Clayton South (Vic.)

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According to evaluations of ABS demographic releases for the wider region, alongside new address points verified by Districts after the Census, the suburb of Clayton South has an estimated residency of roughly 15,427 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 2,046 residents (15.3%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 13,381 individuals. The shift is calculated from a resident base of 15,349, calculated by Districts using the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) plus an additional 299 verified new locations established after the Census date. This population scale translates to a density of 1,942 residents per square kilometer, which exceeds the typical density found among national settings analyzed by Districts. The growth rate of 15.3% since the 2021 census for the suburb of Clayton South was higher than that of the SA3 area (7.0%) as well as the wider state, placing it at the forefront of regional expansion. Overseas migration was the primary driver of this demographic growth, accounting for approximately of the total population gains in recent times.

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Clayton South features a highly qualified labor force, marked by solid representation in professional services, an unemployment rate sitting at just 2.9%, and an estimated job growth rate of 4.5% over the prior year, according to Districts aggregations of regional data. In March 2026, there were 8,707 employed local residents, and the unemployment rate was 1.9% lower than the Greater Melbourne benchmark of 4.8%. The labor participation rate is slightly lower than typical levels, sitting at 67.5% compared to 70.2% in Greater Melbourne. Census details show that a modest 23.3% of the workforce operated from home, though this may have been influenced by COVID-19 restriction periods.

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Based on Districts' compilation of the most recent postcode-level ATO statistics published for financial year 2023, Clayton South recorded a taxpayer median income of $48,722 alongside an average income of $56,716. These figures sit below the national benchmarks and compare to Greater Melbourne figures of $57,688 for median income and $75,164 for average income. Adjusting for Wage Price Index inflation of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates correspond to roughly $53,409 (median) and $62,172 (average) as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census shows local household incomes at the 43rd percentile ($1,630 per week), with individual incomes positioned at the 25th percentile. Regarding income distribution, the weekly wage bracket between $1,500 and $2,999 accounts for 34.5% of the local population (representing citizens), which mirrors the metropolitan trend where this bracket represents of taxpayers. Financial strain from housing is significant, with residents retaining only of their earnings, placing the area at the nd percentile, while the SEIFA index for income places the locality in the th decile.

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Residential architecture in Clayton South, measured at the most recent Census, consisted of 56.0% standalone houses and 43.9% alternative dwellings (such as townhouses, units, and other housing types), compared to the Melbourne metropolitan split of 67.9% houses and 32.1% alternative dwellings. The proportion of outright home ownership in Clayton South matched the Melbourne metropolitan rate at 32.1%, with the remaining properties being purchased under a mortgage (27.4%) or occupied by tenants (40.6%). The median monthly home loan payment was lower than the Melbourne metropolitan average at $1,997, and the median weekly rent stood at $381, compared to metropolitan benchmarks of $2,000 and $390. On a national level, mortgage costs in Clayton South are higher than the Australian median of $1,863, and rental costs also exceed the countrywide median of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households at 69.8%, consisting of couples with children at 31.8%, couples without children at 24.3%, and single parents with children at 11.4%. The remaining 30.2% consists of non-family households, with people living alone making up 21.9% and group living situations accounting for 8.4%. The median household size of 2.7 residents is slightly larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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Academic achievement in Clayton South is higher than regional standards, with 39.1% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, compared to 26.7% in the SA3 area and 29.8% in the SA4 region. This educational profile positions the community well for jobs in knowledge-based industries. Undergraduate degrees are the most common at 23.7%, followed by postgraduate study at 13.5% and graduate diplomas at 1.9%. Technical and vocational training accounts for 21.9% of qualifications among residents aged 15+ – consisting of advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (11.8%).

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Public transit data shows 72 active stops within Clayton South, comprising various bus options. These stops are serviced by 16 distinct routes, which combine to offer 3,682 passenger journeys each week. Transit access is rated as highly convenient, with residents living an average of 180 meters from their nearest stop. Being a largely residential suburb, most employed residents travel out of the area for work, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel at 78%, followed by trains at 14%. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.2 cars per household. Additionally, 23.3% of workers worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect the pandemic circumstances of the time.

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Evaluation of wellness indicators reveals positive results for Clayton South, according to Districts' study of mortality rates and chronic health conditions, with both younger and older cohorts displaying a low incidence of typical medical issues. The rate of private health insurance is relatively low, covering approximately 49% of the population (~7,608 people). This compares to a coverage rate of 56.7% across Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

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Clayton South ranks among the most multicultural communities in Australia, with 70.4% of residents speaking a non-English language at home and 65.5% born in another country. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 39.3% of local citizens. However, the most pronounced difference is in Buddhism, which is practiced by 10.6% of the population, a proportion significantly higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 4.2%.

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With a median age of 34 years, Clayton South is younger than the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and substantially younger than the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Clayton South has a larger proportion of residents aged 25 - 34 (24.5%) but fewer children aged 5 - 14 (8.5%). This concentration of 25 - 34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national figure of 14.6%. Since the 2021 Census, this 25 to 34 cohort has increased from 23.1% to 24.5% of the population, whereas the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 10.8% to 10.1%. Demographic projections for point to significant changes, with the to age bracket expected to grow by , adding individuals to total .

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Clayton South currently has an estimated 817 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 484 children aged 0-2 and 322 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 7% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 18% by 2041 (to approximately 962 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,041. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 10.9 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.