Stafford

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

Stafford's estimated population is 7,474 as of Feb 2026, reflecting a 496-person increase (7.1%) since the 2021 Census figure of 6,978 people. This change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 7,443 residents following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release (June 2024) and validation of 28 new addresses since the Census date. Stafford's population density is 2,179 persons per square kilometer, above national averages assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 7.1% growth positions it within 1.0 percentage point of its SA3 area (8.1%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Natural growth contributed 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. These state projections lack age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Future population trends suggest a median increase, with Stafford expected to grow by 615 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 7.9% 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 has seen approximately 22 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Around 110 homes were approved in the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, and an additional 75 have been approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 3.9 people move to the area each year for every dwelling built over these five financial years.

This significant demand exceeds new supply, potentially leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average value of new homes being built is approximately $693,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In terms of commercial development activity, around $17.7 million in approvals have been registered this financial year. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Stafford has about three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 33rd percentile nationally, suggesting relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing homes.

This level is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity consists of approximately 80.0% standalone homes and 20.0% attached dwellings, preserving Stafford's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has about 491 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established area. Population forecasts suggest Stafford will gain around 589 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 22 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Stafford City Shopping Centre Redevelopment, Haven Townhomes at Stafford Heights, Stafford Central Mixed-Use Development, and Windsor Dual Tower Development. The following list details those projects 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.

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

Stafford's workforce is highly educated with strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate was 5.9% in the past year, showing an estimated employment growth of 11.0%. As of September 2025, 4,607 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.9% above Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation at 80.2%.

Approximately 22.3% of residents worked from home, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Key industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. Stafford specializes in professional & technical jobs with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level, while manufacturing shows lower representation at 4.3% compared to the regional average of 6.4%. The worker-to-resident ratio was 0.7 as of the Census, indicating above-average local employment opportunities.

Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 11.0%, while labour force grew by an equal percentage, keeping unemployment relatively stable at around 6%. In comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded lower employment growth (3.8%) and labour force growth (3.3%), with a reduction in unemployment by 0.5 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections suggest Stafford's 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 has median taxpayer income of $59,813 and average income of $71,973 based on latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is higher than national averages, which are $58,236 median and $72,799 average in Greater Brisbane. By September 2025, estimates project median income to be approximately $65,740 and average income to be around $79,106, accounting for Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023. Census data shows personal income ranks at the 75th percentile with $965 weekly, while household income is at the 50th percentile. Income analysis reveals 31.7% of locals (2,369 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting surrounding region's pattern where 33.3% occupy this range. 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 data, consisted of 66.8% houses and 33.2% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In comparison, Brisbane metropolitan area had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Stafford stood at 19.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.9% and rented ones at 49.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure 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 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, 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 higher than broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 36.2% hold university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland (Qld) and 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 25.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 7.2% and graduate diplomas at 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% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (9.0%), tertiary education (8.1%), and secondary education (6.4%).

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 transport services is rated as excellent, with residents on average located just 124 meters from the nearest stop. In this predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the preferred mode of transport for 81% of residents, while only 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 might be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 346 trips per day, resulting in approximately 37 weekly trips per 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.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts. The prevalence of common health conditions is high, with mental health issues affecting 11.4% of residents and asthma impacting 8.7%. Approximately 56% of the population (~4,164 people) has private health cover. A total of 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 12.2% of residents aged 65 and over (911 people), which is lower than the 15.2% 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 showed above-average cultural diversity, with 20.3% born overseas and 12.6% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Stafford, accounting for 48.8% of its population. Notably, Judaism had an overrepresentation in Stafford compared to Greater Brisbane, with 0.1% versus 0.1%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (26.8%), Australian (24.0%), and Irish (10.8%). Other ethnic groups showed notable differences: New Zealand was overrepresented at 0.8% in Stafford compared to the regional figure of 1.0%, Welsh at 0.6% versus 0.5%, and Sri Lankan at 0.3% compared to 0.2%.

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 younger than Australia's 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Stafford has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (19.4%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (3.5%). Between the 2021 Census and the present day, the proportion of residents aged 5-14 has grown from 10.9% to 11.6%, while the proportion of residents aged 25-34 has declined from 20.5% to 19.4%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Stafford. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 25%, adding 212 residents to reach a total of 1,072. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups.