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 analysis of ABS population updates for Clifton Springs, as of Nov 2025 its population is estimated at around 8,176. This reflects an increase of 530 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,646. AreaSearch estimates the resident population at 8,030 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and validation of 88 new addresses since the Census date. Clifton Springs' population density is 1,186 persons per square kilometer. The suburb's growth rate of 6.9% since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area's 6.0%. Interstate migration contributed approximately 74.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for Clifton Springs, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Clifton Springs is projected to experience exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10 percent of Australian non-metropolitan areas. By 2041, based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb's population is expected to grow by 4,100 persons, reflecting a total increase of 50.0% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Clifton Springs among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Clifton Springs averaged around 59 new dwelling approvals each year over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 297 homes. So far in FY-26, 3 approvals have been recorded. The average number of people moving to the area for each dwelling built over these years is 3.4. This supply lagging demand generally leads to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures, with new properties constructed at an average value of $482,000.

There have also been $5.0 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating limited commercial development focus compared to the Rest of Vic., where Clifton Springs has significantly less development activity (55.0% below regional average per person). New building activity shows 97.0% standalone homes and 3.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 285 people per dwelling approval, Clifton Springs shows a developing market. Looking ahead, Clifton Springs is expected to grow by 4,089 residents through to 2041 (from 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 area. Notable ones are Belgrove Estate, Duke 3222, Bellarine Views Estate, and Drysdale Bypass Road Project. The following details these projects, focusing on those 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 was 4.4% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.2%.

As of June 2025, 3,940 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.5%, 0.7% higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Vic., at 57.4%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area has a strong specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level, but agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.7% versus the regional average of 7.5%.

Employment opportunities may be limited locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. In the past year, employment increased by 2.2%, while labour force increased by 2.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. experienced employment decline of 0.9% and labour force decline of 0.4%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest Clifton Springs' employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to 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 2022 shows Clifton Springs' median income among taxpayers is $47,759. The average income in Clifton Springs is $61,709 during this period. Both figures are below the national averages. In comparison, Rest of Vic.'s median income is $48,741 with an average of $60,693. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for Clifton Springs as of September 2025 would be approximately $53,566 (median) and $69,213 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Clifton Springs fall between the 23rd and 25th percentiles nationally. Income distribution data shows that 31.2% of locals (2,550 people) earn between $1,500 - 2,999, mirroring 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

Clifton Springs' dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 98.0% houses and 2.0% other dwellings. Non-Metro Vic., meanwhile, had 93.0% houses and 7.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Clifton Springs was 43.8%, similar to Non-Metro Vic.'s level. Mortgaged dwellings comprised 38.0% and rented ones 18.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, below Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,950. Median weekly rent in Clifton Springs was $350, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $402. Nationally, Clifton Springs' mortgage repayments were lower at $1,517 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were less 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 28.9%, with lone person households at 26.9% and group households making up 2.0% of the total. 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 such qualifications - advanced diplomas (12.0%) and certificates (29.5%). A total of 23.6% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 8.0% in primary, 6.5% in secondary, and 3.3% in tertiary education.

Clifton Springs Primary School serves the area with an enrollment of 475 students as of a recent report. The school's ICSEA score is 1003, indicating typical Australian school conditions with balanced educational opportunities. It caters exclusively to primary education, with secondary options available nearby. Local school capacity is limited at 5.8 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 12.3, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two routes that together facilitate 487 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the transport system is rated as good, with residents typically located 251 meters from their nearest stop.

On average, there are 69 trips per day across both routes, equating to approximately 13 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 stands at approximately 51% of the total population (~4,191 people), slightly lower than the average SA2 area's 56.2%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (11.3%) and mental health issues (9.6%). About 59.9% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 66.8%. Clifton Springs has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 26.6% (2,174 people) than Rest of Vic.'s 24.2%. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

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 population with 83.5% born in Australia and 91.9% being citizens. English was spoken by 95.3% of residents at home. Christianity dominated religious affiliations, with 47.6%, compared to the regional average of 45.3%.

Ancestral origins showed English as the largest group (32.9%), followed by Australian (27.4%) and Irish (10.0%). Notable differences were seen in Scottish representation at 9.5% (regional average: 9.7%), Dutch at 1.8% (same as regional), and Maltese at 1.1% (regional average: 0.9%).

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 prevalent at 15.7%, while the 5-14 group is relatively smaller at 9.7% compared to Rest of Vic.. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows that 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 projections suggest that Clifton Springs' age profile will undergo significant changes by 2041, with the 35 to 44 age group projected to expand considerably, increasing by 723 people (70%) from 1,038 to 1,762.