Clifton Springs
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Clifton Springs' population, as of Aug 2025, is approximately 17,993. This figure represents an increase of 1,196 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 16,797. The growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 17,732 in June 2024 and 228 new validated addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 276 persons per square kilometer. Clifton Springs' growth rate of 7.1% since the 2021 census exceeds the non-metro area average of 5.5%, indicating strong growth in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 73.6% of overall population gains, with other factors such as natural growth and overseas migration also being positive contributors.

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, VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 are used, adjusted via weighted aggregation to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on these trends, Clifton Springs is predicted to experience exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10 percent of Australia's non-metropolitan areas. By 2041, the area is expected to grow by 9,100 persons, representing a total gain of 49.1% over the 17-year period.

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

Clifton Springs has received approximately 139 dwelling approvals per year. The Australian Bureau of Statistics provides development approval data on a financial year basis, with 697 homes approved over the past five financial years from FY21 to FY25, and one approval so far in FY26. On average, 3.1 new residents have arrived annually for each dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25. This has led to a significant demand outpacing supply situation, which typically drives up prices and intensifies competition among buyers.

New properties are being constructed at an average cost of $482,000. In the current financial year, $48.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Clifton Springs has 51.0% lower building activity per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes.

Recent construction comprises 97.0% standalone homes 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. With around 307 people per dwelling approval, Clifton Springs shows a developing market. Future projections indicate Clifton Springs adding 8,839 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 24 such projects that could impact the region. Notable ones include Belgrove Estate, Duke 3222, Bellarine Views Estate, and Drysdale Bypass Road Project. The following list details those expected to have the most relevance.

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

Employment conditions in Clifton Springs remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Clifton Springs has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 4.1% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.2%.

As of June 2025, 8,613 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.3% higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation is on par with Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade, notably so in construction which has employment levels at 1.2 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 1.3% of local workers, below Rest of Vic.'s 7.5%.

The area may offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data analysis. In the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.2%, labour force by 2.4%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of Vic. recorded employment decline of 0.9% and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data to Sep-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest Clifton Springs' employment may grow approximately by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years based on industry-specific projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Clifton Springs had a median taxpayer income of $49,438 and an average income of $63,878. These figures are slightly below the national averages of $51,204 (median) and $65,282 (average). Comparing with Rest of Vic., Clifton Springs' incomes were higher ($48,741 median, $60,693 average). Based on Wage Price Index growth since 2022, estimated current incomes are approximately $54,436 (median) and $70,336 (average) as of March 2025. Clifton Springs' household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly, between the 30th and 31st percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 31.5% of residents (5,667 people), reflecting regional patterns where 30.3% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 31st percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Clifton Springs is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Clifton Springs' dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.6% houses and 4.4% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Vic had 93.0% houses and 7.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Clifton Springs was at 41.7%, similar to Non-Metro Vic's rate. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (37.6%) or rented (20.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,650, below Non-Metro Vic's average of $1,950. Median weekly rent was $380, compared to Non-Metro Vic's $402. Nationally, Clifton Springs' mortgage repayments were lower at $1,650 against the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher at $380 than the national figure of $375.

Clifton Springs has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 73.2% of all households, consisting of 27.3% couples with children, 34.0% couples without children, and 11.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 26.8%, with lone person households at 24.6% and group households comprising 2.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.5.

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

In Clifton Springs, university qualification rates are significantly lower than the Victorian average, at 20.7% compared to 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualifications, with 13.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent among residents aged 15+, with 41.0% holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas at 12.3% and certificates at 28.7%. Educational participation is high, with 25.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.3% in primary, 7.2% in secondary, and 3.3% in tertiary education.

Clifton Springs has a robust network of six schools educating approximately 3,848 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1030) and balanced educational opportunities. The area functions as an education hub with 21.4 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 12.3, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Clifton Springs has 77 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two routes that together facilitate 502 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is considered good, with residents located an average of 302 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, there are approximately 71 daily trips and six weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Clifton Springs is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Clifton Springs faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent among both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is held by approximately 51% of Clifton Springs' total population (~9,212 people), slightly lower than the average SA2 area's rate of 56.2%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 10.6%) and mental health issues (9.6%). Conversely, 61.4% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 66.8% in the Rest of Vic. Clifton Springs has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 24.7% (~4,440 people).

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, as per the census data from June 2016, had a population with 84.3% born in Australia, 92.0% being citizens, and 95.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 48.7% of the population, compared to 45.3% across Rest of Vic.. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.8%), Australian (27.6%), and Irish (9.5%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry was present at 9.2%, higher than the regional average of 9.7%. Dutch ancestry stood at 1.8%, equal to the regional figure, while Maltese ancestry was slightly higher at 1.0% compared to 0.9% regionally.

Clifton Springs hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Clifton Springs' median age of 44 years is similar to Rest of Vic.'s 43 and above the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Vic., Clifton Springs has a higher percentage of residents aged 65-74 (14.1%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (10.6%). Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the 35-44 age group increased from 11.6% to 13.1% of Clifton Springs' population. Conversely, the 55-64 age group declined from 13.8% to 12.6%. By 2041, Clifton Springs is projected to experience significant changes in its age composition, with the 35-44 age group expected to grow by 68%, reaching 3,941 people from 2,349.