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 7,421 as of May 2026. This shows an increase of 504 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,917. The change is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 7,421 in June 2025 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,157 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Stafford's growth rate of 7.3% since the census is close to the SA3 area's growth rate of 8.0%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 58.8% of overall population gains recently.

For projections, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are used, applying proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Future population trends suggest a slight increase below the national median by 2041, with an expected expansion of 550 persons reflecting a total increase of 7.4% over 16 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 received approximately 21 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 109 homes. As of FY-26, 87 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.9 new residents arrive per year for each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. This supply lagging demand indicates heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

The average construction value of new homes is $467,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, $17.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating moderate commercial development levels. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Stafford has about three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 32nd percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice favouring existing homes. Recent construction comprises 80% standalone homes and 20% townhouses or apartments, preserving Stafford's suburban nature with detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

With around 518 people per dwelling approval, Stafford shows a developed market. Future projections estimate an addition of 550 residents by 2041, with present construction rates appearing balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Stafford has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 21 such projects that could potentially impact the area. Notable ones include Stafford City Shopping Centre Redevelopment, Haven Townhomes (Stafford Heights), Stafford Central Mixed-Use Development, and Norman Avenue Apartments (Lutwyche). The following list provides details on those considered 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 has a well-educated workforce with professional services being strongly represented. The unemployment rate is 5.6%. Over the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 10.4%.

As of December 2025, 4,670 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.5% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Stafford is at 80.3%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 69.6%. According to Census responses, 22.5% of residents work from home, although Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training.

Stafford has a notably high concentration in professional & technical services, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. In contrast, manufacturing employs only 4.3% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 6.4%. The ratio of 0.7 workers per resident indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 10.4%, while labour force grew by 9.9%, leading to a fall in unemployment by 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 3.2%, the labour force grow by 3.0%, and unemployment fall by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Stafford's employment mix indicates that local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, although these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Stafford SA2 has high national income levels. The median income is $64,015 and the average income is $77,608. In comparison, Greater Brisbane has a median income of $58,236 and an average income of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $71,287 (median) and $86,424 (average). The 2021 Census ranks personal income at the 75th percentile ($968 weekly) and household income at the 51st percentile. Income brackets indicate that 31.6% of individuals earn between $1,500 - $2,999 per week (2,345 individuals). Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 81.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 48th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places 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, consisted of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Brisbane metro had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Stafford was at 19.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.9% and rented ones at 49.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure for Stafford was $360, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Stafford's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower than 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 comprise the remaining 39.4%, with lone person households at 33.3% and group households making up 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 residents aged 15+, as of the latest data point, have a university qualification rate of 36.3%, outpacing Queensland's 25.7% and Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 25.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are held by 32.6% of residents, with advanced diplomas at 10.6% and certificates at 22.0%. Educational participation is high, with 29.2% currently enrolled in formal education: 8.8% in primary, 7.9% in tertiary, and 6.3% pursuing secondary education.

Educational participation is notably 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. Transport accessibility is high, with residents on average located 124 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards due to Stafford's residential nature. Cars are the primary mode of transport at 81%, while buses account for 9%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.1, 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. On average, there are 346 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 37 weekly trips per individual stop.

Stafford's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Stafford's health data shows positive outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks for mortality rates and health conditions. The prevalence of common health issues is low among Stafford's general population, but higher among older, at-risk residents compared to national averages.

Private health cover is high in Stafford, with approximately 58% (~4,304 people) having it, compared to Greater Brisbane's 55.8%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions, affecting 11.4 and 8.8% of residents respectively. 67.9% of residents report no medical ailments, similar to Greater Brisbane's 69.2%. Working-age residents have a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions than average. Stafford has 12.0% (893 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Brisbane's 15.1%. Health outcomes for seniors present challenges, ranking lower nationally than 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 a language other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Stafford, accounting for 49.1%. The category 'Other' appears slightly overrepresented compared to Greater Brisbane (1.0% vs 1.3%).

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups are English (26.9%), Australian (24.0%), and Irish (10.9%). Notable divergences include New Zealand being overrepresented at 0.8%, Italian at 3.9%, and German at 4.0%.

Stafford's population is younger than the national pattern

Stafford's median age is 35 years, nearly matching Greater Brisbane's average of 36, and somewhat younger than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Stafford has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (20.4%), but fewer residents aged 75-84 (3.2%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is higher than the national average of 14.6%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of residents aged 45 to 54 has decreased from 12.2% to 11.6%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Stafford. The 45 to 54 age group is projected to grow by 24%, adding 207 residents to reach a total of 1,068. In contrast, the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 age groups are projected to decline in population.