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 (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 suburb of Richardson'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, allocated from statistical area data, Richardson has seen around 4 new homes approved per year. Approximately 21 homes have been approved over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with 0 so far in FY-26.

The population decline in recent years suggests that new supply has likely kept up with demand, offering good choice to buyers. Additionally, $39,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating the area's residential nature. When compared to 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 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 is a considerable change from the current housing mix, which is currently 96.0% houses, 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 very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified four projects that may impact 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.

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Employment conditions in Richardson remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Richardson has a skilled workforce with an unemployment rate of 6.2% as of June 2025. Over the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 3.7%.

The area's unemployment rate is 2.8% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.4%, while workforce participation is similar at 69.6%. Leading industries include public administration & safety, construction, and health care & social assistance. Richardson has a particular employment specialization in construction, with an employment share twice the regional level. However, public administration & safety has limited presence, with only 22.8% of employment compared to the regional average of 30.4%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 3.7%, while labour force increased by 1.6%, causing a fall in unemployment rate of 1.9 percentage points. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory recorded an employment growth of 1.9% with a 0.3 percentage point decrease in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Richardson. These projections indicate 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 industry-specific projections to Richardson's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.1% over ten years.

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

Richardson's median income among taxpayers was $59,751 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $66,221 during the same period. These figures compare to those for the Australian Capital Territory, which were $68,678 and $83,634 respectively. By September 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.6%, current estimates suggest a median income of approximately $67,877 and an average income of around $75,227 in Richardson. 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 into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 34.3% similarly occupy this range. High housing costs consume 15.7% of income, but strong earnings still 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The dwelling structure in Richardson, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 95.7% houses and 4.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Australian Capital Territory's 79.6% houses and 20.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Richardson was at 26.5%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (47.8%) or rented (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 Australian Capital Territory's $2,000 and $425 respectively. 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 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 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 matches 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, 7.9% in secondary, and 3.4% in tertiary education. Richardson Primary School serves the area, with an enrollment of 140 students as of a recent date. The school's ICSEA score is 951, indicating typical Australian school conditions with balanced educational opportunities. It caters exclusively to primary education, with secondary options available nearby. Local school capacity is limited at 4.7 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 14.9, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 8 different routes that together facilitate 1,152 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these stops is rated excellent, with residents on average located 182 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 164 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 41 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. Common health conditions are 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 condition, followed by arthritis at 8.6%. A total of 66.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, similar to the 66.1% across Australian Capital Territory. The area has 14.4% of residents aged 65 and over (430 people), which is 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 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, comprising 46.5%. Islam is overrepresented compared to Australian Capital Territory, making up 3.3% versus 2.4%.

The top three ancestry groups are Australian (27.6%), English (24.7%), and Other (9.2%). Hungarian, Spanish, and Serbian ethnicities are notably more prevalent in Richardson than regionally, at 0.6%, 0.8%, and 0.6% respectively versus 0.3%, 0.7%, and 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 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 current time, the proportion of residents aged 65-74 has increased from 8.6% to 10.1%, while the percentage of residents aged 0-4 has risen from 6.2% to 7.5%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 55-64 has decreased from 12.7% to 10.7%, and the percentage of residents aged 5-14 has dropped from 13.8% to 12.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Richardson, with the 75-84 age group projected to grow by 29%, adding 30 residents to reach a total of 135. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 84% of population growth, highlighting trends towards an aging population. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 85+ and 45-54 age cohorts.