Stafford

Stafford has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Stafford's population is around 7,406 as of February 2026. This reflects an increase of 489 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,917 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,378 in June 2024 and an additional 28 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,152 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Stafford's growth of 7.1% since census positions it within 1.0 percentage point of the SA3 area (8.1%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Natural growth contributed approximately 56.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings are applied in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of national statistical areas is expected by 2041, with the area expected to increase by 604 persons, reflecting a gain of 7.8% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Stafford recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Stafford has recorded approximately 21 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25109 homes were approved, with a further 76 approved so far in FY-26. On average, over these five years, 3.9 new residents arrived per dwelling constructed.

This supply lagging demand has led to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average value of new dwellings developed is $467,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In terms of commercial development, $17.7 million in approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting balanced activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Stafford shows around 75% of construction activity per person and ranks among the 32nd percentile nationally, leading to relatively constrained buyer choice and interest in existing properties.

This level is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New development consists of 80% standalone homes and 20% attached dwellings, maintaining Stafford's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 518 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established area. Future projections estimate Stafford will add 576 residents by 2041. Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Stafford has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 22 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Stafford City Shopping Centre Redevelopment, Haven Townhomes (Stafford Heights), Stafford Central Mixed-Use Development, and Norman Avenue Apartments (Lutwyche). The following list details those most relevant.

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.

Stafford has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Stafford's workforce is highly educated with professional services well-represented. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate was 5.9%. Over the past year, employment grew by an estimated 11.0%.

In September 2025, 4,567 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.9% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Stafford was 79.9%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 70.7%. According to Census responses, 22.5% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training.

Stafford had a particularly high share of employment in professional & technical services, at 1.3 times the regional level. Manufacturing's presence was limited, with 4.3% employment compared to 6.4% regionally. The worker-to-resident ratio was 0.7, indicating above-normal local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 11.0%, while the labour force grew by 11.0%. Unemployment remained essentially unchanged during this period. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 3.8% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a 0.5 percentage point drop in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that over five years, national employment is expected to expand by 6.6%. Over ten years, this growth is projected to be 13.7%. Applying these projections to Stafford's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.2% over ten years.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

The Stafford SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $64,015 and an average income of $77,608 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is higher than national averages, contrasting with Greater Brisbane's median income of $58,236 and average income of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth from financial year 2023 to September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $70,359 (median) and $85,299 (average). In the 2021 Census, personal income ranked at the 75th percentile ($968 weekly), while household income was at the 51st percentile. Income analysis showed that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominated with 31.6% of residents (2,340 people), similar to regional levels where this cohort also represented 33.3%. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 81.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 48th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 6th decile.

Stafford displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Stafford's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, comprised 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. In Brisbane metro, this was 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Stafford stood at 19.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.9% and rented ones at 49.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Stafford was $2,000, higher than Brisbane metro's $1,863 but lower than the national average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Stafford was $360, compared to Brisbane metro's $380 and the national figure of $375.

Stafford features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 60.6% of all households, including 23.0% couples with children, 24.4% couples without children, and 11.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for 39.4%, with lone person households at 33.3% and group households comprising 6.1%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Stafford exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Stafford's educational attainment exceeds broader standards, with 36.3% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to QLD's 25.7% and Australia's 30.4%. This advantage positions Stafford for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most common at 25.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 32.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them – advanced diplomas account for 10.6% and certificates for 22.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.8% in primary education, 7.9% in tertiary education, and 6.3% pursuing secondary education.

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

Stafford has 64 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 13 different routes that together facilitate 2,428 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as excellent, with residents typically residing just 124 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation, used by 81% of residents, while only 9% use buses. On average, there are 1.1 vehicles per dwelling in Stafford, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 22.5% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 346 trips per day, equating to approximately 37 weekly trips per stop.

The level of general health in Stafford is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Stafford demonstrates above-average health outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are low among its general population but higher than the national average among older, at-risk cohorts.

Approximately 58% (~4,295 people) of Stafford's total population has private health cover, compared to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 11.4 and 8.8% of residents respectively. 67.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 12.3% (913 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than the 15.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than those of the broader population.

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

Stafford's population shows above-average cultural diversity, with 20.1% born overseas and 12.3% speaking languages other than English at home. The predominant religion is Christianity, at 49.1%. Notably, the 'Other' religious category is slightly overrepresented in Stafford compared to Greater Brisbane (1.0% vs 1.3%).

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (26.9%), Australian (24.0%), and Irish (10.9%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: New Zealanders comprise 0.8%, Italians 3.9%, and Germans 4.0%, compared to regional figures of 1.0%, 2.0%, and 4.2% respectively.

Stafford's population is younger than the national pattern

Stafford's median age is nearly 35 years, close to Greater Brisbane's average of 36 but slightly younger than Australia's 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Stafford has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (19.6%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (3.5%). This 25-34 concentration is significantly higher than the national average of 14.4%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of residents aged 5 to 14 has increased from 10.9% to 11.5%, while the proportion of those aged 25 to 34 has decreased from 20.4% to 19.6%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Stafford. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 24%, adding 207 residents to reach a total of 1,061. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups.