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 was approximately 2,141 as of November 2025. This figure represents a decline of 50 people from the 2021 Census result, which recorded a population of 2,191. The decrease 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. Despite Stirling's 2.3% decline since the census, the SA3 area experienced a 0.6% growth, indicating divergent population trends. Overseas migration contributed approximately 52.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in the area.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, using 2022 as a base, were adopted. Future population trends indicate an overall decline, with the area's population projected to shrink by 133 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to expand by 39 people.

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 a further 4 approved so far in FY26.

The population has fallen during this period, suggesting that new supply has likely kept pace with demand, offering good choices for buyers. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $155,000, which is below regional levels, indicating more affordable housing options for buyers. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Stirling records significantly lower building activity, 77.0% below the regional average per person.

This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. With population expected to remain stable or decline in the future, Stirling should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially presenting opportunities for buyers.

Stirling has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 28thth percentile nationally

No projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to impact the area's performance. 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. 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 drivers in Stirling are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Stirling has an educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 5.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.5%.

As of September 2025949 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 1.9%, significantly higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation was lower at 54.6% compared to the ACT's 69.6%. The dominant employment sectors among Stirling residents included public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

However, professional & technical services were under-represented with only 9.6% of the workforce compared to the ACT's 11.1%. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 1.5%, while labour force grew by 0.9%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Australian Capital Territory saw employment rise by 1.4% and unemployment fall by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 showed ACT employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, adding 710 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Stirling's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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 2022 indicates that Stirling SA2 has higher incomes compared to national averages. The median income is $57,733, while the average stands at $68,682. In contrast, Australian Capital Territory's median income is $68,678 with an average of $83,634. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.6% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Stirling are approximately $65,585 (median) and $78,023 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows Stirling's household, family, and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 78th and 80th percentiles. Distribution data reveals that 31.5% of locals (674 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, consistent with broader trends across the region showing 34.3% in the same category. A substantial proportion of high earners, at 36.0%, indicates strong economic capacity throughout Stirling. After housing costs, residents retain 87.6% of 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, as per the latest Census evaluation, 82.4% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 17.5% comprising semi-detached properties, apartments, and other types. This is compared to the Australian Capital Territory's figures of 81.7% houses and 18.3% other dwellings. Stirling's home ownership rate stood at 44.7%, with mortgaged dwellings making up 31.5% and rented properties accounting for 23.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,258, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,251. Weekly rent in Stirling was recorded at $460, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $420. Nationally, Stirling's median monthly mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,258 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while weekly rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Stirling has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 73.6 percent of all households, including 33.6 percent couples with children, 28.0 percent couples without children, and 10.9 percent single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 26.4 percent, with lone person households at 24.3 percent and group households comprising 2.2 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the Australian Capital Territory average.

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+, exceeding the Australian 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 operating currently. These are all bus stops. There are 11 different bus routes serving these stops, together providing 1,076 weekly passenger trips.

The average distance residents live from the nearest transport stop is 192 meters. On average, there are 153 bus trips per day across all routes, which equates 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

Stirling faces significant health challenges, as indicated by health data. Both younger and older age cohorts exhibit a notable prevalence of common health 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 (affecting 10.7% of residents) and mental health issues (9.6%). Conversely, 59.4% report having no medical ailments, which is lower than the 66.3% across Australian Capital Territory. Stirling has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 27.1% (579 people), compared to 20.6% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present similar challenges to those seen in 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 shows higher cultural diversity 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, accounting for 49.9% of its population. Hinduism stands out as overrepresented, comprising 2.5% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 2.0%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (26.8%), Australian (24.7%), and Irish (8.9%). Other ethnic groups with notable representation include Hungarian at 0.7%, Croatian at 1.3%, and Polish at 1.2%.

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 significantly higher than the national norm of 38. The age group of 75-84 years shows strong representation in Stirling at 10.6%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory. However, the 25-34 age cohort is less prevalent in Stirling at 10.0%. According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15 to 24 has grown from 9.8% to 11.9%, while the 75 to 84 age group increased from 9.0% to 10.6%. Conversely, the 85+ age cohort has declined from 6.1% to 4.6%, and the 65 to 74 age group has dropped from 13.1% to 11.9%. Demographic modeling indicates that Stirling's age profile will change significantly by 2041. Leading this demographic shift, the 85+ age group is projected to grow by 34%, reaching 131 people from the current 98. The aging population trend is clear, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 100% of the projected growth. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 and 0 to 4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.