Richardson

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

Analysis of ABS population updates and AreaSearch data indicates that the population of the suburb of Richardson was estimated at around 2,994 as of Feb 2026. This figure reflects a decrease of 64 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,058 people. The current population is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 2,992 residents following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 12 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,336 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. While Richardson experienced a 2.1% decline since the census, the SA3 area achieved 0.1% growth, indicating divergent population trends. Natural growth contributed approximately 66.0% 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 by this data and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, using 2022 as the base year. Future population trends indicate an overall decline in the suburb's population, with a projected decrease of 171 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, notably the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to expand by 36 people.

The level of residential development activity in Richardson is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates approximately four new homes approved annually in Richardson. Between financial years 2021 and 2025, around twenty-one homes were approved, with none recorded so far in the current financial year 2026.

Population decline suggests demand has been met by new supply, offering buyers good choice. Commercial development approvals totalled $56,000 this financial year, reflecting Richardson's residential nature. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Richardson shows about 59% of construction activity per person and ranks in the thirtieth percentile nationally, suggesting limited buyer options but strengthening demand for established homes. Building activity has accelerated recently, with new developments comprising 50.0% detached houses and 50.0% medium and high-density housing. This shift from the current 96.0% house mix addresses affordability requirements and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. Richardson shows a developed market, with around 546 people per dwelling approval.

Population projections indicating stability or decline may reduce housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified four projects likely to impact the area: Banks Gateway Estate, Calwell Retirement Living Precinct, Calwell Public Housing Development, and Canberra Light Rail Stage 4 - Woden to Tuggeranong. The following details those most relevant.

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Richardson shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Richardson's unemployment rate was 6.4% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.7%. As of September 2025, 1,582 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.9%, higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%. The workforce participation was 70.5%, below the Australian Capital Territory's 72.5%.

According to Census responses, 8.0% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries were public administration & safety, construction, and health care & social assistance. Construction had a high employment share at 2.0 times the regional level. Over the year ending September 2025, employment increased by 2.7%, while labour force grew by 0.6%, reducing the unemployment rate by 1.9 percentage points.

In comparison, Australian Capital Territory recorded employment growth of 1.4% and a smaller reduction in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Richardson's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

Richardson suburb's median income among taxpayers was $59,751 in financial year 2023. Average income stood at $66,221 during the same period. These figures are lower than Australian Capital Territory's median and average incomes of $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. By September 2025, estimated median and average incomes in Richardson would be approximately $65,284 and $72,353 based on a 9.26% growth since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Richardson are around the 73rd percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows that 38.6% of locals (1,155 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, which is similar to the surrounding region's pattern at 34.3%. High housing costs consume 15.7% of income in Richardson. Despite this, disposable income ranks at the 68th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

Richardson is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Richardson's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.7% houses and 4.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to the Australian Capital Territory's figures of 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Richardson stood at 26.5%, similar to the ACT's rate. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (47.8%) or rented (25.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Richardson was $2,000, lower than the ACT average of $2,080. Median weekly rent in Richardson was $391, compared to the ACT's $450. Nationally, Richardson's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents surpassed the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 75.0% of all households, including 33.3% couples with children, 23.4% couples without children, and 16.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 25.0%, with lone person households at 22.8% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Richardson fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

In the area, university qualification rates are significantly lower than the SA4 region average, with only 21.3% of residents holding such qualifications compared to the regional average of 46.8%. Bachelor degrees are the most common type of university qualification in the area, held by 14.0% of residents. Postgraduate qualifications and graduate diplomas follow, at 4.8% and 2.5% respectively. Vocational credentials are prevalent among residents aged 15 and above, with 37.2% holding such qualifications.

Advanced diplomas account for 11.7%, while certificates make up 25.5%. Educational participation is high in the area, with 29.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (10.6%), secondary education (7.9%), and tertiary education (3.4%).

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

Richardson has 28 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 54 different routes that collectively facilitate 3,689 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these stops is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 182 meters from the nearest stop. In this predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outwards, primarily by car (93%), with only 6% using public transport. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 8.0% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 527 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 131 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Richardson is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Richardson has significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is more prevalent than average, at approximately 53% of the total population (~1,597 people), compared to 62.4% in the Australian Capital Territory. Mental health issues impact 10.0% of residents, while arthritis affects 8.6%. 66.3% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 70.2% nationally. Working-age population health challenges are notable due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 14.7% of residents aged 65 and over (440 people). Senior health outcomes present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Richardson was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Richardson's population shows above-average cultural diversity, with 21.8% born overseas and 17.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Richardson, accounting for 46.5% of its population. Notably, Islam is slightly overrepresented compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, comprising 3.3% versus 3.4%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Australian (27.6%), English (24.7%), and Other (9.2%). Some ethnic groups show notable divergences: Hungarian is overrepresented at 0.6% in Richardson compared to 0.3% regionally, Spanish at 0.8% versus 0.5%, and Serbian at 0.6% versus 0.4%.

Richardson's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Richardson's median age is 36 years, nearly matching the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 but somewhat younger than Australia's average of 38 years. Relative to the Australian Capital Territory, Richardson has a higher concentration of residents aged 65-74 (10.2%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (11.1%). Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the percentage of Richardson's population aged 65 to 74 has grown from 8.6% to 10.2%, while the 0 to 4 age group has increased from 6.2% to 7.6%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 13.8% to 11.9% and the 55 to 64 age group has dropped from 12.7% to 10.8%. Population forecasts for the year 2041 indicate significant demographic changes for Richardson. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow by 22%, adding 24 residents to reach a total of 135. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 88% of population growth, highlighting the trend towards an aging demographic. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 85+ and 45 to 54 age cohorts.