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

Stafford Heights' population, as estimated by AreaSearch based on ABS updates and new addresses validated since the 2021 Census, is around 7,168 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 176 people (2.5%) from the previous count of 6,992 people in the suburb. AreaSearch's estimate of 7,161 residents, combined with four validated new addresses since the Census date, supports this growth. The population density ratio is 2,471 persons per square kilometer, placing Stafford Heights in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. Overseas migration contributed approximately 77.0% of overall population gains during recent periods for the suburb.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in June 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 do not provide age category splits, so 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 for Stafford Heights by 591 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 85 and over age group, 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 received approximately 9 dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Over the past 5 financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 49 homes were approved, with an additional 4 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, about 1.1 new residents arrived per new home annually over these years. However, this rate has increased to 4.6 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years.

Development projects have averaged $854,000 in construction value, indicating a focus on premium market properties. This year, $2.2 million in commercial development approvals were recorded, reflecting a predominantly residential focus.

All new constructions have been standalone homes, maintaining Stafford Heights' suburban character and appealing to families seeking space. The area has around 890 people per approval, suggesting maturity and established population. Population projections indicate 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 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 17 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones 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.

Employment performance in Stafford Heights has been broadly consistent with national averages

Stafford Heights has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. Its unemployment rate was 5.1% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 11.0%.

As of June 2025, 3,960 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.2%, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 4.1%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Brisbane at 64.5%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. Notably, professional & technical jobs are concentrated here, with levels at 1.2 times the regional average.

Conversely, manufacturing is under-represented at 3.8%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 6.4%. Limited local employment opportunities are suggested by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 11.0% while labour force grew by 10.5%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 4.4%, labour force grow by 4.0%, and unemployment fall by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 indicate total employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

Stafford Heights had a median taxpayer income of $64,416 and an average income of $77,439 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is notably higher than Greater Brisbane's median income of $55,645 and average income of $70,520 during the same period. By September 2025, estimates suggest median incomes would reach approximately $73,428 and averages at $88,273, based on a 13.99% growth in wages since financial year 2022. The 2021 Census shows household, family, and personal incomes in Stafford Heights are around the 73rd percentile nationally. Income distribution reveals that 29.7% of residents (2,128 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 weekly bracket, aligning with broader trends where 33.3% also fit this category. Notably, 33.0% of residents earn more than $3,000 weekly, indicating robust purchasing power within the community. Housing consumes 14.5% of income, and strong earnings place residents in the 77th percentile for disposable income. 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' housing structure, as per the latest Census, consists of 96.8% houses and 3.2% other dwellings. In contrast, Brisbane metro has 0% houses and 0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Stafford Heights stands at 32.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.8% and rented ones at 29.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment is $2,167, aligning with Brisbane metro's average. The median weekly rent is $415, unlike Brisbane metro which has no recorded data for rents. Nationally, Stafford Heights' mortgage repayments are higher at $2,167 compared to the Australian average of $1,863. Rents in Stafford Heights are substantially higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 make up the remaining 24.5%, with lone person households at 20.1% and group households comprising 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% of residents aged 15+, surpassing Queensland's average of 25.7% and Australia's national figure of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the 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 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. Stafford Heights's three schools have a combined enrollment reaching 388 students as of the latest data available. The area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions with balanced educational opportunities (ICSEA: 998). All three schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. Note that where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to parent campus information.

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

Stafford Heights has 38 active public transport stops. These are served by buses on 12 different routes. Together, these provide 1,401 weekly passenger trips.

The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 207 meters. There are approximately 200 trips per day across all routes, which equals about 36 weekly trips per 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 and asthma are most prevalent, impacting 9.7% and 8.1% of residents respectively. Approximately 58% of the total population (4,149 people) have private health cover. Around 67.2% report no medical ailments, compared to 0% in Greater Brisbane overall. The area has 18.2% of seniors aged 65 and over (1,304 people). Health outcomes among seniors present challenges similar to the general population's 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 found to be approximately in line with the broader area's average regarding 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% of its population, compared 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 for each group.

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

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