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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Stirling has an estimated 2,169 residents. That puts 1,643 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to research conducted by AreaSearch, the population of Stirling stands at approximately 2,169 as of May 2026. This represents a decline of 22 people (1.0%) from the 2,191 residents recorded during the 2021 Census. This population shift is calculated using the ABS estimated resident population of 2,167 from June 2025 alongside 2 validated new addresses registered since the Census. With these numbers, the area has a density of 1,643 persons per square kilometer, a figure that exceeds the average of other assessed Australian locations. Stirling's 1.0% population reduction contrasts with the broader SA3 region, which expanded by 1.9%, indicating different localized trends.
The primary driver of population gains in recent times was interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 62.4% of the growth. Projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024, using 2022 as the baseline, are utilized for each SA2 area. For SA2 areas without these figures and for periods beyond 2032, age group growth rates are sourced from ACT Government projections that also use a 2022 baseline. Based on this approach, future demographic trends point to a shrinking population, with a projected loss of 137 persons by 2041. Conversely, expansion is predicted within particular age brackets, notably those aged 85 and over, which is expected to increase by 35 people.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Stirling averages approximately 1 building approval for a new dwelling annually, with a total of 6 homes approved during the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 4 approvals registered in FY-26 so far. With an average of only 0.2 new residents moving in per approved home over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), the supply of new housing matches or outpaces demand. This offers buyers diverse options and provides capacity for population growth above current projections, with new homes constructed at an average cost of $155,000, which is below typical regional figures and represents more affordable options.
Building activity in Stirling is significantly lower than the wider Australian Capital Territory, tracking at 76.0% below the regional per capita average. This minimal volume of new construction generally helps sustain demand and prices for pre-existing homes. The rate also falls below the national average, indicating a mature market and potential development limits. Because the population is projected to remain stable or decrease, Stirling is likely to experience less pressure on residential property, which could open up favorable conditions for buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Stirling
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 16 current infrastructure and development projects close to Stirling, worth an estimated $1.1 billion. 3 are already under construction. The pipeline spans residential development, retail and sports & recreation. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Changes to infrastructure, planning, and development projects play a major role in local performance. AreaSearch has identified 0 projects expected to impact the area. The key developments of relevance include the Molonglo Group Centre to Town Centre Transition, Fetherston Weston, the 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.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Cooleman Court Shopping Precinct Upgrades
Upgrades to the shopping precinct at Cooleman Court to revitalize and improve access.
Woolworths Weston Creek Supermarket Expansion and Refurbishment
Expansion of the supermarket and full refurbishment to Woolworth's latest standard. Supermarket to remain open during refurbishment.
Waramanga Oval and Stirling Playing Fields Upgrades
Lighting upgrades at Waramanga Oval and upgraded field lights at Stirling Playing fields to allow for night matches.
Heysen Street, Weston RZ4 Land Development Opportunity
Substantial 13,130my RZ4 (medium density residential) land parcel in established Weston, available for purchase for residential development. Elevated block with Brindabella views.
Weston Creek Aged Care Facility
Construction of an aged care facility and associated works on Blocks 1151 and 864 Weston Creek. Follows NCA Board approval in 2015 for a retirement village and 99-year lease.
Molonglo Town Centre
Canberra's sixth town centre, formally reclassified under National Capital Plan Amendment 99 (September 2024). The Suburban Land Agency is master-planning a 97-hectare precinct along the Molonglo River to serve as the primary commercial and community hub for the Molonglo Valley district, expected to house around 70,000 residents by 2050. The centre will include a main shopping precinct, homemakers and service trades precinct, district library and community centre, indoor sport and recreation facility, high school and college, transport interchange, town park, and approximately 10,000 dwellings within the town centre itself.Delivery is planned in four stages over 8-10 years, with retail core construction commencing in 2026.
The Hunter
The final stage of Canberra developer Doma Group's 670-apartment masterplan. It includes two new buildings of 16 and 18 storeys, comprising 189 apartments with basement and podium level car parking, communal areas, and a pool.
Fetherston Weston
Village Building Company plans a medium-density development of 337 homes on former AFP site with sustainable features like solar panels and EV charging stations. Construction of 26 new buildings comprising 11 three-storey apartment buildings, 5 walk-up apartment buildings and 15 two-storey townhouses to accommodate a total of 337 new dwellings, with new basement car parking. Amendment for changes to the roof on building L, M, N, O, P and Z, and changes to building levels for buildings N and Z.
965 residents of Stirling are employed, from a labour force of 1,009. Unemployment sits at 4.4%, with participation at 54.9%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.5% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 1,974, about 91% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Stirling is characterized by a workforce with high levels of education and a strong representation in essential services. The local unemployment rate sits at 4.4%, and employment grew by an estimated 2.2% over the previous year. As of March 2026965 residents are employed. The unemployment rate is 0.3% higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 4.1%, while workforce participation is considerably lower, standing at 54.9% compared to the territory level of 70.8%. Census data indicates that a moderate 14.0% of the employed population worked from home, though this may have been influenced by lockdown restrictions.
The major employment industries for local residents are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Conversely, professional & technical roles are less common, making up 9.6% of the workforce in Stirling compared to 11.1% across the Australian Capital Territory. Comparing the count of the working population to the resident population suggests this mostly residential suburb offers few local jobs. An analysis of SALM and ABS data by AreaSearch indicates that during the 12 months ending March 2026, employment expanded by 2.2% and the labor force grew by 1.0%, resulting in a 1.1 percentage point drop in the unemployment rate. In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory saw employment rise by 0.3%, the labor force expand by 1.1%, and unemployment increase by 0.7 percentage points. Future demand trends in Stirling can be analyzed using national employment forecasts from May-25 published by Jobs and Skills Australia. These five and ten-year forecasts have been applied to the local workforce structure to model potential growth. Nationwide employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though individual sectors will experience different rates of change. Applying these sector projections to the local employment distribution suggests that Stirling's employment could increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.3% over ten years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Stirling is $2,206 a week (about $115,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,020 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $59,707 a year against an average of $69,519. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
The most recent ATO postcode data for the 2023 financial year shows that Stirling SA2 incomes are slightly above the national average, with a median of $59,707 and an average of $69,519. This is lower than the broader Australian Capital Territory, where the median is $72,206 and the average is $85,981. Factoring in a Wage Price Index increase of 10.44% since the 2023 financial year, estimated incomes as of March 2026 are approximately $65,940 for the median and $76,777 for the average. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and individual incomes in Stirling are high, ranking in the 78th to 80th national percentiles.
The largest income group comprises 31.5% of residents (683 people) who earn between $1,500 - 2,999, which aligns with regional patterns where 34.3% fall into the same bracket. The high percentage of top earners (36.0% earning above $3,000/week) shows substantial economic capacity. Residents keep 87.6% of their income after paying for housing, showing strong purchasing power, and the area is positioned in the 8th decile of the SEIFA index.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Stirling had 770 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 82% detached houses and 1% apartments. 32% are owned with a mortgage, 24% rented and 45% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $460 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,258 a month. Rent absorbs 20.9% of household income here and mortgage repayments 23.6%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census, the housing mix in Stirling consisted of 82.4% separate houses and 17.5% other dwelling types, such as apartments and semi-detached properties, whereas the Australian Capital Territory recorded 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Stirling was significantly higher than the territory average at 44.7%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (31.5%) or rented (23.8%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $2,258 was higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080, and the median weekly rent of $460 also exceeded the territory median of $450.
On a national scale, Stirling's mortgage payments are much higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are also well above the national median of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Stirling counted 770 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.6 people each. 34% are couples with children, against 28% couples without children. 24% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.8 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the majority of households at 73.6%, consisting of couples with children at 33.6%, couples without children at 28.0%, and single-parent households at 10.9%. The remaining 26.4% are non-family households, which are mostly single-person households at 24.3% and group households at 2.2%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is slightly larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
40.0% of adults in Stirling hold a university qualification, including 24.4% with a bachelor degree and 11.1% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 14.7% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The educational profile of the area is distinct within the region, with 40.0% of residents aged 15 and over holding a university qualification, compared to the national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 24.4%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 11.1% and graduate diplomas at 4.5%. Vocational education accounts for 24.9% of qualifications among residents aged 15 and over, which includes advanced diplomas (10.2%) and certificates (14.7%). A high level of educational enrollment is recorded, with 26.9% of residents currently studying. This group includes 9.5% in primary schools, 7.0% in secondary schools, and 4.7% in tertiary education programs.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Stirling reaches 19 stops on 52 routes, timetabled for about 3,800 services a week. The typical home sits about 190 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.5 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport options in Stirling include 19 active bus stops. These stops serve 52 separate routes, which together accommodate 3,843 passenger trips each week. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents living an average of 192 meters from the nearest stop. The suburb is primarily residential, and most workers travel outside the area for employment, with cars being the main transport mode at 87% and buses at 8%. Households own an average of 1.5 vehicles, which is higher than the regional average. Census data from 2021 shows that 14.0% of residents worked from home, though this may reflect conditions during the pandemic.
Bus services run an average of 549 times per day across the network, which averages out to approximately 202 weekly trips for each transport stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
59.4% of residents in Stirling report no long-term health condition. 10.9% need daily assistance with core activities, and 53.9% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.5 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Stirling displays notable health concerns based on an analysis of mortality and chronic illness rates, with common health issues prevalent in both younger and older demographics. The rate of private health insurance is slightly higher than the average SA2 area at approximately 54% of the population (~1,169 people), which is lower than the 62.4% recorded across the Australian Capital Territory. Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most common medical issues, affecting 10.7% and 9.6% of residents, respectively. Meanwhile, 59.4% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory.
The population of working age has elevated rates of chronic illness, presenting clear health challenges. Residents aged 65 and over make up 28.0% of the population (606 people), which is double the Australian Capital Territory average of 14.3%. Seniors' health outcomes broadly mirror the national averages for the older population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
26.0% of Stirling residents were born overseas and 18.7% speak a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (26.8%) and Australian (24.7%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Stirling displays a higher level of cultural diversity than most local areas, with 26.0% of its residents born outside Australia and 18.7% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the main religion, practiced by 49.9% of the population. Hinduism represents the most notable relative difference, practiced by 2.5% of the population compared to 4.8% across the wider Australian Capital Territory. English ancestry is claimed by 26.8% of the population, followed by Australian at 24.7% and Irish at 8.9%. There are also differences in the proportions of other ancestral backgrounds: Hungarian is overrepresented at 0.7% (compared to 0.3% across the region), Croatian at 1.3% (compared to 0.9%), and Polish at 1.2% (compared to 0.8%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Stirling is 46, older than 81% of areas nationally. 21.3% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
Stirling has a median age of 46, which is higher than the Australian Capital Territory median of 35 and the national median of 38. The 75 - 84 age group represents 11.7% of the population, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort accounts for 9.6%. This concentration of residents aged 75 - 84 is higher than the national figure of 6.1%. Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 grew from 9.0% to 11.7%, and the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 9.8% to 11.7%. Meanwhile, the 5 to 14 age group fell from 12.6% to 10.5% and the 65 to 74 cohort decreased from 13.1% to 11.3%.
Modeling indicates that Stirling's age structure will change by 2041. The group aged 85 and over is projected to grow by 28% (30 people), increasing from 109 to 140. This aging trend is highlighted by the fact that residents aged 65 and over account for 100% of the projected growth. Conversely, the 55 to 64 and 0 to 4 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Stirling
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | May 2026 3 months ago all 13 measures |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 2 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (2,191 at the 2021 Census → 2,169 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (801081096). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.