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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Red Cliffs has an estimated 6,057 residents, down from 6,138 at the 2021 Census — a change of 81 people, or 1.3%. The population has thinned by an average 0.5% a year over five years, slower than 96% of areas nationally. Density is about 25 people per square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to research conducted by AreaSearch, the resident population of Red Cliffs stands at approximately 6,057 as of Aug 2026. This represents a contraction of 81 people (1.3%) relative to the 2021 Census, when the count reached 6,138 people. This trajectory is established using the ABS estimated resident population figure of 6,055 recorded in June 2025 alongside 55 validated new addresses documented following the Census date. Spatially, this corresponds to a density metric of 24 persons per square kilometer, ensuring considerable personal space. Looking at the last ten years, Red Cliffs has recorded steady demographic progress with a 0.3% compound annual growth rate, exceeding the wider SA4 region.
Demographic expansion locally has been underpinned largely by overseas migration, which accounted for around 76.2% of aggregate population additions over recent timeframes. Projections applied by AreaSearch incorporate ABS/Geoscience Australia models released in 2024 (using 2022 as their starting baseline). For localities omitted from that dataset, AreaSearch implements the 2023 VIC State Government Regional/LGA projections, adjusted via a population weighting technique mapping LGA metrics down to SA2 boundaries. Age cohort growth rates derived from these models are similarly projected across all regions from 2032 to 2041. Projecting forward, local expansion is anticipated to surpass the national regional median, with the community expected to gain 1,095 persons to 2041 based on recent annual ERP counts, generating total growth of 18.1% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
147 new dwellings have been approved in Red Cliffs over the past five years, an average of 29 a year. That is 4.8 approvals per 1,000 residents. Of the 29 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 97% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Residential building approvals in Red Cliffs have averaged roughly 29 new homes annually, totalling 147 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-22 and FY-26). Against a backdrop of population contraction, this level of building activity has remained relatively sound—offering favourable conditions for property buyers—with construction values averaging $392,000 per dwelling. Furthermore, non-residential approvals reached $4.4 million in commercial approvals during the current financial year, highlighting limited commercial construction activity. Relative to Rest of Vic., per-capita construction volumes in Red Cliffs are broadly comparable, fostering underlying market balance aligned with regional averages, even with a recent uptick in building activity.
Detached houses constitute 97.0% of recent approvals, while townhouses or apartments make up the remaining 3.0%, reinforcing the suburb's low-density layout and emphasis on spacious family residences. With an average of roughly 172 people per approval, Red Cliffs maintains an open, low-density profile. Long-term demographic forecasts indicate that Red Cliffs will welcome an additional 1,093 residents by 2041 (benchmarked against the latest quarterly estimate from AreaSearch). Residential development is tracking steadily alongside anticipated demand, though prospective purchasers may face increased market competition as the local population expands.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Red Cliffs
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 4 current infrastructure and development projects inside Red Cliffs, worth an estimated $274 million. A further 71 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $17.2 billion. 19 are already under construction and 23 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans energy, residential development and communities, precincts & urban renewal. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local economic momentum is heavily shaped by major civic infrastructure, capital works, and planning developments. AreaSearch has pinpointed 10 projects positioned to influence the district. Prominent initiatives include Red Cliffs Solar Farm, Sunraysia Water Efficiency Project, Red Cliffs Early Years Hub, and Mildura Solar Farm, with significant details outlined in the following summary.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Red Cliffs Solar Farm
Proposed 71 MW solar photovoltaic project near Red Cliffs in Victoria's Sunraysia region, developed by ACE Power. Publicly available project information indicates the project remains announced or in planning, with battery storage expected but with size and duration not yet confirmed. The project is intended to supply renewable electricity to the National Electricity Market and support renewable energy generation in north-west Victoria.
Sunraysia Water Efficiency Project
The $37.9 million Sunraysia Water Efficiency Project improved irrigation efficiency across the Merbein, Mildura, and Red Cliffs Irrigation Districts through modernization of infrastructure including 27km of channel upgrades (lining and pipeline installation), replacement of 357 Dethridge meters, and upgrade of 325 domestic and stock meters. Completed in 2024, the project recovers 1.8 GL of water annually for environmental purposes in the Murray-Darling Basin, created over 100 local jobs during construction, and delivered a $20 million regional GDP increase.The project was delivered by Lower Murray Water and funded by the Australian Government.
Red Cliffs Early Years Hub
A modern $6 million facility replacing existing kindergarten and Maternal and Child Health buildings, bringing all early years services under one roof for the growing Red Cliffs community. Features include four kindergarten rooms, two Maternal and Child Health and allied health consulting rooms, toy library facilities, multi-use community space, breastfeeding room, large foyer area, upgraded playground, and new outdoor community space.
Mildura Solar Farm
The Mildura Solar Farm is a 110 MW DC utility-scale solar project located near Mildura, Victoria. The facility generates approximately 160,000 MWh of clean renewable electricity annually, sufficient to power around 34,000 homes. The project was delivered by Sante Group as a full-wrap EPC contract and contributes to Victoria's renewable energy targets, providing regional employment and economic benefits during construction and operation.
Irymple Low Density Residential Development Plan
The Irymple Low Density Residential Development Plan has been endorsed by the Mildura Rural City Council to ensure coordinated, orderly, and sustainable development of land zoned Low Density Residential in Irymple. A Development Contributions Plan (DCP) is currently being scoped to support infrastructure funding prior to development applications.
Giovanna Court Estate
A premium land subdivision in Irymple offering low-maintenance living with 28 new homes designed for investors, first home buyers, downsizers, and retirees. Located near local amenities including supermarkets, medical services, schools, and sporting clubs.
Irymple Structure Plan & Urban Design Framework 2021-2036
Council adopted the Irymple Structure Plan and Urban Design Framework on 22 September 2021. The framework guides land use, town centre improvements, public realm upgrades, transport connectivity, residential growth and planning scheme changes through to 2036. Implementation is ongoing through amendments to the Mildura Planning Scheme and staged council infrastructure and public realm projects.
Irymple Hub
A retail complex featuring an IGA supermarket, commercial shops, pharmacy, medical clinic, gym, and eateries to serve the local community.
3,056 residents of Red Cliffs are employed, from a labour force of 3,121. Unemployment sits at 2.1%, with participation at 62.2%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.1% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 5,269, about 87% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local labour market in Red Cliffs features a balanced distribution between professional and vocational roles across diverse industries, maintaining a low unemployment rate of 2.1%. By March 2026, employed residents numbered 3,056, while the jobless rate sat 1.6% under the 3.7% recorded across Regional Vic., and overall labour participation tracked near the regional benchmark of 61.1%. In addition, Census records show that only 9.8% of employed locals worked from home, though this figure was likely influenced by COVID-19 lockdown measures. Local workers are predominantly engaged in agriculture, forestry & fishing, retail trade, and health care & social assistance.
The community displays a marked industrial concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, where employment concentration is 2.1 times the regional average. Conversely, health care & social assistance accounts for only 10.9% of local employment, trailing the 16.8% benchmark in Regional Vic.. Comparison between the resident workforce and locally situated positions at the Census suggests a limited supply of jobs within the immediate boundary. AreaSearch evaluations of ABS and SALM figures show that in the 12 months to March 2026, the local workforce contracted by 3.4% as employed positions declined by 1.5%, which lowered the unemployment rate by 1.9 percentage points. Across Regional Vic. over the same period, employment dipped by 0.1%, the workforce decreased by 0.3%, and joblessness declined 0.2 percentage points. Longer-term employment demand indicators for Red Cliffs can be drawn from Jobs and Skills Australia national projections issued in Mar-26. These five- and ten-year forecasts have been applied to the local workforce structure to anticipate sector outcomes. Nationally, employment is projected to climb 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with considerable variation by industry. Weighting these projections against the industrial distribution in Red Cliffs points to local job gains of 5.1% over five years and 11.3% over ten years (calculated via simple weighting for context, without factoring in local population projections).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Red Cliffs is $1,346 a week (about $70,000 a year), with median personal income at $680 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $46,605 a year against an average of $51,622. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
According to AreaSearch's evaluation of ATO postcode data from financial year 2023, taxpayers in the Red Cliffs SA2 earned a median income of $46,605 alongside an average income of $51,622. These figures track below the Australian benchmark, as well as the Regional Vic. median of $50,954 and average of $62,728. Factoring in subsequent Wage Price Index expansion of 9.62% since financial year 2023 elevates current wage estimates to approximately $51,088 (median) and $56,588 (average) as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census places personal, family, and household earnings in Red Cliffs between the 23rd and 24th percentiles across the country.
In terms of income brackets, the largest group comprises 33.3% of locals (2,016 people) earning $1,500 - 2,999, mirroring the 30.3% observed regionally. Even though housing expenses remain manageable with residents keeping 88.5% of income, net disposable earnings sit at the 30th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Red Cliffs had 2,196 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 93% detached houses and 1% apartments. 39% are owned with a mortgage, 24% rented and 37% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $240 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,083 a month. Rent absorbs 17.8% of household income here and mortgage repayments 18.6%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Census records indicate that separate houses account for 93.1% of the housing stock in Red Cliffs, with the remaining 6.9% consisting of other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared with 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings across Regional Vic.. Fully owned properties accounted for 37.2% of homes—slightly below regional averages—while mortgaged properties stood at 39.2% and rental dwellings comprised 23.6%. Financing costs are relatively low: median monthly mortgage repayments were $1,083 compared to $1,430 in Regional Vic. and $1,863 nationwide, while median weekly rent was $240, well beneath the Regional Vic.
mark of $285 and the national benchmark of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Red Cliffs counted 2,196 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.5 people each. 30% are couples with children, against 28% couples without children. 27% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.0 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families constitute the vast majority of local households at 70.7%, made up of couples with children (29.8%), couples without children (28.0%), and single parent families (11.7%). The remaining 29.3% consists of non-family living arrangements, primarily lone person households (26.8%) alongside group households (2.5%). Average household size is 2.5 people, slightly larger than the 2.4 recorded across Regional Vic..
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
12.1% of adults in Red Cliffs hold a university qualification, including 8.6% with a bachelor degree and 1.5% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 75% of areas nationally. A further 31.4% hold a vocational qualification. 5 schools serve the area, with 831 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 954 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Tertiary educational attainment in Red Cliffs presents noticeable opportunities for development, with higher education qualification rates at 12.1% sitting well beneath the VIC benchmark of 33.4%. By credential level, bachelor degrees comprise 8.6%, graduate diplomas make up 2.0%, and postgraduate qualifications represent 1.5%. Conversely, vocational and trade training is widespread, as 41.2% of individuals aged 15+ hold technical qualifications, encompassing certificates (31.4%) and advanced diplomas (9.8%). Active participation in study is strong, with 29.9% of the local population engaged in structured education. This proportion includes 11.8% enrolled in primary education, 8.6% attending secondary education, and 1.7% enrolled in tertiary education programs.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Red Cliffs reaches 19 stops on 2 routes, timetabled for about 200 services a week. The typical home sits about 640 m from its nearest stop. Households keep an average of 1.7 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport services in Red Cliffs encompass 19 active transport stops operated across 2 individual routes, which deliver a combined 196 weekly passenger trips. Overall public transit connectivity is modest, with residents living an average of 638 meters from their closest boarding point. Because the community is predominantly commuter-based, private vehicles dominate travel patterns at 94%. Household car availability stands at an average of 1.7 per dwelling, higher than the regional benchmark, while 9.8% of workers worked from home at the 2021 Census (under potential COVID-19 influences). Public transport routes provide an average schedule frequency of 28 trips per day across the network, translating to roughly 10 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
63.4% of residents in Red Cliffs report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 89% of areas nationally. 8.1% need daily assistance with core activities, and 46.1% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 8.0 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
AreaSearch evaluations of mortality statistics and chronic health patterns indicate notable community health challenges in Red Cliffs, with medical conditions evident across younger and older demographics alike. Private health insurance participation is low, covering around 46% of the total population (~2,792 people), compared with 50.5% in Regional Vic. and the Australian benchmark of 55.7%. Asthma and mental health issues represent the primary reported health conditions locally, impacting 10.1 and 9.5% of residents, respectively, whereas 63.4% reported no ongoing medical ailments, identical to the 63.4% rate observed across Regional Vic.. Chronic illness rates remain elevated among working-age individuals.
Seniors aged 65 and over comprise 19.9% of the population (1,203 people), below the Regional Vic. level of 24.0%, though health concerns among older residents remain pronounced compared to national figures.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Red Cliffs is largely Australian-born, at 89.8% of residents, with 8.4% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (32.7%) and English (29.9%). 3.0% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity measures in Red Cliffs track below national averages, with Australian citizens making up 87.0% of residents, 89.8% born in Australia, and 91.6% using only English at home. Christianity represents the primary faith, accounting for 44.2% of residents. The most noticeable variation above regional norms appears in Other, which accounts for 0.8% of the community compared to 0.8% across Regional Vic.. Regarding parental heritage, the most prevalent ancestral backgrounds in Red Cliffs are Australian (32.7%), English (29.9%), and Scottish (7.8%). Certain backgrounds show elevated concentrations relative to regional trends: Italian ancestry comprises 5.3% (versus 2.9% across the region), German accounts for 4.1% (compared to 3.5%), and Hungarian represents 0.4% (against 0.2%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Red Cliffs is 41. 26.1% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The age distribution in Red Cliffs closely parallels Regional Vic., with the greatest discrepancy across the four broad cohorts measuring 4.1 percentage points. AreaSearch places the median age at 41 as at August 2026, matching the 2021 Census baseline and sitting 2 years lower than the Regional Vic. mark of 43 from that Census. The most noticeable shift since the Census occurred among residents aged 45 - 64, decreasing from 27.8% to an estimated 24.5%. Looking ahead to 2041, individuals aged 25 - 44 will drive local growth, increasing by 524 residents (33%) to reach 2,092.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Red Cliffs
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Sep 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Sep 2026 last month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Sep 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | May 2026 5 months ago all 4 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 55 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (6,138 at the 2021 Census → 6,057 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (215021399). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.