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, as of August 2025, is approximately 7,322, indicating an increase of 169 people since the 2021 Census. The Census recorded a population of 7,153. This growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 7,320 in June 2024 and three additional validated addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,516 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 by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. However, these state projections lack age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Future population dynamics indicate a decline by 558 persons to 2041. However, specific age cohorts are projected to grow, notably the 85 and over group expected 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 seen approximately 9 dwellings receiving development approval annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis. Between FY21 and FY25, 48 dwellings were approved, with 3 more approved in FY26 so far. Over the past 5 financial years (FY21 to FY25), an average of 1.3 new residents per dwelling was recorded annually. However, this figure has increased to 5.3 people per dwelling over the last 2 financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply in recent times.

The average construction value for development projects in Stafford Heights is $874,000, indicating a focus on premium market properties. This year alone, $2.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, predominantly supporting residential growth. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Stafford Heights has significantly lower construction levels (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 potential planning constraints. All recent development in Stafford Heights has been detached houses, maintaining its traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

With around 976 people per approval, Stafford Heights shows a mature, established area. Population projections indicate stability or decline, suggesting reduced housing demand pressures and benefiting potential buyers.

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

Area infrastructure changes greatly influence local performance. Six projects identified by AreaSearch may impact this area. Key projects are Rode Rd, Stafford Heights, Everton Park Urban Village, MONARC Mixed-Use Precinct, and Fifth Avenue. The following details those most relevant:.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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

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

As of June 2025, 3975 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.1%, which is 1.0% above Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation was 62.3%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training, with notable concentration in professional & technical at 1.2 times the regional average. Manufacturing is under-represented, at 3.8% compared to Greater Brisbane's 6.4%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities. In the past year, employment increased by 11.1%, and labour force grew by 10.6%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from Sep-25 shows Queensland employment contracted by 0.23%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National forecasts project employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but local projections suggest Stafford Heights may grow at approximately 7.1%% over five years and 14.4% over ten years.

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 indicates that median income in Stafford Heights is $62,396 and average income stands at $75,010. This contrasts with 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 11.71% from financial year ending June 2022 to March 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $69,703 and average income $83,794 as of March 2025. Census data from 2021 shows that incomes in Stafford Heights cluster around the 69th percentile nationally. The earnings profile reveals that 29.4% of locals (2,152 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, reflecting a pattern seen across the broader area where 33.3% fall within this range. Notably, 32.0% earn above $3,000 weekly, indicating prosperity in the area. Housing accounts for 14.8% of income, and residents rank highly with disposable income at the 74th percentile nationally. 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' dwellings). In comparison, Brisbane metro had 67.2% houses and 32.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Stafford Heights was at 32.7%, with the rest being mortgaged (37.3%) or rented (30.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $2,100. Median weekly rent in Stafford Heights was recorded at $410, compared to Brisbane metro's $390. Nationally, Stafford Heights' mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

Stafford Heights features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average 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 constitute the remaining 25.3%, with lone person households at 21.1% and group households making up 4.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, 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 university qualification rates at 33.4%, surpassing Queensland's average of 25.7%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent (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, including advanced diplomas (10.8%) and certificates (20.3%).

Educational participation is high, with 27.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (9.0%), secondary education (7.0%), and tertiary education (6.3%). The three schools in Stafford Heights have a combined enrollment of 388 students. These schools primarily focus on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. School capacity is limited locally (5.3 places per 100 residents vs regional average of 16.0), leading many families to travel for schooling.

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. These are served by a mix of buses along 12 routes. Together, these routes facilitate 1,401 weekly passenger trips.

The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents located an average of 210 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency across all routes averages 200 trips per day, resulting in 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 residents (~4,180 people) have private health cover. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues affecting 9.7% of residents and arthritis impacting 8.1%. Conversely, 64.9% of residents claim to be completely free from medical ailments compared to the Greater Brisbane average of 69.1%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 20.2% (1,482 people) than Greater Brisbane's 16.6%. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those in 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, comprising 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 make up 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 4.0% regionally, and 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 individuals aged 15-24 (9.8%). Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, the population aged 35-44 increased from 14.0% to 16.2%, while those aged 25-34 decreased from 14.8% to 13.4%. The proportion of residents aged 45-54 also dropped, from 12.1% to 10.9%. By the year 2041, Stafford Heights is projected to experience significant changes in its age composition. Notably, the population aged 85 and above is expected to grow by 83%, reaching 599 people from the current 328. The growth in the 65+ age group will account for almost all of the demographic shift (99%). Conversely, declines are projected for those aged 15-24 and 55-64.