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 ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the Stretton statistical area's population is estimated at around 5,088 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 402 people (8.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,686 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 5,050, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 78 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 999 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Stretton has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.7%, outpacing the SA4 region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 75.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth of statistical areas across the nation is projected, with the Stretton (SA2) expected to increase by 1,055 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 22.4% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above 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 129 homes. Six approvals have been recorded so far in FY-26. The average number of people moving to the area for each dwelling built over these five years was 3.4, indicating that demand significantly outpaces supply. This typically exerts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers.

New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $659,000, reflecting a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. There have also been $225,000 in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating the area's residential nature. When compared to Greater Brisbane, Stretton records approximately 57% of the building activity per person and places among the 58th percentile of areas assessed nationally. New development consists of 79.0% detached houses and 21.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

This shows a considerable change from the current housing mix, which is currently 98.0% houses, reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With around 261 people per dwelling approval, Stretton shows a developing market. Future projections show Stretton adding approximately 1,138 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 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects that may impact this region. Notable projects include 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 significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.2% as of the previous year, with estimated employment growth of 0.9%.

As of September 2025, 2624 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 4.2%, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Brisbane's at 64.5%. Key industries for employment among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional & technical services. Retail trade is particularly specialized with an employment share of 1.4 times the regional level, while public administration & safety shows lower representation at 4.6% compared to the regional average of 7.0%.

Over the past year, employment increased by 0.9%, labour force by 1.2%, leading to a slight rise in unemployment (0.3 percentage points). In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment growth of 3.8% and a decrease in unemployment by 0.5 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows Queensland's employment contracted slightly (-0.01%), with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Job and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections suggest Stretton's employment could increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.3% over ten years.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

The median taxpayer income in Stretton is $44,081, with an average of $54,279. This data is from the latest postcode level ATO figures aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Nationally, incomes are higher, with a median of $58,236 and an average of $72,799 in Greater Brisbane. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be around $48,449 (median) and $59,658 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. 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 includes 31.3% of Stretton's population (1,592 individuals). Across broader areas, 33.3% fall into this category. High-income households earning over $3,000 weekly make up 33.2%, indicating strong consumer spending power. After housing costs, residents retain 87.0% of their income, reflecting robust purchasing power. Stretton'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, consisted of 98.5% houses and 1.5% other dwellings. In Brisbane metro, this was 82.0% houses and 18.1% other dwellings. Stretton's home ownership rate was 45.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.4% and rented ones at 14.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Stretton was $2,167, compared to Brisbane metro's $1,872. The median weekly rent figure in Stretton was $550, while Brisbane metro recorded $400. Nationally, Stretton's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,167 versus the Australian average of $1,863. Rents in Stretton were substantially above the national figure of $375 at $550.

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

Family households constitute 90.3% of all households, consisting of couples with children (54.1%), couples without children (23.8%), and single parent families (10.6%). Non-family households comprise the remaining 9.7%, with lone person households at 8.1% and group households making up 1.7%. 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

Stretton's educational attainment is notably higher than regional averages. Among residents aged 15+, 42.6% have university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland (QLD) and 30.4% nationally. The most common qualification is a Bachelor degree at 27.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 12.5% and graduate diplomas at 2.3%. Vocational pathways account for 21.9% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 10.4% and certificates at 11.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.3% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.6% in primary education, 9.5% in secondary education, and 7.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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 stops. These stops are served by 9 different routes that together facilitate 1,676 weekly passenger trips. Residents have good access to these stops, with an average distance of 259 meters to the nearest one.

The service frequency is 239 trips per day across all routes, which amounts to approximately 111 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

Health outcomes data shows exceptional results across Stretton, with a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is found to be very low at approximately 49% of the total population (around 2,478 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

Diabetes and asthma were found to be the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 5.3% and 5.2% of residents respectively. A total of 79.6% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 77.2% across Greater Brisbane. Stretton has 15.3% of its population aged 65 and over (778 people), which is higher than the 12.1% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly aligning 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, making up 33.3% of the population. However, Buddhism is notably overrepresented compared to Greater Brisbane, comprising 8.3% of Stretton's population versus 5.3%.

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%, while English ancestry is lower at 16.4%. There are also significant differences in the representation of Korean (2.0% vs 1.9%), Indian (8.7% vs 7.0%), and Samoan (1.2% vs 1.3%) ethnic groups compared to regional averages.

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

Stretton's median age is 38, which is slightly older than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 but equal to Australia's median age of 38. The 55-64 age group comprises 13.8% of Stretton's population, higher than Greater Brisbane's percentage, while the 25-34 cohort makes up 9.9%, which is lower compared to Greater Brisbane. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 13.6% to 15.0%. Conversely, 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. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 49%, adding 307 people and reaching a total of 938 from the current 630. Meanwhile, both the 0-4 and 25-34 age groups are expected to have reduced numbers.