🔍

Richardson

ACT 2905 • Australian Capital Territory

3,058
Population (2021)
$106,236
Median Household Income
2.24 km²
Area
$391/wk
Median Rent
Family-FriendlyEstablished SuburbACTCanberraAffordable

About Richardson

Richardson is a residential suburb in Canberra's Tuggeranong district, located approximately 21 kilometres south of the city centre in the Australian Capital Territory. Established in 1981, the suburb covers 2.2 square kilometres at an elevation of 609 metres, and had a population of 3,058 at the 2021 census with a median age of 36. Streets are themed after writers, particularly female authors, honouring the suburb's namesake — novelist Ethel Florence Lindesay Richardson (pen name Henry Handel Richardson). Residents are predominantly Australian-born, with English, Indian, and New Zealand-born communities also represented.

Richardson is a well-established family suburb with a strong sense of community, featuring Richardson Primary School, a local oval, and a small local shopping centre on May Gibbs Close. The historic Tuggeranong Homestead heritage site, accessible from Johnson Drive, adds cultural significance to the area. Nearby Tuggeranong Town Centre provides a full range of retail, dining, and services within a short drive. The suburb is bounded by Johnson Drive, Ashley Drive, and Isabella Drive, and is serviced by multiple ACTION bus routes connecting to Tuggeranong Town Centre and Erindale Centre.

Richardson falls under postcode 2905 and is governed by Unincorporated Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Brindabella electorate.

📰 Featured In

📰 Australian Capital Territory Suburbs with the Most Housing Commission

📍 Location

State
Australian Capital Territory
Postcode
2905
Urban Area
Tuggeranong
LGA / Council
Unincorporated
Federal Electorate
Bean
State Electorate
Brindabella
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-35.43°, 149.12°
Statistical Area
Australian Capital Territory
Area
2.24 km²
Elevation
609m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$391
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,000
Avg Household Size
2.6 people
Median Age
36 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
12.4%

134 state housing + 3 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • 74,75,76 — Tuggeranong Town Centre / Erindale Centre 10–15 min
  • 78 — Tuggeranong Town Centre via Isabella Plains and Bonython 15–20 min

Commute to Canberra City (Civic)

Distance
21 km
By Bus
35–50 min via Tuggeranong Town Centre interchange (Routes 74–76 + express)
By Car (Peak)
25–35 min via Tuggeranong Parkway / Erindale Drive
By Car (Off-Peak)
20–25 min via Tuggeranong Parkway

🛣️ Canberra does not have a commuter rail network. Rapid bus routes via Tuggeranong Pkwy provide the fastest public transport option.

Walkability Low–Moderate

Walkable to local centre, primary school, and parks within the suburb. Limited walkability to major retail — car or bus needed for most errands.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
3,006
Census 2021
3,058
▲ 1.7% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$44,876
Personal Income 2021
$52,624
▲ 17.3% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$52,624 / yr
$1012/wk
Household
$106,236 / yr
$2043/wk
Family
$121,004 / yr
$2327/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,311
Born Overseas 644

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 84
  • 2. India 71
  • 3. New Zealand 38
  • 4. Philippines 33
  • 5. Iraq 30
  • 6. China 23
  • 7. Nepal 23
  • 8. Vietnam 22
  • 9. South Africa 15
  • 10. Germany 14

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 1,175
English 1,050
Irish 331
Scottish 307
German 160
Australian Aboriginal 139
Chinese 95
Italian 87
Indian 60
Dutch 55

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,624
Both parents born in Australia
894
Both parents born overseas
413
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
44.0%
No Religion
43.2%
Islam
3.1%
Hinduism
2.2%
Buddhism
1.5%
Sikhism
0.6%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
190 (6.2%)
5-14 years
424 (13.9%)
15-19 years
202 (6.6%)
20-24 years
182 (6.0%)
25-34 years
471 (15.4%)
35-44 years
430 (14.1%)
45-54 years
403 (13.2%)
55-64 years
389 (12.7%)
65-74 years
262 (8.6%)
75-84 years
86 (2.8%)
85+ years
24 (0.8%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Richardson known for? +

Richardson is a well-established family suburb with a strong sense of community, featuring Richardson Primary School, a local oval, and a small local shopping centre on May Gibbs Close.

How far is Richardson from Canberra CBD (Civic)? +

Richardson is approximately 21 kilometres from Canberra CBD (Civic). The drive takes approximately 25–35 min via Tuggeranong Parkway / Erindale Drive in peak hour and 20–25 min via Tuggeranong Parkway off-peak.

Does Richardson have public transport? +

Bus services include 74,75,76, running to Tuggeranong Town Centre / Erindale Centre in approximately 10–15 min.

What is the population of Richardson? +

According to the 2021 Census, Richardson has a population of 3,058 residents. The suburb is part of the broader Australian Capital Territory metropolitan area.

Is Richardson a good place to live? +

Richardson is well-suited to families, offering a comfortable suburban lifestyle in Canberra. The historic Tuggeranong Homestead heritage site, accessible from Johnson Drive, adds cultural significance to the area.

What is the postcode for Richardson? +

The postcode for Richardson is 2905. It is located in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).

What is the average income in Richardson? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Richardson is about $1,012 per week (around $52,600 per year). The median household income is $2,043 per week and the median family income is $2,327 per week.

What is the age profile of Richardson? +

The median age in Richardson is 36. The largest age group is 25–34 (471 residents, around 15%). Around 27% of residents are under 20 and about 12% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in Richardson? +

In Richardson, the median weekly rent is $391, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $2,000 (2021 Census).