Clifton Springs

An assessment of population growth drivers in Clifton Springs reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the estimated population of Clifton Springs as of Feb 2026 is around 7,453. This shows a decrease of 193 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,646. The current estimate is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population figure of 7,307 in Jun 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,081 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Clifton Springs has shown resilient growth with a compound annual growth rate of 3.5%, outperforming its SA4 region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 74% to overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 adjusted to SA2 levels for areas not covered by the first data set. Projected demographic shifts indicate exceptional growth, placing Clifton Springs in the top 10 percent of Australian non-metropolitan areas. By 2041, the suburb is expected to grow by 4,062 persons, reflecting a total increase of 64.1% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Clifton Springs among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Clifton Springs averaged around 50 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 250 homes. As of FY-26, 1 approval has been recorded. On average, 4 people moved to the area per year for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, suggesting supply lagged demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New properties are constructed at an average value of $482,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This financial year, $30.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Rest of Vic., Clifton Springs has significantly less development activity, being 62.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. New building activity shows 98.0% standalone homes and 2.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

With around 250 people per dwelling approval, Clifton Springs exhibits characteristics of a low density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Clifton Springs is expected to grow by 4,776 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Clifton Springs has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects that could impact this region. Notable ones include Belgrove Estate, Duke 3222, Bellarine Views Estate, and Drysdale Bypass Road Project. The following details the most relevant initiatives.

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 Springs has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Clifton Springs has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate was 4.2% as of September 2025, which is 0.4% higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Clifton Springs stood at 65.0%, slightly above Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%.

According to Census responses, 18.0% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area has a particular employment specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.7% versus the regional average of 7.5%.

The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over a 12-month period ending September 2025, Clifton Springs' labour force decreased by 0.3%, while employment decreased by 0.2%, resulting in an unemployment rate fall by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Clifton Springs' employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections against the local employment mix.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates Clifton Springs' median income among taxpayers is $47,759. The average income in the suburb is $61,709. Both figures are below the national average. In comparison, Rest of Vic.'s median income is $50,954 and average is $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $51,699 (median) and $66,800 (average). Census data shows Clifton Springs' household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 23rd and 25th percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals that 31.2% of Clifton Springs residents earn between $1,500 - 2,999 annually, mirroring regional levels at 30.3%. After housing costs, 85.4% of income remains, ranking at the 26th percentile nationally.

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

Clifton Springs' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 98.0% houses and 2.0% other dwellings. Non-Metro Vic., in contrast, had 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Clifton Springs stood at 43.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.0% and rented ones at 18.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in Clifton Springs was $350, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Clifton Springs' mortgage repayments were lower at $1,517 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $350 compared to the national figure of $375.

Clifton Springs has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 71.1 percent of all households, including 24.8 percent couples with children, 34.4 percent couples without children, and 11.0 percent single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 28.9 percent, with lone person households at 26.9 percent and group households comprising 2.0 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

Educational attainment in Clifton Springs aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 19.0%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 12.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are held by 41.5% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 12.0% and certificates at 29.5%. A total of 23.6% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 8.0% in primary, 6.5% in secondary, and 3.3% in tertiary education.

A substantial 23.6% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 8.0% in primary education, 6.5% in secondary education, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Clifton Springs has 35 active public transport stops serviced by eight routes, offering 691 weekly passenger trips. Residents have good accessibility to these stops, with an average distance of 251 meters to the nearest one. Clifton Springs is mainly residential, with most residents commuting outward using cars as the dominant mode at 94%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 18% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency is 98 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 19 weekly trips per individual stop.

Service frequency averages 98 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 19 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Clifton Springs are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Clifton Springs shows below-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are higher than average for both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (around 3,820 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 11.3% and 9.6% of residents respectively. Conversely, 59.9% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in the rest of Victoria. Working-age population faces significant health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. Clifton Springs has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 25.9%, compared to 23.9% in the rest of Victoria. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than those for the general population.

Clifton Springs ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Clifton Springs, surveyed in 2016, showed low cultural diversity with 83.5% of its population born in Australia, 91.9% being citizens, and 95.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, accounting for 47.6%, close to the regional average of 47.3%. Top ancestral groups were English (32.9%), Australian (27.4%), and Irish (10.0%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry was higher than average at 9.5% compared to 8.8%, Dutch at 1.8% versus 1.7%, and Maltese at 1.1% against 0.5%.

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

Clifton Springs has a median age of 47 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of Vic average of 43 and substantially exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent at 15.4%, while the 5-14 group comprises 9.5% of the population, which is comparatively smaller than in Rest of Vic.. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national average of 9.5%. Between 2021 and the present, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 11.2% to 13.1%, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 9.4% to 10.5%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 10.7% to 9.5%, and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 15.2% to 14.1%. By 2041, Clifton Springs is projected to experience notable shifts in its age composition, with the 35 to 44 group expected to grow by 82% (797 people), reaching a total of 1,774 from the previous figure of 976.