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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.
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2021 Census | -- people
Sales Activity
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Population
Population growth drivers in Red Cliffs are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends
As of May 2026, the population of the suburb of Red Cliffs is estimated at around 5,229 people. This reflects a decrease from the previous population count in the 2021 Census, which reported a total of 5,294 residents. The current estimate is based on an analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census date. It equates to a density ratio of 25 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Red Cliffs has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.4%. This growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 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 utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods. Considering these projections, an above median population growth is expected for non-metropolitan areas, with Red Cliffs projected to expand by 959 persons to reach a total of 6,188 residents by the year 2041, reflecting an increase of 18.2% over the 16-year period.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
Residential development activity is lower than average in Red Cliffs according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets
Between FY21 and FY25, Red Cliffs had approximately 152 residential dwellings approved for development. In FY26 up to present, around 30 approvals have been granted. The average annual dwelling approval rate is roughly 30.
The total value of these developments is estimated at $332,000 per dwelling. Additionally, $4.4 million in commercial approvals were registered this financial year. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Red Cliffs has a moderately higher new home approval rate, with 12.0% more approvals per person over the past five years.
This maintains good buyer choice and supports existing property values. Recent construction comprises 96.0% detached houses and 4.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. The population per dwelling approval is around 233 people, indicating a low-density area. According to AreaSearch quarterly estimates, Red Cliffs is projected to gain 954 residents by 2041. Development activity is keeping pace with projected growth, but buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Red Cliffs
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
Red Cliffs has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally
Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified ten projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are Red Cliffs Solar Farm, Sunraysia Water Efficiency Project, Red Cliffs Early Years Hub, and Mildura Solar Farm. The following details those projected to have the most relevance.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Victorian Murray Floodplain Restoration Project
A $429 million initiative to restore natural watering cycles to 14,000 hectares of high-value Murray River floodplains across nine sites. As of May 2026, construction has officially commenced at Hattah Lakes North and Vinifera, involving the installation of containment banks and gated regulators to manage water flow. While several sites have progressed to construction or final planning, the Burra Creek site was removed from the program following a negative environmental assessment by the Minister for Planning.
Mildura Base Public Hospital Intensive Care Unit Expansion
A $2.48 million expansion of the intensive care unit at Mildura Base Public Hospital, which increased the number of intensive care beds from five to eight and added two short-stay beds. The project involved reconfiguring and upgrading existing rooms to enhance high-quality coronary care capacity, improve patient flow, and reduce waiting times for the Mildura community.
South West Renewable Energy Zone
The South West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) is a pillar of the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap, facilitating the state's transition to clean energy. Formally declared in 2024, the REZ integrates massive transmission projects like Project EnergyConnect and VNI West to unlock 3.56 GW of renewable capacity. Major sub-projects including the Bullawah Wind Farm and Pottinger Energy Park are progressing through procurement and early works as of mid-2026. The infrastructure includes the expansion of the Buronga substation, the largest of its kind in Australia, and the construction of the new Dinawan substation to support regional energy security.
Mildura Passenger Rail Return
Long-running advocacy and planning initiative to reinstate passenger rail services between Mildura and Melbourne, restoring a connection that ended in 1993. Mildura remains the largest Victorian regional centre without a passenger rail link. The current focus, as of 2026, has shifted to a staged 'Rails to Recovery' concept circulated by the Rail Revival Alliance Victoria, proposing a standard-gauge locomotive-hauled shuttle between Mildura and Maryborough, connecting with the existing V/Line VLocity service to Melbourne via Ballarat. Two active Victorian Parliament petitions are pushing for the trial: a Legislative Assembly e-petition closing 10 May 2026 and Legislative Council Petition #730 closing 28 February 2026. Mildura MP Jade Benham has renewed parliamentary calls and is meeting rail stakeholders to identify practical pathways. Mildura Rural City Council continues to advocate for the project under its Mildura Future Ready strategy. Significant infrastructure considerations remain, including upgrades at around 145 level crossings, rolling stock provisioning, and operating model. The Victorian Government has not committed funding for delivery as of early 2026.
Nowingi Solar Power Station
Edify Energy is developing the Nowingi Solar Power Station in the Loddon Mallee region of north-west Victoria, about 45 km south of Mildura. The project is planned for up to 360 MWp solar photovoltaic generation with an integrated battery energy storage system of up to 300 MW / 2.4 GWh, using DC-coupled hybrid technology and grid-forming inverters. It has received a federal EPBC referral decision as not a controlled action and was awarded a Capacity Investment Scheme agreement in October 2025. Edify says the project is in development phase, will support about 250 construction jobs over an estimated 18 month construction period, and will consider continued sheep grazing on the completed site.
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.
Mildura Solar Farm
The Mildura Solar Farm is a 110 MW DC solar project located near Mildura, Victoria. It is designed to generate approximately 160,000 MWh of clean, renewable electricity annually, sufficient to power around 34,000 homes. The project supports Victoria's renewable energy targets and provides economic benefits to the local community through job creation and investment. Developed by Sante Group.
Mildura Motorsports and Community Precinct
A proposed $22 million motorsports and community precinct in Koorlong near Mildura, featuring a 3km sealed road circuit, multi-use skid pan, pits, control tower, office facilities, maintenance shed, camping facilities, and food and beverage services. Designed to support motorsport activities, vehicle testing, and community events in the Sunraysia region.
Employment
Red Cliffs ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance
Red Cliffs has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, representing various sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.0% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.0%. As of December 2025, 2,634 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.7%, below Regional Vic.'s 3.7%.
Workforce participation is at 61.0%, matching Regional Vic.'s rate. According to Census responses, 9.4% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 2.2 times the regional level.
However, health care & social assistance employs only 11.6% of local workers, below Regional Vic.'s 16.8%. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 1.0%, while labour force decreased by 2.1%, reducing the unemployment rate by 3.1 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Vic. saw an employment decline of 0.6% and a labour force decline of 0.7%, with a drop in unemployment rate of 0.1 percentage point. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Red Cliffs' employment should increase by 5.1% over five years and 11.4% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data
The suburb of Red Cliffs had a median taxpayer income of $44,403 and an average income of $49,258 in financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was lower than the national average, contrasting with Regional Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728. As of March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $48,675 (median) and $53,997 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023. Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Red Cliffs all fell between the 19th and 23rd percentiles nationally. Income analysis revealed that 31.8% of the community earned between $1,500 and $2,999 (1,662 individuals), similar to the broader area where 30.3% occupied this bracket. Housing costs were modest, with 88.0% of income retained, but total disposable income ranked at just the 24th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Red Cliffs is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region
In Red Cliffs, as per the latest Census, 92.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 8.0% being other types such as semi-detached homes and apartments. This is similar to Regional Vic., which had 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Red Cliffs stood at 37.2%, compared to Regional Vic.'s higher rate of 48.5%. Of the non-owned dwellings, 37.4% were mortgaged and 25.4% rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Red Cliffs was $1,083, lower than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,659. Weekly rent in Red Cliffs was recorded at $240, significantly lower than the Regional Vic. figure of $375. Nationally, Red Cliffs's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially lower than the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
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%. The median household size is 2.5 people, larger than the Regional Vic average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
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%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.9%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.6% of residents aged 15 and above holding them - advanced diplomas account for 10.0%, while certificates make up 31.6%.
Educational participation is 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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Red Cliffs has 19 active public transport stops serviced by two routes. These routes collectively provide 203 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these stops is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 552 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Cars are the dominant mode of transport at 94%. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling.
According to the 2021 Census, only 9.4% of residents work from home, which might be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 29 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 10 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
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, according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (around 2,426 people), compared to 50.5% in Regional Vic., and 55.7% nationally.
The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 10.0% and 9.6% of residents respectively. Conversely, 62.5% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Regional Vic. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 20.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,056 people), lower than the 23.9% in Regional Vic. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
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 was found to have below average cultural diversity, with 86.4% of its population being citizens, 89.4% born in Australia, and 91.7% speaking English only at home. The dominant religion in Red Cliffs is Christianity, comprising 43.5% of the population. However, Islam is overrepresented compared to Regional Vic., with 1.1% of the population versus 1.0%.
The top three ancestry groups are Australian (32.1%), English (30.5%), and Scottish (7.9%). Notably, Italian (5.2%) and German (3.9%) are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 2.9% and 3.5%, respectively. Additionally, Australian Aboriginal people make up 3.2% of Red Cliffs' population, higher than the regional average of 1.4%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Red Cliffs's median age exceeds the national pattern
The median age in Red Cliffs is 40 years, which is slightly below Regional Vic.'s average of 43 but above Australia's median of 38. Compared to Regional Vic., the 25-34 age group is notably higher at 14.6% locally, while the 75-84 age group is lower at 5.8%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 25-34 age group has grown from 12.2% to 14.6%, and the 65-74 age group has increased from 10.6% to 11.8%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has declined from 13.0% to 10.6%, and the 45-54 age group has dropped from 12.3% to 10.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Red Cliffs, with the 25-34 age cohort projected to increase by 256 people (34%), from 763 to 1,020, while the 15-24 age group is expected to decline by 12 people.