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 (ACT) statistical area (Lv2) population is estimated at around 2,141 as of November 2025. This reflects a decrease of 50 people (2.3%) 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 one validated new address since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,622 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. While Stirling experienced a 2.3% decline since census, the SA2 area achieved 0.5% growth, highlighting divergent population trends. Population growth for the area 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. Over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the Stirling (ACT) (SA2) 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

Stirling averaged approximately one new dwelling approval annually over the past five financial years, from 2017 to 2021 inclusive. This totals an estimated six homes.

As of July 2022, four approvals have been recorded in Financial Year 26-27. Despite a 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's new construction is significantly lower, at 77.0% below the regional average per person.

This constrained new construction typically supports demand and pricing for existing homes. Nationally, Stirling's activity is also below average, suggesting maturity and potential planning constraints. With stable or declining population projections, reduced housing demand pressures are expected in Stirling, benefiting potential buyers.

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

No changes can influence a region's performance more than alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could potentially 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, with the following list outlining those most likely to be relevant.

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.

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

Stirling has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 5.5%, with an estimated employment growth of 1.5% over the past year (AreaSearch data).

As of September 2025949 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.9% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation in Stirling lags at 54.6%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 69.6%. Key industries for employment among residents include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

However, professional & technical services show lower representation at 9.6% versus the regional average of 11.1%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data. In the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.5%, and labour force grew by 0.9%, resulting in a decrease in unemployment 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 to 25-Nov shows ACT employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Stirling's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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. The average income stood at $68,682. Nationally, the median and average incomes were $72,206 and $85,981 respectively in the Australian Capital Territory. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since financial year 2023, estimated median and average incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $63,079 and $75,042 respectively. From the 2021 Census, Stirling's household, family, and personal incomes ranked highly nationally, between the 78th and 80th percentiles. The earnings profile showed that 31.5% of individuals earned between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, reflecting regional patterns where 34.3% occupied this range. A substantial proportion, 36.0%, earned above $3,000 per week, indicating strong economic capacity. After housing costs, residents retained 87.6% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power. Stirling's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 8th decile.

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

Stirling's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consists of 82.4% houses and 17.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to the Australian Capital Territory's 81.7% houses and 18.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Stirling stands at 44.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.5% and rented dwellings at 23.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment is $2,258, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,251. The median weekly rent figure in Stirling is $460, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $420. Nationally, Stirling's mortgage repayments are significantly higher at $2,258 versus 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 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% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the Australian Capital Territory average.

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 at 40.0%, surpassing the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are 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% 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

The analysis of public transport in Stirling shows that there are currently 19 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops are a mix of bus services. There are 52 individual routes servicing these stops, collectively providing 3,843 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility to transport is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 192 meters from the nearest transport stop. The service frequency averages 549 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 202 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 indicates significant health challenges in Stirling, with high prevalence of common conditions across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 54% (~1,163 people) have private health cover, compared to 60.7% in Australian Capital Territory.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (10.7%) and mental health issues (9.6%), while 59.4% report no medical ailments, compared to 66.3% across Australian Capital Territory. Stirling has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over at 27.1% (580 people), compared to 20.6% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly aligned with the general population's health profile.

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 showed high cultural diversity, with 26.0% born overseas and 18.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Stirling, accounting for 49.9%. Hinduism had a higher representation in Stirling at 2.5%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 2.0%.

The top three ancestral groups were English (26.8%), Australian (24.7%), and Irish (8.9%). Notably, Hungarian (0.7% vs regional 0.6%), Polish (1.2% vs 0.9%), and French (0.9% vs 0.7%) ethnicities showed higher representation in Stirling compared to the region.

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 the national norm 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 grew from 9.8% to 11.9%, and the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 9.0% to 10.6%. Conversely, the 85+ cohort declined from 6.1% to 4.6%, and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 13.1% to 11.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant shifts in Stirling's age profile. Leading this change, the 85+ group is expected to grow by 32% (31 people), reaching 130 from 98. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above accounting for all projected growth. Meanwhile, the 55-64 and 0-4 age cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.