Richardson

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

As of Nov 2025, the population of the Richardson statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 2,992 people, reflecting a decrease of 66 individuals since the 2021 Census. This decline represents approximately 2.2% of the total population recorded in the previous census, which was 3,058 people. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and analysis of the latest ERP data release by the ABS, dated June 2024. This results in a population density ratio of 1,335 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Contrasting this with the broader SA3 area, Richardson experienced a decline of 2.2% since the census, while the larger area achieved a growth rate of 0.1%, indicating divergent population trends within the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 66.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch's projections for future population trends in Richardson are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024, with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years beyond 2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, also using 2022 as the base year. According to these projections, the Richardson (SA2) population is expected to decline by 171 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow during this period, 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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Richardson has seen approximately 4 new homes approved per year. Over the past five financial years, between FY21 and FY25, around 21 homes were approved, with no approvals recorded so far in FY26.

This suggests that new supply has likely been keeping up with demand, offering good choice to buyers despite population decline over recent years. Additionally, $56,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating the area's residential nature. When measured against the Australian Capital Territory, Richardson shows approximately 59% of the construction activity per person. It places among the 30th percentile of areas assessed nationally, suggesting 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 a focus on higher-density living, with 50.0% detached houses and 50.0% medium and high-density housing. This change from the current housing mix (currently 96.0% houses) reflects reduced availability of development sites and addresses shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With around 546 people per dwelling approval, Richardson shows a developed market. Given population projections indicating stability or decline, Richardson should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Richardson has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects expected to impact the region: 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 workforce is skilled with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 6.4% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 2.7% over the past year.

In September 2025, 1,582 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate was 2.9% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation was broadly similar to the ACT's 69.6%. Leading employment industries among residents include public administration & safety, construction, and health care & social assistance. Richardson has a particular specialization in construction, with an employment share 2.0 times the regional level.

However, public administration & safety has limited presence at 22.8% compared to the regional average of 30.4%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparing working population and resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 2.7%, while labour force increased by 0.6%, causing a decrease in unemployment rate of 1.9 percentage points. In comparison, the ACT recorded employment growth of 1.4%, labour force growth of 1.2%, with a fall in unemployment of 0.2 percentage points. As of 25-Nov, ACT employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, adding 710 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 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 simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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

Richardson's median income among taxpayers was $59,751 in financial year 2023, according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. The suburb's average income stood at $66,221 during the same period. In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory had median and average incomes of $72,206 and $85,981 respectively in financial year 2023. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Richardson's median income would be approximately $65,284 as of September 2025, with average income estimated at around $72,353 during the same period. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Richardson cluster around the 73rd percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows that 38.6% of locals (1,154 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income category. This pattern is also seen in the surrounding region, where 34.3% of residents occupy this income range. High housing costs consume 15.7% of income in Richardson. Despite this, disposable income remains at the 68th percentile nationally. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Richardson is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Richardson's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.7% houses and 4.3% other dwellings. In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory had 79.6% houses and 20.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Richardson stood at 26.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 47.8% and rented ones at 25.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, aligning with the Australian Capital Territory average, while the median weekly rent was $391, compared to the territory's $425. Nationally, Richardson's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Richardson has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

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

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 prevalent at 14.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are held by 37.2% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.7% and certificates at 25.5%. Educational participation is high, with 29.2% currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.6% in primary, 7.9% in secondary, and 3.4% in tertiary education.

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. These are served by a mix of buses operating along 54 different routes. Together, these provide 3,689 weekly passenger trips.

Residents have excellent access to transport, with an average distance of 182 meters to the nearest stop. On average, there are 527 trips per day across all routes, which equates 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, 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 (~1,596 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but lower than the Australian Capital Territory's 58.1%.

Mental health issues impact 10.0% of residents, while arthritis affects 8.6%. A total of 66.3% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the Australian Capital Territory's 66.1%. The area has 14.4% of residents aged 65 and over (430 people), lower than the Australian Capital Territory's 17.6%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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, comprising 46.5% of its population. Notably, Islam was overrepresented compared to the Australian Capital Territory average, making up 3.3% versus 2.4%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (27.6%), English (24.7%), and Other (9.2%). Some ethnic groups showed notable divergences: Hungarian at 0.6% versus regional 0.3%, Spanish at 0.8% versus 0.7%, 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 younger than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Richardson has a higher concentration of residents aged 65-74 (10.1%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (11.4%). Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the proportion of Richardson's population aged 65 to 74 has increased from 8.6% to 10.1%, while the proportion of children aged 0 to 4 has risen from 6.2% to 7.5%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 55 to 64 has declined from 12.7% to 10.7%, and the proportion of children aged 5 to 14 has dropped from 13.8% to 12.3%. Population forecasts for Richardson indicate significant demographic changes by 2041, with the strongest projected growth in the 75 to 84 age cohort (29%), adding 30 residents to reach a total of 135. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 84% of population growth, highlighting trends towards demographic aging. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 85+ age cohort and the 45 to 54 age group.