Stanthorpe Surrounds

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Stanthorpe Surrounds's population is around 6,659 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 412 people (6.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,247 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,499 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 127 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2.5 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Stanthorpe Surrounds's 6.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (5.3%) and the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 53.8% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including natural growth and overseas migration, were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts 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 applies 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, a population increase just below the median of Australia's regional areas is expected, with the area expected to increase by 600 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 6.6% in total 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 around 22 new dwelling approvals per year, totalling 110 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 5 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 3 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), suggesting solid demand that supports property values, new homes are being built at an average construction cost of $238,000—under regional levels—indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. There have also been $2.4 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating a limited commercial development focus.

When measured against the Rest of Qld, Stanthorpe Surrounds has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person while it places among the 44th percentile of areas assessed nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing properties. This is similarly under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Meanwhile, new construction has been completely comprised of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 372 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Future projections show Stanthorpe Surrounds adding 440 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 10 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Emu Swamp Dam Project (Granite Belt Irrigation Project), 14 Wallangarra Road Student Accommodation, The Avenues Stanthorpe, and the Stanthorpe Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade, 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.

The employment landscape in Stanthorpe Surrounds shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Stanthorpe Surrounds possesses a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of 4.1%, and 4.5% estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 3,131 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is in line with Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation lags significantly (58.9% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 17.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. The area has a particular employment specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 5.4 times the regional level. In contrast, health care & social assistance employs just 12.2% of local workers, below Regional Qld's 16.1%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 4.5% and the labour force increased by 6.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.7 percentage points. This compares to Regional Qld, where employment grew by 0.7%, the labour force expanded 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 Surrounds. 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 Surrounds's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.2% over five years and 11.6% 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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Stanthorpe Surrounds SA2's median income among taxpayers is $40,001, with an average of $48,665. This is lower than average on a national basis, and compares to Regional Qld's median of $53,146 and average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $43,965 (median) and $53,488 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Stanthorpe Surrounds all fall between the 7th and 9th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals the predominant cohort spans 29.7% of locals (1,977 people) in the $800 - 1,499 category, differing from patterns across the region where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 31.7%. While housing costs are modest with 88.3% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 13th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure within Stanthorpe Surrounds, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 97.6% houses and 2.4% 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 Surrounds was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 50.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (31.9%) or rented (17.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $1,248, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $240, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Stanthorpe Surrounds's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 74.6% of all households, comprising 25.4% couples with children, 39.9% couples without children, and 8.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 25.4%, with lone person households at 23.2% and group households comprising 2.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people matches the Regional Qld average.

Stanthorpe Surrounds 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 (17.3%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 12.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 40.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (30.3%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 26 active transport stops operating within Stanthorpe Surrounds, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 3 individual routes, collectively providing 27 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 484 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 90%, with 7% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 17.4% 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 1 weekly trips 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

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Stanthorpe Surrounds residents, with AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions showing results broadly in line with national benchmarks. The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~3,069 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 11.5 and 8.8% of residents, respectively, while 62.9% 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 27.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,821 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than 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 be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 86.3% of its population being citizens, 85.8% born in Australia, and 94.5% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Stanthorpe Surrounds is Christianity, which makes up 58.3% of people in the area. This compares to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Stanthorpe Surrounds are English, comprising 30.8% of the population, Australian, comprising 28.1% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.0% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Italian is notably overrepresented at 6.7% of Stanthorpe Surrounds (vs 2.4% regionally), German at 5.0% (vs 4.7%) and Dutch at 1.5% (vs 1.1%).

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

At 49 years, Stanthorpe Surrounds's median age is significantly above the Regional Qld average of 41 as well as substantially exceeding the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 65 - 74 year-olds are particularly prominent (16.5%), while the 25 - 34 group is comparatively smaller (9.3%) than in Regional Qld. This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. In the period since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.9% to 8.7% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 12.8% to 10.2%. By 2041, Stanthorpe Surrounds is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 29% (166 people), reaching 746 from 579. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 53% of projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 cohorts.