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 May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Clifton Hill is around 5,901, a decrease of 705 people (10.7%) since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 6,606. This estimation is based on AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated by them since the Census date. The resident population was estimated at 5,897 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025), with an additional 8 validated new addresses. This results in a population density ratio of 3,057 persons per square kilometer, placing Clifton Hill in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Recent population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 47.0% of overall population gains, although all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, they are utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting them employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, the suburb of Clifton Hill is forecasted to experience significant population increase in the top quartile of Australian statistical areas, with an expected increase of 1,688 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 28.5% over the 16 years.

The level of residential development activity in Clifton Hill is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Clifton Hill has experienced around 22 dwellings receiving development approval each year over the past five financial years to June 2021. This totals an estimated 112 homes. As of FY-26 (July 2021 - June 2022), 0 approvals have been recorded.

Clifton Hill's population has fallen during this period, yet development activity has been adequate relative to its size, which is positive for buyers. 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 (54.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, Clifton Hill reflects a lower level of development activity, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. All new construction in Clifton Hill 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 existing housing patterns (currently 24.0% houses), potentially indicating diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs.

Clifton Hill reflects a highly mature market with around 1829 people per dwelling approval. Population forecasts indicate Clifton Hill will gain 1,684 residents by 2041 (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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 27 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Thomas Embling Hospital Expansion, Fitzroy Gasworks Precinct, Queens Parade Service Lane Upgrade, and Heidelberg Road Corridor Local Area Plan and Built Form Framework. The following list details those 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 performance in Clifton Hill exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Clifton Hill has an educated workforce with notable representation in the technology sector. Its unemployment rate is 3.5%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 3,459 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 1.3% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation in Clifton Hill is similar to Greater Melbourne's at 69.9%. A high proportion, 55.0%, of residents work from home, as indicated by Census responses, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries are professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Clifton Hill has a particular specialization in professional & technical jobs, with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction employs only 5.7% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as shown by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.1%, and employment declined by 4.2% in Clifton Hill, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable. In contrast, Greater Melbourne experienced employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Clifton Hill's employment should increase by 7.6% over five years and 15.3% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 income in Clifton Hill is among the top percentile nationally. The median assessed income is $72,186 and the average income stands at $108,712. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's figures of a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $79,130 (median) and $119,170 (average) as of March 2026. 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 34.5% of the population (2,035 individuals) fall within the $4000+ income range, differing from the broader area where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 32.8%. The substantial proportion of high earners (47.2% above $3,000/week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout this suburb. Housing accounts for 14.9% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 94th percentile for disposable income and 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, consisted of 23.8% houses and 76.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Clifton Hill was at 29.6%, similar to Melbourne metro's level. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 30.8% and rented dwellings for 39.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Clifton Hill was $2,700, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Clifton Hill was $550, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Clifton Hill's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,700 against the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above 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 higher educational attainment than national and state averages. Specifically, 66.4% of Clifton Hill residents hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and Victoria's 33.4%. This high level of education is dominated by bachelor degrees (36.5%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (22.8%) and graduate diplomas (7.1%). Technical qualifications make up 14.0%, with advanced diplomas at 6.9% and certificates at 7.1%.

Educational participation in Clifton Hill is also notably high, 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, serving a mix of light rail and bus routes. These stops are serviced by 8 individual routes, collectively providing 6,093 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents located an average of 285 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 59%, with 13% cycling and 11% using trains. 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 shows strong performance throughout Clifton Hill. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low across both young and old age cohorts, as assessed by AreaSearch. Private health cover was found to be exceptionally high at approximately 70% of the total population (4,105 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were mental health issues, impacting 11.3% of residents, and asthma, affecting 8.7%. A total of 69.7% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The under-65 population demonstrated better than average health outcomes. The area has 15.3% of residents aged 65 and over (902 people). Health outcomes among seniors were above average, with national rankings broadly in line with 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's population shows above-average cultural diversity, with 22.0% 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 its population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented in Clifton Hill 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%). These figures are substantially higher than the regional averages of 20.1% for English and 6.5% for Irish respectively. Other ethnic groups with notable divergences include Scottish (9.8% vs regional 5.6%), French (0.7% vs 0.5%), and Greek (2.7%, equal to the regional average).

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

Clifton Hill's median age is 37, matching Greater Melbourne's figure and being comparable to Australia's 38 years. The 25-34 age group makes up 21.0%, higher than Greater Melbourne's percentage, while the 15-24 cohort is less prevalent at 8.8%. This concentration of 25-34-year-olds is significantly above the national average of 14.6%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has increased from 3.9% to 5.1%, while the 35-44 cohort rose from 17.2% to 18.4%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group has decreased from 10.6% to 9.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Clifton Hill's age structure. Notably, the 45-54 group is expected to grow by 67%, reaching 1,199 people from 719. The 0-4 cohort will also increase, but at a more modest rate of 9%, adding 26 people to its current total.