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

The population of Clifton Springs is estimated at around 7,503 as of May 2026. This reflects a decrease since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,646 people. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and analysis of ABS population updates for the area. It shows a decrease of 143 people (1.9%) from the 2021 Census figure. This estimate considers the resident population of 7,479 as of June 2025, with an additional 85 validated new addresses since the Census date.

The population density is calculated at 1,089 persons per square kilometer, which is in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Interstate migration was the primary driver of population growth in Clifton Springs, contributing approximately 74.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. All drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors. Population projections for Clifton Springs are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data 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. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering these projections, Clifton Springs is forecasted to experience significant population growth, with an expected increase of 2,546 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 33.6% over the 16-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers for Clifton Springs shows an average of around 50 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 252 homes. As of FY-26, 1 approval has been recorded so far. The population decline in recent years has not significantly impacted development activity, which remains adequate relative to other areas. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $482,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

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, which is 62.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. New building activity consists of 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 221 people per dwelling approval, Clifton Springs is considered a low density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Clifton Springs is expected to grow by approximately 2,522 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Clifton Springs has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. Ten projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact this region. Notable initiatives include Belgrove Estate, Duke 3222, Bellarine Views Estate, and Drysdale Bypass Road Project. The following list details those likely to be 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.

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 as of December 2025 was 4.2%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. There were 3,377 residents in work at this time, while the unemployment rate was 0.5% higher than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation lagged significantly at 55.2%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.0%. A moderate 18.0% of residents worked from home, as per Census responses, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment among residents was concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area had particular employment specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing showed lower representation at 0.7% versus the regional average of 7.5%. The predominantly residential area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between December 2024 and November 2025, labour force decreased by 4.1% and employment decreased by 3.6%, resulting in a 0.5 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In contrast, Regional Vic. experienced an employment decline of 0.6% and labour force decline of 0.7%, with a 0.1 percentage point drop in unemployment rate over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 could offer further insight into potential future demand within Clifton Springs. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, estimated national employment growth at 6.6% and 13.7%, respectively. Applying these industry-specific projections to Clifton Springs' employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years.

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

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 the 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 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimates for Clifton Springs as of March 2026 would be approximately $52,353 (median) and $67,645 (average). Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Clifton Springs fall between the 23rd and 25th percentiles nationally. Distribution data indicates that 31.2% of individuals in Clifton Springs earn between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to regional levels where 30.3% occupy this bracket. 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

The dwelling structure in Clifton Springs, as per the latest Census, consisted of 98.0% houses and 2.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Regional Vic., which 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 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 the Australian 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 making up 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, including advanced diplomas (12.0%) and certificates (29.5%). A total of 23.6% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, comprising 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 different routes, offering a total of 691 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents located an average of 251 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 94% of residents. 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. Service frequency across all routes averages 98 trips per day, equating to approximately 19 weekly trips per 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 has below-average health indicators according to AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population, which is around 3,846 people. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 11.3% and 9.6% of residents respectively. Conversely, 59.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.4% across Regional Victoria. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. Clifton Springs has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 27.4%, which is around 2,055 people, compared to the 23.9% in Regional Victoria. 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, surveyed in 2016, had a below average 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, comprising 47.6% of Clifton Springs' population, compared to 47.3% across Regional Vic. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.9%), Australian (27.4%), and Irish (10.0%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry was overrepresented at 9.5%, Dutch at 1.8%, and Maltese at 1.1%.

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

Clifton Springs' median age of 48 years is notably higher than Regional Vic.'s 43 and significantly exceeds the Australian median of 38. The age profile reveals a prominent group aged 65-74 (15.4%), while those aged 5-14 are comparatively smaller (9.7%) than in Regional Vic., with this concentration being well above the national average of 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 11.2% to 12.7% of Clifton Springs' population, while the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 15.2% to 13.7%. Demographic modeling suggests that by 2041, Clifton Springs' age profile will undergo significant changes, with the 35 to 44 age group projected to expand considerably, adding 492 people (a 52% increase) from 952 to 1,445.