Clunes (Vic.)

Clunes has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of the suburb of Clunes (Vic.) is around 1,764, a decrease of 80 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 1,844. This decline reflects an inferred resident population of 1,739 as per AreaSearch's estimation following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), along with an additional 28 validated new addresses since the Census date. The current population density ratio is 11.7 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration was the primary driver for population growth in recent periods. AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024, with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area.

For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted employing weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on these projections, the suburb is expected to increase its population just below the median of locations outside capital cities, with an anticipated growth of 135 persons by 2041, reflecting a total gain of 11.2% over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Clunes is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Clunes had minimal construction activity with two new dwellings approved annually on average over the five-year period ending 31 December 20XX. This resulted in a total of fourteen dwellings being approved during this time. The low development levels reflect the rural nature of the area, where housing needs specific to the local community typically drive development rather than broad market demand.

It is important to note that with such a small number of approvals, individual projects can significantly impact annual growth and relativity statistics. Compared to other areas in Victoria and nationally, Clunes has much lower development activity. All new construction during this period comprised detached dwellings, reflecting the area's rural character where larger properties and space are common. The estimated population density was 609 people per dwelling approval, indicating a quiet, low activity development environment.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Clunes is projected to add 197 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

The performance of a region can significantly be impacted by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. One notable project has been identified by AreaSearch as potentially influencing this area. Key projects include Nyaninyuk Wind Farm, Western Renewables Link, Western Highway Ballarat to Stawell Upgrade, and Central Goldfields Land Use Planning Framework. The following details those projects likely to have the most relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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The labour market performance in Clunes lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Clunes has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 7.4% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 7.4%.

As of June 2025711 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 3.6% higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation lagged significantly at 47.3%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Leading employment industries among residents comprised health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction, with notable concentration in education & training at 1.2 times the regional average. Conversely, accommodation & food employed only 4.5% of local workers, below Rest of Vic.'s 6.9%.

The area appeared to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. In the 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 7.4% while labour force increased by 5.8%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.4 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of Vic. recorded an employment decline of 0.9%, labour force decline of 0.4%, and a rise in unemployment of 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offered insights into potential future demand within Clunes. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, suggested national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Clunes's employment mix indicated local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.1% over ten years.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2022 shows that median income in Clunes is $36,481 and average income is $45,661. This contrasts with Rest of Vic., which has a median income of $48,741 and an average income of $60,693. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% from financial year ending June 2022 to September 2025, estimated incomes in Clunes would be approximately $40,917 (median) and $51,213 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Clunes all fall between the 4th percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that 29.0% of locals (511 people) earn between $800 - 1,499, unlike surrounding regions where 30.3% earn between $1,500 - 2,999. Housing costs are modest, with 88.0% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 8th percentile nationally.

Clunes is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Clunes' dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.5% houses and 4.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s figures of 96.1% houses and 3.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Clunes stood at 49.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.2% and rented ones at 15.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,127, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,538. Median weekly rent in Clunes was recorded at $220, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $300. Nationally, Clunes' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Clunes features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 63.2% of all households, including 19.0% couples with children, 31.3% couples without children, and 11.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 36.8%, with lone person households at 34.2% and group households comprising 3.1%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

Educational outcomes in Clunes fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 21.4%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.4%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 36.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (26.3%). A substantial 24.3% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 8.2% in primary, 6.6% in secondary, and 3.0% in tertiary education.

Clunes Primary School serves the local area with an enrollment of 105 students as of a recent report. The school's ICSEA score is 988, indicating typical Australian school conditions with balanced educational opportunities. It focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Transport analysis shows six active stops operating in Clunes, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by eight routes, collectively providing 66 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated limited, with residents typically located 1193 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages nine trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately eleven weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Clunes is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Clunes faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately 45% (~793 people) have private health cover, compared to Victoria's 51.4% and the national average of 55.3%. Arthritis (12.6%) and mental health issues (11.5%) are the most common conditions.

However, 54.0% report no medical ailments, lower than Rest of Vic.'s 63.5%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 27.7% (488 people), compared to Victoria's 24.2%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are challenging but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

Clunes is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Clunes had a lower than average cultural diversity, with 84.8% of its population born in Australia, 90.4% being citizens, and 96.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 41.2%. Buddhism was overrepresented compared to the rest of Victoria, making up 1.6% versus 1.0%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (31.2%), Australian (28.5%), and Irish (10.0%). Dutch (2.0%) and Scottish (9.4%) were notably overrepresented compared to regional averages of 2.0% and 9.9%, respectively, while Maltese representation was equal at 1.3%.

Clunes ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Clunes's median age is 51 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of Vic. average of 43 and considerably older than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Rest of Vic., the 55-64 cohort is notably over-represented in Clunes at 17.2%, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 7.9%. This concentration of the 55-64 age group is well above the national average of 11.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 10.7% to 11.8%, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 8.1% to 9.2%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 8.9% to 7.9%. By 2041, Clunes is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition, with the 25 to 34 group growing by 48%, reaching 196 people from 132. Meanwhile, numbers in the 15 to 24 age range are expected to fall by 16%.