Stirling

Stirling is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Stirling's population, as per AreaSearch's analysis, was approximately 2,169 as of May 2026. This figure represents a decrease of 22 people from the 2021 Census total of 2,191, indicating a 1.0% decline since the census date. The population estimate is based on the Australian Bureau of Statistics' (ABS) estimated resident population of 2,167 in June 2025 and an additional 2 validated new addresses since the Census date. Stirling's population density was around 1,643 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. While Stirling experienced a 1.0% decline since the census, the SA3 area achieved 1.9% growth, indicating divergent population trends. Interstate migration contributed approximately 62.4% of overall population gains during recent periods in Stirling.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, using 2022 as the base year. Future population trends indicate a decline in overall population, with Stirling's population expected to shrink by 137 persons by 2041 according to these projections. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, notably the 85 and over age group, which is projected to expand by 35 people during this period.

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

Stirling has seen approximately one new home approved each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 6 homes were approved, with another 4 approved so far in FY26.

Stirling's population has fallen during this period, suggesting that new supply has been meeting demand, providing good options for buyers. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings in Stirling is $155,000, which is lower than regional levels, indicating more affordable housing choices. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Stirling records significantly lower building activity, 76.0% below the regional average per person.

This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties in Stirling. Nationally, Stirling's building activity is also lower, reflecting a mature market and possible development constraints. Stirling's population is expected to remain stable or decline in the future, which may reduce pressure on housing, potentially presenting opportunities for buyers.

Stirling has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 22ndth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that could potentially impact this area. Notable projects include Molonglo Group Centre to Town Centre Transition, Fetherston Weston, Canberra Hospital Master Plan, and The Centenary Hospital for Women and Children Expansion Project. Below is a list detailing those likely to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment performance in Stirling has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Stirling has an educated workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 5.1%, having seen a 1.7% employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, there are 954 residents in work, with an unemployment rate at 1.3% above the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation lags significantly at 54.7%, compared to ACT's 70.5%. According to Census responses, 14.0% of residents work from home. The dominant employment sectors are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

However, professional & technical services are under-represented at 9.6%, compared to ACT's 11.1%. Limited local employment opportunities are suggested by the Census working population vs resident population count. Over December 2024 to December 2025, Stirling saw a 1.7% increase in employment and a 1.0% rise in labour force, reducing unemployment by 0.7 percentage points. Conversely, ACT experienced a 0.9% employment growth, a 1.2% labour force increase, and a 0.3 percentage point unemployment rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment expansion at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Stirling's employment mix suggests local employment growth of 6.5% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Stirling SA2 had a median income of $59,707 and an average income of $69,519. This contrasts with the Australian Capital Territory's median income of $72,206 and average income of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Stirling as of March 2026 would be approximately $65,940 (median) and $76,777 (average). Census 2021 income data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Stirling rank highly nationally, between the 78th and 80th percentiles. Distribution data shows that 31.5% of locals (683 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category. A substantial proportion of high earners, 36.0%, have incomes above $3,000 per week in Stirling. After housing costs, residents retain 87.6% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

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

In Stirling, according to the latest Census evaluation, 82.4% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 17.5% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This contrasts with the Australian Capital Territory's figures of 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Stirling stood at 44.7%, with mortgaged dwellings making up 31.5% and rented ones 23.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,258, exceeding the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent in Stirling was $460, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's figure of $450. Nationally, Stirling's mortgage repayments were higher than the average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Stirling has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 73.6% of all households, including 33.6% couples with children, 28.0% couples without children, and 10.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 26.4%, with lone person households making up 24.3% and group households comprising 2.2%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

Stirling performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 40.0% among residents aged 15+, surpassing Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 24.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.1%) and graduate diplomas (4.5%). Vocational pathways account for 24.9% of qualifications among those aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.2% and certificates at 14.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.5% in primary education, 7.0% in secondary education, and 4.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Stirling has 19 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 52 different routes, offering a total of 3843 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from residents' homes to the nearest stop is 192 meters, indicating excellent accessibility. Most journeys in this residential area are outward-bound. Cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 87% of residents, while buses account for 8%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 14% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 549 trips per day, equating to around 202 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Stirling is lower than average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Stirling faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 54% of the total population (~1,169 people), leading that of the average SA2 area but lower than the Australian Capital Territory's 62.4%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (impacting 10.7%) and mental health issues (9.6%). About 59.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 28.0% of residents aged 65 and over (606 people), higher than the Australian Capital Territory's 14.3%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Stirling was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Stirling's population was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 26.0% born overseas and 18.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Stirling, making up 49.9% of its population. Hinduism shows significant overrepresentation, comprising 2.5% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 4.8%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (26.8%), Australian (24.7%), and Irish (8.9%). Notably, Hungarian (0.7%) is overrepresented in Stirling compared to regional levels of 0.3%, Croatian at 1.3% versus 0.9%, and Polish at 1.2% against a regional average of 0.8%.

Stirling hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Stirling has a median age of 46, which exceeds the Australian Capital Territory's figure of 35 and is substantially higher than the national norm of 38. The age group of 75-84 shows strong representation at 11.7%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's figure, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 9.6%. This concentration in the 75-84 age group is well above the national average of 6.1%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 9.0% to 11.7% of Stirling's population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 9.8% to 11.7%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 12.6% to 10.5%, and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 13.1% to 11.3%. Demographic modeling suggests that Stirling's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041, with the 85+ group projected to grow by 28% (30 people), reaching 140 from 109. The aging population dynamic is clear, as those aged 65 and above comprise 100% of the projected growth. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 and 0 to 4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.