Red Cliffs

Population growth drivers in Red Cliffs are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

The estimated population of the Red Cliffs statistical area as of November 2025 is around 5,286 people. This figure reflects a decrease of 8 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,294 people. The current resident population estimate of 5,264 by AreaSearch is based on an examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 51 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of approximately 25 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Red Cliffs has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.6%, outperforming its SA4 region. Overseas migration contributed significantly to population growth, accounting for about 74.0% 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 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the Red Cliffs (SA2) is expected to increase its population by 990 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall gain of 18.2% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Red Cliffs according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Red Cliffs has seen approximately 30 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 152 homes were approved, with a further 12 approved in FY-26 to date. The average construction cost value of these dwellings is $332,000.

In terms of commercial development, there have been $4.4 million in approvals during FY-26. Compared to the rest of Victoria, Red Cliffs has shown moderately higher development activity, with an 11.0% increase per person over the past five years. This activity maintains good buyer choice and supports existing property values.

However, construction activity has recently eased. The majority of new developments in Red Cliffs consist of detached houses (96.0%), with a smaller proportion of attached dwellings (4.0%). This maintains the area's traditional low-density character, appealing to those seeking space and family homes. The population density per dwelling approval is approximately 233 people. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Red Cliffs is projected to grow by 963 residents by 2041. Development in the area is keeping pace with this projected growth, although buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 10 projects likely impacting the region. Notable ones are Red Cliffs Solar Farm, Sunraysia Water Efficiency Project, Red Cliffs Early Years Hub, and Mildura Solar Farm. The following details 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.

The employment environment in Red Cliffs shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Red Cliffs has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 2.4%, lower than Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%.

Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Vic., at 57.4%. Dominant employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has a high representation, at 2.2 times the regional level. Health care & social assistance shows lower representation, at 11.6% compared to the regional average of 16.8%.

The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data. In the 12-month period ending September 2025, labour force decreased by 4.3%, with a 2.0% employment decline, resulting in a 2.3 percentage point fall in unemployment rate. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Red Cliffs' employment should increase by 5.1% over five years and 11.4% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 30, 2023 shows Red Cliffs had a median taxpayer income of $44,403 and an average income of $49,258. These figures are lower than national averages of $50,954 and $62,728 for Rest of Vic respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% from financial year ended June 30, 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income is approximately $48,066 and average income is $53,322. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data for 2021, Red Cliffs household incomes fall between the 19th and 23rd percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that 31.8% (1,680 individuals) earn between $1,500 - 2,999, aligning with regional levels at 30.3%. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 88.0% income retention, total disposable income ranks at the 24th percentile nationally.

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

Red Cliffs' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 92.0% houses and 8.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). Non-Metro Vic., meanwhile, had 85.6% houses and 14.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Red Cliffs stood at 37.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.4% and rented ones at 25.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, below Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,283. Median weekly rent in Red Cliffs was $240, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $265. Nationally, Red Cliffs' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

Red Cliffs has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 69.3% of all households, including 28.0% couples with children, 28.2% couples without children, and 11.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 30.7%, with lone person households at 28.1% and group households comprising 2.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

Educational outcomes in Red Cliffs fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 12.3%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.9%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (31.6%). Educational participation is high at 29.8%, with 11.5% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.5% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 1.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The public transport analysis indicates that Red Cliffs has 19 active transport stops in operation. These are a mix of bus stops serviced by two individual routes. The total number of weekly passenger trips provided is 203.

Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 552 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 29 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 10 weekly trips per stop.

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

Red Cliffs faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent among both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, at approximately 46% of the total population (~2,453 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma (10.0%) and mental health issues (9.6%). A majority, 62.5%, report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of Vic's 65.1%. As of a certain date, 19.7% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,041 people). Health outcomes among seniors present challenges but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Red Cliffs' cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 86.4% of its population being citizens, 89.4% born in Australia, and 91.7% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Red Cliffs is Christianity, comprising 43.5% of the population. However, Islam is overrepresented compared to the rest of Victoria, with 1.1% of Red Cliffs' population identifying as Muslim, compared to a regional average of 2.3%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups in Red Cliffs are Australian (32.1%), English (30.5%), and Scottish (7.9%). Notably, Italian (5.2%) and German (3.9%) populations are slightly overrepresented compared to regional averages of 5.7% and 4.0%, respectively. Additionally, the Australian Aboriginal population is marginally underrepresented at 3.2%, compared to a regional average of 3.4%.

Red Cliffs's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Red Cliffs is 40 years, which is slightly below Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 but above Australia's median of 38. The 25-34 cohort makes up 14.6% of the local population, notably higher than Rest of Vic.'s average, while the 75-84 age group constitutes only 5.5%, which is under-represented compared to Rest of Vic.'s average. According to the 2021 Census, Red Cliffs' 25-to-34 age group has increased from 12.2% to 14.6%. Conversely, the 5-to-14 cohort decreased from 13.0% to 10.9%, and the 45-to-54 group dropped from 12.3% to 10.5%. Population forecasts for Red Cliffs in 2041 suggest significant demographic changes, with the 25-to-34 age cohort projected to expand by 311 people (40%), growing from 771 to 1,083. Meanwhile, the 55-to-64 and 15-to-24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.