Stanthorpe

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

Stanthorpe's population, as of May 2026, is approximately 5,522 people. This figure represents a growth of 236 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 5,286. The increase is inferred from ABS estimates showing an estimated resident population of 5,480 in June 2025 and the addition of 50 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a population density ratio of 164 persons per square kilometer. Stanthorpe's 4.5% growth since the Census is close to the SA4 region's 5.0%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed around 63.7% 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. 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, using 2022 data for each age cohort. Looking ahead, demographic trends suggest a decline in overall population by 12 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 85 and over group, projected to increase by 136 people.

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 seen approximately 13 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 66 homes. As of FY26, 15 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.6 new residents per year per dwelling constructed have been observed between FY21 and FY25. This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially enabling population growth.

The average expected construction cost of new dwellings is $312,000, which is below regional levels, indicating more affordable housing choices. In FY26, $8.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Stanthorpe records around 57% of the building activity per person. Nationally, it ranks among the 39th percentile of areas assessed, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings.

This activity is below the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New development in Stanthorpe consists of 80% standalone homes and 20% medium to high-density housing, preserving its low-density character and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population density per dwelling approval is 428 people, reflecting a quiet, low-activity development environment. With population expected to remain stable or decline, Stanthorpe may see reduced pressure on housing, creating opportunities for buyers.

Stanthorpe has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Five projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly, including 14 Wallangarra Road Student Accommodation, The Avenues Stanthorpe, Stanthorpe Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade, and Stanthorpe Streetscape Project.

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

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Employment performance in Stanthorpe has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Stanthorpe has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, diverse sector representation, and an unemployment rate of 5.7%. In the past year, there was estimated employment growth of 4.1%. As of December 2025, 2,298 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 7.4%, which is higher than Regional Qld's rate of 6.0%.

Workforce participation in Stanthorpe is lower at 51.7% compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, only 8.0% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and retail trade. The area has a strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share three times the regional level, while mining has limited presence at 0.6%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 4.1% and labour force by 6.4%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 2.1 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld had employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Stanthorpe's employment mix, local employment is expected to increase by 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

The Stanthorpe SA2's median income among taxpayers is $39,766 in financial year 2023. The average income stands at $49,384 during the same period. This compares to figures for Regional Qld of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. By March 2026, current estimates suggest the median income will be approximately $44,283 and average income $54,994, based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023. According to census data, incomes in Stanthorpe fall between the 2nd and 7th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income analysis shows that 33.2% of the community earns between $400 and $799 per week (1,833 individuals), unlike the surrounding region where earnings predominantly fall within the $1,500 to $2,999 bracket at 31.7%. The concentration of 42.7% in sub-$800 weekly brackets indicates economic challenges faced by a significant portion of the community. After accounting for housing costs, 85.1% of income remains, ranking Stanthorpe at the 4th percentile nationally.

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

Stanthorpe's dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 88.4% houses and 11.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Stanthorpe stood at 44.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.8% and rented ones at 31.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,200, below Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Stanthorpe was $250, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Stanthorpe's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian 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 comprising 2.6%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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

The area has university qualification rates of 16.3%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 37.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (28.0%). Educational participation is high, with 25.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 10.3% in primary, 8.7% in secondary, and 1.9% in tertiary education.

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

Stanthorpe has seven active public transport stops operating, offering a mix of bus services. These stops are served by two routes, collectively providing 22 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically located 977 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most commuting is outward-bound. The dominant mode of transport is car at 92%, while 6% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 8.0% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages three trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately three 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

Stanthorpe faces substantial health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is extremely low, at approximately 46% of the total population (~2,540 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (12.4%) and mental health issues (8.9%). 59.6% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, lower than the 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age population health challenges include elevated chronic condition rates. Stanthorpe has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over, at 32.9% (1,814 people), compared to 20.4% in Regional Qld. National rankings for this age group are 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.3% of its population being Australian citizens, 83.2% born in Australia, and 90.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Stanthorpe, making up 62.6% of people, compared to 52.2% across Regional Queensland. The top three ancestry groups are English (30.0%), Australian (27.2%), and Irish (8.5%).

Notably, Italian (8.2%) and German (4.4%) groups are overrepresented in Stanthorpe compared to regional averages of 2.4% and 4.7%, respectively. Korean representation is also higher at 0.4% compared to the regional average of 0.2%.

Stanthorpe ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Stanthorpe's median age is 50 years, which is significantly older than Regional Queensland's median age of 41 years and the Australian median age of 38 years. The age profile shows that the 65-74 year-old group constitutes 16.6% of the population, higher than both Regional Queensland's 12.9% and Australia's 9.4%. Meanwhile, the 35-44 year-old group makes up only 9.8%, lower than Regional Queensland's 14.7%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 8.9% to 10.9%, while the 75 to 84 year-old cohort increased from 10.5% to 12.1%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 year-old group declined from 11.6% to 9.3%, and the 55 to 64 year-old group decreased from 13.6% to 12.2%. By 2041, Stanthorpe's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 85+ age cohort is expected to expand by 131 people (57%), from 230 to 362. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 73% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Both the 35-44 year-old group and the 65-74 year-old group are projected to decrease in number.