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

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of Cliftleigh is around 2,691. This figure reflects a growth of 382 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,309. AreaSearch's estimation is based on the resident population of 2,653 inferred from the latest ERP data release by ABS (June 2024) and an additional 135 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 634 persons per square kilometer. Cliftleigh's growth rate of 16.5% since the 2021 census exceeds both the non-metro area (5.1%) and state averages, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 68.0% 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, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Applying growth rates by age group from these aggregations to all areas projects a significant population increase of 1,061 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 36.0% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Cliftleigh shows around 22 residential properties granted approval per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 113 homes were approved, with a further 8 approved so far in FY-26.

On average, 4.2 people have moved to the area each year for every dwelling built during this period. This demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically increases competition among buyers and puts upward pressure on prices. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $351,000, under regional levels, indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Cliftleigh has similar development levels per person, supporting market stability in line with regional patterns.

Recent building activity consists of 71.0% detached houses and 29.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space. This represents a shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 94.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and demand for more diverse, affordable housing options. With around 106 people per approval, Cliftleigh reflects a developing area. Looking ahead, AreaSearch estimates that Cliftleigh is expected to grow by 968 residents through to 2041. Present construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

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

Five projects are identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area, notably The Loxford Estate, Avery's Rise, Heddon Greta - Cliftleigh Corridor Structure Plan, and Heddon Greta South Road and Drainage Improvements.

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The employment environment in Cliftleigh shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Cliftleigh has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, with essential services well represented. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 2.8%.

This is below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%, with a workforce participation rate of 74.7% compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction, with administrative & support services being particularly strong at 2.1 times the regional level. However, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 1.5% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 5.3%. The area may have limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by a decrease in labour force and employment over a 12-month period ending Sep-22.

Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Cliftleigh's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

Cliftleigh's median income among taxpayers was $68,662 according to AreaSearch data aggregated from the ATO for financial year 2022. The average income stood at $80,492 in that year. Comparing these figures with those of Rest of NSW, Cliftleigh's median income was higher by $19,203 and its average income exceeded it by $17,494. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates suggest the median income would be approximately $77,320 and the average income around $90,642 as of September 2025. The 2021 Census revealed that household, family and personal incomes in Cliftleigh clustered around the 68th percentile nationally. Income analysis indicated that the largest segment comprised 45.5% earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, with a total of 1,224 residents falling into this category. This was consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region where 29.9% of residents earned within the same income bracket. High housing costs consumed 19.3% of income in Cliftleigh, yet strong earnings placed disposable income at the 61st percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed 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, consisted of 94.0% houses and 6.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 90.9% houses and 9.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Cliftleigh was at 12.1%, with the rest being mortgaged (40.6%) or rented (47.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure was $435, substantially above the Non-Metro NSW figure of $340 and 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 has university qualification rates of 14.6%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 10.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 47.2% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 9.8% and certificates at 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. Educational facilities seem to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, necessitating families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

Transport analysis shows seven active stops in Cliftleigh, with a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 25 routes offering 273 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport access is moderate, with residents usually 468 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 39 trips daily across all routes, equating to around 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 compared to national averages. Common health conditions are somewhat typical but higher among older residents.

Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 59% (1,579 people), compared to Rest of NSW's 51.9%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 13.2 and 12.2% respectively. 65.9% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.6% in Rest of NSW. The area has 4.4% (118 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than the 16.9% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes for seniors require more attention than those for 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, as per the data, showed lower than average cultural diversity. It had 90.9% of its population born in Australia, with 93.9% being citizens and 92.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 42.4% of Cliftleigh's population.

Notably, Judaism, which is not represented regionally, made up 0.1% of Cliftleigh's population. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (35.6%), English (28.8%), and Australian Aboriginal (8.4%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences in representation: Filipino at 2.7% compared to the regional average of 0.6%, Macedonian at 0.2% where it was not represented regionally, and Korean also at 0.2% where it was not represented regionally.

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

Cliftleigh has a median age of 26 years, which is significantly younger than the Rest of NSW average of 43 and lower than the national average of 38. Compared to Rest of NSW, Cliftleigh has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (28.6%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (3.1%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.5%. According to post-2021 Census data, the age group of 25 to 34 has grown from 26.8% to 28.6%, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 13.2% to 14.6%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 6.9% to 5.2% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 5.0% to 3.5%. Demographic modeling indicates that Cliftleigh's age profile will significantly evolve by 2041, with the strongest projected growth in the 25 to 34 cohort at 45%, adding 347 residents to reach a total of 1,117.