Richardson

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Richardson's population is around 2,994 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a decrease of 64 people (2.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,058 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,992 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 12 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,336 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. While Richardson experienced a 2.1% decline since the census, the SA3 area achieved 0.1% growth, highlighting divergent population trends. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 66.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, with 2022 as a base, are adopted. As we examine future population trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to reduce by 171 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to grow by 36 people. See the age section for more details.

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

Richardson has averaged around 4 new dwelling approvals annually, totalling 21 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 0 approvals have been recorded. Given population has fallen over the past period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $195,000—below the regional average—suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. Additionally, $56,000 in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity.

When measured against the Australian Capital Territory, Richardson has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks in the 29th percentile of areas assessed nationally. This indicates somewhat limited buyer options and strengthens demand for established dwellings, though building activity has accelerated in recent years. This level is below the national average, reflecting the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. New development consists of 50.0% detached houses and 50.0% attached dwellings. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers, representing a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 96.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

With the 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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 4 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Banks Gateway Estate, Calwell Retirement Living Precinct, Calwell Public Housing Development, and Canberra Light Rail Stage 4 - Woden to Tuggeranong, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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

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.

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

Richardson possesses a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 6.5%, and 2.3% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 1,583 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 2.7% above the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is somewhat below standard (70.4% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.6%). Based on Census responses, a low 8.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are public administration & safety, construction, and health care & social assistance. The area has a particular employment specialization in construction, with an employment share of 2.0 times the regional level. On the other hand, public administration & safety is under-represented, with only 22.8% of Richardson's workforce compared to 30.4% in the Australian Capital Territory. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population vs the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 2.3% while the labour force increased by 0.8%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.3 percentage points. In contrast, the Australian Capital Territory experienced employment growth of 0.9% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Richardson. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Richardson's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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 FY-23 reveals that income in the Richardson SA2 is approximately average nationally, with the median assessed at $62,703 while the average income stands at $68,414. This contrasts with the 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 FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $68,509 (median) and $74,749 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Richardson cluster around the 73rd percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows the predominant cohort spans 38.6% of locals (1,155 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 34.3% similarly occupy this range. High housing costs consume 15.7% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 68th percentile and 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

Dwelling structure within Richardson, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 95.7% houses and 4.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to the Australian Capital Territory's 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Richardson was in line with that of the Australian Capital Territory, at 26.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (47.8%) or rented (25.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Australian Capital Territory average at $2,000, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $391, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $2,080 and $450. Nationally, Richardson's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceed the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 75.0% of all households, comprising 33.3% couples with children, 23.4% couples without children, and 16.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 25.0%, with lone person households at 22.8% and group households comprising 2.4% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (21.3%) substantially below the SA4 region average of 46.8%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 14.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 37.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (25.5%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 28 active transport stops operating within Richardson, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 54 individual routes, collectively providing 3,689 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 182 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 93%, with 6% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.6 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 8.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 527 trips per day across all routes, equating 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 faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover just leads the average SA2 area at approximately 53% of the total population (~1,595 people). This compares to 62.4% across the Australian Capital Territory.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 10.0% and 8.6% of residents, respectively, while 66.3% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 14.7% of residents aged 65 and over (440 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 21.8% of its population born overseas and 17.5% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Richardson is Christianity, which makes up 46.5% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Islam, which comprises 3.3% of the population, compared to 3.4% across the Australian Capital Territory.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Richardson are Australian, comprising 27.6% of the population, English, comprising 24.7% of the population, and Other, comprising 9.2% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Hungarian is notably overrepresented at 0.6% of Richardson (vs 0.3% regionally), Spanish at 0.8% (vs 0.5%) and Serbian at 0.6% (vs 0.4%).

Richardson's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

At 36 years, Richardson's median age nearly matches the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 while being somewhat younger than Australia's 38 years. Relative to the Australian Capital Territory, Richardson has a higher concentration of 65 - 74 residents (10.2%) but fewer 15 - 24 year-olds (11.1%). Since the 2021 Census, the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 8.6% to 10.2% of the population, while the 0 to 4 cohort increased from 6.2% to 7.7%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 12.7% to 10.8% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 13.8% to 11.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Richardson. The 75 to 84 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 21%, adding 23 residents to reach 135. Senior residents (65+) will drive 90% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45 to 54 and 5 to 14 cohorts.