Cliftleigh

Cliftleigh lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, as of Nov 2025, Cliftleigh's estimated population is around 2,715. This reflects a 406-person increase (17.6%) since the 2021 Census figure of 2,309 people. AreaSearch estimated this population based on resident data from June 2024 ABS ERP release and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is 640 persons per square kilometer. Cliftleigh's growth exceeded non-metro (5.7%) and state averages, primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 68% of overall gains. AreaSearch projections for SA2 areas use ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For uncovered areas, NSW State Government's SA2-level projections from 2022 (base year 2021) are used. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Cliftleigh is forecasted to increase by 1,080 persons, reflecting a 35.5% total increase over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Cliftleigh has averaged around 20 residential properties approved per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 100 homes were approved, with another 10 approved so far in FY-26. This results in an average of 4.8 people moving to the area annually for each dwelling built during this period.

The demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically impacts prices and increases competition among buyers. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $351,000. In FY-26, $129,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of NSW, Cliftleigh has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person, while it ranks among the 90th percentile nationally.

Building activity has accelerated in recent years, with new developments consisting of 72.0% detached dwellings and 28.0% medium to high-density housing. This shift from the area's existing housing (currently 94.0% houses) suggests decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options. Cliftleigh has around 79 people per approval, reflecting a developing area. By 2041, it is projected to grow by 963 residents, with construction maintaining pace despite increasing competition among buyers as population increases.

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

Five projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly. These include The Loxford Estate, Avery's Rise, Heddon Greta South Road and Drainage Improvements, and Heddon Greta - Cliftleigh Corridor Structure Plan.

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

Cliftleigh's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate stands at 2.5%, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of September 2025, 1,282 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 3.8% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Cliftleigh is high at 74.7%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Notably, administrative & support services employ a share that is 2.1 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 1.5% of local workers, lower than Rest of NSW's 5.3%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as suggested by Census working population versus resident population counts. Over the 12 months to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.2%, with employment falling by 2.0% and unemployment decreasing by 0.2 percentage points. This differs from Rest of NSW where employment contracted by 0.5%, the labour force fell by 0.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with a state unemployment rate of 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insights into potential future demand within Cliftleigh. These projections suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Cliftleigh's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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 ending June 2023 shows median income in Cliftleigh suburb is $68,662 and average income is $80,492. This compares to Rest of NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth rate of 8.86% from July 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income in Cliftleigh would be approximately $74,745 and average income would be around $87,624 by that date. According to the Census conducted on August 10, 2021, incomes in Cliftleigh cluster around the 68th percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows that 45.5% of locals (1,235 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 income bracket. High housing costs consume 19.3% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 61st percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Cliftleigh is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Cliftleigh's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 94.0% houses and 6.0% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 90.9% houses and 9.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cliftleigh was at 12.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.6% and rented ones at 47.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,950, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $435, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $340. Nationally, Cliftleigh's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Cliftleigh features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 82.2% of all households, including 37.6% couples with children, 26.7% couples without children, and 17.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 17.8%, with lone person households at 14.7% and group households comprising 3.1%. The median household size is 2.9 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.6.

Cliftleigh shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's university qualification rate is 14.6%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This indicates a need for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 47.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas (9.8%) and certificates (37.4%).

Educational participation is high, with 33.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.5% in primary education, 6.7% in secondary education, and 3.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows seven active transport stops operating within Cliftleigh. These stops serve a mix of buses, with 25 individual routes providing service. Collectively, these routes offer 279 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 468 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 39 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 39 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Cliftleigh are marginally below the national average with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Cliftleigh's health indicators show below-average results, with common health conditions among its general population being somewhat typical but higher than the national average for older cohorts. Approximately 59% (1,593 people) have private health cover, compared to Rest of NSW's 53.7%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 13.2 and 12.2% of residents respectively. Conversely, 65.9% report no medical ailments, compared to Rest of NSW's 62.6%. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 4.3% (116 people), compared to Rest of NSW's 16.9%. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population.

Cliftleigh is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Cliftleigh's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 90.9% of its population born in Australia, 93.9% being citizens, and 92.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 42.4% of Cliftleigh's population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented, making up 0.1% compared to 0.0% across Rest of NSW.

In terms of ancestry, Australian (35.6%), English (28.8%), and Australian Aboriginal (8.4%) were the top three represented groups. Some ethnic groups showed notable divergences: Filipino at 2.7% in Cliftleigh compared to 0.6% regionally, Macedonian at 0.2% versus 0.0%, and Korean at 0.2% versus 0.0%.

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

Cliftleigh's median age is 26 years, which is materially younger than the Rest of NSW average of 43 and significantly lower than the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of NSW, Cliftleigh has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (28.6%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (3%). This 25-34 concentration is well above the national average of 14.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the age group of 25 to 34 has grown from 26.8% to 28.6%, while the age group of 35 to 44 increased from 13.2% to 14.5%. Conversely, the age group of 45 to 54 has declined from 6.9% to 5.2%, and the age group of 55 to 64 dropped from 5% to 3.5%. Demographic modeling suggests that Cliftleigh's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041, with the strongest projected growth in the age group of 25 to 34 at 45%, adding 346 residents to reach a total of 1,123.