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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Richardson has an estimated 3,065 residents. That puts 1,368 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to investigations of ABS population statistics for the surrounding region, combined with fresh addresses verified by AreaSearch after the Census, the suburb of Richardson had a resident count of approximately 3,065 in May 2026. This represents an addition of 7 individuals (0.2%) from the 2021 Census, which registered 3,058 people. The figure is derived from a resident count of 3,060, calculated by AreaSearch using the ABS June 2025 ERP release alongside 12 newly verified addresses post-Census. This headcount yields a density of 1,368 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical level of national areas analyzed by AreaSearch.
The post-census expansion rate of 0.2% in the suburb of Richardson is within 1.2 percentage points of the broader SA3 region (1.4%), indicating competitive expansion dynamics. Gains were mostly powered by natural increase, which accounted for roughly 66.0% of the total population growth in recent times. AreaSearch incorporates projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia for individual SA2 localities, published in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For SA2 territories lacking this data, and for any years after 2032, age bracket growth figures from the ACT Government's SA2 projections (2022 base year) are utilized. Looking ahead, these models project a downward trajectory for the overall headcount, with a reduction of 161 residents by 2041. Even so, expansion is projected in certain age cohorts, particularly the 75 to 84 bracket, which is expected to grow by 34 individuals. See the age section for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
21 new dwellings have been approved in Richardson over the past five years, an average of 4 a year. That is 1.4 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 3, broadly in line with that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
AreaSearch's evaluation of ABS residential building approvals indicates that the suburb of Richardson averages approximately 4 new dwellings approved annually, totaling 21 home approvals over the last 5 financial periods (spanning FY-21 to FY-25) and 3 during FY-26 so far. Because the population contracted during the preceding timeframe, the incoming housing volume has probably matched local demand, providing adequate options for home buyers. Furthermore, non-residential approvals registered at $56,000 this financial year, pointing to negligible commercial building progress. Relative to the Australian Capital Territory, the suburb of Richardson registers close to 60% of the per capita construction volume, placing it in the 30th percentile among all locations evaluated across the country.
This suggests tighter options for purchasers while supporting demand for pre-existing properties, although building work has risen lately. This level of activity sits below the country-wide average, reflecting the maturity of the suburb of Richardson and hinting at potential planning limits. Recent approvals consist of 50.0% standalone houses and 50.0% medium to high-density dwellings. Focusing on multi-unit styles offers cheaper points of entry and benefits downsizers, property investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a distinct departure from the historical building pattern (which stands at 96.0% standalone houses), indicating a decline in vacant allotments and reacting to changing preferences and budget limits. There are roughly 550 individuals for every single dwelling approval, highlighting the established nature of the suburb of Richardson. Given that population forecasts point to a stable or shrinking headcount, the suburb of Richardson is likely to experience less pressure on housing demand, which should benefit prospective purchasers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Richardson
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 14 current infrastructure and development projects close to Richardson, worth an estimated $2.16 billion. 2 are already under construction and 5 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, sports & recreation and telecommunications. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local performance is heavily shaped by developments in regional infrastructure, major works, and municipal planning. AreaSearch has identified 4 key projects that are likely to influence the locality. Major works include Banks Gateway Estate, Calwell Retirement Living Precinct, Calwell Public Housing Development, and Canberra Light Rail Stage 4 - Woden to Tuggeranong, with the details of the most significant initiatives listed below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Wanniassa Hills Primary School Modernisation
ACT Government modernisation project at Wanniassa Hills Primary School delivering a preschool upgrade and replacement of existing gas boilers with fully electric heat pumps to improve energy efficiency, thermal comfort and learning environments. The works build on the school's earlier major modernisation program including new learning communities, administration refurbishment, hall improvements and expanded parking. Electrical supply upgrade works were tendered in 2025 to support the new HVAC system.
Erindale Group Centre Master Plan Implementation - Stage 1
A long-term revitalisation of the Erindale Group Centre focused on transforming public spaces, improving pedestrian and active travel links, and upgrading community infrastructure. The 2025-26 ACT Budget specifically funded the Erindale shops upgrade, with concept designs for public space improvements, including new lighting, paving, and furniture, expected for community feedback in 2026. The broader master plan facilitates future mixed-use development and roughly 800 new dwellings to support Tuggeranong growth.
Calwell Retirement Living Precinct
A retirement living precinct proposal by KBDC, featuring 30 one-storey townhouses alongside the Calwell shopping strip.
Canberra Light Rail Stage 4 - Woden to Tuggeranong
Proposed southern extension of the Canberra light rail network connecting Woden Town Centre to Tuggeranong Town Centre via the Athllon Drive corridor. Recent 2026 updates indicate the ACT Government is developing a transit-oriented development (ToD) plan for the Athllon Drive corridor, with conceptual integrated bus and light rail network options for Canberra South expected by June 2026. The project remains part of the long-term City-wide Light Rail Network plan to support a population of 500,000.
Calwell Public Housing Development
30 new public housing townhouses (2 and 3 bedroom) built to Class C Adaptable standards. Features evaporative heating/cooling, 6-star energy rating hot water systems, double-glazed windows, and sustainable design.
Banks Gateway Estate
New residential subdivision by the Suburban Land Agency delivering approximately 220 new homes in Banks, directly adjacent to northern Gordon and within the same primary school catchment. The project is focused on creating a thriving local community.
EV Fast Charging Infrastructure - Calwell (Calwell Shopping Centre)
Public DC fast EV charging delivered at Calwell Shopping Centre and operated by Evie Networks, supported by ACT Government grants and ARENA funding to expand Canberra's charging network.
Calwell Group Centre improvements
Public space upgrades at local shops including new seating, playground with nature play elements, accessible parking bays, improved pedestrian access, upgraded lighting, and enhanced landscaping. Features nest swing, trampolines, slide, steppers and new shade sail.
1,586 residents of Richardson are employed, from a labour force of 1,700. Unemployment sits at 6.7%, with participation at 68.8%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.4% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 2,310, about 75% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The suburb of Richardson has a workforce with solid representation in crucial service industries, alongside an unemployment rate of 6.7% and a yearly job growth estimate of 1.1%, calculated from AreaSearch's regional data pools. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 1,586, while the jobless rate was 2.7% higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 4.1%, and labor engagement was slightly below par (68.8% compared to 70.8% in the Australian Capital Territory). Census records show that a minor 8.0% of the workforce operated from home, though coronavirus restriction effects must be taken into account.
The primary employment sectors for locals are public administration & safety, construction, and health care & social assistance. The workforce is highly concentrated in construction, representing 2.0 times the proportion seen across the wider region. Conversely, public administration & safety is underrepresented, making up 22.8% of local employment compared to 30.4% regionally. Because it is mostly residential, the suburb of Richardson appears to have scarce local employment, as shown by comparing the count of working residents to those employed locally in the Census. According to AreaSearch's study of SALM and ABS statistics aggregated from regional levels, the 12-month timeframe saw jobs rise by 1.1% and the labor force expand by 1.0%, bringing the unemployment rate down by 0.1 percentage points. Meanwhile, the Australian Capital Territory experienced a job rise of 0.3% and a labor force expansion of 1.1%, with a 0.7 percentage point increase. The national job projections from Jobs and Skills Australia dated May-25 offer additional perspective on future labor requirements in the suburb of Richardson. These models, spanning five and ten years, have been aligned with the local industry breakdown to project expansion paths. Nationally, employment is predicted to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though rates vary greatly by sector. Applying these trends to the industry mix in the suburb of Richardson suggests local jobs will rise by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years (note that this is a basic weighted calculation for demonstration purposes and does not incorporate local population forecasts).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Richardson is $2,043 a week (about $106,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,012 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $59,751 a year against an average of $66,221. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Taxpayer statistics from the ATO for the 2023 financial period show that personal earnings in the suburb of Richardson sit slightly below the country-wide average. The median income among local taxpayers is $59,751, and the average is $66,221, compared to $72,206 and $85,981 respectively for the Australian Capital Territory. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index lift of 10.44% since the 2023 financial year, current figures would be roughly $65,989 for the median and $73,134 for the average as of March 2026. Based on 2021 Census data, incomes for households, families, and individuals in the suburb of Richardson are near the 73rd percentile nationally.
The dominant earnings bracket contains 38.6% of residents (1,183 people) within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, mirroring the surrounding region where 34.3% are in this category. Rent and mortgage costs absorb 15.7% of earnings, yet healthy pay levels still put disposable funds in the 68th percentile, and the SEIFA index for income places the area in the 5th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Richardson had 1,108 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 96% detached houses and 0% apartments. 48% are owned with a mortgage, 26% rented and 27% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $391 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,000 a month. Rent absorbs 19.1% of household income here and mortgage repayments 22.6%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
The mix of homes in the suburb of Richardson at the time of the latest Census consisted of 95.7% detached houses and 4.3% multi-unit dwellings (townhouses, flats, or other options), whereas the Australian Capital Territory overall had 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Meanwhile, home ownership rates in the suburb of Richardson matched the Australian Capital Territory rate of 26.5%, with the remaining properties occupied by people with mortgages (47.8%) or renters (25.6%). The median monthly home loan payment was below the Australian Capital Territory average at $2,000, and the median weekly rent stood at $391, compared to $2,080 and $450 across the Australian Capital Territory.
Nationally, mortgage payments in the suburb of Richardson are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rent prices exceed the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Richardson counted 1,108 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.6 people each. 33% are couples with children, against 23% couples without children. 23% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.7 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the vast majority of households at 75.0%, consisting of couples with children at 33.3%, couples without children at 23.4%, and single parents at 16.4%. Non-family households account for the remaining 25.0%, with single-person living arrangements at 22.8% and group households representing 2.4% of the total. The median household occupancy of 2.6 residents is slightly larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
21.3% of adults in Richardson hold a university qualification, including 14.0% with a bachelor degree and 4.8% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 25.5% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 140 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 951 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational challenges are present in the suburb of Richardson, where the university graduation rate (21.3%) is well below the SA4 regional average of 46.8%. This highlights a clear need for focused education programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher education qualification at 14.0%, followed by postgraduate degrees (4.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational and technical training is prominent, with 37.2% of residents aged 15+ holding practical qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (25.5%). Enrolment rates are high, with 29.2% of the local population engaged in formal study.
This comprises 10.6% attending primary schools, 7.9% in high schools, and 3.4% enrolled in higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Richardson reaches 28 stops on 54 routes, timetabled for about 3,700 services a week. The typical home sits about 180 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.6 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transit records show 28 transit stops active in the suburb of Richardson, offering bus services. These stops support 54 distinct routes, which combine to deliver 3,689 passenger journeys each week. Transport access is classified as excellent, with average distances to the nearest stop standing at 182 meters. Being predominantly residential, most workers travel out of the area, with private vehicles remaining the primary choice at 93%, while 6% use buses. Car ownership averages 1.6 vehicles per household, which is higher than the regional average. A low 8.0% of the workforce worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect the pandemic conditions of the time.
Service frequency averages 527 journeys daily across the network, which equates to about 131 departures weekly at each transit stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
66.3% of residents in Richardson report no long-term health condition. 6.0% need daily assistance with core activities, and 53.4% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.8 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health metrics show difficulties in the suburb of Richardson, based on mortality and chronic illness data. Health concerns are somewhat common among both younger and older cohorts, while the level of private health coverage is slightly higher than the average SA2 area at roughly 53% of the population (~1,635 people). This compares to 62.4% throughout the Australian Capital Territory. Mental health difficulties and arthritis were the most prevalent conditions, affecting 10.0 and 8.6% of residents, respectively, while 66.3% of the population reported no chronic conditions at all, compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory.
The workforce-age group experiences distinct health issues, marked by higher rates of chronic illness. Residents aged 65 and over make up 15.1% of the population (462 people). Seniors' health profiles present some difficulties, with national standings generally matching the rest of the community.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Richardson is largely Australian-born, at 78.2% of residents, with 17.5% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (27.6%) and English (24.7%). 3.3% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
The suburb of Richardson displays higher cultural diversity than the typical area, with 21.8% of residents born outside Australia and 17.5% using a non-English language at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 46.5% of the local population. However, the most pronounced difference is the presence of Islam, representing 3.3% of residents compared to 3.4% across the Australian Capital Territory. Looking at parent countries of birth, the three largest ancestral cohorts in the suburb of Richardson are Australian at 27.6%, English at 24.7%, and Other at 9.2%. Some specific cultural groups show distinct representation patterns: Hungarian is notable at 0.6% in the suburb of Richardson (versus 0.3% in the wider region), Spanish at 0.8% (versus 0.5%), and Serbian at 0.6% (versus 0.4%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Richardson is 36. 27.6% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
With a median age of 36 years, the suburb of Richardson closely matches the Australian Capital Territory median of 35 and is slightly younger than the national average of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, the suburb of Richardson has a higher percentage of residents aged 65 - 74 (10.4%) but a smaller proportion aged 15 - 24 (11.4%). Since the 2021 Census, the 65 to 74 bracket has increased from 8.6% to 10.4% of the population, and the 75 to 84 group grew from 2.8% to 3.9%.
Conversely, the 55 to 64 group declined from 12.7% to 10.3%, while the 5 to 14 cohort fell from 13.8% to 12.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 point to major demographic changes. The 75 to 84 cohort is projected to have the highest growth at 23%, adding 27 people to reach 147. Older residents aged 65+ will account for 85% of the population growth, highlighting aging trends. On the other hand, the 85+ and 45 to 54 brackets are projected to shrink.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Richardson
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 12 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (3,058 at the 2021 Census → 3,065 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL80114). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.