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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Red Cliffs has an estimated 5,226 residents, down from 5,294 at the 2021 Census — a change of 68 people, or 1.3%. The population has thinned by an average 0.5% a year over five years, slower than 96% of areas nationally. Density is about 25 people per square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
As of Aug 2026, the suburb of Red Cliffs is estimated to have a population of around 5,226, according to AreaSearch analysis of broader ABS population updates and new addresses validated post-Census. This represents a reduction of 68 people (1.3%) compared to the 5,294 people recorded in the 2021 Census. The calculation is derived from an estimated resident population of 5,224 identified by AreaSearch after assessing the latest ABS ERP release from June 2025 alongside 54 validated new addresses recorded since the Census. This population corresponds to a density of 25 persons per square kilometer, providing generous space per person.
Over the preceding ten years, the suburb of Red Cliffs has displayed steady demographic resilience, achieving a 0.4% compound annual growth rate that outpaced the surrounding SA4 region, with overseas migration acting as the primary driver by generating approximately 74.0% of recent population gains. Projections for each SA2 area from ABS/Geoscience Australia, published in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, are adopted by AreaSearch, with unlisted SA2 areas using the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 via weighted population growth aggregation from LGA to SA2 tiers. These age-group growth rates are also applied across all territories for 2032 to 2041. Future demographic outlooks indicate that the suburb of Red Cliffs is projected to achieve population growth above the regional Australian median, with aggregated SA2-level modeling forecasting an increase of 942 persons by 2041, representing a total expansion of 18.0% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
142 new dwellings have been approved in Red Cliffs over the past five years, an average of 28 a year. That is 5.2 approvals per 1,000 residents. Of the 27 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 96% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 48, running ahead of that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
According to AreaSearch's evaluation of statistical area building approvals sourced from the ABS, residential construction in Red Cliffs has generated an average of roughly 28 new dwelling approvals annually. Across the preceding 5 financial years between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 142 homes were approved, with 48 recorded to date in FY-25. In light of recent demographic contraction, this pipeline represents adequate building activity to support buyers, with new homes carrying an average expected construction cost of $462,000. Furthermore, $4.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered in the current financial year, underscoring the area's predominantly residential character.
Per capita construction volumes in Red Cliffs track closely with Rest of Vic., preserving market equilibrium alongside neighbouring districts despite a recent uptick in building activity. Recent construction comprises 96.0% detached dwellings and 4.0% townhouses or apartments, sustaining a low-density built environment where standalone dwellings attract space-seeking buyers. A ratio of approximately 138 people per dwelling approval further reflects this low-density property market. Urban growth projections indicate that Red Cliffs will add 940 residents through to 2041, based on the latest quarterly estimate from AreaSearch. Although residential building activity is progressing at an appropriate pace to meet this anticipated growth, purchasers may face increased market competition as the population expands.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Red Cliffs
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 4 current infrastructure and development projects inside Red Cliffs, worth an estimated $274 million. A further 64 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $6.84 billion. 16 are already under construction and 22 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and energy. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure investment, strategic planning, and major project developments exert a fundamental influence on community performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 10 major initiatives likely to impact the locality, including the Red Cliffs Solar Farm, the Sunraysia Water Efficiency Project, the Red Cliffs Early Years Hub, and the Mildura Solar Farm, with prime projects detailed in the following overview.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Red Cliffs Solar Farm
Proposed 71 MW solar photovoltaic project near Red Cliffs in Victoria's Sunraysia region, developed by ACE Power. Publicly available project information indicates the project remains announced or in planning, with battery storage expected but with size and duration not yet confirmed. The project is intended to supply renewable electricity to the National Electricity Market and support renewable energy generation in north-west Victoria.
Sunraysia Water Efficiency Project
The $37.9 million Sunraysia Water Efficiency Project improved irrigation efficiency across the Merbein, Mildura, and Red Cliffs Irrigation Districts through modernization of infrastructure including 27km of channel upgrades (lining and pipeline installation), replacement of 357 Dethridge meters, and upgrade of 325 domestic and stock meters. Completed in 2024, the project recovers 1.8 GL of water annually for environmental purposes in the Murray-Darling Basin, created over 100 local jobs during construction, and delivered a $20 million regional GDP increase.The project was delivered by Lower Murray Water and funded by the Australian Government.
Red Cliffs Early Years Hub
A modern $6 million facility replacing existing kindergarten and Maternal and Child Health buildings, bringing all early years services under one roof for the growing Red Cliffs community. Features include four kindergarten rooms, two Maternal and Child Health and allied health consulting rooms, toy library facilities, multi-use community space, breastfeeding room, large foyer area, upgraded playground, and new outdoor community space.
Mildura Solar Farm
The Mildura Solar Farm is a 110 MW DC utility-scale solar project located near Mildura, Victoria. The facility generates approximately 160,000 MWh of clean renewable electricity annually, sufficient to power around 34,000 homes. The project was delivered by Sante Group as a full-wrap EPC contract and contributes to Victoria's renewable energy targets, providing regional employment and economic benefits during construction and operation.
Irymple Low Density Residential Development Plan
The Irymple Low Density Residential Development Plan has been endorsed by the Mildura Rural City Council to ensure coordinated, orderly, and sustainable development of land zoned Low Density Residential in Irymple. A Development Contributions Plan (DCP) is currently being scoped to support infrastructure funding prior to development applications.
Giovanna Court Estate
A premium land subdivision in Irymple offering low-maintenance living with 28 new homes designed for investors, first home buyers, downsizers, and retirees. Located near local amenities including supermarkets, medical services, schools, and sporting clubs.
Irymple Structure Plan & Urban Design Framework 2021-2036
Council adopted the Irymple Structure Plan and Urban Design Framework on 22 September 2021. The framework guides land use, town centre improvements, public realm upgrades, transport connectivity, residential growth and planning scheme changes through to 2036. Implementation is ongoing through amendments to the Mildura Planning Scheme and staged council infrastructure and public realm projects.
Irymple Hub
A retail complex featuring an IGA supermarket, commercial shops, pharmacy, medical clinic, gym, and eateries to serve the local community.
2,589 residents of Red Cliffs are employed, from a labour force of 2,651. Unemployment sits at 2.3%, with participation at 60.7%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.1% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 4,542, about 87% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Analysis of aggregated statistical area data by AreaSearch indicates that Red Cliffs maintains a balanced labour market across white-collar and blue-collar occupations, featuring a low unemployment rate of 2.3%. As of March 2026, employed residents total 2,589, placing local unemployment 1.3% below the Regional Vic. benchmark of 3.7%, while workforce participation aligns with the regional level of 61.1%. Based on Census responses, only 9.4% of workers operated from home, though this figure should be considered in the context of Covid-19 lockdown measures. The primary employment sectors among local residents include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.
Workforce concentration is particularly pronounced in agriculture, forestry & fishing, where local representation is 2.2 times the regional benchmark. In contrast, health care & social assistance accounts for 11.6% of employment locally versus 16.8% across the broader region. A comparison of Census working numbers against resident population counts indicates that direct local employment opportunities remain limited. Over the past 12-month period, AreaSearch analysis of ABS and SALM statistical data indicates that the local labour force shrank by 3.4% while employment fell by 1.3%, resulting in a 2.1 percentage points decrease in the unemployment rate. Over the same timeframe, Regional Vic. recorded a 0.1% decline in employment, a 0.3% drop in the labour force, and a 0.2 percentage points reduction in unemployment. Looking forward, national employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia as of Mar-26 provide an indication of potential workforce demand in Red Cliffs. Nationwide employment is forecast to increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with distinct variations across industries; applying these sector trends to the Red Cliffs occupational mix indicates local employment could expand by 5.1% over five years and 11.4% over ten years (representing an illustrative weighting model that does not incorporate localized population forecasts).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Red Cliffs is $1,290 a week (about $67,000 a year), with median personal income at $674 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $44,403 a year against an average of $49,258. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
ATO taxpayer records compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 show personal earnings in the suburb of Red Cliffs sit below national averages. Taxpayers in the suburb of Red Cliffs record a median income of $44,403 and an average income of $49,258, compared with $50,954 and $62,728 respectively across Regional Vic.. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, updated estimates as of March 2026 place median earnings at approximately $48,675 and the average at $53,997. According to Census 2021 figures, household, family, and individual income tiers in Red Cliffs all fall between the 19th and 23rd percentiles across the country.
In terms of distribution, 31.8% of the local population (1,661 individuals) earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 band, matching broader regional patterns showing 30.3% in that category. While residents retain 88.0% of their earnings due to modest accommodation costs, overall disposable income ranks only in the 24th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Red Cliffs had 1,917 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 92% detached houses and 1% apartments. 37% are owned with a mortgage, 25% rented and 37% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $240 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,083 a month. Rent absorbs 18.6% of household income here and mortgage repayments 19.4%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Residential property in Red Cliffs at the most recent Census consisted of 92.0% separate houses and 8.0% other dwellings such as apartments and semi-detached units, compared to 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings throughout Regional Vic.. Outright home ownership in Red Cliffs stood at 37.2%, trailing the regional level, while mortgaged properties accounted for 37.4% and rental dwellings represented 25.4%. Housing costs remain comparatively low, with the local median monthly mortgage repayment of $1,083 and weekly median rent of $240 falling well beneath the respective Regional Vic. figures of $1,430 and $285.
In a national context, mortgage repayments in Red Cliffs sit significantly below the Australian benchmark of $1,863, with rental rates also substantially under the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Red Cliffs counted 1,917 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.5 people each. 28% are couples with children, against 28% couples without children. 28% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.0 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family households constitute the majority of living arrangements at 69.3% of all residences, comprising couples with children at 28.0%, couples without children at 28.2%, and single parent families at 11.7%. Non-family households represent the remaining 30.7%, consisting of single-person households at 28.1% and group share arrangements at 2.2%. The typical local household size of 2.5 people exceeds the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
12.3% of adults in Red Cliffs hold a university qualification, including 8.7% with a bachelor degree and 1.7% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 75% of areas nationally. A further 31.6% hold a vocational qualification. 4 schools serve the area, with 726 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 951 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Tertiary educational attainment presents a challenge in the locality, with university qualifications held by 12.3% of residents compared to the VIC average of 33.4%, highlighting a key focus area for future educational initiatives. Among higher education credentials, bachelor degrees lead at 8.7%, followed by graduate diplomas at 1.9% and postgraduate awards at 1.7%. Vocational and technical skills are strongly represented, with 41.6% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, comprising 10.0% with advanced diplomas and 31.6% with certificates. Participation in formal learning across the locality is substantial, with 29.8% of residents currently undertaking education.
This student population includes 11.5% attending primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 1.8% engaged in tertiary studies.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Red Cliffs reaches 19 stops on 2 routes, timetabled for about 200 services a week. The typical home sits about 550 m from its nearest stop. Households keep an average of 1.6 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Red Cliffs contains 19 active public transit stops connected by 2 separate routes, providing a combined 196 passenger trips each week. Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents located an average distance of 552 meters from the nearest stop. Given its residential nature, most workers commute outward, with motor vehicles remaining the dominant mode at 94% and vehicle ownership averaging 1.6 per dwelling. A relatively low 9.4% of residents worked from home according to the 2021 Census, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 circumstances. Public transport services operate at an average frequency of 28 trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly 10 weekly trips per individual transit stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
62.5% of residents in Red Cliffs report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 85% of areas nationally. 8.5% need daily assistance with core activities, and 46.4% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 6.8 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Assessment of mortality figures and condition prevalence by AreaSearch reveals notable healthcare challenges in Red Cliffs, with common illnesses evident across both younger and older cohorts. Concurrently, private health insurance coverage is especially low, held by approximately 46% of the population (~2,425 people), compared to 50.5% in Regional Vic. and a national average of 55.7%. Asthma and mental health issues represent the most prevalent diagnosed conditions in the area, affecting 10.0 and 9.6% of residents respectively, while 62.5% of the community reported being free of medical conditions compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic..
Working-age residents face elevated rates of chronic illness. Seniors aged 65 and over make up 20.9% of the population (1,092 people), below the Regional Vic. proportion of 24.0%, with health difficulties in this older group ranking higher than the general population nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Red Cliffs is largely Australian-born, at 89.4% of residents, with 8.3% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (32.1%) and English (30.5%). 3.2% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity measures in Red Cliffs sit below national norms, with Australian citizens comprising 86.4% of the population, 89.4% of residents born in Australia, and 91.7% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, representing 43.5% of local residents. Among other religious groups, Islam exhibits a slight overrepresentation at 1.1% of the community compared to 1.0% across Regional Vic.. Regarding parental country of birth in Red Cliffs, the three most common ancestries are Australian at 32.1%, English at 30.5%, and Scottish at 7.9%. Several other ethnic backgrounds show distinct local concentrations compared to broader regional levels, including Italian at 5.2% (versus 2.9% regionally), German at 3.9% (versus 3.5%), and Australian Aboriginal at 3.2% (versus 1.4%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Red Cliffs is 41. 26.1% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The age distribution of Red Cliffs closely tracks Regional Vic., with the largest divergence across the four broad age groups being just 3.1 percentage points. AreaSearch estimates the median age at 41 as at August 2026, unchanged from the 2021 Census and 2 years below the Regional Vic. median of 43 recorded in that Census. The most noticeable change since the Census is within the mature adult and early retiree group (45 - 64), which dropped from 27.2% to an estimated 24.0% of the population. By 2041, younger to middle-aged adults (25 - 44) are projected to account for most demographic growth, adding 452 residents (33%) to reach 1,806.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Red Cliffs
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Sep 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Sep 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Sep 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | May 2026 4 months ago all 4 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 6 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 2 months ago all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 54 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (5,294 at the 2021 Census → 5,226 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL22147). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.