Clifton Hill - Alphington
Statistical Area - sa2

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 11,809 as of Aug 2025. This reflects a growth of 1,954 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,855 people. The increase was inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 11,292 in June 2024 and an additional 693 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,266 persons per square kilometer, above the national average assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth rate of 19.8% since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (8.6%) and state averages. Overseas migration contributed approximately 46.8% to overall population gains during recent periods, with other factors such as interstate migration and natural growth also being positive contributors.

AreaSearch's projections for Clifton Hill - Alphington are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia figures released in 2024 using a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made via 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. Future demographic trends predict exceptional growth, placing the area in the top 10 percent of national statistical areas. By 2041, Clifton Hill - Alphington is expected to increase by 6,868 persons based on latest population numbers, recording a gain of 53.8% over the 17-year period.

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

Clifton Hill - Alphington averaged approximately 248 new dwelling approvals annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis, showing 1,241 dwellings approved over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with two approvals so far in FY-26. On average, 1.1 people moved to the area annually for each dwelling built during these years, indicating balanced supply and demand conditions. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $539,000.

This financial year has seen $38.1 million in commercial approvals, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Clifton Hill - Alphington records 237.0% more development activity per person, offering greater choice for buyers and reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. Recent construction comprises 2.0% standalone homes and 98.0% medium and high-density housing, creating affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This shift from the current 27.0% houses reflects decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles. With around 47 people per approval, Clifton Hill - Alphington is a developing area expected to grow by 6,351 residents by 2041, with new housing supply meeting demand comfortably at current development rates.

Looking ahead, Clifton Hill - Alphington is expected to grow by 6,351 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

AreaSearch has identified a total of 95 infrastructure projects that could impact the area. Notable ones include YarraBend (Alphington Paper Mill), Fitzroy Gasworks Precinct, Heidelberg Road Local Area Plan, and 267-269 Queens Parade Apartments. The following list details those expected to have significant relevance.

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

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

Clifton Hill - Alphington has a highly educated workforce with notable representation in the technology sector. As of June 2025, its unemployment rate is 4.0%, with an estimated employment growth of 6.6% over the past year.

The area's unemployment rate is 0.7% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%, and workforce participation stands at 71.9% compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Major employment sectors include professional & technical, health care & social assistance, and education & training, with a particularly strong specialization in professional & technical services at 1.8 times the regional level. Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 5.6% versus the regional average of 9.7%. AreaSearch analysis indicates that employment increased by 6.6% while labour force grew by 7.1%, causing an unemployment rate rise of 0.5 percentage points over the year to June 2025.

In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.5% and unemployment rising by 0.5 percentage points. State-level data from Sep-25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, slightly higher than the national rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections suggest Clifton Hill - Alphington's local growth could be approximately 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

Clifton Hill - Alphington had a high national income level according to AreaSearch data from the ATO for the financial year 2022. The median income among taxpayers was $69,690, and the average income stood at $104,953. This compared to figures for Greater Melbourne of $54,892 and $73,761 respectively. By March 2025, estimates based on a 10.11% increase from the Wage Price Index were approximately $76,736 (median) and $115,564 (average). Census data showed that incomes in Clifton Hill - Alphington ranked highly nationally, between the 91st and 95th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The largest income bracket comprised 31.8% earning $4000+ weekly, with 3,755 residents, differing from regional patterns where $1,500 - 2,999 dominated at 32.8%. Affluence was evident with 44.5% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and services. High housing costs consumed 15.2% of income, but strong earnings placed disposable income at the 91st percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 10th decile.

Clifton Hill - Alphington displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Clifton Hill - Alphington, as per the latest Census evaluation, dwelling structures were composed of 27.4% houses and 72.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasted with Melbourne metro's figures of 12.8% houses and 87.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Clifton Hill - Alphington stood at 29.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.8% and rented ones at 39.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,600, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,326. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $500, compared to Melbourne metro's $451. Nationally, Clifton Hill - Alphington's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Clifton Hill - Alphington features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a higher-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 constitute 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, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.0.

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 in Clifton Hill-Alphington exceeds broader benchmarks, with 64.3% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% nationally and 33.4% statewide (VIC). Bachelor degrees are the most common at 36.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 21.1% and graduate diplomas at 6.8%. Vocational pathways account for 15.2% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 7.6% and certificates also at 7.6%. Educational participation is high, with 27.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 8.8% in tertiary, 8.0% in primary, and 5.4% in secondary education.

The five schools in Clifton Hill-Alphington have a combined enrollment of 1,962 students, with an educational performance index (ICSEA) of 1172, indicating high advantage nationally. The educational mix includes four primary schools and one K-12 school. The area functions as an education hub with 16.6 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 10.3, attracting students from surrounding communities. Note: for schools showing 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to parent campus.

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, serving a mix of train, light rail, and bus services. These stops are covered by 14 different routes, collectively transporting 7,250 passengers weekly. The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 268 meters, indicating good accessibility.

On average, there are 1,035 trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately 207 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Clifton Hill - Alphington is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Clifton Hill - Alphington shows superior health outcomes for both younger and older residents. Common health conditions have a low prevalence: mental health issues affect 11.8%, asthma impacts 8.8%, while 68.8% report no medical ailments. Private health cover is high, at 74% (8,703 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 69.8% and the national average of 55.3%.

Residents aged 65 and over comprise 14.3% (1,686 people) of the population, higher than Greater Melbourne's 12.1%. Health outcomes for seniors are above average, mirroring the general population's profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Clifton Hill - Alphington was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Clifton Hill-Alphington showed higher cultural diversity, with 22.3% of its population born overseas and 14.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 28.2%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 1.0%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (25.9%), Australian (20.1%), and Irish (12.2%). Notably, Scottish (9.5%) and Greek (2.7%) were also overrepresented, while Macedonian (0.5%) was slightly higher than regional averages.

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

Clifton Hill-Alphington has a median age of 37, equal to Greater Melbourne's figure and comparable to Australia's 38 years. The 25-34 age group is strongly represented at 20.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's figure, while the 15-24 cohort is less prevalent at 10.3%. This 25-34 concentration is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 8.5% to 10.3% of the population. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 11.3% to 10.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Clifton Hill-Alphington's age structure. Notably, the 45-54 group is projected to grow by 100%, from 1,467 people in 2021 to 2,942.