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 Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 149 people (10.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,490 people. 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 in June 2024 and an additional 11 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 35 persons per square kilometer. Clifton's 10.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (5.3%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 61.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth of regional areas nationally is projected, with the suburb expected to increase by 222 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 11.7% 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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Clifton has received approximately 4 dwelling approvals per year over the past 5 financial years, totalling around 21 homes. As of FY-26, 2 approvals have been recorded. This results in an average of 4.6 people moving to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically influences prices upwards and intensifies buyer competition. New homes are being constructed at an average cost of $387,000.

Additionally, $928,000 in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of Qld, Clifton has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person, placing it among the 32nd percentile nationally, suggesting limited buyer options and strengthening demand for established dwellings. This activity is below the national average, implying the area's established character and potential planning limitations. Recent development consists solely of detached dwellings, preserving Clifton's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 529 people. AreaSearch forecasts Clifton will gain 191 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting 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 has identified one major project likely affecting the region: Queensland Regional Road Network Safety Improvements. Key projects include Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline, Inland Rail - Gowrie to Kagaru (G2K), and Clifford Park Special School - Relocation of Denise Kable Centre. Relevant projects are listed below.

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 balanced workforce across white and blue collar jobs, with prominent essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 5.4%, with an estimated employment growth of 3.3% over the past year (AreaSearch data). As of September 2025566 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.3% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation in Clifton is significantly lower at 47.0%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. Census data shows that only 6.2% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries for employment among Clifton residents are health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and education & training. Clifton has a significant specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 3.3 times the regional level.

However, accommodation & food services are under-represented, with only 4.6% of Clifton's workforce compared to Rest of Qld's 8.3%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population counts. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 3.3%, while labour force grew by 6.8%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 3.2 percentage points (AreaSearch data). In comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.7%, labour force growth of 2.1%, and an unemployment increase of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Clifton's employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation using industry-specific projections (not accounting for localised population projections).

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 $38,001, according to latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages of $53,146 (median) and $66,593 (average). By September 2025, estimated median income will be approximately $36,297 and average $41,767, based on Wage Price Index growth. Census data shows Clifton's incomes fall between the 1st and 4th percentiles nationally. The $400-$799 earnings band captures 37.4% of Clifton residents (612 individuals), contrasting with metropolitan regions where the $1,500-$2,999 bracket leads 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 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 (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Clifton was at 43.0%, with the rest being mortgaged (28.6%) or rented (28.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Clifton was $245, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Clifton's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than 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 compose 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 Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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

The area has university qualification rates at 10.3%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common among qualifications, at 7.8%, followed by graduate diplomas at 1.4% and postgraduate qualifications at 1.1%. Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas at 11.0% and certificates at 28.1%. Educational participation is high, with 25.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.3% in primary, 8.7% in secondary, and 2.0% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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 per AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high across various health conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 42% of Clifton's total population (around 692 people), compared to 52.5% in the rest of Queensland and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis, affecting 14.0% of residents, and asthma, impacting 9.6%. Conversely, 56.3% of residents claim to have no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in the rest of Queensland. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Clifton has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 33.0% (540 people), compared to 20.4% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly aligning with national rankings for 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 have low cultural diversity, with 87.8% born in Australia, 91.3% being citizens, and 96.3% speaking English only at home as of the date provided. Christianity was the predominant religion in Clifton, making up 62.7% of its population, compared to a regional average of 52.2%. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (32.7%), English (28.0%), and Irish (10.3%).

Notably, German ancestry was overrepresented at 5.8%, Australian Aboriginal at 5.4%, and Filipino at 2.0% compared to regional averages of 4.7%, 3.9%, and 0.9% respectively.

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

Clifton has a median age of 49 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of Qld average of 41 and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 years make up 16.0% of Clifton's population, compared to the national average of 9.5%. This group is particularly prominent in Clifton, while the 25-34 age group comprises only 7.4%, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 9.2% to 9.8% of Clifton's population. Conversely, the 45-54 age cohort has decreased from 10.7% to 9.1%, and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 13.5% to 12.3%. By 2041, Clifton is expected to see significant shifts in its age composition. The number of people aged 85 years and above will grow by 101%, reaching 181 from the current figure of 90. This growth is driven by an aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 years and above comprising 67% of projected growth. Conversely, the numbers in the 15-24 age range are expected to fall by 17%.