are 1.7 workers for every resident, indicating that Clayton functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 5.9%, while labour force and unemployment remained broadly flat compared to Greater Melbourne's growth rates. State-level data to 25-Nov shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Clayton's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Clayton suburb's median income among taxpayers was $38,403 and average income was $47,835 according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. These figures compare to Greater Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $41,571 (median) and $51,781 (average). Census 2021 income data shows individual incomes at the 10th percentile were $594 weekly, while household incomes were at the 35th percentile. Income analysis reveals 31.4% of Clayton's population fell within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, mirroring metropolitan region where 32.8% occupied this bracket. Housing affordability pressures were severe with only 77.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 27th percentile. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 5th decile.

Clayton displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Clayton's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 35.5% houses and 64.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Melbourne metro's 69.6% houses and 30.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Clayton was at 19.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 17.7% and rented ones at 62.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,383. Median weekly rent in Clayton was $400, compared to Melbourne metro's $440. Nationally, Clayton's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were higher at $400 than the national figure of $375.

Clayton features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 53.5% of all households, including 19.2% couples with children, 23.1% couples without children, and 7.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 46.5%, with lone person households at 26.0% and group households comprising 20.5%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.7.

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

Clayton's educational attainment notably exceeds broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 50.5% hold university qualifications compared to 29.8% in the SA4 region and 30.4% nationally (Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census 2016). Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 28.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 20.6%. Vocational pathways account for 17.7%, with advanced diplomas at 9.2% and certificates at 8.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 46.8% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 30.9% in tertiary education, 3.8% in primary education, and 2.8% pursuing secondary education (Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority, Annual Report 2017-18).

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

Clayton has 96 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 42 different routes that facilitate 12,759 weekly passenger trips in total. The accessibility of transport is deemed good with residents generally located 242 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 1,822 trips per day across all routes, which amounts to about 132 weekly trips per individual stop.

Clayton's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Clayton's health outcomes show excellent results with common health conditions prevalent among both young and elderly populations at a typical rate. Private health cover stands at approximately 46% of Clayton's total population (~11,516 people), significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's 54.2%, and the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues affect 6.2% of residents, with asthma impacting 4.8%.

A higher proportion, 81.7%, report no medical ailments compared to Greater Melbourne's 75.3%. Clayton has a lower percentage of residents aged 65 and over at 7.0% (1,757 people) than Greater Melbourne's 17.5%.

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

Clayton has a high level of cultural diversity, with 69.3% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 70.7% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Clayton, making up 30.4% of the population. Hinduism is notably overrepresented, comprising 16.2%, compared to the Greater Melbourne average of 8.0%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Chinese (22.5%), Other (20.5%), and Indian (12.3%). The representation of Sri Lankan (1.7% vs regional 2.1%) and Greek (4.8% vs 5.6%) ethnicities is notably higher in Clayton, while Korean (1.2% vs regional 1.1%) has a slightly higher representation.

Clayton hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Clayton's median age is 25 years, which is significantly below Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and lower than the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Clayton has a higher concentration of residents aged 15-24 (37.3%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (3.4%). This concentration of 15-24 year-olds is well above the national average of 12.5%. According to the 2021 Census, Clayton's median age has dropped by 2.8 years to 25 from its previous figure of 28. The proportion of residents aged 15 to 24 has increased from 28.3% to 37.3%, while the proportion of those aged 35 to 44 has declined from 11.0% to 8.9%. Similarly, the proportion of residents aged 45 to 54 has dropped from 6.3% to 4.7%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Clayton's age structure, with the strongest projected growth in the 25-34 cohort, which is expected to grow by 64%, adding 4,889 residents to reach a total of 12,473.