Stirling (ACT)

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Stirling's population is estimated at around 2,144 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a decrease of 47 people (2.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,191 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,139, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 2 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,624 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. While Stirling experienced a 2.1% decline since census, the SA3 area achieved 0.6% growth, highlighting divergent population trends. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 52.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, with 2022 as a base, are adopted. As we examine future population trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the suburb's population expected to reduce by 133 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 75 to 84 age group, which is projected to grow by 39 people.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Stirling averaged approximately one new dwelling approval annually over the past five financial years ending June 2021, totalling an estimated six homes. As of April 2026, four approvals have been recorded.

Despite population decline during this period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, indicating a balanced market with good buyer choice. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Stirling shows significantly reduced construction activity, being 77.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes.

Nationally, this activity is also below average, suggesting possible planning constraints in the area. Given population projections indicating stability or decline, housing demand pressures in Stirling are expected to remain reduced, benefiting potential buyers.

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

No infrastructure changes identified by AreaSearch will impact the area. Major projects planned include: Molonglo Group Centre to Town Centre Transition, Fetherston Weston, Canberra Hospital Master Plan, and The Centenary Hospital for Women and Children Expansion Project.

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Stirling shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Stirling has a highly 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 was 1.9% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%.

Workforce participation lagged significantly at 55.4%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.5%. According to Census responses, 14.0% of residents worked from home, with Covid-19 lockdown impacts considered. Key industries of employment among residents were public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

Professional & technical services showed lower representation at 9.6%, compared to the regional average of 11.1%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.5% and labour force increased by 0.9%, resulting in a unemployment fall of 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Australian Capital Territory saw employment rise by 1.4%, labour force grow by 1.2%, and unemployment fall by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Stirling's employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections against the local employment mix.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023, Stirling had a median income among taxpayers of $57,733 and an average level of $68,682. This was slightly above the national average, compared to levels of $72,206 in Australian Capital Territory. By September 2025, estimates suggest these figures would be approximately $63,079 (median) and $75,042 (average), based on a Wage Price Index growth of 9.26%. The 2021 Census shows household, family, and personal incomes in Stirling rank between the 78th and 80th percentiles nationally. In earnings profile, 31.5% of Stirling residents fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly earnings band (675 individuals), similar to regional patterns at 34.3%. Notably, 36.0% are high earners above $3,000/week, indicating strong economic capacity. After housing costs, residents retain 87.6% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. Stirling'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

The dwelling structure in Stirling, as per the latest Census, consisted of 82.4% houses and 17.5% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory had 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Stirling stood at 44.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.5% and rented ones at 23.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Stirling was $2,258, exceeding the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent figure in Stirling was recorded as $460, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Stirling's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 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, larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

Stirling demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

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 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 3,843 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically living just 192 metres from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most Stirling residents commute outwards, favouring cars at an 87% rate, with only 8% using buses. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, 14.0% of residents work from home, which could be due to COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 549 trips daily, equating to about 202 weekly trips per 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.

Private health cover is found to be fairly high at approximately 54% of the total population (~1,164 people), compared to 62.4% in Australian Capital Territory. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 10.7 and 9.6% of residents respectively. 59.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. As of 2021, the area has 28.2% of residents aged 65 and over (604 people), higher than the 14.3% in Australian Capital Territory. 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, with 26.0% born overseas and 18.7% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, at 49.9%. Hinduism stands out as overrepresented, at 2.5% compared to 4.8% in Australian Capital Territory.

The top three ancestral groups are English (26.8%), Australian (24.7%), and Irish (8.9%). Notable divergences include Hungarian (0.7%, vs regional 0.3%), Polish (1.2%, vs regional 0.8%), and French (0.9%, vs regional 0.5%).

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

Stirling's median age is 46, surpassing both the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 and the national norm of 38. The age group of 75-84 constitutes a strong 11.5%, exceeding the Australian Capital Territory percentage and the national figure of 6.1%. In contrast, the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 9.7%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 9.0% to 11.5%, while the 15 to 24 cohort has risen from 9.8% to 12.0%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 12.6% to 11.0% and the 85+ group has dropped from 6.1% to 4.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Stirling's age profile. The 85+ group is expected to grow by 26%, reaching 130 from 102. This growth will be driven entirely by the aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above comprising all projected growth. Meanwhile, the 55-64 and 0-4 age cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.