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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Clifton Springs has an estimated 7,503 residents, down from 7,646 at the 2021 Census — a change of 143 people, or 1.9%. The population has thinned by an average 0.7% a year over five years, slower than 97% of areas nationally. That puts 1,089 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to investigations of ABS demographic updates for the wider region, alongside updated addresses verified by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Clifton Springs has an estimated population of approximately 7,503 as of May 2026. This represents a reduction of 143 people (1.9%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 7,646 individuals. The shift is calculated from a resident population of 7,479, calculated by AreaSearch using the most recent ERP data from the ABS (June 2025) plus an extra 85 validated new addresses since the Census date.
This population level yields a density ratio of 1,089 persons per square kilometer, which aligns closely with typical averages recorded across regions evaluated by AreaSearch. Population expansion in the area was chiefly driven by interstate migration, representing roughly 74.0% of overall population increases in recent times, though all indicators including natural growth and overseas migration were positive contributors. AreaSearch incorporates ABS and Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 region, published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline. For SA2 regions lacking this coverage, AreaSearch utilizes the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted via a weighted aggregation of population expansion from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age brackets from these aggregations are also projected across all locations for the years 2032 to 2041. Factoring in these demographic transitions, a major population rise in the top quartile of national non-metropolitan zones is anticipated, with the suburb of Clifton Springs projected to increase by 2,546 persons to 2041 using aggregated SA2-level forecasts, showing an overall rise of 33.6% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
244 new dwellings have been approved in Clifton Springs over the past five years, an average of 48 a year. That is 6.3 approvals per 1,000 residents. Of the 55 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 96% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 4, well below that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Based on AreaSearch assessments of ABS building approvals allocated from statistical area data, Clifton Springs has averaged about 48 dwellings receiving building approval annually, totaling an estimated 244 homes over the previous 5 financial years. Thus far in FY-26, 4 approvals have been logged. With the population decreasing recently, building activity has been relatively sufficient, which benefits buyers, while new residences are built at an average cost of $482,000, indicating developers are targeting the premium market with high-end properties. Furthermore, $30.2 million in commercial development approvals have been logged this financial year, showing strong local business development activity.
Compared against the Rest of Vic., Clifton Springs has much lower development activity (63.0% below the regional average per capita). This restricted new building supply generally reinforces demand and valuations for existing homes. New construction profiles show 96.0% standalone houses and 4.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the traditional suburban aesthetic with an emphasis on spacious family residences. With roughly 2511 people per dwelling approval, Clifton Springs indicates a highly established property market. Looking forward, Clifton Springs is projected to expand by 2,522 residents through to 2041 (utilizing the latest AreaSearch quarterly figures). At current building rates, residential supply might struggle to keep pace with population growth, which could intensify buyer competition and bolster price gains.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Clifton Springs
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 7 current infrastructure and development projects inside Clifton Springs, worth an estimated $51 million. A further 76 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $5.55 billion. 22 are already under construction and 22 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and sports & recreation. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Few factors shape local performance as heavily as updates to regional infrastructure, key projects, and planning changes. Overall, AreaSearch has identified 10 projects that are expected to influence the area. Primary projects include Belgrove Estate, Duke 3222, Bellarine Views Estate, and the Drysdale Bypass Road Project, with the list below detailing those expected to hold the most relevance.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Belgrove Estate
A masterplanned community by SOHO Living offering 41 fixed-price, full turn-key homes with coastal-inspired designs on the Bellarine Peninsula. Features architecturally designed homes from $599,950 with premium inclusions, located near beaches, schools, shops, and Geelong CBD. The development includes a display suite at the project site and is currently in construction with titles registered.
Bellarine Views Estate
A boutique land estate offering 26 residential lots in the heart of Clifton Springs on the Bellarine Peninsula, providing coastal living with modern conveniences.
Clifton Springs Beach Renourishment
Design and construction of a rock armoured groyne, beach renourishment, and integration of a storm water outfall to protect and enhance the coastal area.
MacKillop Senior Centre
A state-of-the-art senior learning centre at Saint Ignatius College featuring 16 classrooms, a 330-seat lecture theatre, dedicated maker spaces, break-out areas, learning decks, and integrated technology. The $24 million facility opened in March 2024, serving Years 10-12 students on a spacious 12.4-hectare campus. The centre incorporates light-filled stairwells, timber finishings, study nooks, collaboration spaces and Christian symbolism including a prominent cross on its central tower, emphasizing the Ignatian tradition of faith-based education.
Duke 3222
A boutique development of 6 architecturally designed townhouses with generous proportions, modern high-quality finishes, large windows, and yard spaces. Located 200m from Drysdale town centre and adjacent to the Drysdale Recreation Reserve, these homes offer a strong connection to the outdoors with functional layouts and premium features. Coming soon to the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula.
Jetty North Bellarine Estate
A seaside estate of 80 lots on an elevated parcel of beachside land in Curlewis, Bellarine Peninsula, offering tranquil coastal living with views of the surrounding water and Melbourne CBD lights, 20 minutes from Geelong. Surrounded by education, relaxation, shopping, and recreation opportunities.
Clifton Springs Boat Harbour Upgrade
The upgrade includes the completion of a new overflow car-trailer park with 30 additional paved parking spaces for boat trailers, formalizing an existing informal overflow area. This enhances facilities for recreational boating, yachting, fishing, and diving. Dredging is part of ongoing maintenance, supported by a grant.
Bay Shore Avenue and Jetty Road Intersection Upgrade
The project involved constructing a roundabout and raised pedestrian crossings at the intersection of Bay Shore Avenue and Jetty Road to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. The speed limit was adjusted to 50 km/h to enhance safety.
3,378 residents of Clifton Springs are employed, from a labour force of 3,522. Unemployment sits at 4.1%, with participation at 55.2%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.6% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 5,839, about 78% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Clifton Springs possesses a qualified labor force, with strong representation in essential services, and an unemployment rate of 4.1%, compiled from AreaSearch statistical area data. As of March 2026, 3,378 residents are employed, while the jobless rate sits 0.4% higher than the Regional Vic. rate of 3.7%, and labor force participation is notably lower (55.2% compared to 61.1% in Regional Vic.). Census records show a moderate 18.0% of residents worked from home, though the influence of Covid-19 restrictions should be kept in mind. Resident employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.
The region exhibits a particular vocational specialization in construction, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is less represented at 0.7% compared to the regional average of 7.5%. The heavily residential suburb seems to provide few local job opportunities, as demonstrated by the ratio of Census working population to resident population. According to AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics aggregated from broader statistical regions, the 12-month timeframe saw the labor force shrink by 4.0% alongside a 3.2% decline in employment, leading to a 0.8 percentage point drop in the unemployment rate. In comparison, Regional Vic. saw employment fall by 0.1% and the labor force contract by 0.3%, resulting in a 0.2 percentage point decline. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment projections from May-25 offer additional context on future demand in Clifton Springs. These forecasts, spanning five and ten-year intervals, have been applied to the local workforce profile to project growth trends. While national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates vary widely across industry sectors. Applying these sector-specific forecasts to the employment distribution of Clifton Springs indicates local employment is projected to rise by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years (note that this is a basic weighted extrapolation for demonstration and does not incorporate local population forecasts).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Clifton Springs is $1,348 a week (about $70,000 a year), with median personal income at $683 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $47,759 a year against an average of $61,709. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
According to the most recent postcode level ATO statistics released by AreaSearch for financial year 2023, the suburb of Clifton Springs's median taxpayer income is $47,759, with an average of $61,709. This sits below the national benchmark, and compares to Regional Vic.'s median of $50,954 and average of $62,728. Adjusting for Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current projections would be roughly $52,353 (median) and $67,645 (average) as of March 2026. Census statistics show household, family, and individual incomes in Clifton Springs all rank between the 23rd and 25th percentiles nationally.
Distribution figures show the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly earnings bracket accounts for 31.2% of the population (2,340 individuals), matching regional trends where 30.3% fall in this category. After housing costs, 85.4% of income is retained, placing it in the 26th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Clifton Springs had 3,177 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 98% detached houses and 0% apartments. 38% are owned with a mortgage, 18% rented and 44% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $350 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,517 a month. Rent absorbs 26.0% of household income here and mortgage repayments 26.0%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Residential structures in Clifton Springs at the time of the latest Census consisted of 98.0% houses and 2.0% other types of housing (semi-detached, apartments, and alternative dwellings), compared to Regional Vic.'s breakdown of 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Furthermore, home ownership in Clifton Springs exceeded that of Regional Vic. at 43.8%, with remaining properties being either mortgaged (38.0%) or rented (18.2%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was higher than the Regional Vic. average at $1,517, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $350, compared to Regional Vic.
figures of $1,430 and $285 respectively. Nationally, Clifton Springs's mortgage costs are considerably below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are below the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Clifton Springs counted 3,177 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.3 people each. 25% are couples with children, against 34% couples without children. 27% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.8 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family households are the primary arrangement at 71.1% of all households, consisting of 24.8% couples with children, 34.4% couples without children, and 11.0% single parent families. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 28.9%, with single-person households at 26.9% and group households making up 2.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 individuals is slightly below the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
19.0% of adults in Clifton Springs hold a university qualification, including 12.6% with a bachelor degree and 3.4% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 29.5% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 475 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,003 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
The region presents educational disparities, with university degree rates (19.0%) performing significantly below the VIC average of 33.4%. This represents both a hurdle and a chance for targeted learning programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.4%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational and technical training is highly represented, with 41.5% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (12.0%) and certificates (29.5%). A significant 23.6% of the population is actively engaged in formal study. This comprises 8.0% in primary schooling, 6.5% in secondary schooling, and 3.3% in tertiary programs.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Clifton Springs reaches 35 stops on 8 routes, timetabled for about 690 services a week. The typical home sits about 250 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.5 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transit evaluations show 35 active transit stops in service across Clifton Springs. These stops are utilized by 8 separate routes, which combine to deliver 691 weekly passenger trips. Transit access is classified as good, with residents living an average of 251 meters from their closest transit stop. Being a largely residential suburb, most working residents commute elsewhere, with private cars remaining the primary travel mode at 94%. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. Census data from 2021 indicates that 18.0% of residents work from home, which may reflect pandemic-related conditions.
Transit service frequency averages 98 daily trips across all routes, which corresponds to roughly 19 weekly trips for each individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
59.9% of residents in Clifton Springs report no long-term health condition. 6.7% need daily assistance with core activities, and 51.3% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.2 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health measures indicate below-average trends in Clifton Springs, based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality data and chronic illness rates, with common conditions slightly more frequent than average in both younger and older cohorts, and private health coverage rates sitting relatively low at roughly 51% of the total population (~3,846 people). The most prevalent health issues in the area are arthritis and mental health conditions, affecting 11.3 and 9.6% of residents respectively, whereas 59.9% of the population reported no medical conditions at all, compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic. The working-age cohort experiences notable health difficulties with elevated rates of chronic illness.
The area has 27.4% of residents aged 65 and over (2,055 people), which is higher than the 23.9% recorded in Regional Vic. Senior health outcomes are above average, with national rankings higher than those of the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Clifton Springs is largely Australian-born, at 83.5% of residents, with 4.7% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (32.9%) and Australian (27.4%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Clifton Springs displays below-average cultural diversity, with 83.5% of its residents born in Australia, 91.9% holding citizenship, and 95.3% speaking only English at home. The predominant religion is Christianity, accounting for 47.6% of the population, which is comparable to the 47.3% average across Regional Vic. Regarding ancestral origin (parents' birthplaces), the three most common backgrounds in Clifton Springs are English at 32.9% of the population, Australian at 27.4%, and Irish at 10.0%. Some other backgrounds show notable differences in representation: Scottish is overrepresented at 9.5% of Clifton Springs (compared to 8.8% regionally), Dutch at 1.8% (compared to 1.7%), and Maltese at 1.1% (compared to 0.5%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Clifton Springs is 48, older than 88% of areas nationally. 19.3% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of 48 years in Clifton Springs is older than the Regional Vic. median of 43 and substantially higher than the Australian median of 38. The age distribution shows a high proportion of 65 - 74 year-olds (15.4%), whereas the 5 - 14 group is relatively small (9.7%) compared to Regional Vic. The concentration of 65 - 74 year-olds is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Post-2021 Census figures show the 35 to 44 cohort grew from 11.2% to 12.7% of the population, while the 55 to 64 group fell from 15.2% to 13.7%.
Age structure modeling indicates Clifton Springs's demographic profile will shift considerably by 2041, with the 35 to 44 age cohort projected to grow by 492 people (52%) from 952 to 1,445.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Clifton Springs
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Oct 2025 10 months ago all 7 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Oct 2025. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 85 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (7,646 at the 2021 Census → 7,503 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL20575). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.