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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Stafford Heights's population is around 7,327 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 174 people (2.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,153 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,320 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 4 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,517 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 78.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Anticipating future population dynamics, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to decline by 558 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is 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 experienced around 9 dwellings receiving development approval annually, with 48 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 5 so far in FY-26. At an average of 1.3 new residents per year arriving per new home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand appear well-balanced, creating stable market conditions, though recent data shows this has intensified to 5.3 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years, indicating growing popularity and potential undersupply. Development projects average $628,000 in construction value, revealing that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Additionally, $2.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting a predominantly residential focus.

When measured against Greater Brisbane, Stafford Heights shows substantially reduced construction (69.0% below regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. This level is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. Meanwhile, recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. At around 976 people per approval, Stafford Heights shows a mature, established area.

With population projections showing stability or decline, Stafford Heights should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 13 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Stafford Heights Aged Care & Retirement Village Expansion, Rode Rd, Stafford Heights, the Stafford City Shopping Centre Redevelopment, and Everton Park Urban Village, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 professional services showing strong representation, an unemployment rate of 5.9%, and 9.4% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 4,057 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 1.7% above Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Greater Brisbane's 71.2%. Based on Census responses, a moderate 22.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in professional & technical services, with employment levels at 1.2 times the regional average. On the other hand, manufacturing is under-represented, with only 3.8% of Stafford Heights's workforce compared to 6.4% in Greater Brisbane. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 9.4% alongside the labour force increasing by 9.7%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. This compares to Greater Brisbane, where employment grew by 3.2%, the labour force expanded by 3.0%, and unemployment fell 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Stafford Heights. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. 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 (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account 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 FY-23 reveals that income in the Stafford Heights SA2 is among the highest in Australia, with the median assessed at $66,501 while 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 FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $73,091 (median) and $88,484 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Stafford Heights cluster around the 68th percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows the predominant cohort spans 29.4% of locals (2,154 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen in the broader area where 33.3% similarly occupy this range. A significant 32.0% earn above $3,000 weekly, reflecting pockets of prosperity that drive robust local economic activity. Housing accounts for 14.8% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 73rd percentile for disposable income and 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

Dwelling structure within Stafford Heights, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 94.1% houses and 5.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Stafford Heights was well beyond that of Brisbane metro, at 32.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (37.3%) or rented (30.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Brisbane metro average at $2,167, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $410, compared to Brisbane metro's $1,863 and $380. Nationally, Stafford Heights's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are exceeding the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 74.7% of all households, comprising 32.7% couples with children, 29.1% couples without children, and 11.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 25.3%, with lone person households at 21.1% and group households comprising 4.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people 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 stands out regionally, with university qualification rates (33.4% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the QLD average of 25.7%, reflecting the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees lead at 23.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 31.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (20.3%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.7% of residents aged 15+ 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

Public transport analysis reveals 33 active transport stops operating within Stafford Heights, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 11 individual routes, collectively providing 1,391 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 215 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 85%, with 6% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. Some 22.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 198 trips per day 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 based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (4,359 people), compared to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 9.7% and 8.1% of residents, respectively, while 64.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 20.7% of residents aged 65 and over (1,514 people), which is higher than the 15.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they 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 was found to be roughly in line with the wider region's average in terms of cultural diversity, with 81.0% of its population born in Australia, 90.3% being citizens, and 88.8% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Stafford Heights is Christianity, which makes up 55.6% of the population. This compares to 47.8% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Stafford Heights are English, comprising 27.7% of the population, Australian, comprising 24.3% of the population, and Irish, comprising 10.9% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: New Zealand is notably overrepresented at 1.0% of Stafford Heights (vs 1.0% regionally), Italian at 5.0% (vs 2.0%) and Russian at 0.4% (vs 0.3%).

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

The 39-year median age in Stafford Heights is modestly exceeding Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and is very close to the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Brisbane, Stafford Heights has a higher concentration of 85+ residents (4.7%) but fewer 15 - 24 year-olds (9.8%). Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 14.0% to 16.1% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 14.8% to 12.8% and the 15 to 24 group dropped from 11.0% to 9.8%. By 2041, Stafford Heights is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 85+ group will grow by 74% (253 people), reaching 599 from 345. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 100% of projected growth. On the other hand, population declines are projected for the 45 to 54 and 15 to 24 cohorts.