Stirling
Statistical Area - sa2

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 is approximately 2,141 as of August 2025. This represents a decrease of 50 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 2,191. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 2,139 in June 2024 and an additional one validated new address since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,622 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. While Stirling experienced a 2.3% decline from the Census, the SA3 area saw a 0.5% growth, indicating differing population trends. Overseas migration contributed approximately 52.0% of overall population gains in recent periods for this area.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, age group growth rates from ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, using 2022 as a base. Future trends suggest an overall population decline of 133 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts like the 75 to 84-year-olds are projected to grow by 39 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 three new homes approved each year. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, with 17 homes approved over the past five financial years between FY20 and FY25, and one approval so far in FY26.

Population decline in recent years has led to adequate development activity relative to demand, resulting in a well-balanced housing market with good buyer choice. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Stirling records significantly lower building activity, 78.0% below the regional average per person, which supports stronger demand and values for established properties. This is also lower than the national average, indicating market maturity and potential development constraints.

With population expected to remain stable or decline, Stirling should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers in the future.

Stirling has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

No infrastructure changes identified by AreaSearch will impact the area. Key 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.

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

Employment drivers in Stirling are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Stirling's workforce is highly educated with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.7%.

As of June 2025963 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.1% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.4%. Workforce participation lagged at 54.6%, compared to ACT's 69.6%. Dominant employment sectors included public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

However, professional & technical services were under-represented at 9.6% compared to ACT's 11.1%. Employment opportunities appeared limited locally, with Census data showing fewer working residents than the resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 1.7%, while labour force grew by 1.6%, keeping unemployment broadly flat. In contrast, ACT saw employment rise by 1.9% and unemployment fall by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to Sep-25 showed ACT employment contracting by 0.33%, with a state unemployment rate of 4.2%. National unemployment was 4.5%, with national employment growth at 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's forecasts from May 2025 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, varying by industry sector. Applying these projections to Stirling's employment mix suggested local growth of approximately 6.5% over five years and 13.3% over ten years.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2022 shows median income in Stirling was $57,733 and average income was $68,682. In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory had a median income of $68,678 and an average income of $83,634. By March 2025, estimated median income in Stirling would be approximately $63,957 and average income $76,086, considering Wage Price Index growth of 10.78% since June 2022. Census 2021 data reveals household, family, and personal incomes in Stirling rank between the 78th and 80th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 31.5% of locals (674 people) earn $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, similar to the regional trend of 34.3%. Notably, 36.0% of Stirling residents earn above $3,000 per week. After housing costs, residents retain 87.6% of income, indicating strong purchasing power and placing Stirling in the 8th decile for SEIFA income ranking.

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

The dwelling structure in Stirling, as per the latest Census, consisted of 82.4% houses and 17.5% other dwellings such as semi-detached properties, apartments, and 'other' types of dwellings. This is compared to the Australian Capital Territory's structure which was 81.7% houses and 18.2% other dwellings. The level of home ownership in Stirling stood at 44.7%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 31.5% and rented dwellings making up 23.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,258, which is higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,251. The median weekly rent figure in Stirling was recorded at $460, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $420. Nationally, Stirling's median monthly mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Stirling has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical 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 at 24.3% and group households comprising 2.2%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which matches the average in the Australian Capital Territory.

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 of 40.0% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent 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. Educational facilities appear to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

The transport analysis indicates that Stirling currently operates 19 active public transport stops. These are served by a mix of buses along 11 different routes. The total weekly passenger trips facilitated by these routes amount to 1,076.

The accessibility of transport in Stirling is rated as excellent, with residents on average located 192 meters from their nearest transport stop. The service frequency averages 153 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 56 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health data shows significant health issues in Stirling. Both younger and older age groups have high prevalence of common conditions.

Approximately 54% (~1,149 people) have private health cover, compared to 60.9% in Australian Capital Territory. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.7%) and mental health issues (9.6%). About 59.4% report no medical ailments, lower than the Australian Capital Territory's 66.3%. Stirling has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 27.1% (579 people), compared to Australian Capital Territory's 20.6%. Seniors' health outcomes face challenges similar to those of the general population.

Stirling was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Stirling has a more diverse culture than most local markets, with 26.0% of its population 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 people there. However, Hinduism shows an overrepresentation, comprising 2.5% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's average of 2.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (26.8%), Australian (24.7%), and Irish (8.9%). Notably, Hungarian (0.7%) Polish (1.2%), and Croatian (1.3%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.6%, 0.9%, and 0.9% respectively.

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

Stirling's median age is 46, surpassing the Australian Capital Territory's figure of 35 and significantly exceeding the national average of 38. The 75-84 age group constitutes 10.6%, higher than the Australian Capital Territory's representation, while the 25-34 cohort stands at 10.0%. Post the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has risen from 9.8% to 11.9%, and the 75 to 84 group increased from 9.0% to 10.6%. Conversely, the 85+ cohort has decreased from 6.1% to 4.6%, and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 13.1% to 11.9%. Demographic projections indicate significant changes in Stirling's age profile by 2041. Leading this shift, the 85+ group is projected to grow by 34%, reaching 131 from 98. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above contributing 100% of the projected growth. Meanwhile, the 55-64 and 0-4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.