Clunes (Vic.)

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

The population of the suburb of Clunes (Vic.) is estimated to be around 1,807 as of February 2026. This figure reflects a decrease of 37 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,844 people. The current resident population estimate is 1,691, derived from AreaSearch's analysis of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 29 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 12.0 persons per square kilometer. The primary driver of population growth in recent periods has been overseas migration.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using a weighted aggregation method to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends suggest an increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas, with the suburb expected to grow by 126 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 7.7% 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 five financial years, totalling an estimated 21 homes. As of FY-26, 1 approval has been recorded. The average population increase per dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25 was 0.3 people per year, indicating that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and room for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost value of new homes in Clunes is $489,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This financial year has seen $149,000 in commercial development approvals, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Clunes has significantly less development activity, 68.0% below the regional average per person. However, development activity has picked up in recent periods. Nationally, new construction in Clunes is also lower, indicating market maturity and possible development constraints. All new construction since FY-21 has been standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

With around 261 people per dwelling approval, Clunes exhibits characteristics of a low-density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Clunes is projected to add 139 residents by 2041. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, but as the population grows, buyers may face increased competition for available dwellings.

Clunes has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one project expected to impact 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 list 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 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 7.8% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.2%. As of September 2025696 residents were in work while the unemployment rate was 4.1%, higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation lagged at 51.4% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%. A moderate 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. Notably, education & training employed 1.2 times the regional average.

In contrast, accommodation & food services employed only 4.5% of local workers compared to Rest of Vic.'s 6.9%. The area appeared to offer limited employment opportunities locally based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.2%, while the labour force increased by 0.3%, leading to a reduction in unemployment by 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic experienced an employment decline of 0.7% and a labour force decline of 0.6%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Clunes's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

The suburb of Clunes had a median taxpayer income of $36,481 and an average income of $45,661 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was below the national average for Rest of Vic., which had a median income of $50,954 and an average income of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $39,491 (median) and $49,428 (average). Census data shows 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) had incomes within the $800 - $1,499 range, unlike surrounding regions where 30.3% fell within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. Housing costs were modest in Clunes, with 88.0% of income retained, but total disposable income ranked at just the 8th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Clunes, as evaluated at the Census conducted on 28 August 2016, comprised 95.5% houses and 4.6% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Vic.'s dwelling structure was 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Clunes stood at 49.9%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (35.2%) or rented (15.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,127, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $220. Nationally, Clunes's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, as reported on 9 December 2020, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375 for the same period.

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 making up 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 prevalent, with 36.4% of residents aged 15+ 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

Clunes has six active public transport stops offering a mix of train services. These are served by three routes, collectively offering 44 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically located 1191 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, primarily using cars (93%), with 5% walking. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 20.1% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by 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, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is exceptionally low, with approximately 45% of the total population (~813 people) having it, compared to 50.5% in Rest of Vic.

and the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 12.6% of residents) and mental health issues (11.5%). Conversely, 54.0% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Rest of Vic. The working-age population has notably high chronic condition rates. Clunes has a higher proportion of seniors, with 27.5% of residents aged 65 and over (496 people), compared to 23.9% in Rest of Vic. Health outcomes among seniors present additional 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 has 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 is the predominant religion in Clunes, comprising 41.2% of the population. Buddhism, however, is overrepresented compared to the rest of Victoria, making up 1.6% of Clunes' population.

The top three ancestry groups in Clunes are English (31.2%), Australian (28.5%), and Irish (10.0%). Notably, Dutch (2.0%) and Scottish (9.4%) ancestry are overrepresented compared to regional averages, while Maltese ancestry is also higher at 1.3%.

Clunes ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Clunes's median age is 51 years, 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 17.0%, while the 5 - 14 year-olds are under-represented at 7.8%. 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% of Clunes's population, while the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 8.9% to 7.8%. By 2041, Clunes is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition, with the 25 to 34 group projected to grow by 40%, reaching 192 people from a previous total of 137. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 65 to 74 and 15 to 24 cohorts.