Stanthorpe Surrounds

Population growth drivers in Stanthorpe Surrounds are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Stanthorpe Surrounds' population was 6,247 as of the 2021 Census. By Feb 2026, it had increased to around 6,659, a rise of 412 people (6.6%). This growth is inferred from an estimated resident population of 6,499 in June 2024 and the addition of 127 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density was approximately 2.5 persons per square kilometer. Stanthorpe Surrounds' growth exceeded that of its SA4 region (5.3%) and SA3 area, making it a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed about 53.8% to overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers being positive factors.

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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Future demographic trends suggest a population increase just below Australia's regional areas' median to around 7,249 by 2041, reflecting an increase of 600 persons and 6.6% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Stanthorpe Surrounds recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Stanthorpe Surrounds has averaged approximately 22 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 110 homes. As of FY26 so far, 5 approvals have been recorded. On average, each new dwelling built between FY21 and FY25 has resulted in an increase of 3 new residents per year, indicating solid demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value for new homes is $238,000, which is under regional levels, suggesting more accessible housing choices for buyers.

This financial year has seen $2.4 million in commercial approvals, indicating limited commercial development focus. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Stanthorpe Surrounds has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 44th percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice that supports interest in existing properties. This is under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. All new construction in the area has been comprised of detached dwellings, preserving its low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 372 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. According to AreaSearch quarterly estimates, Stanthorpe Surrounds is projected to add approximately 440 residents by 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 Surrounds has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 48thth percentile nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified ten projects potentially affecting the region. Notable ones are Emu Swamp Dam Project (Granite Belt Irrigation Project), 14 Wallangarra Road Student Accommodation, The Avenues Stanthorpe, and Stanthorpe Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade. The following list details those most relevant.

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 indicates Stanthorpe Surrounds maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Stanthorpe Surrounds has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate is 3.8%, lower than the Rest of Qld's 4.1%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.8%.

As of September 2025, 3,128 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.3% below the regional average. Workforce participation in Stanthorpe Surrounds lags behind Rest of Qld's rate at 58.7%. According to Census responses, 17.4% of residents work from home. Employment among residents is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing (5.4 times the regional level), health care & social assistance (12.2%), and construction.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparison between working population and resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.8% while labour force grew by 7.0%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 2.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.7%, labour force expand by 2.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that employment should increase by 5.2% over five years and 11.6% over ten years in Stanthorpe Surrounds, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections against the local employment profile.

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

Stanthorpe Surrounds SA2's median income among taxpayers was $40,001 in financial year 2023. The average income was $48,665. Both figures are lower than the national averages. Rest of Qld had a median income of $53,146 and an average of $66,593 during the same period. By September 2025, estimated median and average incomes in Stanthorpe Surrounds would be approximately $43,965 and $53,488 respectively, based on a 9.91% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Stanthorpe Surrounds fall between the 7th and 9th percentiles nationally. The predominant income cohort spans 29.7% of locals (1,977 people) with incomes between $800 - 1,499, differing from regional patterns where the $1,500 - 2,999 category dominates at 31.7%. Housing costs are modest, allowing for 88.3% of income to be retained as disposable income, which ranks at the 13th percentile nationally.

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

The latest Census evaluated dwelling structures in Stanthorpe Surrounds as 97.6% houses and 2.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Stanthorpe Surrounds was 50.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.9% and rented ones at 17.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,248, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure in Stanthorpe Surrounds was $240, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345 and the national average of $375. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863.

Stanthorpe Surrounds has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 74.6% of all households, including 25.4% couples with children, 39.9% couples without children, and 8.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 25.4%, with lone person households at 23.2% and group households making up 2.1%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of Queensland.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 17.3%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (30.3%). Educational participation is high, with 28.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 11.4% in primary, 10.0% in secondary, and 2.0% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.4% in primary education, 10.0% in secondary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Stanthorpe Surrounds has 26 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by three different routes that together offer 27 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as moderate, with residents typically living 484 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most people commute outwards. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport for 90% of residents, while 7% walk. On average, there are 1.9 vehicles per dwelling, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 17.4% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages three trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

Stanthorpe Surrounds's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Stanthorpe Surrounds' health data shows positive results, aligning with national mortality rate and health condition benchmarks. Common health conditions are low across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at 46% (~3,069 people), compared to Rest of Qld's 52.5% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.5%) and mental health issues (8.8%), with 62.9% reporting no medical ailments, versus Rest of Qld's 67.6%. Working-age residents face higher chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 27.4% (1,821 people), compared to Rest of Qld's 20.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, ranking higher than the general population nationally.

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

Stanthorpe Surrounds, as per the data, showed lower cultural diversity with 86.3% of its population being Australian citizens and 85.8% born in Australia. English was spoken at home by 94.5%. Christianity was the predominant religion at 58.3%, slightly higher than the regional average of 52.2%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (30.8%), Australian (28.1%), and Irish (9.0%). Notably, Italian ancestry was overrepresented at 6.7% compared to the regional average of 2.4%. German ancestry also showed a slight overrepresentation at 5.0%, while Dutch ancestry was slightly higher at 1.5% compared to the region's 1.1%.

Stanthorpe Surrounds hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Stanthorpe Surrounds has a median age of 49 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of Qld average of 41 years and substantially exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent, making up 16.5% of the population, while those aged 25-34 comprise only 9.3%. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national average of 9.5%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of the population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 6.9% to 8.7%, while the proportion of those aged 5 to 14 has declined from 12.8% to 10.2%. By 2041, Stanthorpe Surrounds is expected to experience notable shifts in its age composition. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 29%, increasing from 579 people to 746. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 53% of the population growth during this period. Conversely, population declines are projected for those aged 5 to 14 and 15 to 24.