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

As of Nov 2025, Clifton Springs' population is estimated at around 7,459, a decrease of 187 people from the 2021 Census figure of 7,646. This change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 7,307 residents in Jun 2024 and validation of 88 new addresses since the Census date. The population density is approximately 1,082 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade ending in 2025, Clifton Springs has shown a compound annual growth rate of 3.5%, outpacing its SA4 region. Interstate migration contributed about 74% to overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch's projections for Clifton Springs (SA2) are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024, using 2022 as the base year.

For areas not covered by this data, VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 were used with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, Clifton Springs is expected to grow exceptionally, placing it in the top 10 percent of Australian non-metropolitan areas, with an increase of 4,079 persons by 2041, reflecting a 64.2% total increase 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 in Clifton Springs shows an average of around 50 new dwelling approvals per year over the past 5 financial years, totalling approximately 250 homes. As of FY-26, 1 approval has been recorded. On average, 4 people move to the area for each dwelling built annually between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating substantial demand lagging supply, which typically leads to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $482,000, reflecting a focus on premium segment upmarket properties by developers.

In FY-26, $30.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Clifton Springs has significantly less development activity, with 62.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. The area shows a traditional suburban character, with 98.0% standalone homes and 2.0% townhouses or apartments.

With around 250 people per dwelling approval, Clifton Springs is considered a low density area. By 2041, Clifton Springs is expected to grow by approximately 4,785 residents according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. 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 to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects likely impacting the region. Notable ones are Belgrove Estate, Duke 3222, Bellarine Views Estate, and Drysdale Bypass Road Project. The following details these projects in order of expected relevance.

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. The unemployment rate was 4.2% as of September 2025.

This is 0.4% higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Clifton Springs is broadly similar to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. 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. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.3% while employment decreased by 0.1%, resulting in a 0.2 percentage point fall in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of Vic. experienced an employment decline of 0.7% and a labour force decline of 0.6%. State-level data to November 25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Clifton Springs' employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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. This is below the national average. In comparison, Rest of Vic.'s median income is $50,954 with an average of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Clifton Springs would be approximately $51,699 (median) and $66,800 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Clifton Springs fall between the 23rd and 25th percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals that 31.2% of individuals 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 structures, as per the latest Census, comprised 98.0% houses and 2.0% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Vic.'s figures were 93.0% houses and 7.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Clifton Springs was 43.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.0% and rented ones at 18.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, significantly lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,950. Weekly rent in Clifton Springs was recorded at $350, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $402. Nationally, Clifton Springs' median monthly mortgage repayment is lower at $1,863 and weekly rent is less than 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% of all households, including 24.8% couples with children, 34.4% couples without children, and 11.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 28.9%, with lone person households at 26.9% and group households making up 2.0%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.5.

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 common at 12.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.0%) and certificates (29.5%). A total of 23.6% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, with 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

Transport analysis indicates 35 active public transport stops operating within Clifton Springs. These comprise a mix of bus services. Eight individual routes serve these stops, collectively facilitating 691 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 251 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 98 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 19 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Clifton Springs is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Clifton Springs faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~3823 people), compared to 57.1% across the rest of Victoria.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 11.3% of residents) and mental health issues (9.6%), while 59.9% report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.8% in the rest of Victoria. Clifton Springs has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 26.5% (1976 people), compared to 24.2% in the rest of Victoria. Health outcomes among seniors are above average and better than those of 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 August 2016, had a 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 predominant religion, accounting for 47.6%, compared to 45.3% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.9%), Australian (27.4%), and Irish (10.0%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry was slightly higher than regional averages at 9.5%. Dutch and Maltese ancestries were also present but in line with regional figures at 1.8% and 1.1%, respectively.

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

Clifton Springs has a median age of 48 years, which is notably higher than Rest of Vic.'s 43 and significantly exceeds the Australian median of 38. The age profile indicates that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent, comprising 15.6% of the population, while the 5-14 group is relatively smaller at 9.7%. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 9.4%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 11.2% to 12.7% of the population, while the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 10.7% to 9.7%. Demographic modeling suggests that Clifton Springs's age profile will undergo significant changes by 2041. The 35 to 44 age cohort is projected to grow considerably, with an increase of 819 people (an 87% rise) from 947 to 1,767.