Clifton Hill

Population growth drivers in Clifton Hill are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Feb 2026, Clifton Hill's population is estimated at around 6,341, reflecting a decrease since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 6,606. This change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 6,304 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. The suburb's population density is 3,285 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. Over the past decade, Clifton Hill demonstrated a compound annual growth rate of 2.0%, outpacing its SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 47.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth being positive factors. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for Clifton Hill released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, Clifton Hill is predicted to experience exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10 percent of national statistical areas. By 2041, the suburb's population is expected to increase by 4,479 persons, reflecting an overall increase of 89.7% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Clifton Hill according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Clifton Hill has experienced approximately 22 dwellings receiving development approval each year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 112 homes. So far in FY-26, no approvals have been recorded.

Over these five years, an average of 7.8 new residents per year arrived per dwelling constructed. Supply has substantially lagged demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $539,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Clifton Hill has significantly less development activity, 53.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, it reflects market maturity and possible development constraints. All new construction in Clifton Hill over these years has been comprised of townhouses or apartments, focusing on higher-density living to create more affordable entry points and suit downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers.

This marks a significant departure from the current housing pattern of 24.0% houses, suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With around 2127 people per dwelling approval, Clifton Hill reflects a highly mature market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Clifton Hill is forecasted to gain approximately 5,685 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 27 projects that may impact the area. Notable projects include Fitzroy Gasworks Precinct, 267-269 Queens Parade Apartments, Heidelberg Road Local Area Plan, and YarraBend - Paperworks Building. The following list details those most likely to be 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 performance in Clifton Hill exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Clifton Hill has a highly educated workforce with notable representation in the technology sector. Its unemployment rate is 3.7%. Over the past year, estimated employment growth was 4.7%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 4,764 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.9% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%. Workforce participation in Clifton Hill is high at 92.6%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. Census responses indicate that 55.0% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The leading employment industries are professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

Clifton Hill has a particularly high concentration in professional & technical services, with employment levels at 1.9 times the regional average. Conversely, construction employs only 5.7% of local workers, lower than Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the ratio of Census working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 4.7%, while labour force grew by 4.7% with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 3.0%, labour force grow by 3.3%, and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Clifton Hill's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.6% over five years and 15.3% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

AreaSearch's latest data for postcode level ATO financial year 2023 shows Clifton Hill suburb has top percentile national incomes. Median income is $72,186 and average income stands at $108,712. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on 8.25% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, current estimates for Clifton Hill are approximately $78,141 (median) and $117,681 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census shows household, family, and personal incomes in Clifton Hill rank between the 94th and 96th percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals 34.5% of residents earn $4000+, differing from broader area where $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 32.8%. High earners make up 47.2% above $3,000/week, indicating strong economic capacity. Housing accounts for 14.9% of income and residents rank within the 94th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Clifton Hill displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Clifton Hill's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 23.8% houses and 76.2% other dwellings. In Melbourne metro, this was 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Clifton Hill was 29.6%, similar to Melbourne metro's level. Dwellings were either mortgaged (30.8%) or rented (39.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Clifton Hill was $2,700, higher than Melbourne metro's $2,000 and Australia's average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Clifton Hill was $550, above Melbourne metro's $390 and the national figure of $375.

Clifton Hill features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 63.2% of all households, including 26.2% couples with children, 29.6% couples without children, and 6.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 36.8%, with lone person households at 27.6% and group households comprising 9.2%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Educational achievement in Clifton Hill places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Clifton Hill's residents aged 15 and above have a notably high level of educational attainment, with 66.4% holding university qualifications compared to the national average of 30.4% and the Victorian average of 33.4%. This is reflected in the area's strong representation of bachelor degrees (36.5%), postgraduate qualifications (22.8%), and graduate diplomas (7.1%). Technical qualifications also contribute significantly, with advanced diplomas at 6.9% and certificates at 7.1%. Educational participation is high, with 26.8% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 8.5% in tertiary education, 8.1% in primary education, and 5.0% pursuing secondary education.

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

Clifton Hill has 24 operational public transport stops offering a mix of lightrail and bus services. These stops are served by 8 different routes, collectively facilitating 6,093 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good with residents typically located 285 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Car remains the primary mode of transport at 59%, followed by cycling at 13% and train at 11%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.8 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 55.0% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 870 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 253 weekly trips per individual stop.

Clifton Hill's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics indicates strong performance across Clifton Hill. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low for both young and old age cohorts. Private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 70% of the total population (4,412 people), compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions were mental health issues (11.3%) and asthma (8.7%). A majority, 69.7%, declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Under-65 population health outcomes were better than average. Clifton Hill has 14.8% of residents aged 65 and over (938 people). Senior health outcomes are above average, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Clifton Hill records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Clifton Hill has a higher than average cultural diversity, with 22.0% of its population born overseas and 13.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Clifton Hill, comprising 25.8% of people. Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 1.1% versus 1.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (26.7%), Australian (20.1%), and Irish (12.9%), all higher than regional averages. Notable divergences include Scottish at 9.8% (versus 5.6%), French at 0.7% (versus 0.5%), and Greek at 2.7%.

Clifton Hill's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Clifton Hill has a median age of 37, matching Greater Melbourne and closely resembling Australia's figure of 38 years. The 25-34 age group is strongly represented at 20.6%, higher than Greater Melbourne but lower than the national average of 14.4%. The 15-24 cohort makes up 9.3% of Clifton Hill's population, a growth from 7.8% in 2021. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has decreased from 21.5% to 20.6% since 2021. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Clifton Hill's age structure, notably a 148% increase in the 45-54 group, reaching 1,903 people from 767.