Stafford Heights

Stafford Heights is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of February 2026, the estimated population of Stafford Heights is around 7,167, reflecting an increase of 175 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a growth rate of approximately 2.5%. The latest resident population estimate for Stafford Heights, based on AreaSearch's examination of ABS data released in June 2024, is 7,158. This figure includes four validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density in Stafford Heights stands at about 2,471 persons per square kilometer, placing it among the upper quartile of locations assessed by AreaSearch nationwide.

The primary driver for this population growth has been overseas migration, contributing approximately 77% of overall population gains during recent periods. For projections, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, based on 2021 data and released in 2023. However, these state projections lack age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data for each age cohort. Future population dynamics indicate a projected decline of 595 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 85 and over age group, which is projected to increase by 219 people during this period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Stafford Heights, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Stafford Heights has averaged approximately nine dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 48 homes were approved, with six more in FY26 so far. The average new residents per year per new home over these five years was approximately 1.1, indicating balanced supply and demand. However, this has intensified to 4.9 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply.

Development projects have averaged $874,000 in construction value, targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This year, $2.2 million in commercial development approvals were recorded, showing a predominantly residential focus.

All new constructions have been standalone homes, maintaining Stafford Heights' traditional suburban character and appealing to families seeking space. With around 950 people per approval, Stafford Heights is a mature, established area with stable or declining population projections, reducing housing demand pressures and benefiting potential buyers.

Stafford Heights 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 17 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Stafford Heights Aged Care & Retirement Village Expansion, Stafford City Shopping Centre Redevelopment, Everton Park Urban Village, and MONARC Mixed-Use Precinct. 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.

Stafford Heights has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Stafford Heights has a well-educated workforce. Professional services are strongly represented, with an unemployment rate of 5.9%. Employment growth over the past year is estimated at 10.3%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 3,966 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.9% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Brisbane's 70.7%. According to Census responses, 22.8% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training.

Stafford Heights has a notably high concentration in professional & technical services, with employment levels at 1.2 times the regional average. Manufacturing is under-represented, with only 3.8% of the workforce compared to Greater Brisbane's 6.4%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 10.3%, while labour force grew by 10.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise slightly. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment grow by 3.8% and unemployment fall by 0.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Stafford Heights. These projections estimate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Stafford Heights' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.4% over ten years.

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

Stafford Heights' median taxpayer income is $64,421, averaging at $77,445. This data is from AreaSearch's postcode level ATO aggregation for the financial year 2023. Nationally, these figures are high compared to Greater Brisbane's median of $58,236 and average income of $72,799. By September 2025, estimates suggest a median of approximately $70,805 and an average of $85,120, based on a 9.91% growth in wages since financial year 2023. The 2021 Census shows incomes in Stafford Heights cluster around the 73rd percentile nationally. Income distribution reveals that 29.7% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (2,128 people). Higher earners are significant, with 33.0% exceeding $3,000 weekly. Housing consumes 14.5% of income. Residents rank in the 77th percentile for disposable income, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Stafford Heights is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Stafford Heights' dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.8% houses and 3.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasted with Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Stafford Heights was higher at 32.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.8% and rented ones at 29.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, above Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Stafford Heights was $415, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Stafford Heights' mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Stafford Heights features high concentrations of group households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 75.5% of all households, including 33.7% couples with children, 28.5% couples without children, and 11.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 24.5%, with lone person households at 20.1% and group households making up 4.3%. The median household size is 2.6 people, aligning with the Greater Brisbane average.

Educational attainment in Stafford Heights aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 33.9% for residents aged 15+, surpassing the Queensland average of 25.7% and the national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 23.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 6.6% and graduate diplomas at 3.6%. Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 31.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 10.7% and certificates at 20.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 27.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.1% in primary education, 7.1% in secondary education, and 6.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Stafford Heights has 34 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 11 different routes that together facilitate 1,391 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically living just 212 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards due to Stafford Heights being primarily residential. Car remains the dominant mode of transport, used by 85% of residents, while only 6% use buses. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling in the area.

According to the 2021 Census, 22.8% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 198 trips per day, equating to approximately 40 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Stafford Heights is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Stafford Heights faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover was found to be very high at approximately 58% of the total population (~4,148 people), compared to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane. The most common medical conditions in the area were mental health issues and asthma, impacting 9.7% and 8.1% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 67.2% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 18.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,333 people), which is higher 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 Heights 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 Heights' cultural diversity aligns with the broader area, where 80.6% were born in Australia, 91.0% are citizens, and 88.5% speak English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, at 54.4%, compared to 47.8% regionally. The top three ancestry groups are English (27.4%), Australian (24.7%), and Irish (10.7%).

Notably, New Zealanders comprise 1.0%, Italians 5.0%, and Russians 0.4%, each exceeding regional averages of 1.0%, 2.0%, and 0.3% respectively.

Stafford Heights's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Stafford Heights's median age is nearly 37 years, closely matching Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and slightly below Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Stafford Heights has a higher proportion of residents aged 85+ (3.7%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (10.3%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 35-44 has increased from 14.6% to 16.4%, while those aged 85+ have grown from 2.0% to 3.7%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has decreased from 15.3% to 13.3%, and the 45-54 age group has dropped from 12.8% to 11.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Stafford Heights's age profile will significantly change. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 73%, adding 193 residents to reach 459. Residents aged 65+ are expected to drive 99% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, the 15-24 and 55-64 age groups are anticipated to experience population declines.