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 the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Clifton's population is estimated at around 1,639 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 149 people (10.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,490 people in the Clifton (Qld) statistical area (Lv2). The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,581 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 12 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 35 persons per square kilometer in the Clifton (Qld) area. Clifton's growth exceeded the SA4 region (5.2%) and SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 61.0% during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. 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. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected nationally with the Clifton (Qld) expected to increase by 224 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 11.5% in total over the 17 years.

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

Clifton has had approximately 4 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 21 homes. As of FY-26, there have been 2 recorded approvals. On average, 4.6 people move to Clifton each year for every dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25. This has led to a significant demand outpacing supply, which can put upward pressure on prices and increase competition among buyers.

The average construction value of new homes is $387,000. In this financial year, Clifton has registered $928,000 in commercial approvals, indicating its residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Clifton has about two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person. Nationally, it ranks around the 32nd percentile for areas assessed, suggesting limited buyer options and strengthening demand for established dwellings.

This activity is below the national average, pointing to the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. All recent development in Clifton has been detached dwellings, preserving its low-density character and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 529 people, reflecting a quiet development environment. By 2041, Clifton is forecasted to gain 188 residents. If current construction levels continue, housing supply may lag behind population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified one major project likely impacting the 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, with the following list focusing on those most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Clifton has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Clifton has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, with essential services well represented. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 5.3%, showing an increase of 3.4% over the previous year.

This rate is 1.2% higher than the Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Clifton lags behind at 43.0%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries employing Clifton residents are health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and education & training. The area specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share three 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 September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 3.4%, while the labour force grew by 6.9%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 3.2 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points during the same period. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, covering five and ten-year periods ending May-30 and May-35 respectively, suggest overall growth rates of 6.6% and 13.7%. Applying these projections to Clifton's current employment mix indicates potential local employment increases of 6.0% over five years and 13.1% over ten years.

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

Clifton suburb's median taxpayer income was $33,024 and average was $38,001 in financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages of $53,146 (median) and $66,593 (average). By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $36,297 and average $41,767 based on Wage Price Index growth. Clifton incomes fall between the 1st and 4th percentiles nationally. Income brackets show 37.4% earn $400-$799 (612 individuals). In contrast, metropolitan region's leading bracket is $1,500-$2,999 at 31.7%. Financial pressure is evident with 46.3% of households having weekly budgets below $800. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.9% of income remaining.

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. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 92.3% houses and 7.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Clifton was at 43.0%, similar to Non-Metro Qld's level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (28.6%) or rented (28.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,083, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,300 and significantly below the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Clifton was recorded at $245, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $255 and 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 constitute 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 account for 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%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent among qualifications, 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 and above holding them.

Advanced diplomas account for 11.0% and certificates for 28.1%. Educational participation is high, with 25.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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. Approximately 42% (~692 people) have private health cover, lower than the Rest of Queensland's 46.1% and the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (14.0%) and asthma (9.6%), while 56.3% report no medical ailments, compared to 62.0% in Rest of Qld.

Clifton has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 32.8% (537 people), compared to the Rest of Queensland's 27.0%. Health outcomes among seniors are broadly similar to those of the general population.

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

Clifton's population was found to be predominantly born in Australia, with 87.8%. The majority were citizens, 91.3%, and spoke English only at home, 96.3%. Christianity was the main religion in Clifton, comprising 62.7% of its population, compared to 63.9% across Rest of Qld.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (32.7%), English (28.0%), and Irish (10.3%). Notably, German ancestry was slightly higher than the regional average at 5.8%, while Australian Aboriginal was also higher at 5.4%. Filipino ancestry showed a significant increase from the regional average of 0.7% to 2.0%.

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

Clifton's median age at 49 years is significantly higher than Queensland's average of 41 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent, making up 15.9% of Clifton's population, which is higher than both Queensland's (10.2%) and Australia's (9.4%) averages. Meanwhile, the 25-34 age group comprises only 7.1%, lower than Queensland's average of 16%. Between 2021 and present, the 55 to 64 age group has increased from 12.1% to 12.9%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 10.7% to 9.3%. By 2041, Clifton's population is expected to shift significantly. The 85+ age group will grow by 101%, reaching 181 people from an initial 90. Those aged 65 and above are projected to contribute to 73% of the population growth. Conversely, declines are projected for the 45-54 and 5-14 age groups.