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's population was around 6,138 as of Feb 2021. This decreased to approximately 6,115 by Feb 2026, a decline of 23 people (0.4%). The ABS estimated the resident population at 6,090 in June 2024, with an additional 52 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this decrease. This results in a population density of 24 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Red Cliffs exhibited resilient growth patterns, maintaining a compound annual growth rate of 0.5%, surpassing its SA4 region's growth. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 74.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 for areas not covered by this data, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods. Considering these projections, Red Cliffs is expected to grow by 1,158 persons by 2041, reflecting an 18.5% increase over the 17 years based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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

Red Cliffs has seen approximately 30 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25154 homes were approved, with an additional 12 approved in FY26 so far. The population decline during this period suggests that new supply has likely been meeting demand, providing buyers with good options while offering more affordable housing at an average construction cost of $230,000, below the regional average.

This financial year, $4.4 million worth of commercial approvals have been registered, indicating Red Cliffs' primarily residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Red Cliffs has similar development levels per capita, supporting market stability aligned with regional trends. Recent construction comprises 95% detached dwellings and 5% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's low-density character and appealing to space-seeking buyers with around 268 people per dwelling approval.

Population forecasts estimate an increase of 1,133 residents in Red Cliffs by 2041, indicating that construction is keeping pace with projected growth, although buyers may face increasing competition as population grows.

Red Cliffs has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 33rdth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can be significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 10 projects that are likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Red Cliffs Solar Farm, Sunraysia Water Efficiency Project, Red Cliffs Early Years Hub, and Mildura Solar Farm. The following list details those projects deemed most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Red Cliffs exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Red Cliffs has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 2.2%. There are 3,080 residents employed, which is 1.6% lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation in Red Cliffs is similar to Rest of Vic., at 61.4%. According to Census responses, only 9.8% of residents work from home. Key industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, retail trade, and health care & social assistance. The area specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 2.1 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 10.9% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 16.8%. Labour force levels decreased by 4.1% over the year to September 2025, alongside a 2.0% employment decline, resulting in a unemployment rate fall of 2.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates that income in Red Cliffs SA2 is lower than average on a national basis. The median income is $46,605 and the average income stands at $51,622. This contrasts with Rest of Vic., where the median income is $50,954 and the average income is $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Red Cliffs would be approximately $50,450 (median) and $55,881 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that household, family, and personal incomes in Red Cliffs all fall between the 23rd and 24th percentiles nationally. The data shows that 33.3% of the population (2,036 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to metropolitan regions where 30.3% occupy this range. 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, apartments, or other types. This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s figures of 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, significantly lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Red Cliffs was recorded at $240, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Red Cliffs's mortgage repayments were much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 constitute 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 account for 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, larger than the Rest of 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 prevalent, with 41.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.8%) and certificates (31.4%). Educational participation is high at 29.9%, with 11.8% in primary education, 8.6% in secondary education, and 1.7% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.9% of residents 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 active public transport stops. Two routes service these stops, offering a total of 203 weekly passenger trips. Residents have limited access to transport, living an average of 638 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Cars are the primary mode of transportation, used by 94% of residents. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional norm.

Only 9.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census). Daily service frequency averages 29 trips across all routes, translating to around 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 indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is extremely low, at approximately 46% of the total population (around 2,819 people), compared to 50.5% in Rest of Vic., and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 10.1 and 9.5% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 63.4% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 63.4% in Rest of Vic. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. As of 2021, 18.6% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,138 people), lower than the 23.9% in Rest of Vic. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than those of the general population.

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 showed cultural diversity below average, with 87.0% being citizens, 89.8% born in Australia, and 91.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 44.2%. The 'Other' category was similarly represented at 0.8%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 0.8%.

Top ancestry groups were Australian (32.7%), English (29.9%), and Scottish (7.8%). Italian was notably overrepresented at 5.3% versus regional 2.9%, Hungarian at 0.4% versus 0.2%, and German at 4.1% versus 3.5%.

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

The median age in Red Cliffs is 40 years, which is slightly below Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 and above Australia's median of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 15.4% of the population in Red Cliffs, notably higher than Rest of Vic.'s average, while the 75-84 year-olds comprise only 5.2%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 12.2% to 15.4%, the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 13.2% to 10.8%, and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 13.0% to 10.7%. By 2041, population forecasts suggest significant demographic shifts in Red Cliffs. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow by 323 people (34%), from 941 to 1,265, while the 15 to 24 cohort is expected to decrease by 13 people.