Mount Clear

Mount Clear lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for Mount Clear's broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Mount Clear's population is estimated at around 3,646 as of May 2026. This reflects a decrease of 25 people (0.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,671 people. The change was inferred from the resident population of 3,640 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 38 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 359 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Population growth for Mount Clear was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 81.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For any SA2 areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises 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. As we examine future population trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australian non-metropolitan areas is forecasted, with Mount Clear expected to grow by 1,170 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 31.9% in total over the 16 years.

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

Mount Clear recorded approximately 10 residential properties approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between FY21 and FY25, around 51 homes were approved, with an additional 7 granted in FY26. On average, 0.2 new residents arrived per new home over the past five financial years.

The average construction value for these properties was $357,000. In FY26, there have been $67,000 worth of commercial approvals registered, indicating the area's residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Mount Clear has significantly less development activity, 77.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. The area also falls under the national average in terms of development activity, suggesting its established nature and potential planning limitations.

Recent construction comprises 67.0% detached houses and 33.0% attached dwellings, offering choices across price ranges from spacious family homes to more compact options. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 733 people, reflecting the area's quiet development environment. Population forecasts indicate Mount Clear will gain 1,164 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 14 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Sebastopol Community Hub, Delacombe Town Centre Stage 3, Mount Clear Childcare Centre and Medical Centre, and The Roads Mount Clear project. Below is a list of 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 performance in Mount Clear has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Mount Clear has a skilled workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 4.5%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 1,814 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate at 0.8% above Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation stands at 63.8%, slightly higher than Regional Vic.'s 61.0%. Census responses indicate that 20.9% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Key industries of employment include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Notably, education & training has a high concentration with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence, with only 1.0% employment compared to the regional average of 7.5%. The area appears to offer fewer local employment opportunities, as suggested by the ratio of working population to resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, the labour force decreased by 1.2%, accompanied by a 1.0% decline in employment, leading to a fall in unemployment rate of 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Vic., where employment contracted by 0.6%, the labour force fell by 0.7%, and unemployment decreased by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 provide insights into potential future demand within Mount Clear. These projections estimate that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates varying significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Mount Clear's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, although these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The median taxpayer income in Mount Clear is $51,336, with an average of $66,043, according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is slightly lower than the national average, contrasting with Regional Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% from financial year 2023 to March 2026, current estimates would be approximately $56,275 (median) and $72,396 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Mount Clear rank modestly, between the 33rd and 34th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 32.0% of the community earns between $1,500 and $2,999 (1,166 individuals), aligning with the broader area where this cohort likewise represents 30.3%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Mount Clear, with only 84.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 34th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Mount Clear is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Mount Clear, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 75.2% houses and 24.8% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Regional Vic.'s figures of 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings at the same Census date. Home ownership in Mount Clear stood at 31.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.5% and rented dwellings at 31.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Mount Clear was $1,498, higher than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430 at the time of the Census. The median weekly rent figure for Mount Clear was recorded at $310, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, as of 2016, Mount Clear's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Mount Clear features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 66.5% of all households, including 28.6% couples with children, 25.9% couples without children, and 11.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 33.5%, with lone person households at 29.0% and group households comprising 4.3%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

The educational profile of Mount Clear exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 28.2% of residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of Vic. average of 21.7%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 17.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.8%) and graduate diplomas (3.6%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 35.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 12.9% and certificates at 22.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.0% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 5.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Mount Clear has 14 operational public transport stops. These are served by two routes offering a total of 411 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is rated as good with residents typically 279 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward and cars remain the primary mode at 94%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 20.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 58 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 29 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Mount Clear faces significant health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment. The area has a higher rate of private health cover at approximately 53% compared to Regional Victoria's 50.5%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions, affecting 11.7% and 9.2% of residents respectively. However, 62.5% of residents claim to be completely free from medical ailments, slightly lower than Regional Victoria's 63.4%. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. Mount Clear has 18.8% of its population aged 65 and over (685 people), which is lower than Regional Victoria's 23.9%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, aligning broadly with the general population nationally.

Mount Clear ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Mount Clear, surveyed in terms of cultural diversity, had 89.0% citizens, 86.8% born in Australia, and 91.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 44.2%. The category 'Other' was slightly overrepresented at 0.9%, compared to Regional Vic's 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (29.2%), Australian (28.1%), and Irish (10.8%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Scottish at 9.8% in Mount Clear versus 8.8% regionally, Dutch at 2.2% versus 1.7%, and Hungarian at 0.3% versus 0.2%.

Mount Clear's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Mount Clear is 37 years, which is lower than Regional Vic.'s average of 43 and close to the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 are prominent at 15.7%, while the 55-64 group is smaller at 9.0%. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has grown from 13.7% to 15.7%, and the 5-14 cohort has declined from 14.4% to 13.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate that the 25-34 age cohort is expected to rise significantly, increasing by 357 people (62%) from 572 to 930. Meanwhile, the 65-74 cohort is projected to grow modestly by 29 people, representing a 9% increase.