Stafford

Population growth drivers in Stafford are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Stafford's population, as of November 2025, is estimated at around 7,476 people. This reflects an increase of 498 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,978 people in Stafford (SA2). The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 7,443 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 31 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 2,179 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Stafford's 7.1% growth since census positions it within 0.6 percentage points of the SA3 area (7.7%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Natural growth primarily drove population growth in the area, contributing approximately 56.00000000000001% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Examining future population trends, a population increase just below the median of Australian statistical areas is expected. The area is projected to grow by 615 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 7.8% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Stafford recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Stafford saw approximately 22 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Around 110 homes were approved between FY-21 and FY-25, with an additional 75 approved in FY-26. On average, about 3.9 people moved to the area for each dwelling built over those five years, indicating high demand outstripping new supply.

The average construction value of these new homes was $693,000, suggesting developers targeted the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, commercial approvals totaled $17.7 million, reflecting balanced commercial development activity in the area. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Stafford had about three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person as of recent AreaSearch assessments. Nationally, it ranked in the 33rd percentile for areas assessed, implying relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing homes.

This level is below average nationally, likely due to the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity in Stafford comprised 80% standalone homes and 20% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's suburban character with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location had approximately 491 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its established nature. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate forecasts Stafford to gain around 585 residents by 2041. Current development trends appear well-suited to meet future needs in the area, suggesting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Stafford has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 22 projects likely to impact this area. Notable ones include Stafford City Shopping Centre Redevelopment, Haven Townhomes Stafford Heights, Stafford Central Mixed-Use Development, and Windsor Dual Tower 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.

The employment landscape in Stafford shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Stafford's workforce is well-educated with strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate was 5.9% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 11.0%.

As of September 2025, there were 4,607 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 1.9% higher than Greater Brisbane's 4.0%. Workforce participation was 68.4%, slightly above Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key industries included health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. Stafford showed a strong specialization in professional & technical services with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level, but lower representation in manufacturing at 4.3% compared to the regional average of 6.4%.

The worker-to-resident ratio was 0.7, indicating above-average local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 11.0%, while labour force grew by the same percentage, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 5.9%. In comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.8% and a decrease in unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. State-level data from November 25 showed Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections for Stafford indicate local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.2% over ten years.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Stafford suburb's median taxpayer income is $59,813, average is $71,973 according to latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is higher than national averages of $58,236 (median) and $72,799 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated median income as of September 2025 would be approximately $65,740, average being $79,106. Census data shows personal income at the 75th percentile ($965 weekly), household income at the 50th percentile. Predominant income cohort spans 31.7% of locals (2,369 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 48th percentile. Stafford's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Stafford displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Stafford's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 66.8% houses and 33.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Brisbane metro had 67.2% houses and 32.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Stafford was at 19.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.9% and rented ones at 49.8%. Median monthly mortgage repayments were $2,000, lower than Brisbane metro's $2,100. Median weekly rent was $360, compared to Brisbane metro's $390. Nationally, Stafford's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Stafford features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 60.5% of all households, including 22.8% couples with children, 24.2% couples without children, and 11.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 39.5%, with lone person households at 33.5% and group households comprising 6.1%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.4.

The educational profile of Stafford exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Stafford's educational attainment exceeds broader standards significantly. Among residents aged 15+, 36.2% hold university qualifications, compared to Queensland's 25.7% and Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 25.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.2%) and graduate diplomas (3.2%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 32.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them – advanced diplomas account for 10.6% and certificates for 22.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.6% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.0% in primary education, 8.1% in tertiary education, and 6.4% pursuing secondary education.

Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Stafford has 65 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with 13 individual routes in total. Collectively, these routes provide 2,428 weekly passenger trips.

Residents have excellent access to transport, with an average distance of 124 meters to the nearest stop. On average, there are 346 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 37 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Stafford are marginally below the national average with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Stafford's health indicators show below-average results compared to national averages. Common health conditions are prevalent among its general population at levels slightly higher than the national average for older cohorts.

Private health cover is high, with approximately 56% of Stafford's total population (~4,165 people) having it, compared to 58.0% across Greater Brisbane. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in Stafford, affecting 11.4 and 8.7% of residents respectively. However, 67.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.1% in Greater Brisbane. As of 2021, 11.9% of Stafford's residents are aged 65 and over (889 people), which is lower than the 16.6% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention due to presenting some challenges compared to the broader population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Stafford records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Stafford's population shows above-average cultural diversity with 20.3% born overseas and 12.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 48.8%. Judaism, however, is proportionally similar to Greater Brisbane at 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (26.8%), Australian (24.0%), and Irish (10.8%). Notable differences exist in New Zealand (0.8% vs regional 0.9%), Welsh (0.6% vs 0.5%), and Sri Lankan (0.3% vs 0.2%) representations.

Stafford's population is younger than the national pattern

Stafford's median age is 35 years, nearly matching Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years but somewhat younger than Australia's 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Stafford has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (20.2%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (3.4%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 5 to 14 age group has grown from 10.9% to 11.7% of the population, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.3% to 11.6%. By 2041, demographic changes are projected for Stafford. The 45 to 54 age group is expected to grow by 24%, adding 205 residents to reach a total of 1,073. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 0 to 4 age groups.