Queenscliff (Vic.)

Population growth drivers in Queenscliff are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the estimated population of Queenscliff (Vic.) as of May 2026 is around 1,620. This reflects an increase of 104 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,516 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,620 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 19 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 485 persons per square kilometer. Queenscliff's growth of 6.9% since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of Vic.'s growth rate of 4.3%, making it a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 86.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year.

For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted employing a method of 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, a significant increase is forecast for the top quartile of non-metropolitan areas nationally, with Queenscliff expected to increase by 441 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 27.2% in total over the 16 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Queenscliff when compared nationally

Queenscliff has seen approximately 31 dwelling approvals annually, with 155 approved between financial years 2021 to 2025 inclusive. As of June 2026, 13 dwellings have been approved in the current financial year. On average, each new home brings about 1.8 new residents per year over the past five financial years.

The average construction value of these homes is $906,000, indicating a focus on premium market properties. In the current financial year, commercial approvals total $11.1 million, demonstrating steady investment activity. Comparatively, Queenscliff has experienced moderately higher new home approvals than the Rest of Vic., with 21.0% more per capita over the past five years. This maintains reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing demand.

However, building activity has slowed in recent years. Nationally, developer confidence in Queenscliff is strong, as its approval levels are substantially higher. Recent construction comprises 93.0% detached houses and 7.0% medium to high-density housing, preserving the area's traditional low density character and appealing to those seeking space for families. The location has approximately 106 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Queenscliff is projected to add 441 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Queenscliff has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects likely to impact this area. Notable projects include Queenscliff Harbour Redevelopment, Hesse Street South Redevelopment, Queenscliffe Hub, and Queenscliff Feeder Main Replacement and Upgrade. The following details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Queenscliff demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Queenscliff has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. Its unemployment rate is 2.1%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025714 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.6% below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%.

Workforce participation in Queenscliff is lower at 49.1%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.0%. A high proportion of residents work from home, with 38.2% doing so according to Census responses. The dominant employment sectors are professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Queenscliff has a strong specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share 2.9 times the regional level.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence, with only 1.8% of employment compared to 7.5% regionally. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. During the year to December 2025, Queenscliff's labour force decreased by 1.2%, while employment declined by 1.8%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Regional Vic. recorded an employment decline of 0.6% and a labour force decline of 0.7%, with unemployment falling by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Queenscliff. These projections estimate that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Queenscliff's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, although this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localized population projections.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Queenscliff suburb has a high national income level according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers is $45,426 and the average income stands at $75,126. These figures compare to Regional Vic.'s median of $50,954 and average of $62,728 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $49,796 (median) and $82,353 (average). Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly in Queenscliff, between the 34th and 48th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 27.6% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually. This is consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region where 30.3% fall into the same category. Housing costs allow for retention of 88.6% of income. However, disposable income ranks below average at the 39th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Queenscliff, as evaluated at the latest Census on 28 August 2016, comprised 91.1% houses and 8.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Queenscliff was at 62.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 21.8% and rented dwellings at 15.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,232, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $369, compared to Regional Vic.'s figures of $1,430 and $285 respectively. Nationally, Queenscliff's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Queenscliff features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 68.0% of all households, including 19.1% composed of couples with children, 41.3% consisting of couples without children, and 6.8% made up of single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 32.0%, with lone person households at 30.6% and group households comprising 1.5% of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

Queenscliff shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Queenscliff's residents aged 15 and above have a higher educational attainment than broader benchmarks. 42.5% hold university qualifications, compared to 21.7% in the rest of Victoria and 28.6% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 25.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.2%) and graduate diplomas (6.6%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 30.6% of residents holding them - advanced diplomas at 13.9% and certificates at 16.7%. School and university attendance comprises 19.3% of the community, including 6.4% in primary education, 5.8% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

School and university attendance encompasses 19.3% of the community. This includes 6.4% in primary education, 5.8% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Queenscliff has 16 active public transport stops. These are served by three routes offering a total of 336 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents on average 198 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward. Car use dominates at 84%, with 10% walking. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.4.

According to the 2021 Census, 38.2% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 48 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 21 weekly trips per stop.

Queenscliff's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Queenscliff's health outcomes data shows excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The area has a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups.

Private health cover is found to be very high at approximately 56% of the total population, which totals around 915 people. This compares to Regional Vic.'s rate of 50.5%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 11.7% and 7.5% of residents respectively. Notably, 61.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. Queenscliff has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over, at 45.6% (738 people), compared to Regional Vic.'s 23.9%. Health outcomes among seniors in Queenscliff are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Queenscliff, as per the data, exhibited lower cultural diversity with 86.8% of its residents born in Australia and 92.4% being citizens. English was spoken exclusively at home by 95.9%. Christianity dominated religiously, comprising 53.0%.

Judaism, though small at 0.2%, showed overrepresentation compared to Regional Vic's 0.1%. Ancestral heritage in Queenscliff was led by English (34.3%), Australian (25.9%), and Irish (12.9%). Scottish ancestry stood out at 12.1% versus regional 8.8%, French at 0.7% against 0.3%, and Sri Lankan at 0.3% compared to 0.1%.

Queenscliff ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Queenscliff's median age of 61 years is significantly older than Regional Vic.'s 43 and the national average of 38 years. Compared to Regional Vic., Queenscliff has an over-representation of the 65-74 cohort (25.6% locally vs. regional average) and under-representation of the 25-34 age group (5.5%). The concentration of the 65-74 cohort is well above the national average of 9.4%. Post-2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group grew from 13.3% to 15.5%, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 6.4% to 8.4%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 19.4% to 16.4%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 9.9% to 8.3%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Queenscliff's age structure, with the 75 to 84 age cohort projected to expand by 64 people (26%), from 251 to 316.