Clifton (Qld)

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

As per ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation for the broader area, the estimated population of Clifton (Qld) was around 1,628 as of May 2026. This reflected an increase of 138 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,490. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 1,615 residents following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2025 and validation of 16 new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a density ratio of 35 persons per square kilometer. Clifton's population growth of 9.3% since the 2021 Census exceeded both its SA4 region (5.0%) and SA3 area, indicating it was a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 61.0% to overall population gains during recent periods, with natural growth and overseas migration also being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for Clifton's SA2 area released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data or years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data were adopted, with proportional growth weightings applied for age cohorts. Future population trends project an above median growth for regional areas nationally, with Clifton expected to increase by 207 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 11.9% over the 16 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Clifton averaged approximately 4 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 20 homes. As of FY-26, 6 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.8 people moved to the area per year for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating significant demand exceeding new supply. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $387,000.

In FY-26, $928,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Clifton records around 60% of building activity per person. Nationally, it ranks at the 26th percentile for areas assessed, implying limited buyer options and strengthening demand for established dwellings. This is below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and potential planning limitations.

All new construction in Clifton has been detached dwellings, preserving its low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 628 people. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Clifton to grow by 194 residents through to 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified one project likely affecting 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, with the following list detailing 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Clifton recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Clifton has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well-represented in the area. The unemployment rate was 5.7% as of an unspecified date.

Employment grew by an estimated 3.4% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical aggregation. As of December 2025576 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.7% above Regional Queensland's rate of 4%. Workforce participation in Clifton was significantly lower at 46%, compared to Regional Queensland's 64.5%. Based on Census responses, only 6.2% of Clifton residents worked from home.

However, Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered when interpreting this figure. Employment among Clifton residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and education & training sectors. The area has a particular specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 3.3 times the regional level. Conversely, accommodation & food services have limited presence, with only 4.6% of employment compared to the regional average of 8.3%. AreaSearch's analysis of SALM and ABS data over a 12-month period showed employment increasing by 3.4%, while the labour force grew by 6.4%. This led to an increase in unemployment rate of 2.8 percentage points, compared to Regional Queensland where employment grew by 0.7% and unemployment rose by only 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insights into potential future demand within Clifton. These projections suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Clifton's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 13.1% over ten years. It is important to note that this extrapolation is for illustrative purposes only and does not take into account localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Clifton's median income among taxpayers is $33,024 and the average is $38,001. This is lower than national averages. Regional Qld has a median of $53,146 and an average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Clifton are approximately $36,776 (median) and $42,318 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Clifton fall between the 1st and 4th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 37.4% earn $400 - $799 weekly (608 residents), unlike surrounding regions where 31.7% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. The concentration of 46.3% in sub-$800 weekly brackets highlights economic challenges faced by a significant portion of Clifton's community. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 3rd percentile nationally.

Clifton is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Clifton's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 93.7% houses and 6.3% other dwellings. Compared to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings, Clifton had a higher proportion of houses. 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 Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Clifton was $245, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Clifton's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,083 versus the Australian 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 constitute 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, smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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 most common at 7.8%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.4%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 11.0% and certificates at 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, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A variety of health conditions affect both younger and older age groups, with private health cover at approximately 42% of the total population (~688 people), compared to Regional Qld's 52.5% and the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (14.0%) and asthma (9.6%), while 56.3% of residents reported having no medical ailments, compared to Regional Qld's 67.6%.

Working-age individuals in Clifton face substantial health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. Clifton has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 34.0% (553 people), compared to Regional Qld's 20.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are broadly in line with national rankings.

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, at 91.3%, and spoke English only at home, at 96.3%. Christianity was the primary religion in Clifton, comprising 62.7% of its population, compared to 52.2% across Regional Queensland.

In terms of ancestry, Australians made up 32.7% of Clifton's population, higher than the regional average of 26.5%. English ancestry constituted 28.0%, and Irish was at 10.3%. Notably, German ancestry was overrepresented in Clifton at 5.8%, compared to 4.7% regionally. Australian Aboriginal ancestry was also higher at 5.4%, against the regional average of 3.9%, as were Filipino origins at 2.0%, compared to 0.9% across Regional Queensland.

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

Clifton's median age is 49 years, which is significantly higher than the Regional Queensland average of 41 and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 make up a particularly prominent group at 16.4%, while those aged 25-34 are comparatively smaller at 7.2% compared to Regional Queensland. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 10.9% to 12.3% of Clifton's population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age cohort has declined from 10.7% to 9.5%. By 2041, Clifton is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 85+ group will grow by 95 people, reaching 168 from 86, a growth of 95%. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those aged 65 and above comprising 66% of projected growth. Conversely, numbers in the 15 to 24 age range are expected to fall by 12 people.