Clifton Beach (Qld)

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

Clifton Beach (Qld) statistical area (Lv2)'s population is estimated at around 3,474 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 282 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,192 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,394 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 131 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 601 persons per square kilometer. Clifton Beach (Qld) (SA2)'s growth rate of 8.8% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region's growth rate of 8.3%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 50.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth being positive factors.

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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, with proportional growth weightings applied for age cohorts in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Population projections indicate an above median growth for Australia's regional areas, with Clifton Beach (Qld) (SA2) expected to expand by 573 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 15.1% over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Clifton Beach when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Clifton Beach shows approximately 23 new homes approved annually. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, around 118 homes were approved, with an additional 25 approved so far in FY-26. Over the past five financial years, each dwelling is estimated to accommodate about 2 new residents per year, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value of new homes is approximately $457,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting a focus on quality developments. This financial year has seen $1.2 million in commercial approvals, predominantly residential. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Clifton Beach maintains similar development levels per person, consistent with broader market balance, although recent activity has increased.

All current building activity consists of detached dwellings, preserving the area's traditional low-density character and appealing to those seeking family homes. Developers are constructing more detached housing than previously implied (72.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes despite densification trends. Clifton Beach has approximately 78 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Population forecasts estimate a gain of 523 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Clifton Beach 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 15 projects that could impact the area. Notable ones include Reefsedge Resort & Waterpark, The Palms Collection Masterplan, The Palms, and Deep Creek Estate. Below is a list of those likely to be 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.

Employment conditions in Clifton Beach demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Clifton Beach has a well-educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate as of September 2025 was 1.7%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

In that month, 1,853 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.3% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Clifton Beach was on par with Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries among residents comprised health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and education & training. The area had a particularly notable concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average.

Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence with 0.5% employment compared to 4.5% regionally. The predominantly residential area appeared to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Based on AreaSearch's analysis of SALM and ABS data for the wider area, aggregated from wider statistical area data during the year to September 2025, the labour force decreased by 1.5% while employment declined by 2.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.6 percentage points. This compared to Rest of Qld where employment grew by 1.7%, labour force expanded by 2.1%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov showed QLD employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, broadly in line with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offered further insight into potential future demand within Clifton Beach. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, had been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. National employment was forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates differing significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Clifton Beach's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows median income in Clifton Beach suburb is $53,775 and average income is $65,503. This is lower than national averages of median $53,146 and average $66,593 for Rest of Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% from July 2023 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $59,104 (median) and $71,994 (average). Census data indicates personal income ranks at the 51st percentile ($808 weekly), while household income is at the 34th percentile. Distribution shows largest segment comprises 29.7% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (1,031 residents). Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 83.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 34th percentile. Area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Clifton Beach is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Clifton Beach, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 72.3% houses and 27.7% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 80.8% houses and 19.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Clifton Beach was 37.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.3% and rented dwellings at 31.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,820, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Clifton Beach was $365, lower than Non-Metro Qld's figure of $390. Nationally, Clifton Beach's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,820 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less at $365 compared to the national figure of $375.

Clifton Beach has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 71.7% of all households, including 22.9% couples with children, 36.3% couples without children, and 11.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 28.3%, with lone person households at 25.1% and group households comprising 3.1%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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

The area's educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates of 28.1% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and the SA4 region average of 21.1%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 17.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 39.6% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (13.1%) and certificates (26.5%).

Educational participation is high, with 29.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 9.7% in primary, 8.8% in secondary, and 5.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Clifton Beach has 16 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two different routes that together facilitate 193 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is considered good, with residents on average living 325 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 27 daily trips across all routes, equating to about 12 weekly trips per individual stop.

Clifton Beach's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Clifton Beach residents have relatively positive health outcomes, with low prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups.

The area has approximately 53% private health cover, slightly higher than the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (7.8%) and mental health issues (7.2%), while 70.1% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 73.1% in Rest of Qld. As of 2016, 23% of Clifton Beach residents are aged 65 and over (799 people), higher than the 16.7% in Rest of Qld. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Clifton Beach are strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Clifton Beach had a higher linguistic diversity than most local areas, with 11.0% of residents speaking a language other than English at home as of the latest data. Born overseas were 32.4% of Clifton Beach's population. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 44.8%.

Judaism, at 0.3%, was slightly more prevalent in Clifton Beach compared to the Rest of Qld's 0.2%. The top three ancestral groups were English (31.0%), Australian (20.9%), and Irish (8.7%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Hungarian at 0.4% (vs regional 0.2%), Dutch at 1.9% (vs 1.5%), and Russian at 0.5% (vs 0.3%) were more represented in Clifton Beach.

Clifton Beach hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Clifton Beach has a median age of 48, which is older than Rest of Qld's figure of 41 and higher than the national norm of 38. The 55-64 age group comprises 16.7% of Clifton Beach's population, compared to Rest of Qld's figure, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 9.2%, which is less prevalent than in Rest of Qld. This 55-64 concentration is well above the national average of 11.2%. According to post-2021 Census data, Clifton Beach's 15-24 age group grew from 9.7% to 10.9%, while the 45-54 cohort declined from 16.1% to 14.0%. By 2041, Clifton Beach is expected to experience notable shifts in its age composition. The 25-34 group is projected to grow by 34%, reaching 427 people from 319, while the 15-24 cohort is anticipated to decline by 8 people.