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 since the Census Queenscliff's population is estimated at around 1,718 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 202 people (13.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,516 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,679, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS on Jun 2024 and an additional 18 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 514 persons per square kilometer in the suburb of Queenscliff (Vic.). The estimated ERP population from surrounding areas applied to Queenscliff by AreaSearch is used for this calculation. Queenscliff's 13.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area's growth rate of 6.0%, along with the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region.

Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 86.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in Jun 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, a significant population increase in the top quartile of non-metropolitan areas nationally is forecast, with the suburb of Queenscliff (Vic.) expected to increase by 545 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 26.0% 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, allocated from statistical area data, Queenscliff has experienced around 29 dwellings receiving development approval each year. An estimated 147 homes were approved over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, with a further 6 approved so far in FY-26. On average, approximately 2.1 people have moved to the area per new home constructed over these past 5 financial years, reflecting robust demand that underpins property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $906,000, indicating developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This year, there have been $8.6 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited focus on commercial development. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Queenscliff shows moderately higher new home approvals, at 18.0% above the regional average per person over the 5-year period, preserving reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. However, building activity has slowed in recent years.

This level is substantially higher than nationally, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. Recent construction comprises 92.0% detached houses and 8.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 103 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Future projections show Queenscliff adding 446 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified seven projects that are expected to impact this particular area. Notable among these are Queenscliff Harbour Redevelopment, Hesse Street South Redevelopment, Queenscliffe Hub, and Queenscliff Feeder Main Replacement and Upgrade. The following list provides details on those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Queenscliff exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Queenscliff has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.1% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.9%.

As of June 2025746 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.7% lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation lagged at 47.8%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Dominant employment sectors included professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area showed strong specialization in professional & technical with an employment share of 2.9 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence at 1.8%, compared to the regional figure of 7.5%. Employment opportunities appeared limited locally, indicated by the census working population vs resident population count. During the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.9% and labour force by 2.7%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.8 percentage points. Rest of Vic. recorded an employment decline of 0.9%, labour force decline of 0.4%, with unemployment rising by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 projected national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Queenscliff's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Queenscliff's median income among taxpayers was $45,426 according to AreaSearch data aggregated from ATO records for the financial year 2022. The average income in Queenscliff stood at $75,126 during this period. For comparison, the median and average incomes in Rest of Vic. were $48,741 and $60,693 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% from financial year 2022 to September 2025, estimated current incomes would be approximately $50,950 (median) and $84,261 (average). Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Queenscliff rank modestly, between the 34th and 48th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 27.6% of individuals earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which is consistent with broader metropolitan trends showing 30.3% in the same category. Housing costs are manageable, with 88.6% retained after expenses. However, disposable income ranks below average at the 39th percentile, and Queenscliff'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 compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s 93.0% houses and 7.0% 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 $1,950. The median weekly rent in Queenscliff was $369, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s $402 and the national average of $375. Nationally, Queenscliff's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 32.0%, with lone person households at 30.6% and group households making up 1.5% of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.5.

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% have 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 constitute 13.9% and certificates make up 16.7%.

Educational participation includes 19.3% of the community in primary or secondary education, or pursuing tertiary education. This comprises 6.4% in primary education, 5.8% in secondary education, and 3.4% in tertiary education. Queenscliff has two schools serving students: St Aloysius' School and Queenscliff Primary School, with a combined total of 265 students. The area exhibits above-average socio-educational conditions, with an ICSEA score of 1092. Both schools cater exclusively to primary education, with secondary options available in nearby regions. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs, with 15.4 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 12.3, indicating Queenscliff's role as an educational hub for the broader region.

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

Queenscliff has 16 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops are served by a mix of buses running along one individual route, collectively providing 268 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the transport system is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 198 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 38 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 16 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Queenscliff faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 56% (~970 people) have private health cover, which is very high. The most frequent medical issues are arthritis (11.7%) and mental health problems (7.5%). However, 61.3% report no medical ailments, compared to 66.8% in the rest of Victoria. Queenscliff has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 45.1% (774 people), versus 24.2% in the rest of Victoria. Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, outperforming general population metrics.

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, showed lower cultural diversity with 86.8% of its residents born in Australia, 92.4% being citizens, and 95.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 53.0% of the population. Notably, Judaism, at 0.2%, was slightly overrepresented compared to the rest of Victoria's 0.1%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (34.3%), Australian (25.9%), and Irish (12.9%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: Scottish at 12.1% (versus 9.7% regionally), French at 0.7% (versus 0.5%), and Sri Lankan at 0.3% (versus 0.1%).

Queenscliff ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Queenscliff's median age is 62 years, considerably higher than the Rest of Vic. average of 43 and above the national average of 38. Compared to Rest of Vic., Queenscliff has a higher concentration of residents aged 65-74 (26.1%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (5.3%). This 65-74 concentration is well above the national figure of 9.4%. As per the 2021 Census, Queenscliff's population aged 15-24 grew from 6.4% to 8.1%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 6.8% to 8.1%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 19.4% to 17.0%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 9.9% to 8.4%. By 2041, Queenscliff's age composition is expected to shift notably, with the 75-84 age cohort projected to expand by 63 people (25%), growing from 250 to 314.