Freshwater - Stratford
Statistical Area - sa2

An assessment of population growth drivers in Freshwater - Stratford reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Freshwater - Stratford's population was around 3,881 as of Aug 2025. This showed an increase of 139 people from the 2021 Census figure of 3,742 people, reflecting a growth rate of approximately 3.7%. The change was inferred from an estimated resident population of 3,855 in June 2024 and an additional 21 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a population density ratio of 256 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing around 66.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections were used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applied proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 using 2022 data as base year. Anticipating future population dynamics, lower quartile growth was expected outside capital cities, with an estimated increase of 166 persons by 2041 based on latest numbers, representing a total increase of approximately 3.5% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Freshwater - Stratford, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Freshwater - Stratford has averaged approximately seven new dwelling approvals annually. Development approval data is produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, there were 36 homes approved annually on average. As of FY26, there have been 13 dwellings approved so far. Historically, about 1.8 new residents per year arrived for each new home over these five financial years.

However, recent data shows this has increased to 8.3 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, indicating growing popularity and potential undersupply. New properties are constructed at an average value of $442,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. This financial year alone, $1.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating the area's residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Freshwater - Stratford has significantly less development activity, with 74.0% fewer approvals per person than the regional average. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings.

This activity is also under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. New building activity shows that 83.0% of approved dwellings are detached houses, while 17.0% are attached dwellings. This maintains the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (67.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval in Freshwater - Stratford is 915 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate that the area will gain 137 residents through to 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Freshwater - Stratford has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 48thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes to its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of seventeen projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include the Cairns Airport International Terminal Upgrade, the Cairns Chinese Culture and Heritage Centre, the Redlynch Central Shopping Centre Expansion (Stage 3), and Bel Plas Estate. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Freshwater - Stratford performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Freshwater - Stratford has an educated workforce with 2348 residents employed as of June 2025. The unemployment rate is 1.7%, lower than Rest of Qld's 3.9%.

Workforce participation stands at 72.2% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries are health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Health care & social assistance is particularly strong with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 1.2% compared to Rest of Qld's 4.5%.

The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.9, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, the labour force decreased by 1.6%, while employment dropped by 2.0%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.4 percentage points. Meanwhile, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%. As of Sep-25, QLD employment contracted by 0.23%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, compared to the national rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts suggest a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Freshwater - Stratford's employment mix, local growth is estimated at approximately 7.2%% over five years and 14.8% over ten years.

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

Freshwater - Stratford had median assessed income of $63,987 and average income of $79,581 in financial year 2022. This compares to Rest of Qld's median income of $50,780 and average income of $64,844. As of March 2025, estimated median income is approximately $71,480 and average income is $88,900, based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022. Individual earnings at the 81st percentile nationally were $1,026 weekly. Income data shows 35.1% (1,362 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. After housing costs, 86.2% of income remains for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking is in the 7th decile.

Freshwater - Stratford displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Freshwater - Stratford, as per the latest Census, consisted of 66.6% houses and 33.3% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Non-Metro Qld's dwelling structure which was 80.8% houses and 19.2% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Freshwater - Stratford was higher than that of Non-Metro Qld at 31.1%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (40.6%) or rented (28.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,647, which is lower than the Non-Metro Qld average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure for Freshwater - Stratford was recorded at $350, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $390. Nationally, Freshwater - Stratford's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Freshwater - Stratford features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 67.2% of all households, including 26.8% couples with children, 26.2% couples without children, and 13.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 32.8%, with lone person households at 28.7% and group households making up 4.2%. The median household size is 2.4 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Freshwater - Stratford shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Freshwater - Stratford is significantly higher than broader benchmarks. 36.7% of residents aged 15+ have university qualifications, compared to 20.6% in the rest of Queensland and 21.1% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 23.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.6%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 36.8% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 12.4% and certificates at 24.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.4% in secondary education, 10.1% in primary education, and 4.4% pursuing tertiary education. Freshwater State School serves the area, with an enrollment of 622 students as of a recent report. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. Freshwater - Stratford demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions, with an ICSEA score of 1060.

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

Transport analysis indicates 25 active stops operating within Freshwater-Stratford. These are mixed bus services. Seven routes serve these stops, offering 631 weekly passenger trips in total.

Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 222 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 90 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 25 weekly trips per individual stop.

Freshwater - Stratford's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Freshwater-Stratford had notable health outcomes with low prevalence rates for common conditions across all age groups. Private health cover was held by approximately 59% of its total population of 2,305 people, compared to 52.7% in the rest of Queensland.

Mental health issues and arthritis were the most prevalent conditions, affecting 7.4% and 6.4% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 75.1%, reported being free from medical ailments, compared to 73.1% in the rest of Queensland. The area had a senior population of 15.9%, or 616 people, with health outcomes among seniors exceeding those of the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Freshwater - Stratford records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Freshwater-Stratford has a cultural diversity profile roughly similar to the wider region's average. Its population is predominantly Australian-born, with 79.7%, and Australian citizens, with 89.2%. English is the primary language spoken at home by 91.2% of residents.

Christianity is the dominant religion in Freshwater-Stratford, comprising 42.3% of its population. However, Judaism is slightly overrepresented compared to the regional average, making up 0.1% locally versus 0.2% regionally. The top three ancestry groups based on parental country of birth are English (29.2%), Australian (22.7%), and Irish (10.4%). Notably, Scottish ancestry is more prevalent in Freshwater-Stratford than the regional average, at 9.3% versus 8.0%. Similarly, German (4.8%) and Dutch (1.6%) ancestries are slightly overrepresented compared to their respective regional averages of 4.3% and 1.5%.

Freshwater - Stratford's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Freshwater - Stratford is 41 years, which matches Rest of Queensland's average but is somewhat older than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Queensland, Freshwater - Stratford has a higher percentage of residents aged 45-54 (15.4%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (9.2%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 25-34 grew from 10.3% to 12.1%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 4.0% to 5.4%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group declined from 14.4% to 12.5%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 16.7% to 15.4%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Freshwater - Stratford's age structure. The 25-34 cohort is expected to grow by 22%, reaching 574 people from 468. Conversely, the 55-64 and 5-14 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.