Clunes (Vic.)

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According to the analysis of demographic updates from the ABS for the wider region, alongside recent address verifications by Districts following the Census, the suburb of Clunes (Vic.) has an estimated population of 1,810 in May 2026. This represents a reduction of 34 individuals (1.8%) from the 1,844 residents recorded in the 2021 Census. This shift is calculated from a resident count of 1,808, which was estimated by Districts using the ABS June 2025 release of ERP figures, combined with 32 newly confirmed addresses since the Census. With this population level, the density stands at 12.0 persons per square kilometer, ensuring residents enjoy considerable space. The primary driver of population growth locally was overseas migration, which functioned as the almost exclusive source of population increases during recent timeframes.

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Clunes is home to a qualified workforce with strong representation in vital services, alongside a 7.5% unemployment rate calculated from Districts' aggregation of statistical area data. In March 2026698 local citizens are employed, while the rate of unemployment is 3.9% higher than the Regional Vic. mark of 3.7%, pointing to potential areas for growth, and local workforce participation is notably lower at 47.4% compared to the regional figure of 61.1%. Census details show that a modest 20.1% of working residents performed their duties from home, though the influence of pandemic-related restrictions should be taken into account.

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According to the most recent postcode-level ATO statistics published for the financial year 2023, taxpaying residents in Clunes have a median income of $36,481 and an average income of $45,661. These earnings sit below the national benchmarks, comparing to a median of $50,954 and an average of $62,728 across Regional Vic. Factoring in a Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since the financial year 2023, estimated earnings would stand at roughly $39,990 for the median and $50,054 for the average in March 2026. Census statistics show that household, family, and individual incomes in Clunes are situated in the 4th percentile of the country. Income distributions show that the largest group contains 29.0% of local taxpayers (524 individuals) earning in the $800 - 1,499 bracket, contrasting with regional trends where the - range is the most common at . Even though housing costs remain low with residents keeping of their earnings, overall disposable income sits in the th percentile nationwide.

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Residential structures in Clunes, as recorded in the most recent Census, consisted of 95.5% standalone houses and 4.6% other housing types, such as apartments, semi-detached options, or alternative dwellings, compared to Regional Vic. where standalone houses make up 90.1% and other structures constitute 9.9%. At the same time, the rate of outright home ownership in Clunes was significantly higher than the regional average, standing at 49.9%, with the remaining properties being purchased with a mortgage (35.2%) or occupied by tenants (15.0%). The median monthly payment for home loans in the area was substantially lower than the Regional Vic. average of $1,430, coming in at $1,127, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $220, compared to the regional figure of $285. In a national context, home loan repayments in Clunes are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are far below the national median of $375.

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Family units constitute the majority of households at 63.2%, consisting of couples with children at 19.0%, couples without children at 31.3%, and single parents with children at 11.3%. Non-family households account for the remaining 36.8%, with single-person households representing 34.2% and shared group households making up 3.1% of the total. The median size of households in the area is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Regional Vic. median of 2.4.

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Educational attainment levels show areas of need, with university graduation rates at 21.4%, which is notably below the VIC average of 33.4%. This gap points to both a local challenge and an opening for focused educational programs. Bachelor degrees represent the most common higher education qualification at 12.9%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 5.1% and graduate diplomas at 3.4%. Vocational and trade qualifications are highly represented, with 36.4% of citizens aged 15+ holding a technical qualification, split between advanced diplomas at 10.1% and certificates at 26.3%.

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Public transit records show 6 active transit connections in Clunes, consisting of train services. These stops are served by 3 unique routes, which run a combined total of 44 weekly passenger journeys. Accessibility is classified as limited, with residents living an average of 1191 meters away from the nearest transit stop. Given the residential nature of the locality, most working residents commute out of the area, with private cars remaining the primary travel option for 93% of workers and 5% traveling on foot. Households own an average of 1.6 cars per household. A total of 20.1% of working residents carried out their duties from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 pandemic guidelines.

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Public health records indicate considerable challenges for Clunes, based on Districts evaluations of mortality statistics and the occurrence of long-term health issues, which are prominent in both younger and older demographics, while the proportion of residents with private health insurance is particularly low at roughly 45% of the community, representing approximately 814 individuals. This compares to a rate of 50.5% across Regional Vic. and a national benchmark of 55.7%.

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Clunes shows lower levels of cultural diversity than the national average, with 84.8% of residents born in Australia, 90.4% holding citizenship, and 96.5% using only English at home. Christianity is the primary religious affiliation, representing 41.2% of the local population. However, the most notable disproportionate representation is found in Buddhism, which accounts for 1.6% of the population, compared to 1.0% across Regional Vic.

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Clunes has a median age of 51 years, which is notably higher than the Regional Vic. median of 43 and considerably older than the Australian median of 38. In comparison to regional averages, the cohort aged 55 - 64 is highly represented at 17.1% of the local population, while young adults aged 25 - 34 are underrepresented at 7.1%. The concentration of residents aged 55 - 64 is also well above the national figure of 11.2%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 15 to 24 age bracket has expanded from 8.1% to 9.7% of the population, while the group aged 35 to 44 rose from 10.7% to 11.8%. On the other hand, children aged to decreased from to . By Clunes is projected to experience notable transformations in its age structure, led by a increase in the to demographic, adding people to reach from while population reductions are expected for the to and to age cohorts.

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Clunes currently has an estimated 81 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 51 children aged 0-2 and 34 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 16% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 11% by 2041 (to approximately 90 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 148. Birth rates in the area have averaged 8.8 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a moderate rate (within the middle tier nationally).