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 7,327 by February 2026. This figure represents a rise of 174 individuals (2.4%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 7,153. The increase is inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 7,320 in June 2024 and four additional validated addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 2,517 persons per square kilometer, placing Stafford Heights in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch's assessments. Overseas migration contributed approximately 78.9% of recent population gains.

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 after 2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 (based on 2021 data) are adopted. However, these state projections lack 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. Future population dynamics project a decline of 558 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 85 and over group, projected to increase by 286 individuals.

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 seen approximately 9 dwellings granted development approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, 48 homes were approved, with a further 5 approved so far in FY-26. On average, over these five years, 1.3 new residents arrived per new home. However, this rate has increased to 5.3 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply.

The average construction value of development projects is $628,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment. In FY-26, $2.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Stafford Heights shows significantly reduced construction activity, with 69.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. The recent development has consisted entirely of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character focused on family homes.

With around 976 people per approval, Stafford Heights demonstrates a mature, established population. Population projections indicate stability or decline, suggesting reduced housing demand pressures in the future, which may benefit potential buyers.

Stafford Heights has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% 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 13 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable among these are 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 projects likely to be 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.

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

Stafford Heights has a well-educated workforce. Professional services are strongly represented. The unemployment rate is 5.9%.

Employment growth over the past year is estimated at 10.3%. As of September 2025, 3,979 residents are employed. The unemployment rate is 6.9% compared to Greater Brisbane's 4.0%. Workforce participation matches Greater Brisbane's 70.7%.

Approximately 22.8% of residents work from home, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Employment concentrations include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. Notably, employment in professional & technical services 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%, and labour force grew by 10.5%, resulting in a slight unemployment rate rise of 0.1 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane where employment grew by 3.8% and unemployment fell by 0.5 percentage points. Future employment demand projections from Jobs and Skills Australia indicate 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, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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 ending June 2023 indicates that Stafford Heights SA2 has one of the highest incomes in Australia. The median income is $66,501 and the average income stands at $80,506. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane's figures of a median income of $58,236 and an average income of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year ending June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $73,091 for median income and $88,484 for average income as of September 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family and personal incomes in Stafford Heights cluster around the 68th percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows that 29.4% of locals (2,154 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly income category, reflecting a pattern seen in the broader area where 33.3% similarly occupy this range. A significant 32.0% earn above $3,000 weekly. Housing accounts for 14.8% of income, and 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'). In comparison, Brisbane metro had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Stafford Heights was higher at 32.7%, with the rest being mortgaged or rented at 37.3% and 30.0% respectively. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, above Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent was $410, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Stafford Heights' mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher at $410 compared to the national figure of $375.

Stafford Heights features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 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 comprise the remaining 25.3%, with lone person households at 21.1% and group households making up 4.3%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which matches the Greater Brisbane average.

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%, exceeding Queensland's average of 25.7%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 23.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 31.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (20.3%).

Educational participation is high, with 27.7% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.0% in primary, 7.0% in secondary, 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 33 operational public transport stops, all serving buses. These are covered by 11 different routes, offering a total of 1,391 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy good transport accessibility, with an average distance of 215 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards from this predominantly residential area. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation, used by 85% of residents, while only 6% use buses. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 22.8% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 198 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 42 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Stafford Heights faces significant health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts.

Approximately 60% of Stafford Heights' total population (4359 people) has private health cover, compared to 55.8% in Greater Brisbane. 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 claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% in Greater Brisbane. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 20.7% of residents aged 65 and over (1514 people), higher than the 15.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking lower nationally than 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' cultural diversity aligns with the wider region's average, with 81.0% of its population born in Australia, 90.3% being citizens, and 88.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Stafford Heights, accounting for 55.6%, compared to 47.8% across Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestry groups are English (27.7%), Australian (24.3%), and Irish (10.9%).

Notably, New Zealanders comprise 1.0% of Stafford Heights' population, higher than the regional average of 1.0%. Italians make up 5.0%, exceeding the regional average of 2.0%, while Russians are at 0.4%, slightly above the region's 0.3%.

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

The median age in Stafford Heights is 39 years, which is slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years but close to Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Stafford Heights has a higher proportion of residents aged 85 and above (4.7%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (9.8%). Between the 2016 Census and the 2021 Census, the population aged 35-44 grew from 14.0% to 16.1%, while the 25-34 age group decreased from 14.8% to 12.8% and the 15-24 age group fell from 11.0% to 9.8%. By 2041, Stafford Heights is projected to experience significant changes in its age composition. The number of residents aged 85 and above is expected to increase by 74%, reaching 599 from 345. This growth will be led by the aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above comprising all of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45-54 and 15-24 age groups.