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 Clunes (Vic.) statistical area (Lv2) is estimated to be around 1,805 as of November 2025. This represents a decrease of 39 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,844. The current resident population is estimated at 1,691 based on AreaSearch's analysis of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and validation of an additional 28 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 12.0 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in recent periods.

AreaSearch's projections for the area are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia figures released in 2024, using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made through weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, the Clunes (Vic.) (SA2) is expected to experience a population increase just below the median for locations outside capital cities, with an anticipated growth of 135 persons by 2041, reflecting an 8.6% total gain over the 17-year period.

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 shows Clunes averaged approximately 4 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling around 21 homes. In FY-26 so far, 1 approval has been recorded. The average population growth associated with these dwellings is about 0.3 people per year between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating supply is meeting or exceeding demand. The average expected construction cost of new dwellings in the area is $489,000, suggesting a focus on premium market developments.

Commercial approvals this financial year totalled $149,000, predominantly reflecting residential development activity. Compared to Rest of Vic., Clunes has significantly lower building activity, 68.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, though recent construction activity has increased. The area's building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, preserving its low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. Clunes reflects a low-density area with around 261 people per approval.

Population forecasts indicate the area will gain approximately 156 residents by 2041, with development keeping pace with projected growth despite increasing buyer competition as population expands.

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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. One notable project has been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting this particular 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 list 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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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 7.7% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.6%.

As of September 2025708 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 3.9% higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation lagged at 47.3%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. The area specializes in education & training with an employment share 1.2 times the regional level.

Conversely, accommodation & food employs only 4.5% of local workers, below Rest of Vic.'s 6.9%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. In the past year, employment increased by 1.6%, labour force by 0.5%, and unemployment fell by 1.0 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Vic., where employment fell by 0.7%, labour force contracted by 0.6%, and unemployment rose marginally. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.1% over ten years. Applying these projections to Clunes's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 10.9% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

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 2023 shows Clunes had a median income among taxpayers of $36,481 and an average of $45,661. This is lower than the national average. Rest of Vic.'s median was $50,954 with an average of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, current estimates for Clunes are approximately $39,491 (median) and $49,428 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Clunes fall between the 4th and 4th percentiles nationally. Income analysis indicates that 29.0% of locals (523 people) earn between $800 - 1,499, differing from regional patterns where $1,500 - 2,999 is dominant at 30.3%. 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. In comparison, Non-Metro Vic had 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 $220, compared to Non-Metro Vic's $300. Nationally, Clunes' mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,127 versus Australia's 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 account for 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 average of 2.4 in the Rest of Vic.

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 total of 24.3% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, with 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 and bus services. These stops are served by three different routes, collectively offering 44 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 1191 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages six trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately seven 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 across various age groups. The most prevalent conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 12.6% and 11.5% of residents respectively. Approximately 45% (~812 people) have private health cover, lower than the state (51.7%) and national averages (55.7%).

Around 54.0% report no medical ailments, compared to 63.5% in Rest of Vic.. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 27.7% (499 people), compared to the state's 24.2%. Health outcomes among seniors show some challenges despite performing 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 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, accounting for 41.2% of the population. Buddhism is overrepresented compared to the rest of Victoria, with 1.6% of Clunes' population practicing it, while the regional average is 1.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (31.2%), Australian (28.5%), and Irish (10.0%). Notable divergences exist in the representation of Dutch (2.0% vs 2.0%), Scottish (9.4% vs 9.9%), and Maltese (1.3% vs 1.3%) ethnic groups.

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 experience notable shifts in its age composition. The 25 to 34 group is projected to grow by 45%, reaching 196 people from the current 135. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 65 to 74 cohorts.