Stanthorpe

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Stanthorpe's population is around 5,494 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 208 people (3.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,286 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,455 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 33 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 163 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Stanthorpe's 3.9% growth since the census positions it within 1.4 percentage points of the SA4 region (5.3%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 54.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Regarding demographic trends, lower quartile growth of Australia's regional areas is anticipated, with the area expected to increase by 17 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a decline of 0.4% in total over the 17 years.

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 has averaged around 13 new dwelling approvals per year, totalling 66 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 11 approvals have been recorded. With an average of only 0.6 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is meeting or surpassing demand, providing greater buyer choice and supporting potential for population growth above projections. New homes are being built at an average construction cost of $312,000, which is under regional levels, indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. There have also been $8.5 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating a limited commercial development focus.

When measured against the Rest of Qld, Stanthorpe has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and places in the 39th percentile of areas assessed nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing properties. This is below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. New building activity consists of 80.0% detached houses and 20.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low-density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 428 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low-activity development environment.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, Stanthorpe may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 5 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include 14 Wallangarra Road Student Accommodation, The Avenues Stanthorpe, Stanthorpe Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade, and the Stanthorpe Streetscape Project, 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Stanthorpe recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Stanthorpe has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of 5.7%, and 4.1% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 2,298 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.7% above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation lags significantly (51.4% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 8.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and retail trade. The area has particular employment specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 3.0 times the regional level. In contrast, mining employs just 0.6% of local workers, below Regional Qld's 3.6%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 4.1% alongside the labour force increasing by 6.4%, resulting in unemployment rising by 2.1 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Qld, where employment rose by 0.7%, the labour force grew by 1.0%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Stanthorpe. 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 Stanthorpe's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.8% 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 place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Stanthorpe SA2 is below the national average, with the median assessed at $39,766 while the average income stands at $49,384. This contrasts with Regional Qld's figures of a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $43,707 (median) and $54,278 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Stanthorpe all fall between the 2nd and 7th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate the $400 - 799 bracket dominates with 33.2% of residents (1,824 people), diverging from the broader area where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 31.7%. Economic circumstances reflect widespread financial pressure, with 42.7% of households operating within modest weekly budgets below $800. After housing, 85.1% of income remains, though this ranks at only the 4th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure within Stanthorpe, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 88.4% houses and 11.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Stanthorpe was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 44.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (23.8%) or rented (31.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $1,200, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $250, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Stanthorpe's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 61.1% of all households, comprising 18.6% couples with children, 31.7% couples without children, and 9.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 38.9%, with lone person households at 36.2% and group households comprising 2.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.1 people is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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 (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 (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 37.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (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.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 7 active transport stops operating within Stanthorpe, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 2 individual routes, collectively providing 22 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 977 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 92%, with 6% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 8.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 3 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 3 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Stanthorpe is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Stanthorpe, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~2,527 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 12.4 and 8.9% of residents, respectively, while 59.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 32.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,799 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Stanthorpe was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 88.3% of its population being citizens, 83.2% born in Australia, and 90.4% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Stanthorpe is Christianity, which makes up 62.6% of the population. This compares to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Stanthorpe are English, comprising 30.0% of the population, Australian, comprising 27.2% of the population, and Irish, comprising 8.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Italian is notably overrepresented at 8.2% of Stanthorpe (vs 2.4% regionally), German at 4.4% (vs 4.7%) and Korean at 0.4% (vs 0.2%).

Stanthorpe ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Stanthorpe's median age of 50 years stands materially older than Regional Qld's 41 and is significantly higher than the Australian median of 38. The age profile shows 65 - 74 year-olds are particularly prominent (16.5%), while the 5 - 14 group is comparatively smaller (8.7%) than in Regional Qld. This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 8.9% to 11.4% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 10.5% to 11.9%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 11.6% to 8.7% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 11.3% to 10.0%. Demographic modeling suggests Stanthorpe's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 85+ age cohort is projected to expand considerably, increasing by 136 people (58%) from 236 to 373. Senior residents (65+) will drive 72% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, both 35 to 44 and 65 to 74 age groups will see reduced numbers.