Red Cliffs

Population growth drivers in Red Cliffs are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

The population of Red Cliffs, based on ABS updates and AreaSearch validation, is estimated at 5281 as of November 2025. This reflects a decrease from the 2021 Census figure of 5294 people, a change inferred from an ERP-estimated resident population of 5265 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. The current density ratio is 25 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Red Cliffs has shown resilience with a compound annual growth rate of 0.6%, outpacing its SA4 region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 74% to recent population gains. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered, it utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future projections indicate above median growth for national regional areas, with Red Cliffs expected to increase by 991 persons to 2041, reflecting an 18.4% gain 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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Red Cliffs shows approximately 29 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 149 homes were approved, with an additional 7 approved so far in FY-26. The population decline in recent years suggests that new supply has likely been meeting demand, providing good options for buyers.

The average construction cost value of new dwellings is $332,000, which is below regional norms, indicating more affordable housing options. This financial year, $4.4 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting limited focus on commercial development compared to residential. When comparing Red Cliffs' development activity per person to the Rest of Vic., it shows comparable levels, maintaining market balance with the broader area.

However, construction activity has eased recently. The majority of new developments consist of detached houses (96.0%) and a smaller percentage of attached dwellings (4.0%), maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. There are approximately 228 people per dwelling approval in Red Cliffs, indicating a low density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the location is expected to grow by 969 residents through to 2041. Development pace appears reasonable given projected growth, but buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

Red Cliffs has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified ten projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives comprise Red Cliffs Solar Farm, Sunraysia Water Efficiency Project, Red Cliffs Early Years Hub, and Mildura Solar Farm. The following details projects deemed 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.

While Red Cliffs retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.3%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Red Cliffs has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate is 3.3%.

The area's unemployment rate is 0.5% lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%, while workforce participation is similar at 57.4%. Dominant employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has a high representation with an employment share of 2.2 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 11.6% compared to the regional average of 16.8%.

The area may have limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. Between Jun-24 and Jul-25, labour force decreased by 4.3% alongside a 3.5% employment decline, leading to an unemployment rate fall by 0.8 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of Vic. had an employment decline of 0.9%, labour force decline of 0.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Red Cliffs's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.1% over five years and 11.4% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Red Cliffs had a median taxpayer income of $44,403 and an average income of $49,258. Both figures are lower than national averages of $48,741 and $60,693 respectively in Rest of Vic. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income will be approximately $49,802 and the average $55,248, based on a 12.16% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. According to 2021 Census figures, Red Cliffs incomes rank between the 19th and 23rd percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band includes 31.8% of Red Cliffs residents (1,679 individuals), similar to regional levels at 30.3%. Despite modest housing costs allowing retention of 88.0% of income, 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' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Vic.'s dwelling structure was 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 dwellings at 25.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,083, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,283. The median weekly rent figure for Red Cliffs was recorded at $240, whereas Non-Metro Vic.'s was $265. Nationally, Red Cliffs' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for 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 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 has university qualification rates of 12.3%, significantly lower than the Victorian 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 such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 10.0% and certificates at 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. Red Cliffs has four schools with a combined enrollment of 726 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 951) with balanced educational opportunities. Education provision is balanced with three primary schools and one secondary school serving distinct age groups.

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 there are currently 19 active transport stops operating within Red Cliffs. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 4 individual routes providing service to the area. Collectively, these routes facilitate 227 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in Red Cliffs is rated as moderate, with residents typically located an average distance of 595 meters from their nearest transport stop. Across all routes, service frequency averages 32 trips per day, which equates to approximately 11 weekly trips per individual 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. Only approximately 46% (~2,450 individuals) have private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

Asthma and mental health issues are most common, affecting 10.0% and 9.6% of residents respectively. About 62.5% report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Rest of Vic's 65.1%. The area has a 19.7% senior population (1,040 individuals), with seniors performing well in health metrics despite facing some challenges.

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 notably overrepresented, making up 1.1% of the population compared to 2.3% across the rest of Victoria.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups represented in Red Cliffs are Australian (32.1%), English (30.5%), and Scottish (7.9%). There are also notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Italian is overrepresented at 5.2% compared to 5.7% regionally, German at 3.9% versus 4.0%, and Australian Aboriginal at 3.2% compared to 3.4%.

Red Cliffs hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Red Cliffs is 40 years, which is slightly lower than the Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 but higher than Australia's median of 38. Compared to the Rest of Vic., the 25-34 cohort is notably over-represented at 14.6% in Red Cliffs, while the 75-84 year-olds are under-represented at 5.5%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the population of the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 12.2% to 14.6%, while the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 13.0% to 10.9%. The 45 to 54 group has also decreased, from 12.3% to 10.5%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Red Cliffs. The 25 to 34 age cohort is 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.