Richardson

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

Richardson's population was approximately 2,992 as of November 2025. This figure represents a decrease of 66 people from the 2021 Census total of 3,058. The change is inferred from ABS estimates and validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density in Richardson was around 1,335 persons per square kilometer as of November 2025, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. While Richardson experienced a 2.2% decline since the census, the SA3 area saw a 0.2% growth, indicating differing population trends within the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 66.3% of overall population gains in 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. Future population trends indicate an overall decline in Richardson's population, with a projected reduction of 171 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to increase by 36 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 4 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 21 homes. As of FY-26, 0 approvals have been recorded so far. 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 value of $195,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers.

In FY-26, $56,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating 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 nationally, suggesting somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established dwellings. Building activity has accelerated recently, though it remains below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New development consists of 50.0% detached houses and 50.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a trend toward denser development that appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This is a significant change from the current housing mix, which is predominantly houses (96.0%).

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

Richardson has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

Area infrastructure significantly impacts local performance. AreaSearch identified four projects potentially influencing the area: Banks Gateway Estate, Calwell Retirement Living Precinct, Canberra Light Rail Stage 4 - Woden to Tuggeranong, and Calwell Public Housing Development. Relevant details are listed below.

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 6.4% in September 2025. Over the past year, there was an estimated 2.7% employment growth.

As of this date, 1,582 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 2.9%, which is higher than the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation in Richardson was similar to ACT's 69.6%. The key industries employing Richardson residents are public administration & safety, construction, and health care & social assistance. Notably, construction employment share is twice the regional level at 2.0 times.

However, public administration & safety is under-represented with only 22.8% of Richardson's workforce compared to ACT's 30.4%. Over the year ending September 2025, employment in Richardson increased by 2.7%, while labour force grew by 0.6%. This led to a 1.9 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In contrast, ACT experienced employment growth of 1.4% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a 0.2 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. State-level data from November 25 shows ACT employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, adding 710 jobs. The state's unemployment rate was 4.5%, slightly higher than the national rate of 4.3%. ACT's employment growth outpaced the national average of 0.14%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia indicate a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Richardson's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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 2022 shows that income in Richardson SA2 is just above the national average, with a median of $59,751 and an average of $66,221. In contrast, Australian Capital Territory has a median income of $68,678 and an average of $83,634. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.6% since financial year 2022, current estimates as of September 2025 would be approximately $67,877 (median) and $75,227 (average). According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Richardson cluster around the 73rd percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows that 38.6% of locals (1,154 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 34.3% similarly occupy this range. 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Richardson, as per the latest Census data, 95.7% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 4.3% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This differs from the Australian Capital Territory's ratio of 79.6% houses to 20.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Richardson stood at 26.5%, with mortgaged properties at 47.8% and rented dwellings at 25.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, matching the Australian Capital Territory average, while the median weekly rent was $391 compared to the territory's $425. Nationally, Richardson's median monthly mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

Richardson has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households compose 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% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the Australian Capital Territory average.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 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 held by 37.2% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.7% and certificates at 25.5%. Educational participation is 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 good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Richardson has 28 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 8 different routes that together facilitate 1,152 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from a resident's location to the nearest transport stop is 182 meters, indicating excellent accessibility.

On average, there are 164 trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately 41 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 faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 52%, covering about 1,567 people, which compares to the average SA2 area's rate of 57.2% in the Australian Capital Territory.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 10.0% and 8.6% of residents respectively. About 66.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.1% across the Australian Capital Territory. The area has 14.4% of residents aged 65 and over (430 people), which is lower than the 17.6% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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's population showed above-average cultural diversity, with 21.8% born overseas and 17.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Richardson, comprising 46.5%. Islam, however, was overrepresented compared to the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.4%, making up 3.3% of Richardson's population.

Regarding ancestry, Australians comprised 27.6%, English 24.7%, and Other 9.2%. Some ethnic groups were notably divergent: Hungarians at 0.6% (vs regional 0.3%), Spanish at 0.8% (vs 0.7%), and Serbians at 0.6% (vs 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 proportion of residents aged 65-74 (10.1%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (11.4%). From the 2021 Census to present, the proportion of residents aged 65-74 has increased from 8.6% to 10.1%, while the proportion of residents aged 0-4 has increased from 6.2% to 7.5%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 55-64 has declined from 12.7% to 10.8%, and the proportion of residents aged 5-14 has dropped from 13.8% to 12.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Richardson, with the strongest projected growth in the 75-84 age cohort (29%), adding 30 residents to reach 135. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 87% of population growth, reflecting demographic aging trends. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 85+ and 45-54 age cohorts.