Richardson

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

The estimated population of Richardson as of May 2026 is around 3,065 people. This figure reflects an increase of 7 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,058. AreaSearch's analysis, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and validated new addresses, indicates a resident population of 3,060. The population density ratio is approximately 1,368 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Richardson's growth rate since the census, at 0.2%, places it within 1.2 percentage points of the SA3 area (1.4%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Natural growth contributed approximately 66.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

Population projections for the suburb, adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia figures released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, indicate an expected decline of 161 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, notably the 75 to 84 age group, projected to expand by 34 people over this period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Richardson has seen around 4 new homes approved per year. An estimated 21 homes were approved over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, with 0 so far in FY-26.

The population decline in recent years suggests that new supply has likely been keeping up with demand, offering good choice to buyers. Additionally, $56,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating the area's residential nature. When measured against the Australian Capital Territory, Richardson shows approximately 60% of the construction activity per person. It places among the 30th percentile of areas assessed nationally, indicating somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established homes. However, building activity has accelerated in recent years. This level is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

New building activity shows an equal split between detached houses (50.0%) and medium to high-density housing (50.0%). This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points, suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a considerable change from the current housing mix, which is predominantly houses (96.0%), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With around 546 people per dwelling approval, Richardson shows a developed market. Population projections indicating stability or decline suggest that Richardson should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Richardson has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 49thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects that could impact the area. Key projects are Banks Gateway Estate, Calwell Retirement Living Precinct, Calwell Public Housing Development, and Canberra Light Rail Stage 4 - Woden to Tuggeranong. 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.

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

Richardson's workforce is skilled with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 6.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.3%. As of December 2025, 1,583 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 2.7% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation was at 68.5%, compared to the ACT's 70.5%. Only 8.0% of residents worked from home based on Census responses, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Leading employment industries were public administration & safety, construction, and health care & social assistance. The area had a high specialization in construction with an employment share twice the regional level, while public administration & safety had limited presence at 22.8% compared to the regional 30.4%.

Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census data. Over December 2024 to December 2025, Richardson's employment increased by 2.3%, and labour force grew by 0.8%, reducing unemployment by 1.3 percentage points. In comparison, the ACT had employment growth of 0.9%, labour force growth of 1.2%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. 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, although 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

The suburb of Richardson has a median income among taxpayers of $59,751 and an average income of $66,221, according to the latest Australian Taxation Office data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. These figures compare to those for the Australian Capital Territory, which are $72,206 (median) and $85,981 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $65,989 (median) and $73,134 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Richardson cluster around the 73rd percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows that 38.6% of locals (1,183 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, which is similar to the surrounding region where 34.3% occupy this range. High housing costs consume 15.7% of income in Richardson, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 68th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

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

The area's university qualification rate is 21.3%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 46.8%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 14.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 37.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (25.5%). Educational participation is high, with 29.2% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes primary education at 10.6%, secondary education at 7.9%, and tertiary education at 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 together 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. Most residents in this primarily residential area commute outward using their cars, which remain the dominant mode of transport at 93%. Only 6% of residents use buses for commuting. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling in Richardson, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 8.0% of residents work from home, which may be due to COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 527 trips per day, 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 faces 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.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 53% of the total population (~1635 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but lower than the Australian Capital Territory's 62.4%. Mental health issues impact 10.0% of residents, while arthritis affects 8.6%. 66.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 15.1% of residents aged 65 and over (462 people). Health outcomes among seniors 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 showed above-average cultural diversity, with 21.8% born overseas and 17.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Richardson, making up 46.5% of its population. Islam was overrepresented compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, comprising 3.3% versus 3.4%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (27.6%), English (24.7%), and Other (9.2%). Notably, Hungarian (0.6%) and Spanish (0.8%) ethnicities were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.3% and 0.5%, respectively. Serbian ethnicity was also slightly overrepresented at 0.6% versus the regional average of 0.4%.

Richardson's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Richardson's median age is 36 years, closely matching the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 but younger than Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Richardson has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (10.4%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (11.4%). Between the 2021 Census and the latest data, the 65-74 age group grew from 8.6% to 10.4%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 2.8% to 3.9%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 12.7% to 10.3% and the 5-14 group dropped from 13.8% to 12.3%. Population forecasts for Richardson in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 23%, adding 27 residents to reach 147. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 85% of population growth, reflecting ongoing demographic aging trends. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 85+ and 45-54 cohorts.