Richardson

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Richardson's population is estimated at around 2,992 as of Nov 2025. This reflects a decrease of 66 people (2.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,058 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,992, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 11 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,335 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. While Richardson experienced a 2.2% decline since census, the SA3 area achieved 0.2% growth, highlighting divergent population trends. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 66.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, with 2022 as a base, are adopted. Over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the Richardson statistical area (Lv2)'s population expected to decline by 171 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by 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 derived from statistical area data, Richardson has seen approximately four new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 21 homes were approved, with none recorded so far in FY26.

The declining population suggests that new supply has likely been meeting demand, offering buyers good choice. Additionally, $39,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Richardson shows approximately 59% of the construction activity per person and ranks 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. New building activity shows a balance between detached houses (50.0%) and medium to high-density housing (50.0%), creating more affordable entry points and suiting downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This shift reflects reduced availability of development sites and addresses changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

With around 546 people per dwelling approval, Richardson indicates a developed market. Given population projections suggesting stability or decline, housing demand pressures in Richardson are expected to remain relatively low, benefiting potential buyers.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects expected to influence this region. Key projects are Banks Gateway Estate, Calwell Retirement Living Precinct, Canberra Light Rail Stage 4 - Woden to Tuggeranong, and Calwell Public Housing Development. 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 has a skilled workforce with an unemployment rate of 6.4%. Over the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 2.7%.

As of September 2025, 1,582 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.9% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation is similar to the ACT's 69.6%. Leading employment industries among residents include public administration & safety, construction, and health care & social assistance. The area has a significant specialization in construction with an employment share of 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 predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparison of working population versus resident population. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 2.7%, while labour force increased by 0.6%, leading to a 1.9 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In contrast, ACT recorded lower employment growth at 1.4% and a smaller decrease in unemployment rate of 0.2 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows ACT employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year 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, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. 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 these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

Richardson suburb's income level is above national average, per latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. Median income among taxpayers is $59,751, average income stands at $66,221. ACT's figures are $68,678 and $83,634 respectively. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $67,877, average around $75,227, based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.6% since financial year 2022. According to 2021 Census figures, incomes in Richardson cluster around the 73rd percentile nationally. Predominant earnings cohort spans 38.6% (1,154 people) in $1,500 - 2,999 category. High housing costs consume 15.7% of income, disposable income at 68th percentile. Area'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 (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to the Australian Capital Territory's figures of 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. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent was $391, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's figures of $2,000 and $425 respectively. Nationally, Richardson's median monthly mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while median weekly rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for 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 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 common 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% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

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

Transport servicing is good 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 buses on eight different routes. Together, these routes provide 1,152 weekly passenger trips.

Residents have excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 182 meters to the nearest stop. The services run approximately 41 weekly trips per individual stop, with an average of 164 trips per day across all routes.

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 being somewhat 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 57.2% across Australian Capital Territory.

Mental health issues impact 10.0% of residents, making it the most common medical condition in the area, followed by arthritis at 8.6%. A total of 66.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, which is similar to the 66.1% across Australian Capital Territory. The area has 14.4% of residents aged 65 and over (430 people), lower than the 17.6% in Australian Capital Territory. 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 cultural diversity was found to be above average, with 21.8% of its population born overseas and 17.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Richardson, comprising 46.5% of people, while Islam showed an overrepresentation at 3.3%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's average of 2.4%. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (27.6%), English (24.7%), and Other (9.2%).

Notably, Hungarian (0.6% vs regional 0.3%), Spanish (0.8% vs regional 0.7%), and Serbian (0.6% vs regional 0.4%) ethnic groups were overrepresented in Richardson.

Richardson's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Richardson's median age is nearly 36 years, close to the Australian Capital Territory average of 35 but younger than Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Richardson has a higher percentage of residents aged 65-74 (10.1%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (11.4%). Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the percentage of Richardson's population aged 65 to 74 has increased from 8.6% to 10.1%, while the percentage of children aged 0 to 4 has risen from 6.2% to 7.5%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 55 to 64 has decreased from 12.7% to 10.7%, and the percentage of children aged 5 to 14 has dropped from 13.8% to 12.3%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Richardson. The number of residents aged 75 to 84 is projected to grow by 29%, adding 30 residents to reach a total of 135. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 84% of the population growth, highlighting the trend towards an aging demographic. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 85+ age group and the 45 to 54 age cohort.