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 is estimated at 7,193 as of May 2026, reflecting a 2.9% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 6,992 people. This increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 7,192 residents, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and validation of four new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 2,480 persons per square kilometer, placing Stafford Heights in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 77.0% 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 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 the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. Future population dynamics indicate a decline by 614 persons in Stafford Heights by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are projected to grow, notably the 85 and over age group, expected to increase by 205 people.

The level of residential development activity in Stafford Heights is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Stafford Heights has seen approximately 9 dwellings granted development approval annually, with a total of 48 homes approved between FY21-FY25. In FY26, up to the present time, 8 dwellings have been approved. The average population increase per dwelling built over these years is 0.3 people.

This suggests that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering more buyer choices and potential for population growth above projections. The average construction cost value of new dwellings is $874,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment.

In FY26, commercial development approvals have reached $2.2 million, predominantly reflecting residential development. All new constructions in Stafford Heights are standalone homes, preserving its traditional suburban character and catering to families seeking space. With around 951 people per approval, it is considered a mature, established area. Population projections indicate stability or decline, which may reduce housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects likely impacting this region. 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.

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

Stafford Heights has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate was 5.9% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 9.3%. As of December 2025, 4,033 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 1.8% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation was 73.2%, slightly above Greater Brisbane's 69.6%. Home workership stood at 22.8%, considering Covid-19 impacts. Dominant sectors included health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training. The area had a notable concentration in professional & technical jobs, at 1.2 times the regional average.

Manufacturing was under-represented, with only 3.8% of the workforce compared to Greater Brisbane's 6.4%. Local employment opportunities appeared limited based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment increased by 9.3%, while labour force grew by 9.6%, raising unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 3.2% and unemployment fall by 0.1%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Stafford Heights' employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 7.1% in five years and 14.4% in ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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, with an average of $77,445, according to AreaSearch's postcode level ATO data for the financial year 2023. Nationally, this is high compared to Greater Brisbane's median income of $58,236 and average income of $72,799. As of March 2026, estimated median income would be approximately $71,739, and average income around $86,243, based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. The 2021 Census shows incomes in Stafford Heights cluster around the 73rd percentile nationally. In terms of income distribution, 29.7% of residents (2,136 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly bracket. Higher earners make up a substantial presence with 33.0% exceeding $3,000 weekly. Housing accounts for 14.5% of income, and residents rank within 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' dwellings were 96.8% houses and 3.2% other types (semi-detached, apartments, 'other') in the latest Census, compared to Brisbane's 73.5% houses and 26.5% others. Home ownership was 32.4%, with mortgages at 37.8% and rentals at 29.8%. Median monthly mortgage repayments were $2,167, higher than Brisbane's $1,863 average. Median weekly rents were $415, compared to Brisbane's $380. Nationally, Stafford Heights' mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were above the national figure of $375.

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

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 account for 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, which aligns 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 of 33.9% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Queensland average of 25.7% and the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the 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 at 10.7% and certificates at 20.4%.

Educational participation is notably 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 considered good, with residents typically living within 212 meters of the nearest stop. Most residents commute outside Stafford Heights. Car remains the primary mode of transportation, used by 85% of residents, while only 6% use public 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 partly due to COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 198 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 40 weekly trips per individual 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 as of October 2021. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 58% of the total population (around 4,164 people), compared to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane as of June 2021. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 9.7 and 8.1% of residents respectively, while 67.2% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane as of June 2021. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 17.8% of residents aged 65 and over (around 1,280 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Brisbane as of June 2021. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population as of October 2021.

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 wider region's average, with 80.6% of its population born in Australia, 91.0% being citizens, and 88.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Stafford Heights, comprising 54.4%, compared to 47.8% across Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestry groups are English (27.4%), Australian (24.7%), and Irish (10.7%).

Notably, New Zealanders are overrepresented at 1.0% in Stafford Heights, while Italians comprise 5.0%, and Russians 0.4%.

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

Stafford Heights's median age is nearly 37 years, close to Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Stafford Heights has a higher percentage of residents aged 35-44 (16.7%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (10.6%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the 35-44 age group has increased from 14.6% to 16.7%, while the 85+ cohort has grown from 2.0% to 3.5%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 12.8% to 11.1%, and the 25-34 group has dropped from 15.3% to 13.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Stafford Heights's age profile will change significantly. The 85+ cohort is projected to grow by 76%, adding 191 residents to reach 443. Residents aged 65 and above are expected to drive 96% of population growth. Meanwhile, the 15-24 and 55-64 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.