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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Clifton Beach's population is estimated at around 3,476 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 284 people (8.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,192 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,394 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS 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. The suburb's 8.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region's 8.5%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 50.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting 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. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data are applied where utilised. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth of Australia's regional areas is projected for Clifton Beach (Qld), with the area expected to expand by 577 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 15.2% 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 shows Clifton Beach has had around 23 new homes approved each year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 118 homes were approved, with a further 25 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, over the past five financial years, each dwelling has added about 2 new residents annually.

This suggests strong demand supporting property values, with new homes averaging $457,000, slightly above the regional average. In FY-26, Clifton Beach has registered $1.2 million in commercial approvals, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Rest of Qld, Clifton Beach maintains similar development levels per person, consistent with broader market balance.

Recent building activity comprises entirely detached dwellings, preserving the area's traditional low-density character and appealing to those seeking space. Developers are constructing more detached housing than previously implied (72.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes. Clifton Beach has approximately 78 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Population forecasts suggest Clifton Beach will gain around 530 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Clifton Beach has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects potentially impacting the region. Notable initiatives include Reefsedge Resort & Waterpark, The Palms Collection Masterplan, The Palms, and Deep Creek Estate.

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. Its unemployment rate is 1.7%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, there are 1,856 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 2.3% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation is broadly similar to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, a moderate 18.3% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and education & training. The area has a particularly notable concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average.

Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with 0.5% employment compared to 4.5% regionally. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data aggregated from broader statistical areas 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. In comparison, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.7%, labour force expand by 2.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Clifton Beach. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Clifton Beach's employment mix suggests 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 2023 shows that Clifton Beach has a median income of $53,775 and an average income of $65,503. This is lower than the national averages of $53,146 (median) and $66,593 (average). As of September 2025, estimated incomes are approximately $59,104 (median) and $71,994 (average), based on a 9.91% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census data indicates personal income ranks at the 51st percentile ($808 weekly) and household income at the 34th percentile. The largest income segment is 29.7%, earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (1,032 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 evaluation, consisted of 72.3% houses and 27.7% other dwellings (including semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had a higher proportion of houses at 76.4%, with 23.6% being other dwellings. Home ownership in Clifton Beach stood 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 Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure in Clifton Beach was recorded as $365, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Clifton Beach's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were also lower at $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 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 university qualification rate is 28.1%, higher than the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and the SA4 region's rate of 21.1%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 17.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.6%). Vocational credentials are held by 39.6% of residents aged 15+, with 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 stops are covered by two routes, offering a total of 193 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents located an average of 325 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards daily, primarily using cars (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, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 27 trips per day, equating to about 12 weekly trips per 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 according to AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups. Private health cover is higher than average at approximately 53% of the total population (~1,847 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (7.8%) and mental health issues (7.2%). A majority, 70.1%, claim to be free from medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Rest of Qld. Under-65 residents have better than average health outcomes. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 23.4% (813 people), compared to the state average of 20.4%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are strong and align with national rankings for 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's population showed higher linguistic diversity, with 11.0% speaking a language other than English at home, compared to most local markets. Born overseas, 32.4% of Clifton Beach residents were recorded. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 44.8%.

Notably, Judaism's representation in Clifton Beach was higher at 0.3%, compared to Rest of Qld's 0.1%. In ancestry, English (31.0%) and Australian (20.9%) were the top groups, with Irish following at 8.7%. Hungarian (0.4%), Dutch (1.9%), and Russian (0.5%) showed notable overrepresentation compared to regional averages of 0.2%, 1.1%, and 0.2% respectively.

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

Clifton Beach's median age is 47 years, which is notably higher than Rest of Qld's median age of 41 and the national norm of 38. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, the 55-64 cohort is significantly over-represented in Clifton Beach at 16.7%, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 9.5%. This concentration of the 55-64 age group is well above the national average of 11.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 9.7% to 11.0% of Clifton Beach's population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 16.1% to 13.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests that Clifton Beach's age profile will change significantly. The 65 to 74 age cohort is projected to increase by 105 people (21%), from 504 to 610. Conversely, the number of individuals in the 15 to 24 age range is expected to decrease by 13.