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 approximately 7,400 as of November 2025. This figure shows an increase of 483 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 6,917. The change is inferred from ABS estimates: 7,378 in June 2024 and additional validated addresses post-census. Stafford's population density is 2,151 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. Its growth rate since the census, at 7.0%, is close to that of its SA3 area (7.3%). Natural growth contributes about 56.3% of recent population gains in Stafford.

AreaSearch uses 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 are adopted, based on 2021 data but lacking age category splits. AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Future trends suggest a population increase just below the national median by 2041, with an expected expansion of 604 persons and a total increase of 7.9% over 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 received approximately 21 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 109 homes. As of FY-26, 75 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.9 new residents arrive per year for each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25. This indicates supply is lagging behind demand, leading to 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 terms of commercial development, $17.7 million in approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating moderate levels of activity. 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 and interest in existing homes. This activity is below the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations.

Recent construction comprises 80% standalone homes and 20% townhouses or apartments, preserving Stafford's suburban character with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 518 people per dwelling approval, Stafford shows a developed market. Future projections estimate Stafford to add 582 residents by 2041. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

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

Local infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 23 projects likely impacting 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 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 strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate was 5.9% in the past year, showing an estimated employment growth of 11.0%.

As of September 2025, 4,567 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.9% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%, with workforce participation at 68.4%. Key industries for local residents include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. Notably, employment in professional & technical services is 1.3 times the regional average, while manufacturing employs only 4.3% of workers, below Greater Brisbane's 6.4%. The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.7, indicating above-average local employment opportunities.

Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 11.0%, with labour force growth also at 11.0% and unemployment remaining stable. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 3.8%, labour force grow by 3.3%, and unemployment fall by 0.5 percentage points. Statewide in Queensland, as of 25-November-25, employment decreased slightly by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Stafford's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 7.0% in five years and 14.2% in ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2022 shows median income in Stafford SA2 was $60,061 and average income was $72,211. This is higher than Greater Brisbane's median income of $55,645 and average income of $70,520. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income will be approximately $68,464 and average income will be around $82,313, based on a 13.99% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. The 2021 Census places personal income at the 75th percentile ($968 weekly) and household income at the 51st percentile in Stafford SA2. Income brackets indicate that 31.6% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999 annually. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.8% of income remaining after housing costs, 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 structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Brisbane metro's 67.2% houses and 32.8% 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 was $2,000, below the Brisbane metro average of $2,100. The median weekly rent figure in Stafford was $360, compared to Brisbane metro's $390. 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 comprise 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 the remaining 39.4%, with lone person households at 33.3% and group households comprising 6.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.4.

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

Stafford's educational attainment exceeds broader standards significantly. Among residents aged 15+, 36.3% possess university qualifications, compared to QLD's 25.7% and Australia's 30.4%. This advantage positions the area favourably for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent 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%, while certificates make up 22.0%. Educational participation is notably high at 29.2%, including primary education (8.8%), tertiary education (7.9%), and secondary education (6.3%).

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 operating within its boundaries. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with 14 individual routes in total providing 2,222 weekly passenger trips combined. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 123 meters to the nearest stop.

On average, service frequency across all routes is 317 trips per day, equating to approximately 34 weekly trips per individual stop.

Stafford's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Stafford's health metrics are close to national benchmarks, with common health conditions among its general population being somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts.

Private health cover is very high in Stafford, at approximately 55% of the total population (~4,092 people). The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 11.4 and 8.8% of residents respectively, while 67.9% reported being completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.1% across Greater Brisbane. As of the latest data (June 2021), 11.9% of Stafford's residents are aged 65 and over (878 people), which is lower than the 16.6% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those in 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 predominant religion in Stafford, practiced by 49.1%. The category 'Other' comprises 1.0%, similar to Greater Brisbane's 1.0%.

Top ancestral groups include English (26.9%), Australian (24.0%), and Irish (10.9%). Notably, New Zealanders make up 0.8% in Stafford compared to 0.9% regionally, Italians are at 3.9% versus 4.0%, and Germans at 4.0% versus 4.1%.

Stafford's population is younger than the national pattern

Stafford's median age is 35 years, nearly matching Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years but somewhat younger than Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Stafford has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (20.3%), but fewer residents aged 75-84 (3.4%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 5 to 14 has grown from 10.9% to 11.6%, while the population aged 65 to 74 has declined from 7.0% to 6.4%. By 2041, demographic forecasts indicate substantial changes in Stafford's population. The strongest projected growth is for the 45-54 age group, with a 24% increase adding 203 residents to reach 1,061. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 0 to 4 age groups.