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 around 11,342 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,487 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,855 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,292 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 694 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,177 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Clifton Hill - Alphington's growth rate of 15.1% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%). Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 46.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation methods. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, exceptional growth is predicted over the period with the area expected to increase by 6,868 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 60.1% in total over the 17 years.

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

Clifton Hill - Alphington has averaged approximately 248 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 1,241 homes. As of FY26 so far, 61 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.1 people per year have moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25. This suggests a balanced supply and demand, with stable market conditions.

The average construction value of new properties is $322,000. There have also been $38.1 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Clifton Hill - Alphington records 237.0% more development activity per person, providing greater choice for buyers. This level is above the national average, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. Recent construction comprises 2.0% standalone homes and 98.0% medium and high-density housing, creating more affordable entry points and suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a shift from the current 27.0% houses in the area, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles. Clifton Hill - Alphington reflects a developing area with around 47 people per approval.

Looking ahead, it is expected to grow by 6,818 residents through to 2041 according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Clifton Hill - Alphington has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 96 projects likely influencing the region. Notable initiatives include Fitzroy Gasworks Precinct, Heidelberg Road Local Area Plan, YarraBend, and 267-269 Queens Parade Apartments. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch assessment positions Clifton Hill - Alphington ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Clifton Hill - Alphington has an educated workforce with a notable presence in the technology sector. Its unemployment rate was 3.9% as of September 2025, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.7%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.9%.

In September 2025, 7,168 residents were employed with a participation rate of 77.3%, higher than Greater Melbourne's 71.0%. Census data showed that 53.3% of residents worked from home. Major employment sectors include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area has strong specialization in professional & technical services with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 5.6% compared to the regional average of 9.7%. While local opportunities exist, many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 4.9%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 3.1%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Clifton Hill - Alphington's employment mix suggests local employment could grow by 7.5% in five years and 15.1% in ten years, though this is an illustrative extrapolation not accounting for localized population projections.

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 exceptionally high national income levels according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Its median income among taxpayers was $72,354 and average income stood at $104,808, compared to Greater Melbourne's figures of $57,688 and $75,164 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $78,323 (median) and $113,455 (average). Census data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Clifton Hill - Alphington, between the 91st and 95th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that the largest segment comprises 31.8% earning $4000+ weekly (3,606 residents), differing from regional patterns where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 32.8%. The district demonstrates considerable affluence with 44.5% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. High housing costs consume 15.2% of income, though strong earnings still 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 dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 27.4% houses and 72.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Melbourne metro's figures of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Clifton Hill - Alphington was 29.4%, similar to Melbourne metro's level. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 30.8%, while rented dwellings comprised 39.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,600, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent figure stood at $500, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Clifton Hill - Alphington's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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 constitute 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 account for 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

Clifton Hill - Alphington has a higher proportion of residents aged 15 and above with university qualifications compared to national and state averages. Specifically, 64.3% of its residents have such qualifications, surpassing the Australian average of 30.4% and the Victorian average of 33.4%. This is indicative of a significant educational advantage for the area, potentially opening up opportunities in knowledge-based fields. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification type at 36.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (21.1%) and graduate diplomas (6.8%).

Vocational pathways account for 15.2% of qualifications among those aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas comprising 7.6% and certificates also making up 7.6%. Educational participation is notably high in the area, with 27.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.8% in tertiary education, 8.0% in primary education, and 5.4% pursuing 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 stops are served by 11 different routes, collectively facilitating 6,238 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 269 meters to the nearest stop. The area is predominantly residential, with most commuters traveling outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 64%, followed by trains at 11% and cycling at 11%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.9 per dwelling, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high proportion of residents work from home, with 53.3% doing so. Service frequency across all routes averages 891 trips per day, 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 have relatively positive health outcomes, as per AreaSearch's analysis. Mortality rates and health conditions in the area align broadly with national benchmarks. Common health conditions are seen across both young and old age cohorts at a fairly standard level.

The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 73% (8,291 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and 55.7% nationally. Mental health issues impact 11.8% of residents, while asthma affects 8.8%. A total of 68.8% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 14.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,654 people). Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

The top three ancestry groups were English (25.9%), Australian (20.1%), and Irish (12.2%). Notably, Scottish (9.5%) was overrepresented compared to the regional average of 5.6%. Greek (2.7%) and Macedonian (0.5%) also showed notable divergences in representation.

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

Clifton Hill-Alphington has a median age of 37, matching Greater Melbourne's figure and closely resembling Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 age group is strongly represented at 19.6%, higher than Greater Melbourne's percentage but lower than the national average of 14.4%. The 15-24 age group, however, is less prevalent at 10.3%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 cohort has grown from 8.5% to 10.3%, while the 35-44 group increased from 17.0% to 18.0%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has decreased from 20.5% to 19.6%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Clifton Hill-Alphington's age structure. Notably, the 45-54 group is expected to grow by 108%, adding 1,526 people and reaching a total of 2,942 from its current figure of 1,415.