Stafford

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

Stafford's population is estimated at 7,491 as of May 2026, reflecting an increase of 513 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 7.4% rise from the previous population count of 6,978. The change was inferred following AreaSearch's examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and validation of additional 29 new addresses since the Census date. Stafford's population density is 2,184 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 7.4% growth since the census positions it close to the SA3 area's growth rate of 8.0%. Natural growth contributed approximately 56% 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 used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Future population trends indicate an expected increase just below the median of national areas by 2041, with Stafford's population projected to expand by 561 persons, reflecting a total increase of 7.5% over the 16 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 has seen approximately 22 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 110 homes. As of FY-26, 86 approvals have been recorded. On average, about 3.9 people move to the area per dwelling built each year between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating high demand outstripping supply. The average construction cost for new dwellings is around $693,000, suggesting a focus on premium properties.

This financial year has seen approximately $17.7 million in commercial approvals, showing balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Stafford's new dwelling approval rate per person is about three-quarters the average, and it ranks among the 33rd percentile nationally, leading to relatively limited buyer choice and interest in existing dwellings. The area's market maturity is reflected in its detached dwelling focus (80%) and townhouses/apartments share (20%), attracting space-seeking buyers. Stafford has around 491 people per approval, indicating a mature market.

By 2041, AreaSearch estimates the area will grow by approximately 561 residents, with current development levels seemingly aligned with future requirements, maintaining stable market conditions without significant price pressures.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 22 projects that could impact this region. 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 likely to be 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.

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

Stafford's workforce is well-educated with strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate was 5.7% in the past year, showing a 10.4% employment growth based on AreaSearch data aggregation. As of December 2025, 4,714 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 6.8%, 1.5% higher than Greater Brisbane's 5.3%.

Workforce participation was 80.0%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 69.6%. According to Census responses, 22.3% of residents worked from home. Leading industries were health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. Stafford had a higher share in professional & technical jobs (1.3 times the regional level) but manufacturing was limited at 4.3%, compared to 6.4% regionally.

The worker-to-resident ratio was 0.7, indicating ample local employment opportunities. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 10.4% and labour force grew by 9.9%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. In Greater Brisbane, employment rose by 3.2%, labour force grew by 3.0%, and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) suggest a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Stafford's employment mix indicates local employment should grow by 7.0% in five years and 14.2% in ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

Stafford's median assessed income in financial year 2023 was $59,813. The average income stood at $71,973. Greater Brisbane had a median income of $58,236 and an average income of $72,799. By March 2026, estimates project the median income to be approximately $66,608 and the average income to be around $80,149, based on a 11.36% growth in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023. The 2021 Census reported Stafford's personal income at the 75th percentile ($965 weekly) and household income at the 50th percentile. In terms of earnings, 31.7% of individuals (2,374 people) fell within the $1,500 - $2,999 band, mirroring metropolitan trends where 33.3% are in this category. Income remaining after housing affordability pressures ranked at the 48th percentile with only 81.6% of income left. 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 structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 66.8% houses and 33.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Brisbane metro had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Stafford was at 19.3%, with the rest either mortgaged (30.9%) or rented (49.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Stafford was $2,000, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Stafford was $360, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Stafford's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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 2.6.

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

Stafford's educational attainment is notably high, with 36.2% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications, surpassing Queensland's (25.7%) and Australia's (30.4%) averages. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent 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, including advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (22.0%). Educational participation is high, with 29.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 9.0% in primary, 8.1% in tertiary, and 6.4% in secondary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.6% of residents 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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 13 different routes that together facilitate 2,428 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these stops is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 124 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from Stafford due to its predominantly residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transport for 81% of residents, while 9% use buses. On average, there are 1.1 vehicles per dwelling in Stafford, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 22.3% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 346 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 37 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Stafford is lower than average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Stafford faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population, which totals around 4173 people. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 11.4 and 8.7% of residents respectively. Conversely, 67.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 12.3% of residents aged 65 and over, which totals around 921 people, lower than the 15.1% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general 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 in Stafford, making up 48.8%. While Judaism comprises only 0.1%, this figure mirrors Greater Brisbane's rate.

The top three ancestry groups are English (26.8%), Australian (24.0%), and Irish (10.8%). Notable differences exist for New Zealanders (0.8% vs regional 1.0%), Welsh (0.6% vs 0.5%), and Sri Lankans (0.3% vs 0.2%).

Stafford's population is younger than the national pattern

Stafford's median age is 35 years, closely matching Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years but younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Stafford has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (20.3%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (3.4%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.6%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of Stafford's population aged 55 to 64 has increased from 9.9% to 10.6%, while the proportion of residents aged 45 to 54 has decreased from 12.3% to 11.7%. By 2041, significant demographic changes are projected for Stafford. The population aged 45 to 54 is expected to grow by 24%, adding 206 residents to reach a total of 1,083. Conversely, declines in population are forecasted for the 0-4 and 35-44 age cohorts.