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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Stafford Heights has an estimated 7,356 residents, up from 7,153 at the 2021 Census — a change of 203 people, or 2.8%. That puts 2,528 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Stafford Heights has a population of approximately 7,356 as of May 2026, according to calculations by AreaSearch. This represents a growth of 203 residents (2.8%) from the 7,153 citizens recorded in the 2021 Census. This adjustment is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 7,356 along with 4 validated new addresses registered since the Census. With a density of 2,527 persons per square kilometer, the suburb ranks in the top quartile of national areas analyzed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary driver of this growth, accounting for about 78.8% of the recent population increase.
Projections from ABS/Geoscience Australia published in 2024 using 2022 as the base year are utilized for each SA2 area. For localities missing from this dataset and for periods after 2032, projections from the Queensland State Government released in 2023 based on 2021 data are used. Because these state-level figures do not detail age distribution, AreaSearch applies age-cohort weighting based on the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections that used 2022 data. Looking at long-term demographic trends, these methodologies forecast an overall reduction in residency, with the population decreasing by 585 persons by 2041. Conversely, expansion is expected in particular brackets, led by the group aged 85 and over, which is projected to grow by 257 people. Further details are available in the age section.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
48 new dwellings have been approved in Stafford Heights over the past five years, an average of 9 a year. That is 1.3 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 62, running ahead of that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Stafford Heights averages approximately 9 residential building approvals annually, with 48 dwellings approved over the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25 and 57 approvals registered during FY-26 so far. An average of 1.7 new residents per completed home arrived over the 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, suggesting a balanced market with steady conditions, although this ratio has risen to 6.3 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years, pointing to rising demand and potential supply shortages. Construction values for these projects average $628,000, showing that builders are focusing on upscale, premium residences.
Furthermore, commercial development approvals total $2.2 million this financial year, reinforcing the highly residential focus of the suburb. Stafford Heights has a low volume of building activity when compared to Greater Brisbane, sitting 69.0% below the regional per capita average. This minimal volume of new construction typically underpins demand and values for existing properties. This rate is also below the nationwide average, indicating the established state of the local market and potential planning barriers. Additionally, recent construction has consisted solely of detached houses, preserving the traditional suburban character and appealing to families prioritizing space. Stafford Heights displays the characteristics of a mature, built-out suburb, averaging roughly 983 people per approval. Given that population forecasts indicate stable or shrinking residency, Stafford Heights is likely to experience less pressure on housing demand, which should benefit home buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Stafford Heights
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 2 current infrastructure and development projects inside Stafford Heights, worth an estimated $85 million. A further 90 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $17.1 billion. 15 are already under construction and 26 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, transport & logistics and retail. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, major planning updates, and public initiatives have a significant effect on regional performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 developments that are likely to influence the local area. Key projects include the Stafford Heights Aged Care & Retirement Village Expansion on Rode Rd, Stafford Heights, the Stafford City Shopping Centre Redevelopment, and the Everton Park Urban Village, with the primary details of these developments outlined below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Stafford Heights Aged Care & Retirement Village Expansion
Expansion of the existing Churches of Christ aged care and retirement living precinct at Stafford Heights, delivering more than 80 new independent living units together with upgraded aged care and community facilities. Construction is continuing with staged delivery expected through 2026.
Rode Rd, Stafford Heights
Effinity's project on the city's northside includes 32 apartments, retail space, and two basement parking levels. Featuring a communal rooftop garden, the development focuses on urban consolidation and housing diversity in Stafford Heights.
Stafford City Shopping Centre Redevelopment
A significant 150 million AUD plus redevelopment of Stafford City Shopping Centre. The project involves a major expansion including a new full-line Coles supermarket, an upgraded and expanded Aldi, and a suite of new specialty retail tenancies. The plan features a refurbished dining and entertainment precinct to integrate with the Kedron Brook area, alongside comprehensive site access and parking improvements to support the Transforming Stafford precinct vision.
The Prince Charles Hospital Expansion
A critical expansion of The Prince Charles Hospital delivering 93 new overnight beds, a new emergency department for adults and paediatrics, and additional operating theatres. The project establishes the facility as Queensland's second-largest paediatric health service. While the 1,507-space car park is complete, the main Acute Services Building has been subject to a 2025 review under the Hospital Rescue Plan, with current projections targeting practical completion in mid-2029.
McDowall Village Master Plan Redevelopment
A concept master plan for the refurbishment and strategic expansion of McDowall Village Shopping Centre. The project focuses on revitalizing the IGA-anchored center by upgrading external facades, enhancing pedestrian connectivity between Beckett and Hamilton Roads, and reconfiguring internal tenancies to support new convenience retail and service offerings. As of May 2026, the project is progressing through feasibility and preliminary planning under CMC Property Management, with a focus on improving the suburban village atmosphere.
Ashford Residences Everton Park
Mirvac's Ashford Residences is a masterplanned residential community on a 6 hectare site adjoining Kedron Brook. The approved project includes 43 homesites, around 80 terrace homes, resident recreation facilities, restoration of the heritage Murphy's Dairy residence and a large ecological area. Construction and staged delivery have progressed, with multiple stages released and sold.
Everton Plaza Retail and Dining Expansion
Proposed three-storey extension to Everton Plaza Shopping Centre fronting Stafford Road, adding about 842 sqm of food, beverage and retail floorspace in Precinct 5. The scheme is intended to extend the existing Park Lane dining precinct with new tenancies, alfresco areas and stronger street frontage. Brisbane City Council application A006806805 was lodged in mid 2025 and remains a development application/public assessment matter based on available sources.
705-707 Hamilton Road Development
Residential development project on Hamilton Road in Chermside West. Details of specific development proposal to be confirmed through planning process.
4,083 residents of Stafford Heights are employed, from a labour force of 4,344. Unemployment sits at 6.0%, with participation at 72.6%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 7.1% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 5,683, about 77% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local workforce is highly educated, featuring strong representation in professional services, an unemployment rate of 6.0%, and estimated employment growth of 6.6% over the past year. There are 4,083 residents employed as of March 2026, with the unemployment rate sitting 1.7% higher than the Greater Brisbane average of 4.3%, while workforce participation is standard at 72.6% compared to 70.4% regionally. Census data indicates that a moderate 22.8% of residents worked from home, though this may reflect temporary COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. Resident employment is heavily concentrated in health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training.
The professional & technical sector is highly represented, with local employment levels at 1.2 times the Greater Brisbane average. Conversely, manufacturing is underrepresented, making up only 3.8% of the Stafford Heights workforce compared to 6.4% across Greater Brisbane. The suburb is primarily residential and offers few local jobs, as seen in the comparison between Census working population and resident population figures. AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics shows that over the 12-month period, employment rose by 6.6% while the labour force expanded by 7.2%, resulting in a 0.6 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. In comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.2%, labour force expansion of 3.4%, and an unemployment rate rise of 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts from May-25 offer additional context on future employment demand within Stafford Heights. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce profile to estimate future growth. While national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, trends vary widely by sector. Extrapolating these national industry trends to the Stafford Heights employment profile suggests local jobs will increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, though this simple weighting does not account for local population changes.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Stafford Heights is $2,091 a week (about $109,000 a year), with median personal income at $897 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $66,501 a year against an average of $80,506. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
The latest postcode level ATO statistics for financial year 2023 show that incomes in the Stafford Heights SA2 are among the highest in the country, with a median of $66,501 and an average of $80,506. This is higher than the Greater Brisbane median of $58,236 and average of $72,799. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates stand at approximately $74,056 for the median and $89,651 for the average as of March 2026. Data from the 2021 Census places household, family, and personal incomes in Stafford Heights near the 68th percentile nationwide.
The largest earnings group comprises 29.4% of residents (2,162 people) earning between $1,500 - 2,999, which is similar to the wider region where 33.3% fall into this bracket. A substantial 32.0% of earners receive more than $3,000 weekly, highlighting affluent areas that support local businesses. Housing costs consume 14.8% of household income, strong earnings put residents in the 73rd percentile for disposable income, and the suburb ranks in the 7th decile of the SEIFA income index.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Stafford Heights had 2,608 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 94% detached houses and 3% apartments. 37% are owned with a mortgage, 30% rented and 33% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $410 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,167 a month. Rent absorbs 19.6% of household income here and mortgage repayments 23.9%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
The distribution of housing types in Stafford Heights at the last Census stood at 94.1% separate houses and 5.9% other dwellings like semi-detached homes and apartments, compared to 73.5% separate houses and 26.5% other dwellings across the Brisbane metro area. Home ownership in Stafford Heights was also higher than the Brisbane metro rate, standing at 32.7%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (37.3%) or rented (30.0%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $2,167 was higher than the Brisbane metro average of $1,863, and the median weekly rent of $410 also exceeded the metropolitan average of $380.
Locally, mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents exceed the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Stafford Heights counted 2,608 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.6 people each. 33% are couples with children, against 29% couples without children. 21% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.6 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the majority of households at 74.7%, consisting of couples with children at 32.7%, couples without children at 29.1%, and single parents at 11.3%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 25.3% of homes, with single person households at 21.1% and group houses making up 4.3%. The median household size of 2.6 residents is identical to the average for Greater Brisbane.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
33.4% of adults in Stafford Heights hold a university qualification, including 23.4% with a bachelor degree and 6.5% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 20.3% hold a vocational qualification. 3 schools serve the area, with 388 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 998 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
The educational achievements of local residents are high compared to the wider region, with university qualifications held by 33.4% of residents aged 15+, which is higher than the QLD average of 25.7%. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 23.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 6.5% and graduate diplomas at 3.5%. Vocational and technical training is also common, with 31.1% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas at 10.8% and certificates at 20.3%. Enrolment in education is high, with 27.7% of the population currently studying.
This consists of 9.0% of residents in primary school, 7.0% in high school, and 6.3% attending tertiary institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Stafford Heights reaches 33 stops on 11 routes, timetabled for about 1,400 services a week. The typical home sits about 220 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.5 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport options include 33 stops within Stafford Heights servicing bus routes. There are 11 routes operating locally, providing a total of 1,391 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is good, with residents living an average of 215 meters from the nearest stop. The suburb is primarily residential and most workers commute out of the area, with private vehicles being the main travel method at 85% and bus travel at 6%. Households own an average of 1.5 vehicles. Around 22.8% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may be a reflection of pandemic-related restrictions.
Bus routes run at an average frequency of 198 trips per day, which equates to roughly 42 weekly trips per transit stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
64.9% of residents in Stafford Heights report no long-term health condition. 7.0% need daily assistance with core activities, and 59.5% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.9 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Stafford Heights faces notable public health issues based on AreaSearch analysis of mortality rates and the occurrence of chronic conditions, which are common across the community and more frequent in older cohorts, though private health coverage is exceptionally high at roughly 60% of the population (4,376 people) compared to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane. Mental health conditions and arthritis were the most common medical diagnoses, affecting 9.7% and 8.1% of residents, respectively. A total of 64.9% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 69.2% in Greater Brisbane. Residents of working age exhibit higher rates of chronic illness than average.
The suburb has 19.6% of its population aged 65 and over (1,440 people), which exceeds the 15.1% recorded across Greater Brisbane. While health outcomes for older residents present some difficulties, they rank better nationally than the overall local population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Stafford Heights is largely Australian-born, at 81.0% of residents, with 11.2% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (27.7%) and Australian (24.3%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Stafford Heights has cultural diversity metrics that are close to regional averages, with 81.0% of the population born in Australia, 90.3% holding citizenship, and 88.8% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion locally, accounting for 55.6% of residents compared to 47.8% in Greater Brisbane. The primary ancestries reported in the suburb are English at 27.7%, Australian at 24.3%, and Irish at 10.9%. There are notable differences in the concentration of other backgrounds: New Zealand ancestry stands at 1.0% of the population (matching the 1.0% regional average), Italian ancestry is higher at 5.0% (compared to 2.0% regionally), and Russian ancestry is 0.4% (compared to 0.3% regionally).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Stafford Heights is 39. 23.6% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of 39 in Stafford Heights is slightly older than the Greater Brisbane average of 36 and similar to the national median of 38. Compared to the wider Brisbane area, the suburb has a higher proportion of residents aged 85 and over (4.4%) but a lower share of people aged 15 - 24 (10.2%). Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 35 to 44 has increased from 14.0% to 16.4%, while the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 12.1% to 10.7% and the 25 to 34 group declined from 14.8% to 13.4%.
By 2041, the age structure of the suburb is expected to change, with the cohort aged 85 and over increasing by 74% (240 people) to reach 566 from 325. This aging trend is prominent, with residents aged 65 and over accounting for 99% of all projected population growth. Conversely, population declines are forecast for the 15 to 24 and 55 to 64 brackets.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Stafford Heights
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Jun 2026 2 months ago all 3 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Jun 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 4 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (7,153 at the 2021 Census → 7,356 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (302021033). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.