Clifton Hill (Vic.)

Detail

According to investigations of ABS population statistics for the surrounding region, alongside new addresses validated by Districts since the Census, the resident count of Clifton Hill is estimated to be approximately 5,901 as of May 2026. This represents a decline of 705 people (10.7%) since the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 6,606 people. The shift is calculated from the resident population of 5,897, projected by Districts after analyzing the most recent ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an extra 8 validated new addresses since the Census date. This size of population translates to a density ratio of 3,057 persons per square kilometer, placing the locality in the upper quartile compared to national locations assessed by Districts. Population growth for the area was mainly propelled by overseas migration that made up approximately 47.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, even though all drivers including interstate migration and natural growth were positive factors.

Detail

Clifton Hill possesses a highly educated workforce, with the technology sector a particular standout in terms of representation, and an unemployment rate of only 3.2%, based on Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 3,307 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.5% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (68.2% compared to Greater Melbourne's 70.2%). Based on Census responses, a high 55.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Detail

The suburb of Clifton Hill shows a median taxpayer income of $72,186 and an average of $108,712 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by Districts for financial year 2023. This is among the top percentile nationally, contrasting with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $79,130 (median) and $119,170 (average) as of March 2026. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Clifton Hill, between the 94th and 96th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals the predominant cohort spans 34.5% of locals (2,035 people) in the $4000+ category, diverging from the surrounding region where the - category predominates at . The locality demonstrates considerable affluence with earning over per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. Housing accounts for of income while strong earnings rank residents within the th percentile for disposable income and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the th decile.

Detail

Dwelling structure within Clifton Hill, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 23.8% houses and 76.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Clifton Hill was in line with that of Melbourne metro, at 29.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (30.8%) or rented (39.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Melbourne metro average at $2,700, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $550, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Clifton Hill's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Detail

Family households dominate at 63.2% of all households, comprising 26.2% couples with children, 29.6% couples without children, and 6.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 36.8%, with lone person households at 27.6% and group households comprising 9.2% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Detail

Educational attainment in Clifton Hill significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 66.4% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia and 33.4% in VIC. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 36.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (22.8%) and graduate diplomas (7.1%). Technical qualifications represent 14.0% of educational achievements for residents aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (6.9%) and certificates (7.1%).

Detail

Public transport analysis reveals 24 active transport stops operating within Clifton Hill comprising a mix of lightrail and buses. These stops are serviced by 8 individual routes, collectively providing 6,093 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 285 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 59%, with 13% cycling and 11% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 0.8 per dwelling, below the regional average. A high 55.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Detail

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Clifton Hill, based on Districts' assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions , and the rate of private health cover found to be exceptionally high at approximately 70% of the total population (4,105 people). This compares to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. The national average is 55.7%.

Detail

Clifton Hill was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 22.0% of its population born overseas and 13.0% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Clifton Hill was found to be Christianity, which makes up 25.8% of people in Clifton Hill. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 1.1% of the population, compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne.

Detail

With a median age of 37, Clifton Hill is equal to the Greater Melbourne figure of 37 and remains comparable to Australia's 38 years. The 25 - 34 age group shows strong representation at 21.0% compared to Greater Melbourne, whereas the 15 - 24 cohort is less prevalent at 8.8%. This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.6%. In the period since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 3.9% to 5.1% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 17.2% to 18.4%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from to . Looking ahead to demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Clifton Hill's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the to group will grow by ( people), reaching from . Meanwhile, the to cohort grows by a modest ( people).

Detail

Clifton Hill currently has an estimated 295 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 162 children aged 0-2 and 109 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 20% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 9% by 2041 (to approximately 322 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 457. Birth rates in the area have averaged 9.4 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.