Richardson

Richardson has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Richardson's population was approximately 3,065 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 7 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,058. The change is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 3,060 in June 2025 and an additional 12 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,368 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Richardson's growth rate of 0.2% since the census is within 1.2 percentage points of the SA3 area (1.4%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Natural growth contributed approximately 62.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, using 2022 as the base year. Projections indicate an overall population decline in Richardson over the period to 2041, with a reduction of 159 persons expected according to this methodology. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, notably the 75 to 84 age group, projected to increase by 33 people.

The level of residential development activity in Richardson is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Richardson has averaged approximately four new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 21 homes. As of FY-26 so far, zero approvals have been recorded. During this period, population has fallen, yet housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice. New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $195,000, which is below the regional average, indicating more affordable housing options for buyers.

This financial year, $56,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Richardson has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 29th percentile of areas assessed nationally, implying somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established dwellings. However, building activity has accelerated in recent years. The current new development mix consists of 50.0% detached houses and 50.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a trend toward denser development to provide accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This marks a significant change from the current housing mix, which is currently 96.0% houses, likely due to reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

With population expected to remain stable or decline in the future, Richardson should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Richardson has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 41stth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects potentially impacting the region. Notable projects are Banks Gateway Estate, Calwell Retirement Living Precinct, Calwell Public Housing Development, and Canberra Light Rail Stage 4 - Woden to Tuggeranong. The following details these projects, focusing on those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment performance in Richardson has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Richardson's unemployment rate was 6.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.3%. As of December 2025, 1,583 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.7%, compared to Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation was similar to ACT's 70.5%.

According to Census responses, 8.0% of residents worked from home. Key industries for employment among residents were public administration & safety, construction, and health care & social assistance. Richardson had a particular employment specialization in construction, with an employment share of 2.0 times the regional level. However, public administration & safety was under-represented, with only 22.8% of Richardson's workforce compared to ACT's 30.4%.

The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 2.3%, while labour force increased by 0.8%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.3 percentage points. In contrast, ACT experienced employment growth of 0.9% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a rise in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differed significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Richardson's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Richardson SA2 is approximately average nationally. The median income is $62,703 and the average income stands at $68,414. This contrasts with Australian Capital Territory's figures of a median income of $72,206 and an average income of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $69,249 (median) and $75,556 (average) as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Richardson cluster around the 73rd percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows that 38.6% of locals (1,183 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income category. High housing costs consume 15.7% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 68th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Richardson is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Richardson's dwelling structure, as recorded in the latest Census, consisted of 95.7% houses and 4.3% other dwellings. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory had 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Richardson was 26.5%, similar to the ACT's level. Mortgaged dwellings made up 47.8%, while rented dwellings accounted for 25.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Richardson was $2,000, lower than the ACT average of $2,080 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Richardson was $391, compared to the ACT's $450 and the national figure of $375.

Richardson has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 75.0% of all households, including 33.3% couples with children, 23.4% couples without children, and 16.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 25.0%, with lone person households at 22.8% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is greater than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Richardson fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area has university qualification rates of 21.3%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 46.8%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 37.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (25.5%). Educational participation is high, with 29.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.6% in primary, 7.9% in secondary, and 3.4% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.6% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Richardson has 28 active public transport stops, all providing bus services. These stops are served by 54 different routes, offering a total of 3,689 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents' homes to the nearest transport stop is 182 meters, indicating excellent accessibility. Most residents commute outside Richardson, with cars being the primary mode of transportation at 93%. Bus usage accounts for 6% of commutes. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 8% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, an average of 527 trips are made daily, translating to approximately 131 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Richardson is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Richardson's health profile shows significant challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is higher than average at 53% (~1633 people), compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 62.4%. Mental health issues affect 10.0% of residents, while arthritis impacts 8.6%. However, 66.3% report no medical ailments, compared to 70.2% in the Australian Capital Territory. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Seniors make up 15.1% of the population (461 people), and their health outcomes present some challenges, broadly in line with national rankings.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Richardson was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Richardson has a higher than average cultural diversity, with 21.8% of its population born overseas and 17.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Richardson, accounting for 46.5% of people. Islam, however, shows an overrepresentation in Richardson at 3.3%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's average of 3.4%.

The top three ancestral groups are Australian (27.6%), English (24.7%), and Other (9.2%). Some ethnic groups have notable differences in representation: Hungarian is overrepresented at 0.6% versus the regional average of 0.3%, Spanish at 0.8% versus 0.5%, and Serbian at 0.6% versus 0.4%.

Richardson's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Richardson's median age is 36 years, nearly matching the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 but younger than Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Richardson has a higher concentration of residents aged 65-74 (10.4%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (11.4%). Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the percentage of Richardson's population aged 65 to 74 has grown from 8.6% to 10.4%, while the percentage of those aged 75 to 84 has increased from 2.8% to 3.9%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 55 to 64 has declined from 12.7% to 10.3%, and the percentage of those aged 5 to 14 has dropped from 13.8% to 12.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Richardson, with the strongest projected growth in the 75 to 84 cohort (22%), adding 26 residents to reach 146. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 87% of population growth, underscoring trends towards an aging population. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45 to 54 and 5 to 14 age cohorts.