Stafford

Population growth drivers in Stafford are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Stafford's population, as of November 2025, is estimated at around 7,454 based on ABS population updates and new addresses validated by AreaSearch. This figure reflects an increase of 476 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,978. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 7,432 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), along with an additional 31 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 2,173 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Stafford's 6.8% growth since the Census positions it within 0.5 percentage points of the SA3 area (7.3%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Natural growth primarily drove population growth in the suburb, 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. Future population trends indicate a population increase just below the median of Australian statistical areas, with an expected growth of 613 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 8.1% 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 has seen approximately 21 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Around 109 homes were approved between FY-21 and FY-25, with a further 69 approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 4 people have moved to the area for each dwelling built over the past five financial years.

This high demand relative to new supply can lead to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction cost value of new homes being built is $693,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, $17.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Stafford has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person.

Nationally, it places among the 32nd percentile of areas assessed, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing homes. This level is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity shows 79.0% standalone homes and 21.0% attached dwellings, preserving Stafford's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 526 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area. Population forecasts indicate Stafford will gain 605 residents through to 2041 (from 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 20% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes to its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 23 projects that are likely to have an impact on this particular area. Notable projects 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 projects deemed 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.

AreaSearch analysis indicates Stafford maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Stafford has a well-educated workforce with strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate was 5.4% in the past year, showing an estimated employment growth of 11.1%.

As of June 2025, there are 4,477 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 6.5%, which is 1.4% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 5.1%. Workforce participation in Stafford stands at 68.4%, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. Stafford has a particularly strong specialization in professional & technical services with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, manufacturing shows lower representation at 4.3% compared to the regional average of 6.4%. The ratio of 0.7 workers per resident indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 11.1%, while labour force increased by 10.6%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.4 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 4.4% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a similar decrease in unemployment rate of 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Stafford's employment mix suggests 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's median taxpayer income is $59,816, with an average of $71,974, based on latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2022. This is notably higher than Greater Brisbane's median income of $55,645 and average income of $70,520. As of September 2025, estimates suggest a median income of approximately $68,184 and an average income of $82,043, factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022. According to census data, personal income ranks at the 75th percentile ($965 weekly), with household income at the 50th percentile. Income analysis shows that 31.7% of locals (2,362 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting a pattern seen in the surrounding region where 33.3% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 48th percentile. The area'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). In comparison, Brisbane metro had 67.2% houses and 32.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Stafford was at 19.3%, with the rest being mortgaged (30.9%) or rented (49.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Stafford was $2,000, below Brisbane metro's average of $2,100. The median weekly rent figure in Stafford was $360, compared to Brisbane metro's $390. Nationally, Stafford's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 comprise the remaining 39.5%, with lone person households at 33.5% and group households making up 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 state and national averages. Among residents aged 15+, 36.2% have 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 common, with 32.6% of residents 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. This includes 9.0% in primary education, 8.1% in tertiary education, and 6.4% pursuing secondary education. Stafford has two primary schools, Queen of Apostles Primary School and Stafford State School, serving a total of 581 students as of the latest data available (2021). These schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas. The area has limited local school capacity, with only 7.8 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 16.0, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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 services. These stops are served by 14 different routes that together facilitate 2,222 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the transport system is rated as excellent, with residents on average being located 123 meters from their nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 317 trips across all routes, which amounts to approximately 34 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.

Common health conditions are somewhat typical among the general population but higher than the national average for older cohorts. Private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~4,153 people). Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 11.4 and 8.7% of residents respectively. 67.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.1% across Greater Brisbane. The area has 11.9% of residents aged 65 and over (887 people), which is lower than the 16.6% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those of the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Stafford was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Stafford's population shows 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 is slightly overrepresented compared to Greater Brisbane, comprising 0.1% of Stafford's population.

The top three ancestral groups are English (26.8%), Australian (24.0%), and Irish (10.8%). Notably, New Zealanders are overrepresented at 0.8%, Welsh at 0.6%, and Sri Lankans at 0.3%.

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, and somewhat younger than Australia's median age of 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 the present, the proportion of Stafford's population aged 5 to 14 has grown from 10.9% to 11.7%, while the proportion aged 45 to 54 has declined from 12.3% to 11.6%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Stafford, with the strongest projected growth in the 45-54 age group (24%), adding 208 residents to reach a total of 1,073. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 0 to 4 age groups.