Stafford Heights
Statistical Area - sa2

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 is approximately 7,325 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 172 people, a 2.4% rise from the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 7,153. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,320 in June 2024 and four additional validated new 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 national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 78.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Future population dynamics indicate a decline of 558 persons by 2041 according to this methodology, but specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 85 and over age group with an anticipated increase of 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 averaged approximately nine dwelling approvals annually. Between fiscal years 2021 and 2025, 48 homes received approval, with three more approved so far in fiscal year 2026. Over the past five financial years, an average of 1.3 new residents arrived per new home. However, this figure has increased to 5.3 people per dwelling over the past two years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply.

The average construction value for development projects is $628,000, indicating a focus on premium market segments. In fiscal year 2026, $2.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Stafford Heights shows significantly reduced construction levels, at 69.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. The area's construction level is also below national averages, suggesting maturity and possible planning constraints.

Recent development has consisted entirely of detached houses, maintaining Stafford Heights' traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes. With around 976 people per approval, the area shows signs of stability or decline in population projections, which should reduce housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Stafford Heights has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects that may affect this region. Notable initiatives 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 provides details on 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.

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

Stafford Heights has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate was 5.1% in June 2025, with estimated employment growth of 11.1% over the past year.

There are 3,975 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 5.1%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 4.1%. Workforce participation is lower at 62.3% versus Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training sectors. Professional & technical employment is particularly notable, at 1.2 times the regional average.

Manufacturing is under-represented, with only 3.8% of Stafford Heights' workforce compared to Greater Brisbane's 6.4%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census working population vs resident population counts. In the past year, employment increased by 11.1% and labour force by 10.6%, reducing unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. This compares to Greater Brisbane's employment growth of 4.4%, labour force expansion of 4.0%, and unemployment reduction of 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project national growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Stafford Heights' employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 7.1% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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 2022 shows median income in Stafford Heights was $62,396 and average income was $75,010. This compares to Greater Brisbane's median income of $55,645 and average income of $70,520 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% from July 2022 to September 2025, estimated median income in Stafford Heights is approximately $71,125 and average income is around $85,504 by September 2025. Census 2021 data indicates incomes in Stafford Heights cluster at the 69th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that 29.4% of locals (2,153 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, similar to the broader area where 33.3% fall into this range. Notably, 32.0% earn above $3,000 weekly. Housing expenses account for 14.8% of income. Residents rank high in disposable income at the 74th percentile nationally, and Stafford Heights' SEIFA income ranking places it within the 7th decile.

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

Stafford Heights' dwellings, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 94.1% houses and 5.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). Brisbane metro had 67.2% houses and 32.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Stafford Heights was at 32.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.3% and rented ones at 30.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, higher than Brisbane metro's $2,100. Median weekly rent was $410 compared to Brisbane metro's $390. Nationally, Stafford Heights' mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863 and rents surpassed 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%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is 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

Stafford Heights has a notable educational profile with 33.4% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications, surpassing Queensland's average of 25.7%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 23.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.5%) and graduate diplomas (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. Stafford Heights has three schools with a combined enrollment of 388 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 998) offering balanced educational opportunities. These three schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. School capacity is limited locally at 5.3 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 16.0, leading many families to travel for schooling. Note: where school enrollments are marked 'n/a', please refer to the parent campus.

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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 12 different routes that together facilitate 1,401 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is considered good, with residents on average being located 210 meters away from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 200 trips per day, which equates to approximately 37 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 slightly higher degree among older age cohorts

Stafford Heights faces significant health challenges with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across all age groups, but slightly more so among older cohorts.

Approximately 57% of the total population (~4,182 people) have private health cover. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and arthritis, affecting 9.7% and 8.1% of residents respectively. About 64.9% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 69.1% across Greater Brisbane. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 20.2%, with 1,483 people falling into this category, compared to 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' cultural diversity aligns with the wider region's average, with 81.0% of residents born in Australia, 90.3% being citizens, and 88.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Stafford Heights at 55.6%, compared to 52.2% 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 0.9%. Italians also have a higher representation at 5.0%, compared to the region's 4.0%, while Russians are slightly overrepresented at 0.4% versus 0.2%.

Stafford Heights's population is slightly older than the national pattern

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 proportion of residents aged 75-84 (7.9%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (9.8%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 35-44 has grown from 14.0% to 16.2%, while the 25-34 age group has declined from 14.8% to 13.4%. The 45-54 age group has also decreased from 12.1% to 10.9%. By 2041, Stafford Heights' population is expected to shift significantly. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 83%, increasing from 328 to 599 people. This growth will be primarily driven by the aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 99% of the projected growth. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 55-64 and 15-24 age cohorts.