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 November 2025, is approximately 6,109 people. This figure represents a decline of 29 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 6,138. The decrease is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,092 in June 2024 and an additional 52 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 24 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Red Cliffs has shown steady growth with a compound annual growth rate of 0.5%, outperforming its SA4 region. Overseas migration accounted for roughly 74.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs 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 uses the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using a weighted aggregation method from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Nationally, non-metropolitan areas are projected to have above median population growth, with Red Cliffs expected to increase by 1,158 persons to 2041, reflecting an 18.6% total increase 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 averaged approximately 30 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years. Between FY21 and FY25, a total of 154 homes were approved, with an additional 11 approved so far in FY26. The population has declined recently, suggesting that new supply has kept pace with demand, providing buyers with good choices while offering more affordable housing options with average construction values at $230,000, below the regional average.

This financial year, $4.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating Red Cliffs' primarily residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Red Cliffs maintains similar construction rates per person, supporting market stability aligned with regional patterns. New building activity comprises 95% standalone homes and 5% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers with approximately 268 people per dwelling approval.

Population forecasts estimate an increase of 1,139 residents by 2041, indicating that development is keeping pace with projected growth, though increasing competition among buyers may result as the population expands.

Red Cliffs has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 38thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Red Cliffs Solar Farm, Sunraysia Water Efficiency Project, Red Cliffs Early Years Hub, and Mildura Solar Farm. The following details those expected to be 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.

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

Red Cliffs has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, representing various sectors. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 2.2%.

The area's employment rate is 1.6% lower than Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%, while participation rates are similar at 57.4%. Key industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, retail trade, and health care & social assistance. Notably, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs 2.1 times the regional average. However, health care & social assistance is under-represented with only 10.9% of Red Cliffs' workforce compared to Rest of Vic.'s 16.8%.

The area may offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data analysis. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 4.1%, and employment declined by 2.0%, leading to a 2.1 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. Conversely, Rest of Vic.'s employment contracted by 0.7% with a marginal rise in unemployment. State-wide, VIC's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year (adding 41,950 jobs) as of 25-Nov, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%, slightly higher than the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Red Cliffs' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.1% over five years and 11.3% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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 $44,799 and the average was $49,697 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2022. This is lower than national averages, with Rest of Vic.'s median being $48,741 and average income at $60,693. Based on Wage Price Index growth from June 2022 to September 2025 (estimated at 12.16%), current estimates would be approximately $50,247 for median income and $55,740 for average income as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Red Cliffs ranked between the 23rd and 24th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income analysis showed that 33.3% of residents (2,034 people) fell within the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, similar to surrounding regions where 30.3% occupied this range. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 88.5% income retention, total disposable income ranked at just the 30th percentile nationally.

Red Cliffs is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Red Cliffs, as per the latest Census evaluation, 93.1% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 6.9% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is in contrast to Non-Metro Vic., where 85.6% were houses and 14.3% were other dwellings. Home ownership in Red Cliffs stood at 37.2%, with mortgaged properties 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 $1,283 and the national figure of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Red Cliffs was recorded at $240, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $265 and the national average 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 make up 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

Transport analysis shows 19 active public transport stops in Red Cliffs. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totaling 4 individual services that offer 227 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents generally situated 680 meters away from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 32 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 11 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

Red Cliffs faces substantial health challenges, with common conditions prevalent among both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, at approximately 46% of the total population (~2,816 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma (10.1%) and mental health issues (9.5%). A majority, 63.4%, report being completely clear of medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of Vic's 65.1%. As of 2021, 18.9% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,152 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

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 lower cultural diversity, with 87.0% citizens, 89.8% born in Australia, and 91.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 44.2%. The 'Other' category was slightly overrepresented at 0.8%, compared to 1.0% regionally.

For ancestry, Australian (32.7%), English (29.9%), and Scottish (7.8%) were the top groups. Italian (5.3%) was notably higher than regional levels (5.7%). Hungarian stood at 0.4%, above regional 0.2%. German was also slightly overrepresented at 4.1% compared to regional 4.0%.

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 but above Australia's median of 38. Compared to Rest of Vic., the 25-34 cohort is notably higher at 14.7% locally, while the 75-84 age group is lower at 5.3%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 25-34 age group has grown from 12.2% to 14.7%, the 5-14 cohort has declined from 13.2% to 11.2%, and the 45-54 group has dropped from 13.0% to 11.2%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Red Cliffs. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to increase by 366 people (41%), from 898 to 1,265. Meanwhile, the 55-64 and 15-24 cohorts are expected to decrease in population.