Clunes (Vic.)

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Clunes (Vic.) has an estimated population of around 1,807 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a decrease of 37 people (2.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,844 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,691, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 29 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 12.0 persons per square kilometer. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Examining future population trends, a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the area expected to grow by 115 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a decline of 0.1% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Clunes, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Clunes shows approximately 4 new homes approved annually over the past 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, totalling around 21 dwellings. As of FY-26, 2 approvals have been recorded. The average population growth per dwelling built during this period was 0.1 people per year. This suggests that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and potential for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average construction cost value of new homes over the past 5 financial years was $489,000, indicating a focus on premium properties. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totalling $149,000 have been recorded, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Clunes has significantly less development activity, with 67.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes, although recent periods have seen increased activity. Nationally, development activity in Clunes is also lower, suggesting market maturity and potential development constraints.

All new construction since FY-21 has been standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature with an average of around 260 people per dwelling approval. Given stable or declining population forecasts, Clunes may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Clunes 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 one major project likely affecting this region: Nyaninyuk Wind Farm, Western Renewables Link, Western Highway Ballarat to Stawell Upgrade, and Central Goldfields Land Use Planning Framework are key projects, with the following providing more detail on those most relevant.

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Employment conditions in Clunes face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Clunes has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 7.0% as of December 2025, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. There were 707 residents in work at this time, with an unemployment rate 3.3% higher than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation lagged significantly at 51.0%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%. According to Census responses, 20.1% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries of employment among residents were health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. The area had a notable concentration in education & training, with employment levels at 1.2 times the regional average.

Conversely, accommodation & food employed just 4.5% of local workers, below Regional 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. During the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.2%, alongside a 1.8% employment decline, causing unemployment to fall by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Vic. experienced an employment decline of 0.6% and a labour force decline of 0.7%, with a 0.1 percentage point drop in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offered further insight into potential future demand within Clunes. These projections estimated national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Clunes's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though this was a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and did not take into account localised population projections.

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

The suburb of Clunes has a median taxpayer income of $36,481 and an average income of $45,661 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than the national average, with Regional Vic.'s median income being $50,954 and average income $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $39,491 (median) and $49,428 (average). Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Clunes all fall between the 4th and 4th percentiles nationally. In Clunes, 29.0% of the population (524 individuals) have incomes within the $800 - $1,499 range, unlike surrounding regions where 30.3% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. Housing costs are modest in Clunes, 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

The dwelling structure in Clunes, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.5% houses and 4.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% 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, below Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent figure in Clunes was $220, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Clunes's 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 account for 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 constitute 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 Regional 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 prevalent, with 36.4% of residents aged 15 and above holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (26.3%). A total of 24.3% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising 8.2% in primary, 6.6% in secondary, and 3.0% in tertiary education.

A substantial 24.3% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 8.2% in primary education, 6.6% in secondary education, and 3.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis shows six active transport stops operating within Clunes. These comprise a mix of train services. Three individual routes service these stops, collectively providing 44 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 1191 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode at 93%, with 5% walking.

Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, some 20.1% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages six trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately seven weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Clunes is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Clunes faces significant health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 45% of the total population (~813 people), compared to 50.5% in Regional Vic.

and the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (impacting 12.6% of residents) and mental health issues (11.5%). Conversely, 54.0% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Regional Vic.. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 28.0% of residents aged 65 and over (505 people), higher than the 23.9% in Regional Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

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

Clunes, as per the findings, has a cultural diversity below average. Of its population, 84.8% were born in Australia, with 90.4% being citizens and 96.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Clunes, comprising 41.2% of its people.

Notably, Buddhism, while a minority at 1.6%, is overrepresented compared to Regional Vic's 1.0%. The top three ancestry groups based on parents' country of birth are English (31.2%), Australian (28.5%), and Irish (10.0%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences: Dutch at 2.0% in Clunes versus 1.7% regionally, Scottish at 9.4% compared to 8.8%, and Maltese at 1.3% against Regional Vic's 0.5%.

Clunes ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Clunes's median age is 51 years, which is significantly higher than Regional Vic.'s average of 43 years and considerably older than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Regional Vic., Clunes has a notably over-represented cohort aged 55-64 (17.2% locally) while those aged 5-14 are under-represented (8.1%). This concentration in 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% of Clunes's population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 8.1% to 9.2%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 8.9% to 8.1%. By 2041, Clunes is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 26%, reaching 178 people from 140. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 cohorts.