Red Cliffs

Population growth drivers in Red Cliffs are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Red Cliffs' population, as of May 2026, is approximately 6,060. This figure represents a decrease from the 2021 Census count of 6,138 people, marking a reduction of 78 individuals (1.3%). The decrease was inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 6,055 as of June 2025 and an additional 55 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 24 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Red Cliffs has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.3%, outperforming its SA4 region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 76.2% to overall population gains during recent periods.

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 the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to reach SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics anticipate an above median growth in non-metropolitan areas nationally. Based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, Red Cliffs is projected to increase by 1,115 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 18.3% over the 16-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Red Cliffs according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Red Cliffs has averaged approximately 30 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, a total of 154 homes were approved, with an additional 30 approved so far in FY26. The population decline in recent years suggests that new supply has likely been meeting demand, providing good options for buyers.

The average construction value of new properties is $230,000, which is below the regional average, indicating more affordable housing options. This financial year, $4.4 million worth of commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to the rest of Victoria, Red Cliffs maintains similar construction rates per person, supporting market stability in line with regional patterns.

New building activity consists of 95% standalone homes and 5% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 268 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Red Cliffs is projected to gain 1,110 residents by 2041. Development is keeping pace with projected growth, but increasing competition among buyers is expected as the population expands.

Red Cliffs has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified ten projects potentially impacting the region. Notable initiatives comprise Red Cliffs Solar Farm, Sunraysia Water Efficiency Project, Red Cliffs Early Years Hub, and Mildura Solar Farm. The following details projects 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.

Red Cliffs ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Red Cliffs has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate is 1.7%. Over the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 0.8%.

There are 3,106 residents in work currently, with an unemployment rate of 2.0% below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional Vic.'s 61.0%. According to Census responses, a low 9.8% of residents work from home. Employment among residents is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, retail trade, and health care & social assistance.

The area has particularly notable concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with employment levels at 2.1 times the regional average. However, health care & social assistance employs just 10.9% of local workers, below Regional Vic.'s 16.8%. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 0.8%, while labour force decreased by 2.1%, resulting in unemployment falling by 2.8 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Red Cliffs's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.1% over five years and 11.3% over ten years.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

The median taxpayer income in Red Cliffs SA2 was $46,605 and the average was $51,622 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages, with Regional Vic.'s median being $50,954 and average being $62,728. Based on a 9.62% increase since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $51,088 (median) and $56,588 (average). According to Census 2021 data, household, family, and personal incomes in Red Cliffs fall between the 23rd and 24th percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows that 33.3% of the community earns between $1,500 - 2,999 (2,017 individuals), similar to the region where 30.3% occupy this bracket. Housing costs are modest, with 88.5% of income retained, but total disposable income ranks at just the 30th percentile nationally.

Red Cliffs is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In Red Cliffs, as per the latest Census evaluation, 93.1% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 6.9% being semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is compared to Regional Vic., which had 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Red Cliffs stood at 37.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.2% and rented ones at 23.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, lower than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Red Cliffs was $240, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Red Cliffs' mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,083 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Red Cliffs has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 70.7% of all households, including 29.8% couples with children, 28.0% couples without children, and 11.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 29.3%, with lone person households at 26.8% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is larger than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

Educational outcomes in Red Cliffs fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 12.1%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.6%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.0%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.5%). Vocational credentials are held by 41.2% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 9.8% and certificates at 31.4%. Educational participation is high, with 29.9% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.8% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 1.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Red Cliffs has 19 operational public transport stops. These are served by two routes offering a total of 203 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is limited with residents located an average of 638 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Car remains the primary mode of transport, used by 94% of residents. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 9.8% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 29 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 10 weekly trips per stop.

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

Red Cliffs faces significant health challenges, as per AreaSearch's assessment completed on 08/05/2021. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were found to be substantial across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover was extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~2,793 people), compared to 50.5% in Regional Vic.

and a national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions were asthma (10.1%) and mental health issues (9.5%), while 63.4% reported being completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 63.4% across Regional Vic. Working-age residents faced notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. As of 2021, 19.2% of Red Cliffs' population was aged 65 and over (1,162 people), lower than Regional Vic.'s 23.9%. Health outcomes among seniors presented some challenges, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

Red Cliffs is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Red Cliffs had a cultural diversity level below average, with 87.0% citizens, 89.8% born in Australia, and 91.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 44.2%. The most notable overrepresentation was in the 'Other' category, which constituted 0.8%, compared to Regional Vic's 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, Australian (32.7%), English (29.9%), and Scottish (7.8%) were the top groups represented. Italian (5.3% vs regional 2.9%), Hungarian (0.4% vs 0.2%), and German (4.1% vs 3.5%) groups showed notable overrepresentation.

Red Cliffs's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Red Cliffs is 40 years, which is slightly below Regional Vic.'s average of 43 but above Australia's median of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 14.7% of the population in Red Cliffs, compared to the regional average, indicating an over-representation of this cohort. Conversely, those aged 75-84 are under-represented at 5.5%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 25-34 age group has increased from 12.2% to 14.7%, while the 65-74 cohort has risen from 10.2% to 11.3%. However, the 5-14 age group has decreased from 13.2% to 10.9%, and the 45-54 age group has dropped from 13.0% to 10.7%. Looking ahead to 2041, population forecasts suggest significant demographic changes in Red Cliffs. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to grow by 304 people (34%), from 890 to 1,195. Meanwhile, the 15-24 age group is projected to decline by 13 people.