Stafford Heights

Stafford Heights is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Stafford Heights' population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, was approximately 7,325 by November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 172 people, a 2.4% rise from the 2021 Census count of 7,153 individuals. The growth is inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 7,320 in June 2024 and four additional validated addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,517 persons per square kilometer, placing Stafford Heights in the upper quartile relative to other national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 78.9% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth in the area.

AreaSearch uses 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. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Looking ahead, projections indicate a decline in the area's overall population by 558 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, with the 85 and over age group projected to increase by 286 people.

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

Stafford Heights has received approximately nine dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 48 homes were approved, with four more approved in FY26 so far. On average, around 1.3 new residents arrived per new home each year over these five years. However, this number has recently increased to 5.3 people per dwelling over the past two financial years.

Development projects have an average construction value of $628,000, indicating a focus on premium market properties. This year, there have been $2.2 million in commercial development approvals, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Stafford Heights has significantly lower construction levels, at 69.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply supports stronger demand and values for established homes. The area's recent development has consisted entirely of detached houses, maintaining its traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes.

With around 976 people per approval, Stafford Heights is considered a mature, established area. Population projections indicate stability or decline, which should reduce housing demand pressures and benefit potential buyers in the area.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects likely to affect this region. Notable ones include Stafford Heights Aged Care & Retirement Village Expansion (Rode Rd, Stafford Heights), Stafford City Shopping Centre Redevelopment, and Everton Park Urban Village. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Stafford Heights remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Stafford Heights has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. Its unemployment rate was 5.9% in the past year.

Employment growth was estimated at 10.3%. As of September 2025, 3,979 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 6.9%, 1.9% above Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was 62.3%, below Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Residents' employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training.

Notably, professional & technical employment is at 1.2 times the regional average. Manufacturing is under-represented with only 3.8% of the workforce compared to Greater Brisbane's 6.4%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities. In the past year, employment increased by 10.3% while labour force rose by 10.5%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.1 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane where employment grew by 3.8%, labour force expanded by 3.3%, and unemployment fell by 0.5 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Stafford Heights' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.4% over ten years.

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 financial year 2022 shows that Stafford Heights SA2 had a median income of $62,396 and an average income of $75,010. This is higher than Greater Brisbane's median income of $55,645 and average income of $70,520. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Stafford Heights SA2 are approximately $71,125 (median) and $85,504 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data indicates that incomes in Stafford Heights cluster around the 68th percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows that 29.4% of locals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly. A significant 32.0% earn above $3,000 weekly. Housing accounts for 14.8% of income. Residents rank within the 73rd percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Stafford Heights is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Stafford Heights' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.1% houses and 5.9% 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 Heights stood at 32.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.3% and rented ones at 30.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, above Brisbane metro's average of $2,100. Median weekly rent was recorded at $410, compared to Brisbane metro's $390. Nationally, Stafford Heights' mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Stafford Heights features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 74.7% of all households, including 32.7% couples with children, 29.1% couples without children, and 11.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 25.3%, with lone person households at 21.1% and group households comprising 4.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.4.

Educational attainment in Stafford Heights aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 33.4% of residents aged 15+, surpassing Queensland's average of 25.7%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 23.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 6.5% and graduate diplomas at 3.5%. Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 31.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 20.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.0% in primary education, 7.0% in secondary education, and 6.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Stafford Heights has 37 active public transport stops. These are served by buses along 12 different routes, offering a total of 1,401 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 210 meters, indicating good accessibility.

Each route makes an average of 200 trips per day, resulting in approximately 37 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Stafford Heights is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a slightly higher degree among older age cohorts

Stafford Heights faces significant health challenges with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across all age groups, but to a slightly higher degree among older cohorts.

Approximately 57% of the total population (~4,182 people) has private health cover. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and arthritis, affecting 9.7% and 8.1% of residents respectively. However, 64.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.1% across Greater Brisbane. As of 2016 data, 20.2% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,483 people), higher than the 16.6% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those of the broader population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Stafford Heights 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 Heights had a cultural diversity profile roughly similar to the wider region's average. It was found that 81.0% of its population were born in Australia, with 90.3% being citizens, and 88.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Stafford Heights, comprising 55.6% of people, compared to 52.2% across Greater Brisbane.

The top three ancestry groups in Stafford Heights were English (27.7%), Australian (24.3%), and Irish (10.9%). Notably, certain ethnic groups had higher representation than the regional average: New Zealanders at 1.0% compared to 0.9%, Italians at 5.0% versus 4.0%, and Russians at 0.4% against 0.2%.

Stafford Heights's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Stafford Heights is 39 years, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and close to Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Stafford Heights has a higher percentage of residents aged 75-84 (7.9%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (9.8%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the proportion of residents aged 35-44 has increased from 14.0% to 16.2%, while the proportions for those aged 25-34 have decreased from 14.8% to 13.4% and for those aged 45-54 have dropped from 12.1% to 10.9%. By 2041, Stafford Heights is expected to experience significant shifts in its age composition. The number of residents aged 85 and above is projected to grow by 83%, reaching 599 from 328. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 99% of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the age groups of 55-64 and 15-24 years old.