Clifton (Qld)

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Based on computations of ABS population releases for the broader territory, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Clifton (Qld) has a population estimated at approximately 1,628 as of May 2026. This represents an increase of 138 people (9.3%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 1,490 people. This change is inferred from the resident population of 1,615, estimated by Districts following analysis of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 16 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 35 persons per square kilometer, a level providing ample space per person. Clifton's 9.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (5.0%), along with the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 61.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.

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Clifton displays a balanced workforce distribution across white and blue collar occupations, with a notable presence in essential service sectors, an unemployment rate of 6.0%, and a stable jobs market over the past year, according to aggregated statistical area data from Districts. As of March 2026568 residents are employed, while the local unemployment rate sits 2.0% higher than the Regional Qld average of 3.9%, and the workforce participation rate is considerably lower at 45.4% compared to Regional Qld's 64.3%. Census returns indicate that a low 6.2% of residents worked from home, although the influence of Covid-19 lockdowns should be taken into account.

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Taxpayer income levels in the suburb of Clifton fall below the national average based on financial year 2023 ATO statistics aggregated by Districts. During this period, Clifton's taxpayers recorded a median income of $33,024 and an average income of $38,001, compared to $53,146 and $66,593 respectively in Regional Qld. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 stand at approximately $36,776 for the median and $42,318 for the average. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Clifton rank between the 1st and 4th percentiles nationwide. The dominant income band is the $400 - 799 bracket, containing 37.4% of residents (608 people), which differs from regional trends where of households fall into the - range. Widespread financial pressure is evident, with of households living on modest weekly budgets below . Housing affordability challenges are highly pronounced, with only of income remaining after housing costs, placing the area in the rd percentile.

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Residential property types in Clifton at the time of the latest Census consisted of 93.7% standalone houses and 6.3% other dwelling types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, or alternative accommodation, compared to Regional Qld where houses made up 76.4% and other options accounted for 23.6%. Home ownership rates in Clifton were high at 43.0% outright ownership, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (28.6%) or rented (28.4%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,083 was significantly lower than the Regional Qld average, while the median weekly rent was $245, compared to regional averages of $1,655 and $345 respectively. On a national level, Clifton's housing costs are highly affordable, sitting well below the Australian median mortgage repayment of $1,863 and the national median rent of $375.

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Families comprise the majority of local households at 61.0%, which is made up of 17.3% couples with children, 29.2% couples without children, and 12.7% single parent families. The remaining 39.0% consists of non-family households, with single-person households representing 36.2% and group households accounting for 4.0% of the total. The median household occupancy of 2.2 residents is slightly smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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Attainment levels present a notable challenge for the locality, as the proportion of residents with a university qualification (10.3%) is considerably lower than the national average of 30.4%. Among those with higher education, bachelor degrees are the most common at 7.8%, followed by graduate diplomas at 1.4% and postgraduate qualifications at 1.1%. Conversely, vocational and technical training is highly prevalent, with 39.1% of residents aged 15 and over holding tertiary trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (11.0%) and certificates (28.1%).

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Significant healthcare concerns are apparent across Clifton, according to Districts analyses of chronic illness rates and mortality statistics. A variety of health conditions affect both the younger and older cohorts, while the proportion of residents with private health insurance is particularly low, covering about 42% of the population (~688 people). This stands in contrast to the 52.5% coverage rate across Regional Qld and the national benchmark of 55.7%.

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The local population displays lower levels of cultural diversity than average, with 87.8% of residents born in Australia, 91.3% holding citizenship, and 96.3% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, adhered to by 62.7% of Clifton residents, compared to a rate of 52.2% across Regional Qld.

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The median age in Clifton is 49 years, which is much higher than the Regional Qld average of 41 and the national average of 38 years. The demographic profile is marked by a high proportion of people aged 65 - 74 years (16.4%), which is well above the national rate of 9.4%, while the 25 - 34 year age bracket is relatively small at 7.2% compared to Regional Qld. The cohort aged 75 to 84 has increased from 10.9% to 12.3% of the population since 2021, while the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 10.7% to 9.5%. Projections to 2041 suggest significant demographic shifts, with the cohort aged 85 and over expected to grow by (an increase of people), rising from to . This aging trend is further highlighted by the fact that residents aged and over will account for of all projected population growth, while the cohort aged to is projected to decrease by .

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Clifton currently has an estimated 92 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 58 children aged 0-2 and 39 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 24% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 7% by 2041 (to approximately 98 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 166. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 10.3 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally.