Clifton (Qld)

Clifton has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for Clifton, as of Nov 2025 the estimated population is around 1,554. This reflects an increase of 64 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,490. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 1,542 residents following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 12 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 33 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Clifton has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.4%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 61.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings for age cohorts as per ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is expected, with Clifton expected to increase by 217 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 17.1% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Clifton recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Clifton shows approximately 4 dwellings receiving development approval annually over the past 5 financial years, totalling around 20 homes. No approvals have been recorded so far in FY-26. An average of 4.8 people moved to the area per dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand outpacing supply. New homes were constructed at an average cost of $387,000, below the regional average.

Clifton has registered $866,000 in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Rest of Qld, Clifton has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 41st percentile nationally, implying limited buyer options and strengthening demand for established dwellings. Recent development comprised entirely detached dwellings, preserving Clifton's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 397 people.

Population forecasts indicate Clifton will gain 266 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project expected to affect this region: Queensland Regional Road Network Safety Improvements, Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline, Inland Rail - Gowrie to Kagaru (G2K), and Clifford Park Special School - Relocation of Denise Kable Centre are key projects. 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 has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Clifton has a balanced workforce comprising both white and blue-collar jobs. Key sectors include essential services, with an unemployment rate of 4.7% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.3%. The unemployment rate in Clifton is 0.8% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is lower at 43.0%. Major industries for residents are health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and education & training. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is particularly specialized, with an employment share 3.3 times the regional level.

However, accommodation & food services are under-represented, at 4.6% compared to Rest of Qld's 8.3%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 3.3%, labour force by 5.3%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.9 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.8% and unemployment rising 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest Clifton's employment could increase by 6.0% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Clifton's employment mix.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

Clifton's median taxpayer income is $33,024 and average is $38,010 according to latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is lower than national averages: Rest of Qld has a median income of $50,780 and average of $64,844. As of September 2025, estimated incomes are approximately $37,644 (median) and $43,317 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022. Census data shows Clifton's household, family, and personal incomes all fall between the 1st and 4th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 37.4% of Clifton residents earn between $400 - $799 (581 individuals), contrasting with metropolitan regions where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 31.7%. Economic circumstances reveal widespread financial pressure, with 46.3% of households operating on weekly budgets below $800. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 3rd percentile nationally.

Clifton is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Clifton's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 93.7% houses and 6.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's figures of 92.3% houses and 7.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Clifton was 43.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.6% and rented dwellings at 28.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,300. Weekly rent in Clifton was recorded at $245, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $255. Nationally, Clifton's median monthly mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,083 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 61.0% of all households, including 17.3% couples with children, 29.2% couples without children, and 12.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 39.0%, with lone person households at 36.2% and group households comprising 4.0%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.3.

Clifton faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 10.3%, substantially lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 7.8%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.1%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 39.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (28.1%). Educational participation is high at 25.2%, with 10.3% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education.

Clifton's 3 schools have a combined enrollment of 431 students, serving typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 958) with balanced educational opportunities. The area has 2 primary and 1 secondary school, functioning as an education hub with 27.7 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 14.1, attracting students from surrounding communities.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Clifton is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Clifton faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low at approximately 42% (656 people), compared to 46.2% across the rest of Queensland and a national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, impacting 14.0% and 9.6% of residents respectively.

However, 56.3% of residents claim to be free from any medical ailments, compared to 62.0% in the rest of Queensland. Clifton has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 32.5% (505 people), compared to 27.0% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly aligning with the general population's health profile.

Clifton is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Clifton has a cultural diversity level below the average, with 87.8% of its population born in Australia, 91.3% being citizens, and 96.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Clifton, accounting for 62.7% of people, compared to 63.9% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (32.7%), English (28.0%), and Irish (10.3%).

Notably, German (5.8%) is overrepresented in Clifton compared to the regional average of 5.6%. Similarly, Australian Aboriginal (5.4% vs 3.6%) and Filipino (2.0% vs 0.7%) are also overrepresented.

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

Clifton's median age is 49 years, significantly higher than the Rest of Qld average of 41 and exceeding the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent, comprising 15.7% of Clifton's population, compared to a national figure of 9.4%. Meanwhile, the 25-34 age group makes up only 7.1%, smaller than in Rest of Qld. Between 2021 and present, the 55-64 age group has increased from 12.1% to 13.0% of Clifton's population, while the 45-54 cohort has declined from 10.7% to 9.2%. By 2041, Clifton is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition, with the 85+ group growing by 113%, reaching 179 people from an initial 83. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 62% of projected growth. Conversely, numbers in the 15-24 age range are expected to fall by 6%.