Red Cliffs

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Red Cliffs's population is around 6,115 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a decrease of 23 people (0.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,138 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,090 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 52 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 24 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Over the past decade, Red Cliffs has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 0.5% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA4 region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 74.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above-median population growth for Australia's non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the area expected to grow by 1,158 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 18.5% in total over the 17 years.

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 around 30 new homes approved each year, with 154 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 18 so far in FY-26. Given population has fallen over the past period, new supply has likely been keeping up with demand, offering good choice to buyers, while new homes are being built at an average value of $230,000—below the regional average—suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. Additionally, $4.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

When measured against the Rest of Vic., Red Cliffs has similar development levels (per person), supporting market stability in line with regional patterns. Recent construction comprises 95.0% detached dwellings and 5.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 268 people per dwelling approval, Red Cliffs shows characteristics of a low density area.

Population forecasts indicate Red Cliffs will gain 1,133 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers could encounter growing competition as population increases.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 10 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Red Cliffs Solar Farm, Sunraysia Water Efficiency Project, Red Cliffs Early Years Hub, and Mildura Solar Farm, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most 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.

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

Red Cliffs features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of just 1.7%, and 0.8% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 3,106 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.0% below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%. Based on Census responses, a low 9.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, retail trade, and health care & social assistance. The area shows particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 2.1 times the regional level. On the other hand, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 10.9% of Red Cliffs's workforce compared to 16.8% in Regional Vic.. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, 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. This compares to Regional Vic., where employment fell by 0.6%, labour force contracted by 0.7%, and unemployment fell 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Red Cliffs. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Red Cliffs's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.1% over five years and 11.3% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Red Cliffs SA2 is lower than average on a national basis, with the median assessed at $46,605 while the average income stands at $51,622. This contrasts with Regional Vic.'s figures of a median income of $50,954 and an average income of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $50,450 (median) and $55,881 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Red Cliffs all fall between the 23rd and 24th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate 33.3% of the population (2,036 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen in the metropolitan region where 30.3% similarly occupy this range. While housing costs are modest with 88.5% of income retained, the 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

Dwelling structure within Red Cliffs, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 93.1% houses and 6.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Red Cliffs slightly lagged that of Regional Vic. at 37.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (39.2%) or rented (23.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Vic. average at $1,083, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $240, compared to Regional Vic.'s $1,430 and $285. Nationally, Red Cliffs's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 70.7% of all households, comprising 29.8% couples with children, 28.0% couples without children, and 11.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 29.3%, with lone person households at 26.8% and group households comprising 2.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (12.1%) substantially below the VIC average of 33.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.6%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.0%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.8%) and certificates (31.4%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 19 active transport stops operating within Red Cliffs. These stops are serviced by 2 individual routes, collectively providing 203 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 638 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.7 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 9.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 29 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 10 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Red Cliffs, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~2,819 people). This compares to 50.5% across Regional Vic. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be asthma and mental health issues, impacting 10.1 and 9.5% of residents, respectively, while 63.4% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 18.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,138 people), which is lower than the 23.9% in Regional Vic. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 87.0% of its population being citizens, 89.8% born in Australia, and 91.6% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Red Cliffs is Christianity, which makes up 44.2% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 0.8% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Regional Vic..

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Red Cliffs are Australian, comprising 32.7% of the population, English, comprising 29.9% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 7.8% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Italian is notably overrepresented at 5.3% of Red Cliffs (vs 2.9% regionally), Hungarian at 0.4% (vs 0.2%) and German at 4.1% (vs 3.5%).

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

The 40-year median age in Red Cliffs is modestly under Regional Vic.'s average of 43, though slightly above the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Regional Vic. average, the 25 - 34 cohort is notably over-represented (15.4% locally), while 75 - 84 year-olds are under-represented (5.2%). Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 12.2% to 15.4% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 13.2% to 10.8%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 13.0% to 10.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Red Cliffs. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to see notable expansion, increasing by 323 people (34%) from 941 to 1,265. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 cohort is projected to decline by 13 people.