Clunes (Vic.)

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

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Clunes (Vic.) is around 1,810 people. This reflects a decrease of 34 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,844 people. The current resident population estimate of 1,808 comes from AreaSearch's analysis of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 32 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 12.0 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration was primarily responsible for population growth in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation for areas not covered by ABS data. Considering these projections, the suburb is expected to increase its population by just below the median rate for locations outside capital cities, reaching a total of 1,936 persons by 2041, reflecting a gain of 6.8% over the 16-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 indicates Clunes averaged approximately four new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 21 homes. As of FY-26, three approvals have been recorded. The population decline in recent years has not significantly impacted development activity, which remains adequate relative to other areas. Developers focus on premium market with average construction cost values of $489,000 per dwelling.

Commercial approvals in FY-26 totalled $149,000, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Clunes records building activity markedly lower than the regional average (67.0% below), which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Recent construction activity consists entirely of standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing. Clunes reflects a low-density area with around 244 people per approval. Population forecasts indicate Clunes will gain approximately 124 residents by 2041.

Development pace is keeping reasonable pace with projected growth, though increasing competition among buyers may arise as the population expands.

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

The performance of a region can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified one project that is expected to impact this area. Notable 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 be 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 7.2% as of an unspecified date based on AreaSearch data aggregation from statistical areas. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate in Clunes was 3.5% higher than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation in Clunes lagged significantly at 47.2%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.0%. According to Census responses, 20.1% of residents worked from home, with Covid-19 lockdown impacts considered. Employment was concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. The area had a particular employment specialization in education & training, with an employment share 1.2 times the regional level.

In contrast, accommodation & food employed only 4.5% of local workers, below Regional Vic.'s 6.9%. Limited local employment opportunities were indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in an unspecified date, labour force decreased by 2.5% and employment declined by 2.2%, leading to a 0.2 percentage point drop in unemployment. This compared to Regional Vic., where employment fell by 0.6%, labour force contracted by 0.7%, and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggested potential future demand within Clunes. These projections estimated that national employment would expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with differing growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Clunes's employment mix indicated 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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023 indicates that Clunes suburb had a median income among taxpayers of $36,481 and an average income of $45,661. This is lower than the national average. In comparison, Regional Vic.'s median income was $50,954 with an average of $62,728 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year ending June 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $39,990 (median) and $50,054 (average). Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Clunes fall between the 4th and 4th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 29.0% of locals (524 people) have incomes ranging from $800 to $1,499, unlike the regional pattern where incomes predominantly fall within the $1,500 to $2,999 range with 30.3%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 88.0% of income retention, Clunes' 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

In Clunes, as per the latest Census evaluation, 95.5% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 4.6% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Regional Vic., where 90.1% were houses and 9.9% were other dwellings. Home ownership in Clunes stood at 49.9%, with mortgaged properties at 35.2% and rented ones at 15.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,127, lower than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Clunes was $220, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Clunes's median monthly mortgage repayment is significantly lower at $1,127 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and its median weekly rent is 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 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+ 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

The analysis of public transportation in Clunes reveals six active transport stops currently operating, offering a mix of train services. These stops are served by three distinct routes combined, collectively facilitating 44 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these transport options is rated as limited, with residents typically residing an average distance of 1191 meters from their nearest stop. As predominantly a residential area, most inhabitants commute outward daily, with the car remaining the primary mode of transportation at 93%, while 5% opt for walking. On average, each dwelling owns approximately 1.6 vehicles. According to the 2021 Census data (which may reflect COVID-19 conditions), around 20.1% of residents work from home.

The service frequency across all routes averages six trips per day, equating to roughly 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 per AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 45% of the total population (~814 people), compared to Regional Vic.'s 50.5% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (12.6%) and mental health issues (11.5%), with 54.0% reporting no medical ailments, compared to Regional Vic.'s 63.4%. Working-age residents face notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Clunes has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 28.9%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 23.9%. Health outcomes among seniors present additional challenges, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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 data, showed 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 in Clunes, accounting for 41.2%. Buddhism, however, was overrepresented at 1.6%, compared to Regional Vic's 1.0%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (31.2%), Australian (28.5%), and Irish (10.0%). Notably, Dutch (2.0% vs regional 1.7%), Scottish (9.4% vs 8.8%), and Maltese (1.3% vs 0.5%) groups were overrepresented in Clunes.

Clunes ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Clunes's median age is 51 years, which is significantly higher than Regional Victoria's average of 43 years and considerably older than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to the Regional Victoria average, Clunes has a notably over-represented cohort aged 55-64 (17.1% locally), while those aged 25-34 are under-represented (7.1%). This concentration of the 55-64 age group is well above the national average of 11.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 15 to 24 age group grew from 8.1% to 9.7%, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 10.7% to 11.8%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group declined from 8.9% to 7.8%. By 2041, Clunes is expected to see significant shifts in its age composition. Leading this demographic shift, the 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 35%, reaching 173 people from 128. Meanwhile, population declines are anticipated for the 5 to 14 and 65 to 74 age cohorts.