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 is approximately 7,356 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 203 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 7,153. The growth is inferred from ABS estimates: 7,356 in June 2025 and four additional validated addresses post-Census. The resulting density ratio is 2,527 persons per square kilometer, placing Stafford Heights in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. Overseas migration contributed approximately 78.8% 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 post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 (based on 2021 data) are adopted, with proportional growth weightings applied for age cohorts based on ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data. Future population trends indicate a decline by 585 persons to 2041. However, specific age cohorts are projected to grow: notably, the 85 and over group is expected to increase by 257 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 9 dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 48 homes were approved, with another 7 approved in FY26 so far. On average, 1.3 new residents arrived per new home each year over these five years. However, this rate has increased to 5.3 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, indicating growing popularity and potential undersupply.

Development projects have an average construction value of $628,000, targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This financial year, $2.2 million in commercial development approvals were recorded, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Stafford Heights shows substantially reduced construction activity, at 69.0% below the regional average per person, which generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. This level is also below national averages, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent development has been exclusively detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character focused on family homes.

With around 976 people per approval, Stafford Heights indicates a mature, established area with stable or declining population projections, reducing housing demand pressures and benefiting potential buyers.

Stafford Heights has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects that could 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.

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 with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 5.9% as of December 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 9.4%.

As of that date, 4,057 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.7% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation was fairly standard at 72.0%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 69.6%. According to Census responses, 22.8% of residents worked from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training.

Stafford Heights has a notably high concentration in professional & technical employment, at 1.2 times the regional average. Manufacturing, however, is under-represented with only 3.8% of the workforce compared to Greater Brisbane's 6.4%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of working population versus resident population. In the 12-month period ending December 2025, employment increased by 9.4% while labour force grew by 9.7%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane, where employment grew by 3.2%, labour force expanded by 3.0%, and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Stafford Heights. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Stafford Heights's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

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 2023 shows that income in Stafford Heights SA2 is among the highest 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 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $74,056 (median) and $89,651 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows that household, family and personal incomes in Stafford Heights cluster around the 68th percentile nationally. The earnings profile indicates that 29.4% of locals (2,162 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 weekly income category, reflecting patterns seen in the broader area where 33.3% similarly occupy this range. Notably, 32.0% earn above $3,000 weekly, indicating pockets of prosperity that contribute to robust local economic activity. Housing accounts for 14.8% of income, with strong earnings ranking residents 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' housing structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.1% houses and 5.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane's metro area which had 73.5% houses and 26.5% 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, higher than Brisbane's metro average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Stafford Heights was $410, compared to Brisbane's metro figure of $380. Nationally, Stafford Heights' mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households make up 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 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% of residents aged 15+, surpassing the Queensland 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.

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 of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 11 different routes that collectively facilitate 1,391 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents living an average of 215 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards due to Stafford Heights being primarily residential. The dominant mode of transportation is car, used by 85% of residents, while only 6% use public 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 across all routes averages 198 trips per day, resulting in 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, as assessed by AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (4,376 people), compared to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, affecting 9.7% and 8.1% of residents respectively. 64.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Working-age residents show a higher than average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 19.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,440 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank 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 broader area, where 81.0% were born in Australia, 90.3% are citizens, and 88.8% speak English only at home. Christianity is the dominant religion here, at 55.6%, compared to 47.8% regionally. The top three ancestral 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%, surpassing the regional 2.0%, and Russians are at 0.4%, slightly higher than the region's 0.3%.

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

The median age in Stafford Heights as of the 2021 Census was 39 years, 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 had a higher proportion of residents aged 85 and above (4.4%) but fewer individuals aged 15-24 (10.2%). Between the 2016 Census and 2021, the population aged 35-44 grew from 14.0% to 16.4%, while those aged 45-54 decreased from 12.1% to 10.7% and those aged 25-34 dropped from 14.8% to 13.4%. By the year 2041, Stafford Heights is projected to experience significant changes in its age composition. The population aged 85 and above is expected to grow by 74%, reaching 566 individuals from 325. This growth will be led by those aged 65 and above, who are projected to comprise nearly all of the demographic shift. Conversely, population declines are anticipated for those aged 15-24 and 55-64.