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 Feb 2026, Clifton Springs' population is estimated at around 7,453, reflecting a decrease of 193 people since the 2021 Census. The population was 7,646 in 2021. This estimation is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area. It also reflects an estimated resident population of 7,307 by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024). The population density ratio is approximately 1,081 persons per square kilometer.

Population growth in Clifton Springs was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing around 74.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. Other factors such as natural growth and overseas migration were also positive contributors. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering projected demographic shifts, Clifton Springs is forecasted to experience significant population increase, with an expected growth of 2,880 persons by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections. This reflects a total increase of 36.7% over the 17-year period from 2026 to 2041.

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 approximately 50 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 252 homes. As of FY-26, one approval has been recorded. Historically, around four people have moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, suggesting supply lags demand, potentially leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. Developers focus on the premium segment, with new properties constructed at an average expected cost of $482,000.

In FY-26, $30.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating high local commercial activity. Compared to Rest of Vic., Clifton Springs has significantly less development activity, 63.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. The area maintains its traditional suburban character, with 98.0% standalone homes and 2.0% townhouses or apartments.

Clifton Springs has around 242 people per dwelling approval, reflecting low-density characteristics. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Clifton Springs to grow by 2,734 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially intensifying 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 impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects expected to affect the region, with notable ones being Belgrove Estate, Duke 3222, Bellarine Views Estate, and Drysdale Bypass Road Project. The following list details those likely to have the most 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.

Clifton Springs has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Clifton Springs has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 4.3% as of December 2025. This is 0.6% higher than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation was 65.1%, slightly above Regional Vic.'s 61.5%. According to Census responses, 18.0% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction has particular employment specialization with a share 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.7%, compared to Regional Vic.'s average of 7.5%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, labour force decreased by 0.7% and employment decreased by 0.2%, resulting in an unemployment rate drop of 0.5 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Clifton Springs's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, assuming no change in population projections.

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Clifton Springs' median income among taxpayers is $47,759. The average income in this suburb is $61,709. Both figures are below the national average. In comparison, Regional 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, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $51,699 (median) and $66,800 (average). Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Clifton Springs fall between the 23rd and 25th percentiles nationally. Income distribution indicates that 31.2% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999, 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

In Clifton Springs, as per the latest Census, 98.0% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 2.0% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Regional Vic.'s 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 Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Clifton Springs was $350, compared to Regional 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% 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 comprising 2.0%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional 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 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; advanced diplomas account for 12.0% and certificates for 29.5%. A total of 23.6% of the population is actively engaged in formal education: 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. These are served by 8 routes offering a total of 691 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically living 251 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, with cars being the dominant mode at 94%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling. In 2021 Census data (which may reflect COVID-19 conditions), 18% of residents worked from home.

Service frequency averages 98 trips daily across all routes, equating to about 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 indicators based on AreaSearch's assessment as of March 2022.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were found to be slightly higher than average across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover was relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population of around 3,820 people in the area, compared to Regional Vic's 54%. The most common medical conditions were arthritis (11.3%) and mental health issues (9.6%). Meanwhile, 59.9% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Clifton Springs has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 26.1% (1,945 people), compared to Regional Vic's 23.9%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than 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, as per the census conducted on Tuesday 28 June 2016, had a lower than average cultural diversity. The population born in Australia was 83.5%, with 91.9% being citizens and 95.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 47.6% of the population, which is similar to the regional average of 47.3%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (32.9%), Australian (27.4%), and Irish (10.0%). Notably, Scottish ancestry was higher than the regional average at 9.5%, compared to 8.8%. Dutch ancestry was also slightly higher at 1.8% versus 1.7%, and Maltese ancestry was notably higher at 1.1% compared to the regional 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 Regional 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, making up 15.0% of the population, while the 5-14 age group is comparatively smaller at 9.4%, compared to Regional Vic.. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national average of 9.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has grown from 11.2% to 13.2% of the population. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has declined from 15.2% to 13.8%, and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 10.7% to 9.4%. By 2041, Clifton Springs is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 35-44 age group is projected to grow by 52%, adding 509 people and reaching a total of 1,493 from the current figure of 983.