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, a decrease of 50 people from the 2,191 recorded in the 2021 Census. This decline represents a 2.3% change since the census date. The estimated resident population of 2,139 in June 2024 and one validated new address contributed to this inference. Stirling's population density was 1,622 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Conversely, the SA3 area experienced a 0.5% growth during the same period, indicating divergent population trends. Overseas migration drove population growth in the area, contributing about 52.0% of overall gains recently.

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, also based on 2022. Future population trends suggest an overall decline in Stirling's population, with a projected decrease of 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 another 4 approved so far in FY26.

The population has fallen during this period, suggesting that new supply has been keeping pace with demand, offering good choice for buyers. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $155,000, which is below regional levels, indicating more accessible housing choices 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. Nationally, Stirling's building activity is also lower, reflecting market maturity and suggesting possible development constraints. With population expected to remain stable or decline, Stirling should see reduced pressure on housing in the future, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Stirling has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 24thth percentile nationally

No infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could 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.

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.

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

Stirling has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.5% as of September 2025, showing a 1.5% employment growth over the past year. In comparison to Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) unemployment rate of 3.6%, Stirling's stood at 1.9% higher while workforce participation lagged significantly at 55.7% compared to ACT's 72.5%.

According to Census responses, 14.0% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Dominant employment sectors among Stirling's residents include 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%.

Limited local employment opportunities are suggested by the difference between working population and resident population counts. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Stirling saw a 1.5% increase in employment and a 0.9% rise in labour force, leading to a 0.6 percentage point decrease in unemployment rate. In contrast, ACT experienced a 1.4% employment growth, 1.2% labour force increase, and a 0.2 percentage point drop in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Stirling's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.5% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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 income in Stirling SA2 is slightly above average nationally. The median income is $59,707 and the average income stands at $69,519. This contrasts with Australian Capital Territory's figures of a median income of $72,206 and an average income of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $65,236 (median) and $75,956 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows that household, family and personal incomes in Stirling all rank highly nationally, between the 78th and 80th percentiles. Distribution data shows that the predominant cohort spans 31.5% of locals (674 people) with incomes in 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 (36.0% above $3,000/week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout Stirling. After housing costs, residents retain 87.6% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and 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

As of the latest Census, Stirling's dwelling structure comprised 82.4% houses and 17.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory had 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Stirling was 44.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.5% and rented dwellings at 23.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Stirling was $2,258, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. Weekly rent in Stirling was $460, compared to $450 in the Australian Capital Territory. Nationally, Stirling's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 26.4%, with lone person households at 24.3% and group households making up 2.2%. The median household size is 2.6 people, 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%, surpassing Australia's 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.

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

Stirling has 19 operational public transport stops, served by a mix of buses. These stops are connected by 52 routes, facilitating 3,843 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is high, with residents living an average of 192 meters from the nearest stop. Most Stirling residents commute outwards daily. Cars remain the primary transport mode at 87%, while buses account for 8%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 14% of Stirling residents work from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, an average of 549 trips occur daily, translating 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 according to 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 (~1,153 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%). Conversely, 59.4% 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 27.1% residents aged 65 and over (579 people), higher than the Australian Capital Territory's 14.1%. 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 shows higher cultural diversity compared to most local markets, with 26.0% born overseas and 18.7% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Stirling, accounting for 49.9% of its population. Hinduism is notably overrepresented in Stirling, comprising 2.5%, compared to 4.8% across Australian Capital Territory.

The top three ancestry groups are English (26.8%), Australian (24.7%), and Irish (8.9%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences: Hungarian at 0.7% (versus regional 0.3%), Croatian at 1.3% (versus regional 0.9%), and Polish at 1.2% (versus regional 0.8%).

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 age group of 75-84 years old constitutes a strong 10.6% of Stirling's population, compared to the Australian Capital Territory. Meanwhile, the 25-34 age group is less prevalent at 10.0%. According to the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 9.8% to 11.9%, while the 75 to 84 cohort has grown from 9.0% to 10.6%. Conversely, the 85+ age group has decreased from 6.1% to 4.6%, and the 65 to 74 age group has dropped from 13.1% to 11.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling predicts significant changes in Stirling's age profile. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 34%, reaching 131 people from the current 98. This growth will be led by the aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above comprising all of the projected growth. Conversely, the 55 to 64 and 0 to 4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.