Stanthorpe (Qld)

Detail

Based on an evaluation of ABS population updates for the wider region alongside recent addresses validated by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Stanthorpe has an estimated population of approximately 5,487 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 201 people (3.8%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded 5,286 residents. The shift is calculated from a resident population of 5,445 estimated by Districts following analysis of the June 2025 ABS ERP release and 50 validated new addresses added since the Census date. This population scale translates to a density of 171 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density and capacity for subsequent expansion. The 3.8% post-Census increase in the suburb of Stanthorpe is within 1.2 percentage points of the wider SA4 region (5.0%), showing competitive growth fundamentals. Interstate migration was the primary driver of population growth, accounting for approximately 55% of all population gains during recent times.

Detail

Stanthorpe maintains a balanced labor force consisting of white and blue collar workers across diverse sectors, featuring an unemployment rate of 5.8% and steady employment levels over the preceding year, according to aggregated statistical area data. In March 2026, 2,244 residents were employed, while the local unemployment rate exceeded the Regional Qld rate of 3.9% by 1.8%. Furthermore, the labor force participation rate of 50.6% is significantly lower than Regional Qld's 64.3%. Census data indicates that a minor 8.0% of residents worked from home, although this may reflect COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.

Detail

According to the latest ATO statistics compiled by Districts for financial year 2023, the suburb of Stanthorpe has an income level below the national average. The median taxpayer income is $38,665, and the average income is $47,217, compared to Regional Qld averages of $53,146 and $66,593. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 would be approximately $43,057 for the median and $52,581 for the average. Census data places household, family, and personal incomes in Stanthorpe between the 2nd and 7th percentiles nationwide. The weekly earnings distribution is dominated by the $400 - 799 bracket, which accounts for 33.2% of residents (1,821 people), contrasting with the wider region where the - category is largest at . With of individuals earning below weekly, the suburb faces financial constraints that influence local consumption. After housing expenses, residents retain of their income, which ranks in the th percentile nationally.

Detail

Residential property structure in Stanthorpe at the time of the latest Census consisted of 88.4% detached houses and 11.6% other options (semi-detached properties, apartments, and alternative dwellings), compared to 76.4% houses and 23.6% other options across Regional Qld. Home ownership rates in Stanthorpe reached 44.8%, which is notably higher than in Regional Qld, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (23.8%) or rented (31.3%). The median monthly mortgage payment was $1,200, which is considerably lower than the Regional Qld average of $1,655, while the median weekly rent was $250 compared to Regional Qld's $345. Locally, mortgage payments are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are substantially below the national median of $375.

Detail

Families make up the majority of households at 61.1%, consisting of couples with children (18.6%), couples without children (31.7%), and single parent households (9.8%). Non-family households represent the remaining 38.9%, with single-person households at 36.2% and group housing making up 2.6%. The median household size of 2.1 individuals is lower than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

Detail

The region experiences educational challenges, with university completion rates (16.3%) sitting far below the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher education credential at 12.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational and technical skills are highly prevalent, with 37.2% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (9.2%) and certificates (28.0%).

Detail

Public transit analysis reveals 6 active transit stops in Stanthorpe, consisting of a mix of buses. These locations are served by 2 individual routes that provide a combined 22 weekly passenger trips. Transit access is classified as limited, with residents living an average of 977 meters from their nearest stop. Reflecting the residential character of the area, most workers commute out, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode at 92%, followed by walking at 6%. Average vehicle ownership stands at 1.2 per household, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 8.0% of residents work from home according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.

Detail

Stanthorpe faces notable health issues based on Districts analysis of death rates and chronic condition prevalence, with common illnesses relatively widespread across both younger and older demographics. Furthermore, private health insurance coverage is low at approximately 46% of the population (~2,519 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

Detail

Stanthorpe displays lower levels of cultural diversity, with citizens making up 88.3% of the population, 83.2% born in Australia, and 90.4% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, representing 62.6% of local residents, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

Detail

Stanthorpe has a median age of 50 years, which is older than Regional Qld's median of 41 and the national median of 38. The age distribution reveals that the 65 - 74 bracket is particularly large (16.6%), whereas the 5 - 14 group is smaller (9.2%) than in Regional Qld. The 65 - 74 concentration is higher than the national figure of 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data indicates the 15 to 24 age bracket rose from 8.9% to 11.0% of the population, and the 75 to 84 cohort expanded from 10.5% to 12.2%. Conversely, the 5 to group fell from to , and the to group declined from to . Projections suggest significant changes by . The group aged and over is expected to grow by people (), rising from to . Older residents (+) will account for of overall population growth, highlightling the aging demographic. Conversely, both the to and to brackets are projected to experience declines.

Detail

Stanthorpe currently has an estimated 257 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 154 children aged 0-2 and 103 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 39% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 6% by 2041 (to approximately 273 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 406. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 7.6 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.