Clifton Hill

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

The Clifton Hill statistical area (Lv2) had an estimated population of around 6,337 as of Nov 2025, reflecting a decrease of 269 people since the 2021 Census. The ABS reported a population of 6,606 in the 2021 Census. AreaSearch's estimate is based on resident population data from June 2024 and validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,283 persons per square kilometer, placing Clifton Hill (SA2) in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. Over the past decade, ending in 2021, Clifton Hill (SA2) demonstrated a compound annual growth rate of 2.0%, outperforming its SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 47.0% of population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch projections for Clifton Hill (SA2), adopted from ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, predict exceptional growth over the period to 2041. The area is expected to increase by 4,471 persons by 2041, 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, shows Clifton Hill has experienced around 22 dwellings receiving development approval each year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 112 homes. So far in FY-26, 0 approvals have been recorded.

An average of 7.8 new residents per year arrives per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. Supply is substantially lagging demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New homes are being built at an average value of $539,000, indicating a developer 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 is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New construction has been completely comprised of townhouses or apartments, creating more affordable entry points and suiting 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. Clifton Hill reflects a highly mature market with around 2127 people per dwelling approval. Population forecasts indicate Clifton Hill will gain 5,684 residents through to 2041, from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Should 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

Twenty-seven infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Key projects include Fitzroy Gasworks Precinct, 267-269 Queens Parade Apartments, Heidelberg Road Local Area Plan, and YarraBend - Paperworks Building. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Clifton Hill exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Clifton Hill has an educated workforce, with the technology sector prominent. Its unemployment rate was 3.7% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 4.7%.

As of September 2025, 4,773 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.9% below Greater Melbourne's 4.7%. Workforce participation was higher at 73.6%. Leading industries included professional & technical (1.9 times the regional average), health care & social assistance, and education & training. Construction employed only 5.7% locally, compared to Greater Melbourne's 9.7%.

Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 4.7%, while labour force grew by 4.7%, with unemployment remaining stable. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 3.0%, labour force grow by 3.3%, and unemployment increase by 0.3%. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 showed Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National forecasts from May-25 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Clifton Hill's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 7.6% over five years and 15.3% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Clifton Hill suburb has a top percentile national income ranking. The median assessed income is $72,186 and the 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 Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $78,141 (median) and $117,681 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes all rank highly in Clifton Hill, between the 94th and 96th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 34.5% of the population (2,186 individuals) fall within the $4000+ income range, differing from the broader area where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 32.8%. A substantial proportion of high earners (47.2% above $3,000/week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout the suburb. Housing accounts for 14.9% of income, with residents ranking 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

Clifton Hill's latest Census evaluation showed 23.8% houses and 76.2% other dwellings, compared to Melbourne metro's 12.8% houses and 87.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Clifton Hill was 29.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.8% and rented at 39.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,700, higher than Melbourne metro's $2,326. Median weekly rent in Clifton Hill was $550, compared to Melbourne metro's $451. Nationally, Clifton Hill's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,700 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher at $550 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.0.

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

In Clifton Hill, educational attainment is notably high, with 66.4% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications. This figure exceeds the national average of 30.4% and the Victorian state average of 33.4%. The area's strong educational advantage is reflected in its high proportion of residents with bachelor degrees (36.5%), postgraduate qualifications (22.8%), and graduate diplomas (7.1%). Technical qualifications also contribute significantly to Clifton Hill's educational achievements, with advanced diplomas at 6.9% and certificates at 7.1%.

Educational participation is notably high in the area, with 26.8% of residents 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 active public transport stops offering a mix of train, lightrail, and bus services. These stops are served by 8 distinct routes that together facilitate 6,093 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents residing on average 285 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 870 trips per day, translating to roughly 253 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Clifton Hill is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Clifton Hill shows superior health outcomes across both younger and older age groups, with low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 70% (4,409 people) have private health cover, significantly higher than the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues affect 11.3% of residents, while asthma impacts 8.7%. Notably, 69.7% claim to be free from medical ailments, slightly lower than Greater Melbourne's 70.6%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 14.4% (912 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 12.1%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are above average, mirroring the general population's health profile.

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's cultural diversity was found to be above average, with 22.0% of its population born overseas and 13.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the main religion in Clifton Hill as of 25.8%. However, Judaism was overrepresented at 1.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 0.8%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (26.7%), Australian (20.1%), and Irish (12.9%). Notably, Scottish representation was higher in Clifton Hill at 9.8% versus the regional average of 8.6%, while French stood at 0.7% compared to 0.8%, and Greek at 2.7% compared to 2.8%.

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

Clifton Hill has a median age of 37, matching Greater Melbourne's figure and closely resembling Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 age group is strongly represented at 21.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's percentage. The 15-24 cohort is less prevalent in Clifton Hill at 9.3%. Notably, the 25-34 concentration is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between 2021 and present day, the 15-24 age group has increased from 7.8% to 9.3% of Clifton Hill's population. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 10.6% to 9.8%. Looking forward to the year 2041, demographic projections indicate substantial changes in Clifton Hill's age structure. The 45-54 group is projected to grow by 148%, adding 1,133 people and reaching a total of 1,900 from its current figure of 766.