Richardson

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

Richardson's population was approximately 2,994 as of February 2026. This figure represents a decrease of 64 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,058 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,992 in June 2024 and an additional 12 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,336 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. While Richardson experienced a 2.1% decline since the census, the SA3 area achieved 0.1% growth, indicating divergent population trends. Natural growth contributed approximately 66.3% 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. Future population trends indicate an overall decline, with the area's population expected to decrease by 171 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are projected to grow, notably the 75 to 84 age group, which is anticipated 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 four new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 21 homes. As of FY26 so far, 0 approvals have been recorded. The population has decreased during this period, with housing supply remaining adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market offering good buyer choice. New properties are constructed at an average value of $195,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers.

This financial year, $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, implying somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established dwellings. However, building activity has accelerated in recent years. New development consists of 50% detached houses and 50% attached dwellings, reflecting a trend towards denser development to provide accessible entry options appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This represents a significant change from the current housing mix of 96% houses, likely due to reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

With population expected to remain stable or decline, 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 to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects potentially impacting this region: Banks Gateway Estate, Calwell Retirement Living Precinct, Calwell Public Housing Development, and Canberra Light Rail Stage 4 - Woden to Tuggeranong. The following details those likely 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 6.4% in September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 2.7% over the past year. As of that date, 1,582 residents were employed, with a workforce participation rate of 70.3%. The area had an unemployment rate 2.9% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%.

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

Employment opportunities appeared limited locally based on Census data. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 2.7% while labour force increased by 0.6%, reducing the unemployment rate by 1.9 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia projected growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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 9.26% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Richardson would be approximately $68,509 (median) and $74,749 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Richardson cluster around the 73rd percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows that 38.6% of locals (1,155 people) fall into 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 per the latest Census, consisted of 95.7% houses and 4.3% other dwellings. In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory had 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Richardson was at 26.5%, similar to the Australian Capital Territory's level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (47.8%) or rented (25.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Richardson was $2,000, lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent figure in Richardson was $391, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Richardson's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 25.0%, with lone person households at 22.8% and group households at 2.4%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger 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'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 prevalent, with 37.2% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (25.5%). Educational participation is high, with 29.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary education (10.6%), secondary education (7.9%), and tertiary education (3.4%).

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 serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by 54 individual routes, offering a total of 3,689 weekly passenger trips. The average distance to the nearest transport stop for residents is 182 meters, indicating excellent accessibility. In this predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward using private vehicles at a rate of 93%. Bus usage stands at 6% of commutes. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, only 8.0% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 527 trips per day across all routes, 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. AreaSearch's assessment indicates high mortality rates and prevalent chronic conditions across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is higher than average at approximately 53% (~1,595 people), compared to 62.4% in Australian Capital Territory. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 10.0% and 8.6% of residents respectively. However, 66.3% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 70.2% in Australian Capital Territory. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 14.7% of residents aged 65 and over (440 people), with senior health outcomes presenting some challenges but generally aligning 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's population shows above-average cultural diversity, with 21.8% born overseas and 17.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Richardson, making up 46.5%. Islam is slightly overrepresented compared to the Australian Capital Territory average of 3.4%, comprising 3.3% of Richardson's population.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (27.6%), English (24.7%), and Other (9.2%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Hungarian (0.6% vs regional 0.3%), Spanish (0.8% vs 0.5%), and Serbian (0.6% vs 0.4%) are overrepresented in Richardson.

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 average of 38. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Richardson has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (10.2%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (11.1%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of residents aged 65-74 has increased from 8.6% to 10.2%, while the proportion of residents aged 0-4 has increased from 6.2% to 7.7%. 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 11.9%. Population forecasts for Richardson in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes, with the strongest projected growth in the 75-84 cohort (21%), adding 23 residents to reach 135. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 90% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45-54 and 5-14 age cohorts.