Queenscliff (NSW)

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Analysis of ABS demographic updates for the wider region and new address datasets verified by Districts since the Census indicates the population of the suburb of Queenscliff (NSW) is approximately 3,570 as of May 2026. This represents a gain of 163 individuals (4.8%) from the 2021 Census, which counted 3,407 residents. This change is calculated from the resident population of 3,569 estimated by Districts following analysis of the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) combined with 4 verified new addresses added since the Census date. This population level translates to a density of 8,113 persons per square kilometer, placing the locality in the top 10% of all national locations assessed by Districts, showing that land here is in high demand. The 4.8% growth rate of the suburb of Queenscliff (NSW) since the 2021 census outperformed both the SA3 area (3.7%) and the SA4 region, positioning it as a local growth leader. Overseas migration was the primary driver of this growth, accounting for approximately of the overall population gains in recent times.

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Queenscliff is home to a highly qualified labor force, with particularly strong representation in the technology industry, a low unemployment rate of 3.5%, and stable employment levels over the last year, according to Districts aggregations of statistical area data. In March 2026, working residents numbered 2,406, while the unemployment rate was 0.7% below the Greater Sydney average of 4.1%. Labor force participation is exceptionally high at 78.0% compared to 69.1% across Greater Sydney. Census data indicates that a high proportion of residents (61.2%) worked from home, though this figure should be interpreted in the context of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

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Income levels in Queenscliff are exceptionally high on a national scale, according to the latest ATO statistics compiled by Districts for the 2023 financial year. The median taxpayer income in the area is $84,242 and the average income is $150,676, compared to Greater Sydney figures of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Adjusting for a 10.32% rise in the Wage Price Index since the 2023 financial year, current estimates point to approximately $92,936 for median income and $166,226 for average income as of March 2026. Based on 2021 Census data, household, family, and individual incomes in Queenscliff all rank between the 96th and 97th percentiles nationally. Income distribution figures show the $4000+ weekly bracket is the most common, accounting for 34.4% of residents ( people), whereas the - range is the most common regionally at . Affluence is high with of residents earning over weekly, which supports high-end retail and local services. Although high housing costs absorb of incomes, strong earnings keep disposable income in the th percentile, and the SEIFA index ranks the area in the th decile.

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The mix of housing in Queenscliff at the time of the latest Census consisted of 17.0% detached houses and 83.0% other dwelling types (such as semi-detached homes, townhouses, and apartments), compared to the Sydney metropolitan split of 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Queenscliff was slightly below the Sydney metropolitan average at 26.4%, with the remaining properties either under mortgage (27.1%) or occupied by tenants (46.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment of $3,033 was well above the Sydney metropolitan average of $2,427, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $650 compared to the metropolitan average of $470. On a national level, Queenscliff's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are also well above the national median of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households at 64.3%, consisting of couples without children at 36.0%, couples with children at 21.6%, and single parent families at 6.0%. Non-family households represent the remaining 35.7%, with single person households accounting for 27.3% and group shared households at 8.0%. The median household size of 2.2 persons is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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Educational attainment in Queenscliff is significantly higher than broader averages, with 56.4% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.2% across NSW. This strong educational profile positions the community well for professional and knowledge-based careers. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 38.8%, followed by postgraduate degrees (13.7%) and graduate diplomas (3.9%). Vocational training is held by 23.6% of residents aged 15+, consisting of advanced diplomas (11.3%) and certificate qualifications (12.3%).

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Analysis of the public transport network shows 31 active bus stops operating in Queenscliff. These stops are served by 30 separate bus routes, which combined provide 3,155 passenger trips each week. Transport access is excellent, with residents living an average of 85 meters from their nearest stop. Because the area is mostly residential, the majority of working residents commute to other areas, with private vehicles remaining the most common transit mode at 78%, followed by buses at 8% and walking at 5%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per household, which is below the regional average. A high proportion of residents (61.2%) worked from home according to 2021 Census data, which may reflect pandemic-era working patterns.

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Health profiles for Queenscliff show excellent outcomes based on Districts' evaluation of mortality rates and chronic disease frequency, with low rates of common health conditions across all age groups. Private health insurance coverage is exceptionally high, covering approximately 86% of the population (3,076 people), compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

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Queenscliff exhibits greater cultural diversity than most comparable areas, with 16.1% of residents speaking a non-English language at home and 39.3% born outside Australia. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 38.6% of the population. The most prominent statistical overrepresentation is among those identifying as Jewish, who make up 0.4% of the population compared to 0.8% across Greater Sydney.

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The median age in Queenscliff is 36 years, which is close to the Greater Sydney average of 37 and slightly below the Australian median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Queenscliff has a high concentration of young adults aged 25 - 34 (25.7%) but fewer children aged 5 - 14 (5.0%). The proportion of residents aged 25 - 34 is significantly higher than the national average of 14.6%. Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age bracket has increased from 8.2% to 10.1% of the population, while the 5 to 14 cohort decreased from 6.7% to 5.0%. Projections indicate the age profile will change substantially by with the to bracket expected to grow by , adding residents to reach a total of . Older residents aged + will account for of the total population growth, highlighting local aging trends, while the to and to cohorts are expected to decrease in size.

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Queenscliff currently has an estimated 217 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 131 children aged 0-2 and 87 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 8% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 16% by 2041 (to approximately 183 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 288. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 12.0 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 30% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.