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 ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, the estimated population of the suburb of Queenscliff (Vic.) is around 1,920 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 404 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,516 people. The change was inferred from the resident population of 1,665 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 18 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 574 persons per square kilometer. Queenscliff's growth rate of 26.6% since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of Vic.'s (8.1%) and the national average, marking it as 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 a base year of 2022, and utilising VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 for areas not covered by this data, making adjustments 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. Looking at population projections moving forward, the suburb is expected to increase by 529 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 11.7% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Queenscliff among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Queenscliff has experienced around 31 dwellings receiving development approval annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 155 homes. So far in FY-26, nine approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, there has been an average of two new residents gained per year for each dwelling built, reflecting robust demand that underpins property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $906,000, indicating a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. There have also been $11.1 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Relative to the Rest of Vic., Queenscliff records somewhat elevated construction levels, with 23.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. This preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand, though building activity has slowed in recent years.

The area's new building activity shows 93.0% detached houses and 7.0% attached dwellings, maintaining its traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 103 people per dwelling approval, Queenscliff shows characteristics of a growth area. Future projections show Queenscliff adding 224 residents by 2041, from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

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

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

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The labour market in Queenscliff shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Queenscliff has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.0% as of September 2025, lower than the Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Queenscliff is 50.1%, significantly lower than the regional average of 61.4%.

A notable 38.2% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area specializes in professional & technical services with an employment share 2.9 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 1.8%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population.

In the 12 months prior, labour force increased by 0.4% while employment declined by 0.3%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.7 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Queenscliff's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

Queenscliff suburb's median income among taxpayers was $45,426 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $75,126 during the same period. These figures are higher than Rest of Vic.'s median and average incomes of $50,954 and $62,728 respectively. By September 2025, based on an 8.25% increase from financial year 2023's Wage Price Index growth, estimated incomes would be approximately $49,174 (median) and $81,324 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Queenscliff rank modestly between the 34th and 48th percentiles. Income analysis shows that 27.6% of the population, which is 529 individuals, fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to the metropolitan region where 30.3% occupy this bracket. Housing costs are manageable with 88.6% retained, but 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

Queenscliff's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.1% houses and 8.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Queenscliff stood at 62.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 21.8% and rented ones at 15.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,232, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent figure in Queenscliff was $369, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Queenscliff's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,232 than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $369 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 68.0% of all households, including 19.1% couples with children, 41.3% couples without children, and 6.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 32.0%, with lone person households at 30.6% and group households comprising 1.5%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of 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 educational attainment is notably higher than broader standards. Among residents aged 15 and above, 42.5% possess university qualifications, compared to 21.7% in the rest of Victoria and 28.6% in the SA4 region. This high level of educational attainment positions Queenscliff favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 25.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.2%) and graduate diplomas (6.6%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 30.6% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 13.9% and certificates for 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.

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. Residents have excellent access to transport, with an average distance of 198 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this predominantly residential area. Cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 84% of residents, while 10% walk. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 38.2% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. All routes combined provide an average of 48 trips per day, 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 show excellent results according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups.

Private health cover is high at approximately 56% of the total population (around 1,084 people), compared to 50.5% in the rest of Victoria. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 11.7% of residents) and mental health issues (7.5%). A majority, 61.3%, report being free from medical ailments, slightly lower than the 63.4% in the rest of Victoria. The under-65 population has better-than-average health outcomes. Queenscliff has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (44.3%, or 850 people), compared to 23.9% in the rest of Victoria. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, aligning with national rankings for 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, surveyed in June 2016, had a low cultural diversity with 86.8% born in Australia, 92.4% being citizens, and 95.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion at 53.0%. Judaism was slightly overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to 0.1% regionally.

Top ancestry groups were English (34.3%), Australian (25.9%), and Irish (12.9%). Notably, Scottish (12.1%) and French (0.7%) were overrepresented, while Sri Lankan (0.3%) was marginally so compared to regional averages.

Queenscliff ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Queenscliff's median age, at 61 years, is notably older than Rest of Vic.'s 43 and significantly higher than the national average of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Vic. average, the 65 - 74 cohort is markedly over-represented in Queenscliff (25.6%), while the 25 - 34 age group is under-represented (5.8%). This concentration in the 65 - 74 age bracket is significantly higher than the national average of 9.5%. Following the Census conducted on 2021-08-11, the 15 to 24 age group increased from 6.4% to 8.0%, while the 75 to 84 cohort rose from 13.3% to 14.7%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group decreased from 19.4% to 16.8%, and the 45 to 54 age group dropped from 9.9% to 8.4%. Looking ahead to the year 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Queenscliff's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow significantly, increasing by 42 people (55%) from 76 to 119. In contrast, the 15 to 24 age group shows minimal growth of just 4% (5 people).