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

Clifton Springs' population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, was around 18,012 by November 2025. This figure indicates an increase of 1,215 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 16,797. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 17,732 in June 2024 and an additional 236 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 276 persons per square kilometer. Clifton Springs' growth rate of 7.2% since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area's growth rate of 6.0%. Interstate migration contributed approximately 73.6% to this population increase, although all factors including natural growth and overseas migration were positive.

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 employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Clifton Springs is predicted to grow by 9,100 persons based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total gain of 49.0% 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 experienced approximately 139 dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25697 homes were approved, with an additional 18 approved so far in FY26. On average, 3.1 new residents arrive annually for each dwelling constructed during these years.

This supply lag has led to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures, with new homes being built at an average expected construction cost of $267,000. In the current financial year, $48.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating high local commercial activity. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Clifton Springs has significantly less development activity, measuring 51.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity 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 focused on family homes. The location has approximately 307 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth. Population forecasts estimate Clifton Springs will gain 8,820 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

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

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 3.8%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Clifton Springs has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 3.8%, similar to the Rest of Vic.'s rate, as of September 2025.

There are 8,532 residents employed in Clifton Springs currently, with workforce participation at 57.4%, equal to the Rest of Vic.'s figure. Key industries for employment include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction is notably concentrated, with employment levels at 1.2 times the regional average. However, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 1.3% compared to the regional average of 7.5%.

Labour force levels decreased by 0.4%, and employment decreased by 0.2% in Clifton Springs over the year to September 2025, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic.'s employment fell by 0.7%, labour force contracted by 0.6%, and unemployment rose marginally during this period. Statewide, Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year as of 25-Nov, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Clifton Springs's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by similar rates over these periods.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Clifton Springs SA2 had a median income of $49,438 and an average income of $63,878 for financial year 2022. This is according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. The Rest of Vic.'s median income was $48,741 and average income was $60,693 in the same period. By September 2025, estimates suggest Clifton Springs' median income will be approximately $55,450 and average income around $71,646, based on a 12.16% growth rate since financial year 2022. The 2021 Census data shows household incomes in Clifton Springs rank at the 29th to 30th percentiles. The largest segment of residents, 5,673 people or 31.5%, earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, similar to regional levels where 30.3% fall into this bracket. Housing affordability is severe in Clifton Springs, with only 84.4% of income remaining after housing costs, 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 structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 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 stood at 41.7%, similar to Non-Metro Vic., with the remaining dwellings being mortgaged (37.6%) or rented (20.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,650, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,950. The median weekly rent in Clifton Springs was $380, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $402. Nationally, Clifton Springs' mortgage repayments were lower at $1,650 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375 at $380.

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

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

The area's university qualification rate was 20.7%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees were the most common at 13.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Vocational credentials were held by 41.0% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 12.3% and certificates at 28.7%. Educational participation was high, with 25.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This included 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

Clifton Springs has 77 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. There are two routes serving these stops, together offering 502 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated good, with residents on average located 302 meters from the nearest stop.

On an average day, there are 71 trips across all routes, equating to approximately 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 substantial health challenges, with notable prevalence of common conditions among both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is held by approximately 51% of Clifton Springs' total population (~9,222 people), slightly lower than the average SA2 area's 56.2%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.6%) and mental health issues (9.6%). Conversely, 61.4% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 66.8% across Rest of Vic.. Clifton Springs has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 24.7% (4,445 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, surveyed in 2016, showed low cultural diversity with 84.3% born in Australia, 92.0% being citizens, and 95.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion at 48.7%, slightly higher than the regional average of 45.3%. Top ancestry groups were English (32.8%), Australian (27.6%), and Irish (9.5%).

Notable differences included Scottish, overrepresented at 9.2% versus 9.7% regionally, Dutch at 1.8%, matching the regional percentage, and Maltese at 1.0% compared to 0.9%.

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

Clifton Springs' median age of 44 years is similar to Rest of Vic.'s 43 and well above the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Vic., Clifton Springs has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (14.1%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (10.6%). Between the 2016 Census and the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 35 to 44 increased from 11.6% to 13.1%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 55 to 64 decreased from 13.8% to 12.6%. By 2041, Clifton Springs is projected to experience significant shifts in its age composition. The 35 to 44 age group is expected to grow by 68%, reaching 3,941 people from the current figure of 2,352.