Clifton Springs

Clifton Springs lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Clifton Springs's population is around 18,021 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,224 people (7.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 16,797 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 17,733 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 227 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 276 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Over the past decade, Clifton Springs has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 3.5% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA4 region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 73.6% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including natural growth and overseas migration, were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Regarding demographic trends, exceptional growth, placing the area in the top 10 percent of Australia's non-metropolitan areas, is predicted over the period, with the area expected to grow by 9,100 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 48.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

Clifton Springs has experienced around 139 dwellings receiving development approval per year, with 697 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 22 so far in FY-26. Given an average of 3.1 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is substantially lagging demand, which generally means heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures, while new homes are being built at an average value of $267,000. Additionally, $48.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity.

When measured against the Rest of Vic., Clifton Springs has significantly less development activity (51.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Recent construction comprises 97.0% detached dwellings and 3.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 307 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth.

Population forecasts indicate Clifton Springs will gain 8,811 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Clifton Springs has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 33rdth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 24 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Belgrove Estate, Duke 3222, Bellarine Views Estate, and the Drysdale Bypass Road Project, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

The employment landscape in Clifton Springs presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 4.0%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Clifton Springs features a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of only 4.0%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 8,505 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.3% above Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%. Based on Census responses, a moderate 18.7% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in construction, with employment levels at 1.2 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 1.3% versus the regional average of 7.5%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.8% combined with employment decreasing by 0.3%, resulting in the unemployment rate falling by 0.4 percentage points. This compares to Regional Vic., where employment fell by 0.6%, labour force contracted by 0.7%, and unemployment fell 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Clifton Springs. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Clifton Springs's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Clifton Springs SA2's income level is just below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Clifton Springs SA2's median income among taxpayers is $52,638 and the average income stands at $66,344, which compares to figures for Regional Vic.'s of $50,954 and $62,728 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $56,981 (median) and $71,817 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Clifton Springs, between the 29th and 30th percentiles. The data shows the largest segment comprises 31.5% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (5,676 residents), mirroring regional levels where 30.3% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 31st percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Clifton Springs is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Clifton Springs, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 95.6% houses and 4.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Clifton Springs was in line with that of Regional Vic., at 41.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (37.6%) or rented (20.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional Vic. average at $1,650, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $380, compared to Regional Vic.'s $1,430 and $285. Nationally, Clifton Springs's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are exceeding the national figure of $375.

Clifton Springs has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households dominate at 73.2% of all households, comprising 27.3% couples with children, 34.0% couples without children, and 11.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 26.8%, with lone person households at 24.6% and group households comprising 2.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people matches the Regional Vic. average.

Clifton Springs performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (20.7%) substantially below the VIC average of 33.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 13.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.3%) and certificates (28.7%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.3% in primary education, 7.2% in secondary education, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 77 active transport stops operating within Clifton Springs. These stops are serviced by 8 individual routes, collectively providing 735 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 302 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 95%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. Some 18.7% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 105 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 9 weekly trips per individual stop.

Clifton Springs'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

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Clifton Springs residents, with AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions showing results broadly in line with national benchmarks. A fairly standard level of common health conditions is seen across both young and old age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover slightly lags that of the average SA2 area at approximately 52% of the total population (~9,388 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.6 and 9.6% of residents, respectively, while 61.4% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 24.1% of residents aged 65 and over (4,343 people), with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Clifton Springs ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Clifton Springs is below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 84.3% of its population born in Australia, 92.0% being citizens, and 95.1% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Clifton Springs is Christianity, which makes up 48.7% of the population, compared to 47.3% across Regional Vic..

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Clifton Springs are English, comprising 32.8% of the population, Australian, comprising 27.6% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Scottish is overrepresented at 9.2% in Clifton Springs (vs 8.8% regionally), Dutch at 1.8% (vs 1.7%), and Maltese at 1.0% (vs 0.5%).

Clifton Springs hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Clifton Springs's median age of 44 years is similar to Regional Vic.'s 43 and well above the 38-year national average. Relative to Regional Vic., Clifton Springs has a higher concentration of 35 - 44 residents (13.5%) but fewer 5 - 14 year-olds (11.1%). Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 11.6% to 13.5% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 9.8% to 10.8%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 13.8% to 12.4%. By 2041, Clifton Springs is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 35 to 44 group will grow by 62% (1,509 people), reaching 3,941 from 2,431.