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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025, Stafford Heights' estimated population is around 7,167. This reflects an increase from the 2021 Census figure of 6,992 people, a rise of 175 individuals (2.5%). The current estimate is inferred from AreaSearch's validation of resident population at 7,158 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in Jun 2024, and an additional 4 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,471 persons per square kilometer, placing Stafford Heights (SA2) in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. Recent population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 77.0% of overall population gains.

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 from 2023 based on 2021 data are used. However, these state projections lack age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Looking ahead, projections indicate a decline in overall population over this period. According to current methodology, Stafford Heights' population is expected to decrease by 592 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, notably the 85 and over age group projected to increase by 219 people.

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 seen approximately 9 dwellings approved annually for development based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Over the past 5 financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 48 homes received approval, with another 6 approved so far in FY-26. On average, each new home has brought in about 1.1 new residents annually over these years, suggesting balanced supply and demand conditions. However, this rate has increased to 4.9 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years, indicating 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 alone, $2.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting a predominantly residential focus.

All new constructions have been standalone homes, preserving Stafford Heights' traditional suburban character and appealing to families seeking space. The area has around 950 people per approval, indicating maturity and stability. Population projections suggest stability or decline, which should reduce housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

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

Local infrastructure changes 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, with the following list detailing those of most relevance.

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 an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate in September 2025 was 5.9%.

Employment grew by 10.3% over the past year. As of September 2025, 3965 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.9% higher than Greater Brisbane's 4.0%. Workforce participation was similar to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance and professional & technical services.

The latter had employment levels at 1.2 times the regional average. Manufacturing, however, was under-represented at 3.8% compared to Greater Brisbane's 6.4%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 10.3%, labour force by 10.5%, raising unemployment by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 3.8% and unemployment fall by 0.5%. State-level data from 25-Nov shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National forecasts suggest employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.4% over ten years in Stafford Heights, based on industry-specific projections.

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 was $64,421, averaging at $77,445 according to AreaSearch's postcode-level ATO data for the financial year 2023. Nationally, this is high, contrasting with Greater Brisbane's median of $58,236 and average of $72,799. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $70,805 (median) and $85,120 (average), based on a 9.91% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. The 2021 Census showed Stafford Heights' household, family, and personal incomes clustered around the 73rd percentile nationally. Income distribution revealed that 29.7% of residents (2,128 people) fell into the $1,500 - $2,999 weekly bracket, consistent with broader trends. Notably, 33.0% earned over $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. Housing accounted for 14.5% of income, while residents ranked in the 77th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 7th decile.

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

Stafford Heights' residential structures, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 96.8% houses and 3.2% other dwellings such as semi-detached units, apartments, and 'other' types. The home ownership rate in Stafford Heights was 32.4%, with 37.8% of dwellings mortgaged and 29.8% rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $415. Nationally, Stafford Heights' median monthly mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Stafford Heights features high concentrations of group households, with a median household size of 2.6 people

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.

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% among residents aged 15+, surpassing Queensland's average of 25.7% and Australia's national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 23.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.6%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 31.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 10.7% while certificates make up 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. Residents have good access to these services, with an average distance of 212 meters to the nearest stop.

The services run frequently, with an average of 198 trips per day across all routes, amounting to approximately 40 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Stafford Heights are marginally below the national average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Stafford Heights shows below-average health outcomes, with common conditions affecting both younger and older residents.

Mental health issues impact 9.7% of residents, while asthma affects 8.1%. Approximately 4,148 people have private health cover, representing around 58% of the total population. About 67.2% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 0% in Greater Brisbane overall. The area has 1,304 seniors aged 65 and over, making up 18.2% of its population. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally aligning with the broader population's health profile.

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' population was approximately equal to the broader area's average cultural diversity, with 80.6% born in Australia, 91.0% being citizens, and 88.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Stafford Heights, making up 54.4%. This compares to None% across Greater Brisbane.

The top three ancestry groups were English (27.4%), Australian (24.7%), and Irish (10.7%). Notably, New Zealanders were overrepresented at 1.0%, Italians at 5.0%, and Russians at 0.4%, compared to None% regionally in each case.

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

Stafford Heights has a median age of 37 years, nearly matching Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and close to Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Stafford Heights has a higher percentage of residents aged 75-84 (7.1%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (10.3%). Between the 2016 Census and the 2021 Census, the population aged 35-44 grew from 14.6% to 16.5%, while the population aged 85+ increased from 2.0% to 3.5%. Conversely, the population aged 25-34 declined from 15.3% to 13.8%, and the population aged 45-54 dropped from 12.8% to 11.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Stafford Heights' age profile will change significantly. The population aged 85+ is projected to grow by 81%, adding 203 residents to reach 454. Residents aged 65 and above are expected to drive 97% of the population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, the populations aged 55-64 and 15-24 are projected to decline.