Clayton - Central
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Clayton - Central's population is around 15,244 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 3,192 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,052. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 15,034 in June 2024 and an additional 277 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,646 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Clayton - Central's growth rate of 26.5% since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (8.9%) and the state average. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 97.5% 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 employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Clayton - Central is predicted to increase by 7,009 persons based on the latest population numbers, reflecting an overall 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 granted approximately 66 residential properties approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, a total of 333 homes were approved, with an additional 27 approved so far in FY26. On average, 3.6 people have moved to the area per dwelling built over these five years.

This significant demand outpaces supply, typically putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $343,000. In FY26, $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, marking a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 40.0% houses).

This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. With around 214 people per dwelling approval, Clayton - Central shows a developing market. Population forecasts indicate that Clayton - Central will 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 strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 33 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include the Monash Medical Centre Tower Expansion Project, the 409 Clayton Road Mixed-Use Development, Waverley Woods Estate, and Suburban Rail Loop East - Clayton Station. The following list details those projects considered 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.

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. The unemployment rate is 1.7%, with estimated employment growth of 4.5% in the past year.

As of June 2025, 9,567 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 2.9% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation matches Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food, with a particular specialization in accommodation & food at 1.5 times the regional level. Construction employs 6.2% of local workers, below Greater Melbourne's 9.7%.

There are 1.4 jobs per resident, indicating Clayton - Central functions as an employment hub attracting workers from nearby areas. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 4.5%, while the labour force grew by 4.4%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 3.2%. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 3.5%, labour force grow by 4.0%, and unemployment increase to 5.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project a 6.6% growth over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industries. Applying these projections to Clayton - Central's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Clayton - Central had a median taxpayer income of $45,838 and an average of $57,096 in the financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than national averages, with Greater Melbourne having a median income of $54,892 and an average income of $73,761 in the same period. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $51,412 (median) and $64,039 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. The 2021 Census figures rank Clayton - Central's household income at the 48th percentile ($1,711 weekly) and personal income at the 30th percentile. Income distribution shows that 34.2% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, similar to surrounding regions (32.8%). Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.2% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 46th 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 structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 40.2% houses and 59.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Melbourne metro had 69.6% houses and 30.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Clayton - Central stood at 22.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 19.6% and rented ones at 57.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, below Melbourne metro's average of $2,383. Median weekly rent in Clayton - Central was $401, compared to Melbourne metro's $440. Nationally, mortgage repayments averaged $1,863 and rents were $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, which aligns with Greater Melbourne's average.

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

In Clayton-Central, educational attainment is notably high, with 52.1% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications. This figure exceeds the SA4 region's average of 29.8% and Australia's average of 30.4%. The area has a significant advantage in educational attainment, which positions it well for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 28.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 21.4%, and graduate diplomas at 2.1%.

Vocational pathways account for 19.2% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas making up 9.8% and certificates 9.4%. Educational participation is high, with 37.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 18.3% in tertiary education, 5.1% in primary education, and 3.6% pursuing secondary education. Clayton-Central has three schools with a combined enrollment of 165 students. The area demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions, with an ICSEA score of 1088. The educational mix includes one primary school, one secondary school, and one K-12 school. Local school capacity is limited at 1.1 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 15.8, resulting in many families traveling to nearby areas for schooling. Note: for schools showing 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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. These include train stations and bus stops. There are 27 different routes servicing these stops.

Each week, these routes facilitate 7,769 passenger trips in total. The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 270 meters. Across all routes, there are an average of 1,109 trips per day. This 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's health outcomes show exceptional results with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all ages. Approximately 48% (~7,362 people) have private health cover, compared to 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%.

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%. Health outcomes among seniors require particular attention despite the broader population's strength.

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% of its residents speaking a language other than English at home and 71.1% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Clayton - Central, accounting for 32.9% of the population. Hinduism is notably overrepresented, comprising 18.9% compared to the Greater Melbourne average of 8.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (21.2%), Chinese (20.4%), and Indian (13.8%), all higher than regional averages. There are also notable differences in the representation of Greek (6.4% vs 5.6%), Sri Lankan (1.6% vs 2.1%), and Korean (1.5% vs 1.1%) ethnic groups.

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

Clayton-Central's median age is 28, lower than Greater Melbourne's 37 and Australia's 38. The 25-34 age group is prominent (32.6%), while the 5-14 group is smaller (4.3%) compared to Greater Melbourne. This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is higher than the national figure of 14.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows a median age decrease from 30 to 28. The 15-24 group grew from 19.2% to 26.1%, and the 25-34 cohort increased from 30.8% to 32.6%. Conversely, the 35-44 group declined from 13.2% to 11.5%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 5.8% to 4.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Clayton-Central, with the strongest growth projected for the 25-34 cohort (55%), adding 2716 residents to reach 7694.