Clayton - Central

Population growth drivers in Clayton - Central are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Clayton - Central's population was approximately 15,244 as of November 2025. This figure represents a growth of 3,192 people (26.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,052. The increase is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 15,034 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,646 persons per square kilometer, placing Clayton - Central in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. The area's growth of 26.5% since the 2021 census exceeded both national (8.9%) and state averages, indicating its status as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 97.5% of overall population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusting using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on demographic trends and latest annual ERP population numbers, Clayton - Central is forecasted to increase by 7,009 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 44.6% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Clayton - Central among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Clayton - Central has recorded approximately 66 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 333 homes have been approved, with a further 41 approved in FY26 so far. On average, about 3.6 people per year have moved to the area for each dwelling built during this period.

This significant demand outpaces supply, typically putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers. The average expected construction cost of new dwellings is around $343,000. In FY26, approximately $2.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Clayton - Central shows comparable development activity per person, maintaining market balance consistent with the broader area. Recent construction comprises 12.0% detached dwellings and 88.0% townhouses or apartments.

This shift towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers, marking a significant departure from existing housing patterns which are currently 40.0% houses. With around 214 people per dwelling approval, Clayton - Central shows a developing market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the area is forecasted to gain approximately 6,799 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Clayton - Central has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 49thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 33 projects likely affecting the region. Notable projects include Monash Medical Centre Tower Expansion Project, 409 Clayton Road Mixed-Use Development, Waverley Woods Estate, and Suburban Rail Loop East - Clayton Station. Below is a list of projects most relevant to the area.

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.

Employment conditions in Clayton - Central rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

Clayton - Central has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. Its unemployment rate is 1.7%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.7%.

The area saw a 5.4% employment growth in the past year. As of September 2025, 9,916 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.9% below Greater Melbourne's rate. Workforce participation is on par with Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food.

Clayton - Central specializes in accommodation & food employment, with a share 1.5 times the regional level. Construction employs 6.2% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. The area hosts more jobs than residents, attracting workers from surrounding areas. In the past year, employment increased by 5.4%, while labour force also rose by 5.4%, keeping unemployment flat. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne where employment rose by 3.0% and unemployment increased slightly. As of 25-Nov, VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts suggest a 6.6% growth over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Clayton - Central's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by similar rates over these periods.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The median taxpayer income in Clayton - Central SA2 was $45,838 and the average was $57,096 according to AreaSearch's aggregation of postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022. This is lower than national averages compared to Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $51,412 (median) and $64,039 (average), based on a 12.16% growth in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census figures, household income ranks at the 47th percentile ($1,711 weekly) and personal income is at the 30th percentile. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 34.2% of the community (5,213 individuals), which aligns with surrounding regions where 32.8% fall within this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 45th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Clayton - Central displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Clayton - Central's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 40.2% houses and 59.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Melbourne metro had 69.6% houses and 30.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Clayton - Central was at 22.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 19.6% and rented ones at 57.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, lower than Melbourne metro's average of $2,383. Median weekly rent in Clayton - Central was $401, compared to Melbourne metro's $440. Nationally, Clayton - Central's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were also higher at $401 compared to the national figure of $375.

Clayton - Central features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 59.7% of all households, including 23.6% couples with children, 24.4% couples without children, and 8.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 40.3%, with lone person households at 21.5% and group households comprising 18.6%. The median household size is 2.7 people, matching the Greater Melbourne average.

The educational profile of Clayton - Central exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Clayton - Central's educational attainment exceeds broader benchmarks significantly. Among residents aged 15+, 52.1% hold university qualifications, compared to 29.8% in the SA4 region and 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are most common at 28.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (21.4%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational pathways account for 19.2% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 9.8% and certificates at 9.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 37.9% currently enrolled in formal education: 18.3% in tertiary, 5.1% in primary, and 3.6% pursuing secondary education.

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

Clayton-Central has 37 active public transport stops operating within its area. These stops offer a mix of train and bus services, with 27 individual routes in total. The weekly passenger trips facilitated by these routes amount to 7,769.

Residents' accessibility to transport is rated as good, with an average distance of 270 meters to the nearest stop. The service frequency across all routes averages 1,109 trips per day, which equates to approximately 209 weekly trips per individual stop.

Clayton - Central's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Clayton-Central demonstrates excellent health outcomes with low prevalence of common conditions across all ages. Private health cover stands at approximately 48% (~7,362 people), lower than Greater Melbourne's 54.4%, and the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues affect 5.5% of residents, while asthma impacts 4.7%.

A total of 81.8% report no medical ailments, higher than Greater Melbourne's 75.3%. The area has 8.7% (1,320 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Melbourne's 17.5%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors deserve particular attention.

Clayton - Central is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Clayton-Central has a high level of cultural diversity, with 71.8% speaking a language other than English at home and 71.1% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 32.9%. Hinduism is significantly higher than the Melbourne average at 18.9%.

Ancestry-wise, 'Other' is highest at 21.2%, followed by Chinese (20.4%) and Indian (13.8%). Sri Lankan (1.6%), Greek (6.4%), and Korean (1.5%) groups are notably overrepresented compared to regional averages.

Clayton - Central hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Clayton-Central has a median age of 28, which is lower than Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and Australia's median of 38. The most prominent age group in Clayton-Central is those aged 25-34 (32.6%), while the 5-14 group is comparatively smaller at 4.3% compared to Greater Melbourne. This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. Post-2021 Census data indicates a rejuvenation, with the median age falling from 30 to 28 years. Key changes include the growth of the 15-24 age group from 19.2% to 26.1%, and the increase of the 25-34 cohort from 30.8% to 32.6%. Conversely, the 35-44 cohort has declined from 13.2% to 11.5%, and the 5-14 group has dropped from 5.8% to 4.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest significant demographic changes for Clayton-Central, with the 25-34 age cohort projected to grow by 55%, adding 2,716 residents and reaching a total of 7,694.