Stanthorpe
Statistical Area - sa2

Stanthorpe has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Stanthorpe's population is approximately 5,461 as of August 2025. This represents an increase of 175 people, a 3.3% rise from the 2021 Census figure of 5,286. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,455 in June 2024 and an additional 16 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 162 persons per square kilometer. Stanthorpe's growth rate since the census, at 3.3%, is within 1.8 percentage points of the SA4 region's 5.1%. Interstate migration contributed approximately 54.9% of overall population gains recently.

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. These state projections lack age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, using 2022 data for each age cohort. Looking ahead, lower quartile growth is anticipated for Australia's regional areas. Stanthorpe is expected to increase by 17 persons to reach a total population of approximately 5,486 by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 0.2% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Stanthorpe, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Stanthorpe averaged approximately 14 new dwelling approvals per year. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis. Between Financial Year 2020 (FY-20) and FY-25, 72 dwellings were approved. As of FY-26, 3 dwellings have been recorded so far.

Over the past five financial years, an average of 0.6 new residents per year was associated with each dwelling constructed. This suggests that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering greater buyer choice and supporting potential population growth above projections. The average construction value of new homes during this period was $433,000, which is below regional levels, indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. In FY-26, $8.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting a limited focus on commercial development.

Compared to the Rest of Queensland, Stanthorpe records roughly half the building activity per person. Nationally, it places among the 40th percentile of areas assessed, indicating more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing dwellings. This level is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and suggesting possible planning constraints. Recent construction in Stanthorpe comprises 80% detached houses and 20% medium to high-density housing, maintaining its traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 428 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate that Stanthorpe will gain 11 residents by the year 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Stanthorpe has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 15thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects likely to affect the area. Key projects include 14 Wallangarra Road Student Accommodation, The Avenues Stanthorpe, Stanthorpe Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade, and Stanthorpe Streetscape Project. Below is a list detailing those most relevant.

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

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

Stanthorpe has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate is 4.7%, with an estimated employment growth of 4.0% over the past year as of June 2025.

There are 2,285 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, which is 0.8% higher than the Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation lags significantly at 47.0%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and retail trade. Stanthorpe shows strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 3.0 times the regional level, while mining has limited presence at 0.6% compared to the regional level of 3.6%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over a 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 4.0%, with labour force increasing by 5.7%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.6 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's employment growth of 1.8% and unemployment increase of 0.2 percentage points. State-level data from Sep-25 shows Queensland employment contracted by 0.23%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts for Stanthorpe, based on Jobs and Skills Australia projections, suggest local employment growth of approximately 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 indicates Stanthorpe's median income among taxpayers is $38,665, with an average of $47,217. This is lower than the national average. In comparison, Rest of Qld has a median income of $50,780 and an average of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022, current estimates project Stanthorpe's median income to be approximately $43,193 and the average to be around $52,746 as of March 2025. The 2021 Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Stanthorpe fall between the 3rd and 8th percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals that the largest segment consists of 33.2% earning $400 - $799 weekly (1,813 residents). Conversely, the surrounding region has the highest percentage in the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket at 31.7%. With 42.7% earning under $800 per week, Stanthorpe faces significant income constraints impacting local spending patterns. After housing costs, 85.1% of income remains, which ranks at the 5th percentile nationally.

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

Stanthorpe's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.4% houses and 11.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 92.3% houses and 7.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Stanthorpe was at 44.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.8% and rented ones at 31.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,200, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,300. Median weekly rent in Stanthorpe was $250, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $255. Nationally, Stanthorpe's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,200 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Stanthorpe features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 61.1% of all households, including 18.6% couples with children, 31.7% couples without children, and 9.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 38.9%, with lone person households at 36.2% and group households making up 2.6%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.3.

Stanthorpe faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 16.3%, substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 12.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 2.5% and graduate diplomas at 1.5%. Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 37.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 9.2% and certificates at 28.0%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 1.9% pursuing tertiary education. Stanthorpe's 3 schools have a combined enrollment reaching 1,318 students while Stanthorpe demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 971) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 1 primary, 1 secondary, and 1 K-12 school. The area functions as an education hub with 24.1 school places per 100 residents – significantly above the regional average of 14.2 – attracting students from surrounding communities.

Transport servicing is very low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Stanthorpe has seven active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two routes that together offer 20 weekly passenger trips. Residents have limited access to these services as they live an average of 977 meters from the nearest stop.

Each route runs approximately twice a day, resulting in about two weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Stanthorpe is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Stanthorpe faces significant health challenges with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. The private health cover rate stands at approximately 46%, covering around 2,512 people, which is lower than the national average of 55.3%.

Arthritis and mental health issues are the most prevalent medical conditions in Stanthorpe, impacting 12.4% and 8.9% of residents respectively. Conversely, 59.6% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 62.0% in the rest of Queensland. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 32.4%, with around 1,771 people falling into this age group, compared to 27.0% in the rest of Queensland.

Stanthorpe ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Stanthorpe, as per the data, exhibited below-average cultural diversity. Its population composition was 88.3% citizens, with 83.2% born in Australia, and 90.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated Stanthorpe's religious landscape at 62.6%, compared to 63.9% across the rest of Queensland.

The top three ancestry groups were English (30.0%), Australian (27.2%), and Irish (8.5%). Notably, Italian ethnicity was overrepresented in Stanthorpe at 8.2%, compared to 2.8% regionally, while German stood at 4.4% versus 5.6%, and Korean at 0.4% against 0.1%.

Stanthorpe ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Stanthorpe's median age is 50 years, which is significantly older than Rest of Qld's 41 years and higher than the Australian median of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent at 16.6%, while the 35-44 group is smaller at 9.8% compared to Rest of Qld. This concentration of people aged 65-74 is well above the national average of 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 15-24 age group has grown from 8.9% to 11.1%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 10.5% to 11.5%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group declined from 11.6% to 9.4%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 11.3% to 10.2%. Demographic modeling suggests that Stanthorpe's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 85+ age cohort is projected to increase considerably, expanding by 140 people (60%) from 232 to 373. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 68% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, both the 65-74 and 45-54 age groups are expected to decrease in number.