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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Richardson has an estimated 3,062 residents. That puts 1,367 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to research by AreaSearch, the resident count in Richardson stands at roughly 3,062 as of Aug 2026. This represents an addition of 4 people (0.1%) relative to the 2021 Census, when 3,058 people were recorded. This adjustment is derived from an estimated resident population figure of 3,060 published by the ABS as of June 2025 alongside 12 validated new addresses registered following the Census benchmark. The resulting population density is 1,367 persons per square kilometer, tracking higher than typical benchmark communities evaluated by AreaSearch across the nation. With 0.1% growth post-census, Richardson trails the broader SA3 area (1.4%) by just 1.3 percentage points, reflecting resilient local expansion dynamics.
Overall demographic expansion has been largely underpinned by natural increase, which accounted for approximately 62.0% of total local population additions over recent timeframes. SA2 projections utilized by AreaSearch stem from 2024 ABS/Geoscience Australia datasets pegged to a 2022 baseline year. For SA2 territories omitted from that release or extending beyond 2032, cohort growth trajectories sourced from ACT Government SA2 models using a 2022 base are applied. Over the forecast horizon, these estimates point toward an aggregate population reduction of 160 persons by 2041 under the adopted framework. Even so, certain age brackets are slated to expand, most notably persons aged 75 to 84, who are forecast to gain 35 people. Detailed demographic breakdowns are available in the dedicated age review.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
20 new dwellings have been approved in Richardson over the past five years, an average of 4 a year. That is 1.3 approvals per 1,000 residents. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Residential building approvals in Richardson have averaged approximately 4 dwellings each year, totaling 20 homes cleared over the preceding 5 financial years (between FY-22 and FY-26). In the context of recent population contraction, this level of construction has maintained reasonable relative pace—benefiting prospective purchasers—with newly approved homes averaging an expected construction cost of $245,000, undercutting the wider regional baseline and offering accessible entry pricing. Concurrently, commercial activity has been virtually dormant, with only $56,000 in commercial development approvals registered during the current financial year. Per capita residential construction in Richardson closely mirrors the wider Australian Capital Territory, sustaining local market balance alongside broader regional trends.
Relative to national figures, however, building volumes track lower, highlighting the established state of the suburb and likely spatial or zoning restrictions. Approvals are split evenly between detached houses (50.0%) and attached dwellings (50.0%). This pivot toward medium-density living broadens entry-level opportunities for first-home buyers, downsizers, and property investors. Furthermore, it represents a pronounced departure from the established neighborhood fabric (where freestanding houses account for 96.0%), illustrating constrained greenfield capacity as well as shifting consumer preferences and affordability priorities. With demographic forecasts indicating flat or shrinking headcount, Richardson is poised for subdued dwelling demand, creating advantageous purchasing conditions for prospective homeowners.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Richardson
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 12 current infrastructure and development projects close to Richardson, worth an estimated $1.59 billion. 1 are already under construction and 3 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, sports & recreation and telecommunications. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Capital investments, town planning frameworks, and major civic works play a defining role in shaping local community outcomes. Within Richardson, AreaSearch has highlighted 4 projects expected to exert local influence. Key infrastructure endeavors include Banks Gateway Estate, Calwell Retirement Living Precinct, Calwell Public Housing Development, and Canberra Light Rail Stage 4 - Woden to Tuggeranong, with primary details outlined in the project summary.
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Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Wanniassa Hills Primary School Modernisation
ACT Government modernisation project at Wanniassa Hills Primary School delivering a preschool upgrade and replacement of existing gas boilers with fully electric heat pumps to improve energy efficiency, thermal comfort and learning environments. The works build on the school's earlier major modernisation program including new learning communities, administration refurbishment, hall improvements and expanded parking. Electrical supply upgrade works were tendered in 2025 to support the new HVAC system.
Erindale Group Centre Master Plan Implementation - Stage 1
A long-term revitalisation of the Erindale Group Centre focused on transforming public spaces, improving pedestrian and active travel links, and upgrading community infrastructure. The 2025-26 ACT Budget specifically funded the Erindale shops upgrade, with concept designs for public space improvements, including new lighting, paving, and furniture, expected for community feedback in 2026. The broader master plan facilitates future mixed-use development and roughly 800 new dwellings to support Tuggeranong growth.
Calwell Retirement Living Precinct
A retirement living precinct proposal by KBDC, featuring 30 one-storey townhouses alongside the Calwell shopping strip.
Canberra Light Rail Stage 4 - Woden to Tuggeranong
Proposed southern extension of the Canberra light rail network connecting Woden Town Centre to Tuggeranong Town Centre via the Athllon Drive corridor. Recent 2026 updates indicate the ACT Government is developing a transit-oriented development (ToD) plan for the Athllon Drive corridor, with conceptual integrated bus and light rail network options for Canberra South expected by June 2026. The project remains part of the long-term City-wide Light Rail Network plan to support a population of 500,000.
Calwell Public Housing Development
30 new public housing townhouses (2 and 3 bedroom) built to Class C Adaptable standards. Features evaporative heating/cooling, 6-star energy rating hot water systems, double-glazed windows, and sustainable design.
EV Fast Charging Infrastructure - Calwell (Calwell Shopping Centre)
Public DC fast EV charging delivered at Calwell Shopping Centre and operated by Evie Networks, supported by ACT Government grants and ARENA funding to expand Canberra's charging network.
Calwell Group Centre improvements
Public space upgrades at local shops including new seating, playground with nature play elements, accessible parking bays, improved pedestrian access, upgraded lighting, and enhanced landscaping. Features nest swing, trampolines, slide, steppers and new shade sail.
The Valley Ponds - Wanniassa
Proposed medium-density residential estate of approximately 120-150 townhouses and apartments on former open space land between Wanniassa Hills and the Erindale Centre, part of the broader Indicative Land Release Program.
1,586 residents of Richardson are employed, from a labour force of 1,700. Unemployment sits at 6.7%, with participation at 69.1%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.4% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 2,307, about 75% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Richardson is characterized by a capable labor pool with notable participation across essential public services, an unemployment rate standing at 6.7%, and an estimated 1.1% gain in total employment throughout the preceding twelve months. As of March 2026, working residents count 1,586, while local joblessness exceeds the Australian Capital Territory baseline of 4.1% by 2.7%. Local labor force participation broadly aligns with the 70.6% observed across Australian Capital Territory. Census returns indicated that a modest 8.0% of workers operated from home, though this metric was likely shaped by prevailing Covid-19 containment measures.
Local workers are predominantly engaged across public administration & safety, construction, along with health care & social assistance. The community displays an exceptionally high concentration in construction trades, where employment prevalence is 2.0 times the regional standard. Conversely, public administration & safety absorbs 22.8% of the local workforce, trailing the regional benchmark of 30.4%. Given the area's primarily suburban residential profile, internal job generation remains modest when comparing workplace destination figures against total resident workers from Census tallies. AreaSearch evaluated SALM and ABS figures to show that employment rose 1.1% and the labour force grew 1.0% during the 12 months to March 2026, which drove the unemployment rate down by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, the Australian Capital Territory experienced a 0.3% employment increase, a 1.1% labour force expansion, and a 0.7 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national forecasts starting Mar-26 provide additional context for anticipated demand in Richardson. These projections span five and ten-year horizons and have been overlaid with Richardson's employment composition to estimate sectoral growth trajectories. Nationally, employment is projected to grow 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though expansion varies considerably across industries. When these industry-level projections are applied to Richardson's current employment structure, local employment is expected to rise 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years. This calculation relies on a straightforward weighting method for illustrative purposes and does not incorporate localised population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Richardson is $2,043 a week (about $106,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,012 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $62,703 a year against an average of $68,414. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
ATO postcode statistics for financial year 2023 compiled by AreaSearch show that earnings in Richardson SA2 align closely with countrywide standards, generating a median income of $62,703 and an average income of $68,414. These figures sit below the Australian Capital Territory metrics of $72,206 (median) and $85,981 (average). Factoring in an indexation of 10.44% via the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, updated estimates reach roughly $69,249 for median income and $75,556 for average earnings as of March 2026. Across personal, family, and household measures from the Census, Richardson centers near the national 73rd percentile.
The predominant earnings cohort is the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, encompassing 38.6% of residents (1,181 people), matching the broader regional pattern of 34.3%. Accommodation outlays claim 15.7% of earnings, yet healthy income levels preserve disposable earnings at the 68th percentile, with the locality positioned in the 5th decile of the SEIFA income index.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Richardson had 1,108 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 96% detached houses and 0% apartments. 48% are owned with a mortgage, 26% rented and 27% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $391 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,000 a month. Rent absorbs 19.1% of household income here and mortgage repayments 22.6%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
At the time of the most recent Census, the residential landscape of Richardson was comprised of 95.7% separate houses and 4.3% other dwellings (incorporating apartments, semi-detached properties, and alternative formats), contrasting with the wider Australian Capital Territory breakdown of 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Outright home ownership stood at 26.5%, matching Australian Capital Territory, while 47.8% of properties were held under a mortgage and 25.6% were tenanted. Median monthly mortgage commitments in the suburb were $2,000 against the Australian Capital Territory median of $2,080, while median weekly rent stood at $391 compared to $450 across Australian Capital Territory.
Relative to national figures, Richardson's home repayments surpass the Australian median of $1,863, and typical rents exceed the national benchmark of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Richardson counted 1,108 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.6 people each. 33% are couples with children, against 23% couples without children. 23% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.7 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family configurations account for 75.0% of local living arrangements, consisting of couples with children (33.3%), couples without children (23.4%), and single parent families (16.4%). The remaining 25.0% consists of non-family living structures, where lone person households represent 22.8% and group households make up 2.4%. With an average of 2.6 people per dwelling, typical household size in Richardson slightly exceeds the Australian Capital Territory benchmark of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
21.3% of adults in Richardson hold a university qualification, including 14.0% with a bachelor degree and 4.8% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 25.5% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 140 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 951 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Attainment levels highlight educational disparity within the suburb, where the share of residents holding university degrees (21.3%) tracks significantly behind the SA4 regional mark of 46.8%, pointing to a key focus area for local educational programs. Bachelor-level credentials represent 14.0% of qualifications, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 4.8% and graduate diplomas at 2.5%. Conversely, technical and vocational qualifications are well established, with 37.2% of individuals aged 15+ possessing trade credentials, divided between certificates (25.5%) and advanced diplomas (11.7%). Current study engagement is robust, with 29.2% of the local population actively participating in educational programs.
Among these learners, 10.6% attend primary school, 7.9% are enrolled in secondary institutions, and 3.4% are undertaking tertiary studies.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Richardson reaches 27 stops on 46 routes, timetabled for about 3,100 services a week. The typical home sits about 180 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.6 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Local transit analysis identifies 27 transport stops active across Richardson, accommodating various bus connections. These boarding points are integrated across 46 individual routes, delivering 3,138 weekly passenger trips in total. Transit proximity is rated as excellent, with typical resident walking distance standing at 183 meters to the closest stop. Given its residential orientation, most journeys are outbound, with private vehicles accounting for 93% of work travel compared to 6% by bus. Dwellings maintain an average of 1.6 vehicles, running higher than regional norms, while a modest 8.0% of the workforce worked from home according to the 2021 Census, subject to pandemic conditions.
Network scheduling delivers an average of 448 daily trips across the combined system, providing roughly 116 departures per stop each week.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
66.3% of residents in Richardson report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 75% of areas nationally. 6.0% need daily assistance with core activities, and 53.3% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.8 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Public health metrics compiled by AreaSearch indicate notable health challenges in Richardson across chronic illness and mortality rates, with chronic conditions affecting both older and younger age groups. Private hospital and health insurance coverage is held by approximately 53% of residents (~1,632 people), slightly exceeding typical SA2 benchmarks nationally, though trailing the 62.4% figure recorded across Australian Capital Territory. Mental health conditions and arthritis represent the most widespread medical issues diagnosed locally, impacting 10.0% and 8.6% of inhabitants, respectively, while 66.3% of the community reported having no long-term illnesses compared to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory.
Working-age cohorts exhibit a marked incidence of long-term medical conditions. Additionally, seniors aged 65 and over constitute 15.3% of the locality (469 people), exceeding the 14.2% proportion observed throughout Australian Capital Territory, with senior wellness outcomes broadly mirroring general population national percentiles.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Richardson is largely Australian-born, at 78.2% of residents, with 17.5% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (27.6%) and English (24.7%). 3.3% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Demographic indicators show higher-than-average cultural breadth in Richardson, where 21.8% of the community was born abroad and 17.5% communicate in a language other than English at home. The most prevalent faith is Christianity, adhered to by 46.5% of residents. Islam exhibits the clearest relative concentration, accounting for 3.3% of local inhabitants compared to 3.4% across Australian Capital Territory. Regarding ancestral heritage based on parental birthplace, the leading lineages identified in Richardson are Australian (27.6%), English (24.7%), and Other backgrounds (9.2%). Notable variations are also evident across other cultural cohorts, with Hungarian ancestry standing at 0.6% locally (versus 0.3% regionally), Spanish ancestry at 0.8% (versus 0.5%), and Serbian background at 0.6% (versus 0.4%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Richardson is 36. 27.7% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
Age distributions in Richardson closely mirror Australian Capital Territory across major lifecycle cohorts, with the largest variance reaching just 1.7 percentage points. This positions the median age at an estimated 36, identical to the 2021 Census figure and 1 year higher than the Australian Capital Territory median of 35 recorded at that Census. Since then, mature adults and early retirees aged 45 - 64 have reduced their presence from 25.9% to an estimated 22.1%. Looking ahead to 2041, senior and retiree cohorts (65+) are forecast to see the strongest addition, expanding by 32 residents (7%) to 501, whereas early-to-mid career adults as well as children and young adults are expected to contract.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Richardson
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Sep 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Sep 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Sep 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 4 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 6 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 2 months ago all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 12 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (3,058 at the 2021 Census → 3,062 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (801071087). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.