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 is approximately 18,021 as of February 2026. From the 2021 Census figure of 16,797 people, this represents an increase of 1,224 individuals (7.3%). This growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 17,733 in June 2024 and an additional 227 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density stands at 276 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Clifton Springs has shown resilience with a compound annual growth rate of 3.5%, outperforming its SA4 region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 73.6% to recent population gains.

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 from 2023, adjusting using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Clifton Springs is projected to grow by 9,100 persons, reflecting a total gain of 48.9% 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 seen approximately 139 dwellings approved for development annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 697 homes were approved, with an additional 21 approved so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling constructed over these years has attracted around 3.1 new residents per year.

However, the supply of new dwellings is significantly lagging behind demand, leading to increased buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average construction cost for new homes is $267,000. In terms of commercial development, Clifton Springs has recorded $48.3 million in approvals this financial year, indicating high levels of local activity. However, compared to the Rest of Vic., Clifton Springs has significantly less development activity, with 51.0% below the regional average per person.

This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Recent construction in Clifton Springs comprises predominantly detached dwellings (97.0%) with a smaller proportion of medium and high-density housing (3.0%), maintaining the area's traditional low density character that appeals to families seeking space. The location has approximately 307 people per dwelling approval, suggesting potential for growth. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Clifton Springs is projected to gain 8,811 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 24 projects likely impacting the region. Key initiatives include Belgrove Estate, Duke 3222, Bellarine Views Estate, and Drysdale Bypass Road Project. The following details projects expected to have notable 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 3.8%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Clifton Springs has a skilled workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.8% as of September 2025, similar to the Rest of Vic.'s rate. Workforce participation was also comparable at 61.4%.

According to Census responses, 18.7% of residents worked from home. Key industries for employment were health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction had particularly high representation with levels at 1.2 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing showed lower representation at 1.3%.

Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.4% while employment fell by 0.2%, resulting in a 0.2 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Clifton Springs' employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, applying industry-specific projections to the local employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Clifton Springs SA2's median income among taxpayers was $52,638 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $66,344 during the same period. These figures are based on the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. Comparing these to Rest of Vic.'s median and average incomes of $50,954 and $62,728 respectively, Clifton Springs' incomes were higher. Projecting forward using Wage Price Index growth of 8.25%, estimated current incomes as of September 2025 are approximately $56,981 (median) and $71,817 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Clifton Springs rank modestly, between the 29th and 30th percentiles. The largest income segment comprises 31.5% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, with 5,676 residents falling into this bracket, mirroring regional levels where 30.3% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

Clifton Springs dwelling structures, as evaluated in the 2016 Census, consisted of 95.6% houses and 4.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Clifton Springs was 41.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.6% and rented ones at 20.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,650, above Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in Clifton Springs was $380, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Clifton Springs' mortgage repayments were lower at $1,650 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher at $380 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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, which aligns with the average for the Rest of Vic.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 20.7%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.3%) and certificates (28.7%). Educational participation is high, with 25.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 9.3% in primary, 7.2% in secondary, and 3.3% in tertiary education.

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

Clifton Springs has 77 active public transport stops. These are served by 8 different routes, offering a total of 735 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is considered good, with residents living an average of 302 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards, primarily using cars (95%). On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 18.7% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 105 trips per day, 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

Clifton Springs' health data shows positive outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks for mortality rates and health conditions.

Common health issues are seen across all age groups, with arthritis and mental health concerns affecting 10.6% and 9.6% of residents respectively. About 52% of Clifton Springs' population (~9,388 people) has private health cover, slightly lower than the average SA2 area's rate. Most residents (61.4%) report no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Rest of Vic. The working-age population faces higher chronic condition rates. Clifton Springs has a notable elderly population, with 24.1% aged 65 and over (4,343 people), ranking in line with national averages for this age group.

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, had a low cultural diversity with 84.3% of its population born in Australia and 92.0% being citizens. English was spoken exclusively at home by 95.1%. Christianity dominated, accounting for 48.7%, slightly higher than the regional average of 47.3%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (32.8%), Australian (27.6%), and Irish (9.5%). Notably, Scottish ancestry was overrepresented at 9.2% compared to the regional 8.8%, Dutch at 1.8% versus 1.7%, and Maltese at 1.0% against a regional average of 0.5%.

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 percentage of residents aged 35-44 (13.5%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (11.1%). Between the 2016 and 2021 Censuses, the proportion of residents aged 35 to 44 increased from 11.6% to 13.5%, while those aged 15 to 24 rose from 9.8% to 10.8%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 55 to 64 decreased from 13.8% to 12.4%. By 2041, Clifton Springs is projected to experience significant changes in its age composition, with the 35 to 44 age group expected to grow by 62%, reaching a total of 3,941 people from the previous figure of 2,431.