Caulfield (Vic.)

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Analysis of ABS demographic updates for the wider region and fresh addresses verified by Districts since the Census shows the suburb of Caulfield has a population estimated at 5,911 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 163 people (2.8%) from the 2021 Census, when the count stood at 5,748 people. This shift is derived from the resident population of 5,861, calculated by Districts using the June 2025 ABS ERP data release, combined with an additional 97 validated new addresses identified since the Census. Such a population size results in a density ratio of 4,021 persons per square kilometer, placing the suburb of Caulfield within the top 10% of all national areas monitored by Districts and highlights the high demand for local land. The growth in the suburb of Caulfield was almost entirely driven by international migration, which acted as the sole source of population increases during recent intervals.

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Caulfield has an exceptionally well-educated workforce, with professional services highly represented, and an unemployment rate of 4.8%, according to Districts aggregations of statistical area data. As of March 2026, there are 3,092 residents in employment, which matches Greater Melbourne's unemployment rate of 4.8%, although workforce participation is significantly lower (64.2% compared to Greater Melbourne's 70.2%). Census responses indicate that a high 45.6% of residents worked from home, though this figure likely reflects the influence of COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns.

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The latest postcode-level ATO data from Districts for financial year 2023 shows that incomes in Caulfield are exceptionally high compared to the rest of the nation, with a median of $59,575 and an average of $95,119. This is higher than Greater Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. Adjusting for Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current figures are estimated to be approximately $65,306 (median) and $104,269 (average) as of March 2026. Census statistics show household, family, and individual incomes all rank highly, falling between the 74th and 76th percentiles nationally. In terms of income distribution, the largest group comprises 29.0% of local residents (1,714 people) earning within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, mirroring the broader region where fall into this bracket. The high proportion of top-tier earners ( receiving over /week) shows strong economic capacity. Housing costs consume of income, while high earnings place residents in the th percentile for disposable income, and the area's SEIFA income ranking is in the th decile.

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According to the latest Census, housing types in Caulfield consisted of 39.9% houses and 60.1% other dwellings (including semi-detached properties, apartments, and alternative housing types), compared to Melbourne metro's mix of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, home ownership in Caulfield was substantially higher than the Melbourne metro rate, standing at 38.7%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (28.5%) or rented (32.8%). The median monthly mortgage payment was significantly higher than the Melbourne metro average at $2,500, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $475, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Caulfield's mortgage payments are much higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are also well above the national median of $375.

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Family households make up the majority at 68.3% of the total, consisting of 29.8% couples with children, 28.3% couples without children, and 8.4% single parent families. Non-family households represent the remaining 31.7%, with single-person households accounting for 26.7% and group households making up 5.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people is slightly below the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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Educational attainment in Caulfield is significantly higher than broader reference levels, with 52.5% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 30.4% in Australia and 33.4% in VIC. This major educational lead positions the community well for professional opportunities. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 35.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.0%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Vocational training accounts for 20.5% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – consisting of advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (9.4%).

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Public transport analysis shows 27 active stops operating within Caulfield, consisting of a combination of light rail and buses. These stops are served by 5 distinct routes, which together provide 3,560 weekly passenger journeys. Transport access is rated as excellent, with residents on average living 166 meters from the closest transport stop. Being a mostly residential locality, most residents travel outwards for work - private vehicles remain the main transport mode at 78%, followed by 10% utilizing the train. Car ownership stands at an average of 1.2 per dwelling. A high 45.6% of residents work from home (based on 2021 Census data, which may reflect pandemic-related conditions).

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An evaluation of health indicators shows positive outcomes throughout Caulfield, based on Districts' analysis of mortality rates and the occurrence of chronic conditions, with common health conditions showing low prevalence among the general population, though higher than the national average among older, vulnerable cohorts, and private health insurance coverage is exceptionally high at approximately 64% of the population (3,799 people). This compares to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

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Caulfield displays a high level of cultural diversity, with 30.9% of residents speaking a non-English language at home and 42.1% born overseas. The most common religion is Judaism, which accounts for 44.5% of people in Caulfield, compared to 1.0% in Greater Melbourne.

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The median age of 42 years in Caulfield is higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 and older than Australia's median of 38 years. The 75 - 84 age bracket is highly represented at 9.4% compared to Greater Melbourne, whereas the 35 - 44 cohort is less common at 12.1%. Data since the 2021 Census indicates that the 75 to 84 age group has expanded from 7.0% to 9.4% of the population, while the 15 to 24 group has risen from 11.6% to 13.5%. On the other hand, the 65 to 74 group has declined from 12.5% to 10.8% and the 45 to cohort has decreased from to . Population projections for suggest major demographic shifts. The + cohort is expected to grow by ( people), increasing from to . Crucially, the combined + age groups will make up of total population growth, reflecting an aging population. Conversely, the to and to age groups are projected to contract.

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Caulfield currently has an estimated 242 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 163 children aged 0-2 and 108 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 8% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 8% by 2041 (to approximately 262 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 543. Birth rates in the area have averaged 8.9 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a moderate rate (within the middle tier nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.