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 17,958 as of May 2026. This figure represents a growth of 1,161 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 16,797. The increase is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 17,913 in June 2025 and 226 new addresses validated after the Census date. This results in a population density of 275 persons per square kilometer. Clifton Springs' growth rate of 6.9% since 2021 exceeds the Rest of Vic's 4.3%, indicating it as a regional growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 71.0% to this growth, although all factors including overseas migration and natural growth were positive. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area.

For areas not covered by this data, VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 are used with adjustments made 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 regional areas nationally. By 2041, the area's population is expected to expand by 8,394 persons, reflecting a total increase of 46.5% over the 16-year period.

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

Clifton Springs has granted around 139 residential property approvals each year over the past five financial years, totalling 697 homes. As of FY26, 26 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.1 people moved to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating high demand outstripping supply. New properties are constructed at an average cost of $267,000.

This year, $48.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting significant local business investment. Compared to the rest of Victoria, Clifton Springs has 51.0% lower building activity per person, which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. Recent construction comprises 97.0% detached dwellings and 3.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's low-density nature. With approximately 307 people per approval, Clifton Springs reflects a transitioning market.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Clifton Springs is projected to add 8,348 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 emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 23 projects that may impact this region. Notable projects include Belgrove Estate, Duke 3222, Bellarine Views Estate, and Drysdale Bypass Road Project. The following list details those likely 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.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 4.0%, Clifton Springs has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Clifton Springs has a skilled labor force with notable representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 4.0%. Over the past year, it has shown relative employment stability.

As of December 2025, 8,505 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 3.7% higher than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation is similar to Regional Vic.'s 61.0%. According to Census responses, 18.7% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Construction stands out with employment levels at 1.2 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 1.3% of Clifton Springs's workforce compared to 7.5% in Regional Vic.. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. Between December 2024 and 2025, the labor force decreased by 0.8% and employment fell by 0.3%, leading to a 0.4 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In comparison, Regional Vic.'s employment fell by 0.6%, labor force contracted by 0.7%, and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Clifton Springs's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Clifton Springs SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $52,638. The average income stood at $66,344. This is slightly lower than the national average and compares to levels of $50,954 (median) and $62,728 (average) across Regional Vic. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $57,702 (median) and $72,726 (average) as of March 2026. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Clifton Springs rank modestly, between the 29th and 30th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 31.5% of the community (5,656 individuals), aligning with the region where this cohort likewise represents 30.3%. 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

In Clifton Springs, as per the latest Census, 95.6% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 4.4% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Clifton Springs was 41.7%, similar to Regional Vic., with mortgaged dwellings at 37.6% and rented ones at 20.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Clifton Springs was $1,650, higher than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in Clifton Springs was $380, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Clifton Springs' mortgage repayments were lower at $1,650 vs Australia's $1,863, while rents were higher at $380 vs 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 Regional Vic. average.

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. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically living 302 meters from the nearest stop. Clifton Springs is predominantly residential, and most commuters travel outward using private vehicles, which remain the dominant mode at 95%. On average, there are 1.5 cars per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 18.7% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency across all routes averages 105 trips per day, equating to around 9 weekly trips per 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 residents show positive health outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks.

Common health conditions are prevalent among both young and elderly residents. Private health cover stands at approximately 52%, slightly lower than the average SA2 area's 56%. The most common conditions are arthritis (10.6%) and mental health issues (9.6%), with 61.4% of residents reporting no medical ailments, compared to Regional Vic.'s 63.4%. Working-age residents face elevated chronic condition rates. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 25.3%, higher than Regional Vic.'s 23.9%, with national rankings generally 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, as per the census data from June 2016, showed lower cultural diversity with 84.3% of its population 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 Clifton Springs' population, compared to 47.3% across Regional Victoria. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.8%), Australian (27.6%), and Irish (9.5%).

Notable differences included Scottish (9.2%, vs regional 8.8%), Dutch (1.8%, vs 1.7%), and Maltese (1.0%, vs 0.5%) groups being relatively more represented in Clifton Springs compared to Regional Victoria.

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

Clifton Springs has a median age of 45 years, which is slightly higher than Regional Vic.'s median age of 43 years and considerably older than the national norm of 38 years. The 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented in Clifton Springs at 14.1%, compared to the Regional Vic. average, while the 15-24 age group is under-represented at 10.5%. Between 2021 and the present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 11.6% to 13.1% of the population. Conversely, the 55-64 age group has declined from 13.8% to 12.5%. Demographic modeling suggests that Clifton Springs' age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 35-44 age cohort is projected to grow significantly, increasing by 1,400 people (60%) from 2,343 to 3,744.