Stretton

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

Based on analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates for the broader area, the estimated population of Stretton as of November 2025 is around 5,164. This reflects an increase of 478 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,686 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,108 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest Education and Workforce (ERP) data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 78 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,014 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Stretton's growth of 10.2% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (8.9%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 75.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth of statistical areas across the nation is projected, with Stretton expected to increase by 1,054 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 20.6% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Stretton when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Stretton averaged approximately 25 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 125 homes. As of FY-26, four approvals have been recorded. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an average of 3.5 people moved to the area for each dwelling built, indicating significant demand outpacing supply, which typically drives upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost value of $659,000, reflecting a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This financial year has seen $29.0 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Stretton records roughly half the building activity per person and places among the 46th percentile of areas assessed nationally, suggesting somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established properties. New development consists of 71.0% detached houses and 29.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. This represents a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 98.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

With around 351 people per dwelling approval, Stretton shows a developed market. Future projections estimate Stretton adding approximately 1,061 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Stretton has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 16 projects potentially influencing the area. Notable ones are Greenbank Solar and Battery Storage Facility, Cross River Rail Enhancement, Stretton Reserve, and Illaweena Street Improvements Project - Stretton. 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.

The employment landscape in Stretton shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Stretton has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.4% as of the past year, with estimated employment growth of 2.0%.

As of June 2025, 2,594 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 4.4%, 0.3% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation was similar to Greater Brisbane's at 64.5%. Key industries for employment among residents were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services, with retail trade being particularly specialized at 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, public administration & safety had lower representation at 4.6% compared to the regional average of 7.0%.

Limited local employment opportunities were indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in Sep-22, employment increased by 2.0%, labour force by 2.3%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 4.4% and unemployment fell by 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Stretton's employment mix, local employment is estimated to increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.3% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

Stretton has a median taxpayer income of $44,081 and an average income of $54,279 based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is lower than national averages, contrasting with Greater Brisbane's median income of $55,645 and average income of $70,520. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $50,248 (median) and $61,873 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, household income ranks at the 74th percentile ($2,144 weekly), while personal income is at the 30th percentile. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 31.3% of Stretton's community (1,616 individuals). Economic strength is evident with 33.2% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 87.0% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

Stretton's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 98.5% houses and 1.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 82.0% houses and 18.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Stretton stood at 45.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.4% and rented ones at 14.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,167, exceeding the Brisbane metro average of $1,872. The median weekly rent in Stretton was $550, higher than Brisbane metro's $400. Nationally, Stretton's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Stretton features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 90.3% of all households, including 54.1% couples with children, 23.8% couples without children, and 10.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for 9.7%, comprising 8.1% lone person households and 1.7% group households. The median household size is 3.4 people, larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 3.0.

The educational profile of Stretton exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Educational attainment in Stretton exceeds broader benchmarks, with 42.6% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 25.7% in Queensland and 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 27.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational pathways account for 21.9% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas making up 10.4% and certificates 11.5%. Educational participation is high, with 31.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.6% in primary, 9.5% in secondary, and 7.0% in tertiary education.

Stretton State College serves as the area's anchor educational institution, catering to 3,491 students. The area demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions with an ICSEA score of 1070. All schools offer integrated K-12 education, providing continuity throughout students' academic journey. Stretton functions as an education hub with 67.6 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 15.6, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Stretton has 15 active public transport stops, all of which are bus services. These stops are served by 11 different routes that together facilitate 1,711 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as good, with residents on average situated 259 meters from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 244 trips per day, resulting in approximately 114 weekly trips per individual stop.

Stretton's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Stretton shows excellent health outcomes across all age groups, with very low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover stands at approximately 49% (~2,515 people), lower than the national average of 55.3%.

Diabetes and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in Stretton, affecting 5.3 and 5.2% of residents respectively. A total of 79.6% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 77.2% across Greater Brisbane. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 15.3% (790 people), compared to Greater Brisbane's 12.1%. Health outcomes among seniors in Stretton are strong and align with the general population's health profile.

Stretton is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Stretton has a high level of cultural diversity, with 64.6% of its residents speaking a language other than English at home and 60.1% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Stretton, comprising 33.3% of the population. However, Buddhism is more prevalent in Stretton at 8.3%, compared to 5.3% across Greater Brisbane.

The top three ancestry groups in Stretton are Chinese (32.2%), Other (17.4%), and English (10.3%). Notably, Chinese ancestry is substantially higher than the regional average of 15.5%. Additionally, Korean (2.0%) and Indian (8.7%) ancestries are overrepresented in Stretton compared to their regional averages of 1.9% and 7.0%, respectively.

Stretton's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Stretton's median age is 38, which is slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 but equal to Australia's median age of 38 years. The 55-64 age group comprises a strong 13.8% of Stretton's population compared to Greater Brisbane, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 9.9%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 13.6% to 15.0%, the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 12.2% to 9.9%, and the 0-4 age group has dropped from 5.6% to 4.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Stretton's age structure. Notably, the 45-54 age group is expected to grow by 47% (298 people), reaching 939 from 640. Conversely, both the 0-4 and 25-34 age groups are projected to decrease in number.