Clifton Hill - Alphington

Clifton Hill - Alphington lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Clifton Hill - Alphington's population is 11,424 as of May 2026. This reflects a 15.9% increase since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,855 people. The growth from June 2025 to May 2026 is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 11,420 and additional validated new addresses of 694 since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,192 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth exceeded both state (9.3%) and national averages between 2021 and May 2026. Overseas migration contributed approximately 59.6% of overall population gains during this period, with all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth being positive factors.

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 utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made using 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. Looking ahead, exceptional growth is predicted over the period, placing Clifton Hill - Alphington in the top 10 percent of national areas. The area is expected to grow by 6,090 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 53.3% over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Clifton Hill - Alphington among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Clifton Hill - Alphington has seen approximately 248 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 1,241 homes. As of FY-26, 76 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.1 new residents arrive per year for each new home built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating a balanced supply and demand market with stable conditions. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $322,000.

In the current financial year, $38.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting strong development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Clifton Hill - Alphington records 232.0% more construction activity per person, offering greater choice for buyers and demonstrating strong developer confidence in the area. New development consists mainly of townhouses or apartments (98.0%), with standalone homes making up only 2.0%. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points, appealing to downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This shift contrasts with the existing housing stock, which is currently 27.0% houses, suggesting decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles. The location has approximately 47 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Clifton Hill - Alphington is projected to add 6,085 residents by 2041.

With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Clifton Hill - Alphington has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified 90 projects potentially impacting the area. Key projects include Thomas Embling Hospital Expansion, Fitzroy Gasworks Precinct, Heidelberg Road Corridor Local Area Plan and Built Form Framework, and YarraBend. Below is a list detailing those likely most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment performance in Clifton Hill - Alphington exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Clifton Hill - Alphington has a highly educated workforce with notable representation in the technology sector. As of December 2025, its unemployment rate is 3.9%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.8%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.5%.

Residents' participation in the workforce is high at 76.9%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. Census data indicates that 53.3% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The leading employment industries are professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Clifton Hill - Alphington has a particularly notable concentration in professional & technical services, with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average.

Conversely, construction is under-represented, with only 5.6% of the workforce compared to Greater Melbourne's 9.7%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data comparing local working population to local population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment in Clifton Hill - Alphington increased by 4.5%, while labour force grew by 4.6%, keeping the unemployment rate relatively stable at around 3.9%. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 2.4%, labour force expand by 2.8%, and unemployment rise to 5.1%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Clifton Hill - Alphington's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.5% over five years and 15.1% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

The Clifton Hill - Alphington SA2 had one of the highest income levels nationally according to AreaSearch aggregating ATO data for financial year 2023. Its median income among taxpayers was $72,354 and average income stood at $104,808. This compares with Greater Melbourne's figures of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimates for March 2026 would be approximately $79,314 (median) and $114,891 (average). Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes all rank highly in Clifton Hill - Alphington, between the 91st and 95th percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals that 31.8% of individuals earn more than $4000 weekly, contrasting with regional levels where the $1,500-$2,999 bracket leads at 32.8%. Higher earners make up a substantial presence, with 44.5% exceeding $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consume 15.2% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 90th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Clifton Hill - Alphington displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Clifton Hill - Alphington's latest Census data shows 27.4% houses and 72.6% other dwellings, compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Clifton Hill - Alphington was 29.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.8% and rented at 39.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,600, higher than Melbourne metro's $2,000. Median weekly rent was $500, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Clifton Hill - Alphington's mortgage repayments are higher at $2,600 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Clifton Hill - Alphington features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 62.0% of all households, including 26.0% couples with children, 28.4% couples without children, and 6.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 38.0%, with lone person households at 30.2% and group households comprising 7.9%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Educational achievement in Clifton Hill - Alphington places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Educational attainment among Clifton Hill - Alphington residents aged 15 and above is significantly higher than national averages. Specifically, 64.3% of residents hold university qualifications compared to Australia's 30.4% and Victoria's 33.4%. The area's educational advantage is evident in the prevalence of bachelor degrees (36.4%), postgraduate qualifications (21.1%), and graduate diplomas (6.8%). Vocational pathways are also represented, with advanced diplomas (7.6%) and certificates (7.6%) accounting for 15.2% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above.

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.8% pursuing tertiary education, 8.0% in primary education, and 5.4% in secondary education.

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

Clifton Hill - Alphington has 35 active public transport stops offering a mix of light rail and bus services. These are served by 11 routes, collectively facilitating 6,238 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy good accessibility to these stops, with an average distance of 269 meters to the nearest one. The area is predominantly residential, with most commuters travelling outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 64%, followed by trains at 11% and cycling also at 11%. On average, there are 0.9 vehicles per dwelling, below the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, a high proportion of residents work from home, with 53.3% doing so, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 891 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 178 weekly trips per individual stop.

Clifton Hill - Alphington's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Clifton Hill - Alphington residents show positive health outcomes, according to AreaSearch's analysis. Mortality rates and health conditions align with national benchmarks, with common health issues seen across all ages. Private health cover is exceptionally high at 73% of the total population (8,350 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues impact 11.8% of residents, while asthma affects 8.8%. A total of 68.8% report no medical ailments, compared to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Working-age population health outcomes are typical. The area has 14.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,627 people). Senior health outcomes rank above average nationally.

In terms of cultural diversity, Clifton Hill - Alphington records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Clifton Hill-Alphington showed cultural diversity above average, with 22.3% of residents born overseas and 14.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the primary religion, comprising 28.2%. Judaism's representation was notably higher at 1.0%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 1.0%.

In ancestry, English (25.9%) and Irish (12.2%) were significantly overrepresented, while Australian (20.1%) was slightly above the regional average of 20.1%. Other ethnic groups with notable representation include Scottish at 9.5% (regional avg: 5.6%), Greek at 2.7% (same as regional avg), and Macedonian at 0.5% (vs regional 0.7%).

Clifton Hill - Alphington's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Clifton Hill-Alphington has a median age of 36 years, nearly matching Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and slightly under the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Clifton Hill-Alphington has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (20.3%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (10.1%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.6%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of residents aged 15-24 has increased from 8.5% to 10.1%, while those aged 35-44 have risen from 17.0% to 18.5%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 55-64 has decreased from 11.3% to 10.1%. Demographic projections suggest significant changes in Clifton Hill-Alphington's age profile by 2041. The 45-54 cohort is projected to grow strongly, increasing by 99% and adding 1,413 residents to reach a total of 2,836.