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

As per AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated since May 2026, the estimated resident population of Clifton Beach (Qld) is around 3,489. This figure represents an increase of 297 people from the 2021 Census total of 3,192 residents, marking a growth rate of approximately 9.3%. The change was inferred following AreaSearch's examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and validation of an additional 133 new addresses since the Census date. This population density equates to roughly 603 persons per square kilometer, indicating ample space per capita with room for further development. Clifton Beach's growth rate surpassed both its SA4 region (7.5%) and the Rest of Qld, positioning it as a regional growth leader. The primary driver behind this population growth was overseas migration, contributing approximately 50% of overall population gains during recent periods.

However, all migration factors including interstate migration and natural growth also played positive roles in the suburb's demographic shift. AreaSearch's projections for Clifton Beach (Qld) are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for SA2 areas. For years post-2032 or areas not covered by this data, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023, using 2021 as the base year, are adopted. Where state projections lack age category splits, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, Clifton Beach (Qld) is projected to experience above median population growth for Australia's regional areas by 2041. Aggregated SA2-level projections indicate an expected increase of 547 persons over this period, reflecting a total growth rate of approximately 15.7%.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Clifton Beach when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Clifton Beach has had approximately 23 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 117 homes were approved, with a further 32 approved in FY-26 to date. This results in an average of 1.1 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years.

The market shows balance between supply and demand, supporting stable conditions. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $457,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting a focus on quality developments. In FY-26, $1.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating a predominantly residential focus.

Compared to Rest of Qld, Clifton Beach has similar development levels per person, maintaining market balance consistent with the broader area. Recent building activity consists entirely 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 strong demand for family homes amid densification trends. The location has approximately 78 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Population forecasts suggest Clifton Beach will gain 547 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

The performance of a region is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 15 such projects that could potentially impact this area. Notable among these are Reefsedge Resort & Waterpark, The Palms Collection Masterplan, The Palms, and Deep Creek Estate. The following list highlights those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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

Clifton Beach has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 1.9%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data as of December 2025. There are 1,850 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.1% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation is lower than the regional average at 62.5%. Census responses indicate that 18.3% of residents work from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. The leading employment industries are health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and education & training. Notably, accommodation & food has a high concentration with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.5%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities as seen in the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, the labour force decreased by 1.0% and employment declined by 1.7%, leading to a 0.7 percentage point rise in unemployment. This contrasts with Regional Qld where employment grew by 0.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project that Clifton Beach's employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's data for Clifton Beach in financial year 2023 shows median income at $53,775 and average income at $65,503. This is lower than national averages of $54,811 (median) and $70,391 (average). In Regional Queensland, the median was $53,146 and average was $66,593. By March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $59,884 (median) and $72,944 (average), based on an 11.36% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. According to census data, personal income ranks at the 51st percentile ($808 weekly), while household income is at the 34th percentile. The largest income segment comprises 29.7% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (1,036 residents). Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 34th percentile. The 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

Clifton Beach's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 72.3% houses and 27.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Clifton Beach was at 37.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.3% and rented ones at 31.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,820, higher than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure in Clifton Beach was $365, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Clifton Beach's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than 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 comprise the remaining 28.3%, with lone person households at 25.1% and group households making up 3.1%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional 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 at 28.1% for 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 prominent, with 39.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 13.1% and certificates at 26.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.7% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, 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 operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These are covered by two routes offering a total of 193 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents typically residing 325 meters from the nearest stop. As predominantly residential, most commutes are outward-bound, with cars being the prevalent mode at 91%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling, lower than the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, 18.3% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 27 trips daily across all routes, translating to roughly 12 weekly trips per individual stop.

Clifton Beach's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Clifton Beach demonstrates excellent health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups. Private health cover is high at approximately 53% of the total population (~1,854 people), leading the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (7.8%) and mental health issues (7.2%). A majority of residents (70.1%) report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes for those under 65 are better than average. Clifton Beach has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 24.6% (858 people), compared to 20.4% in Regional Qld. Senior health outcomes align with national rankings, similar to the general population.

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 has a higher linguistic diversity than most local areas, with 11.0% of its residents speaking a language other than English at home. Born overseas, 32.4% of Clifton Beach's population contributes to its cultural richness. Christianity is the predominant religion in Clifton Beach, practiced by 44.8% of the population.

Notably, Judaism is slightly overrepresented compared to Regional Qld, with 0.3% of Clifton Beach residents identifying as Jewish. In terms of ancestry, English (31.0%) and Australian (20.9%) are the top two groups in Clifton Beach, while Irish makes up 8.7%. Some ethnic groups show significant differences: Hungarian is overrepresented at 0.4%, Dutch at 1.9%, and Russian at 0.5% compared to regional averages.

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

Clifton Beach has a median age of 48, which is higher than Regional Queensland's figure of 41 and the national norm of 38. The 55-64 age group comprises 16.7% of Clifton Beach's population, compared to Regional Queensland's figure, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 9.1%. This concentration of the 55-64 age group is significantly higher than the national average of 11.2%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.6% to 7.9%, and the 15 to 24 cohort has increased from 9.7% to 10.8%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has declined from 16.1% to 13.8%. By 2041, Clifton Beach's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 65 to 74 group is projected to grow by 21 people, reaching 628 from 519. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 cohort is forecasted to decline by 9 people.