Stanthorpe Surrounds
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Stanthorpe Surrounds are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Stanthorpe Surrounds' population is around 6,631 as of Nov 2025. This reflects a growth of 384 people (6.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,247 people. The increase was inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,499 in June 2024 and an additional 116 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2.5 persons per square kilometer. Stanthorpe Surrounds' growth rate exceeded that of its SA4 region (5.5%) and SA3 area, making it a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 53.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are used. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied for each age cohort. By 2041, Stanthorpe Surrounds is expected to increase by approximately 600 persons, reflecting a total increase of 7.1% 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 FY-26, 2 approvals have been recorded. Each year, an average of 3 new residents are gained for each dwelling built in Stanthorpe Surrounds between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating strong demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value of new homes is $238,000, which is below regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers.

In FY-26, there have been $2.4 million in commercial approvals, indicating limited focus on commercial development. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Stanthorpe Surrounds has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 45th percentile 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. All new construction between FY-21 and FY-25 has been comprised of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 372 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. Future projections show Stanthorpe Surrounds adding 468 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 emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 20thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified ten projects likely 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. Below is a list of 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 assessment positions Stanthorpe Surrounds ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Stanthorpe Surrounds has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. Its unemployment rate was 3.3% as of June 2024.

Over the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 4.5%. As of June 2025, 3,068 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%, which is 0.6% below Rest of Qld's rate. Workforce participation in Stanthorpe Surrounds lags at 51.7%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing (employing 5.4 times the regional level), health care & social assistance (12.2% of local workers), and construction.

During June 2024 to June 2025, employment levels increased by 4.5%, labour force grew by 5.7%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.8%, labour force expand by 2.0%, and unemployment rise by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years nationally. Applying these projections to Stanthorpe Surrounds' employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.2% over five years and 11.6% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

The latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows Stanthorpe Surrounds had a median income of $38,566 and an average income of $46,118 among taxpayers. This is lower than the national average. Rest of Qld had a median income of $50,780 and an average income of $64,844 during the same period. As of September 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes would be approximately $43,961 (median) and $52,570 (average). Census data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Stanthorpe Surrounds fall between the 8th and 9th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 29.7% of locals (1,969 people) predominantly earn between $800 - 1,499, differing from regional patterns where the $1,500 - 2,999 category dominates with 31.7%. Housing costs are modest, with 88.3% of income retained. However, total disposable income ranks at just the 14th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Stanthorpe Surrounds, as evaluated at the Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 97.6% houses and 2.4% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 92.3% houses and 7.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Stanthorpe Surrounds was at 50.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.9% and rented ones at 17.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area, as of 2016, was $1,248. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $240. Nationally, Stanthorpe Surrounds's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Stanthorpe Surrounds has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 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 constitute 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, larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.3.

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%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 40.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 10.0% and certificates at 30.3%.

Educational participation is 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. There are 11 schools serving 391 students in the area, focusing exclusively on primary education with secondary options available nearby. Local school capacity is limited (6.0 places per 100 residents vs regional average of 14.1), leading many families to travel for schooling.

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 operating. These are a mix of bus stops serviced by three individual routes. Together, these routes provide 25 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 484 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages three trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately zero weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Stanthorpe Surrounds faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 46% of the total population (~3,076 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (11.5%) and mental health issues (8.8%). A majority (62.9%) reported no medical ailments, slightly higher than the Rest of Qld's 62.0%. The area has a high proportion of seniors at 27.0% (~1,791 people), with health outcomes among them being particularly strong compared to the general population.

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 was found to have a lower level of cultural diversity, with 86.3% of its population being Australian citizens and 85.8% born in Australia. The majority, 94.5%, spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 58.3% of the population, compared to 63.9% across the rest of Queensland.

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 2.8% regionally, while German ancestry stood at 5.0% (vs 5.6%) and Dutch at 1.5% (vs 0.9%).

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 16.6% of the population, while the 25-34 age group is comparatively smaller at 9.0%. This concentration of those aged 65-74 is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.9% to 8.4% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age cohort has declined from 12.8% to 10.4%. By 2041, Stanthorpe Surrounds is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 34%, reaching 746 people from the current 558. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 53% of this growth, while population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age cohorts.