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, the population of Stirling as of May 2026 is estimated at around 2,169. This reflects a decrease of 22 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,191 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,167, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional two validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,643 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. While Stirling experienced a 1.0% decline since census, the SA3 area achieved 1.9% 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 a base year of 2022. 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 over this period, with the suburb's population expected to reduce by 137 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 85 and over age group, which is projected to grow by 35 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 to June 2021, totalling an estimated six homes. As of April 2026, four approvals have been recorded.

During this period, population has fallen, indicating adequate housing supply relative to demand and a balanced market with good buyer choice. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Stirling shows substantially reduced construction activity, being 76.0% 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. Population projections indicate stability or decline, which should reduce housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 0 projects that could impact this area. Notable 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 of projects likely most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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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. The unemployment rate was 5.1% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.7%. As of December 2025954 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.3% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation in Stirling was at 54.8%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 70.5%. According to Census responses, 14.0% of residents worked from home. The key industries for employment among residents were public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

However, professional & technical services had lower representation at 9.6% compared to the regional average of 11.1%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.7%, labour force increased by 1.0%, and unemployment fell by 0.7 percentage points in Stirling. In contrast, Australian Capital Territory saw employment rise by 0.9%, labour force grow by 1.2%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Stirling's employment mix, local employment is estimated to increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.3% over ten years.

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 on 30 June 2023, Stirling had a median income among taxpayers of $57,733 and an average income of $68,682. These figures are slightly above the national averages of $54,915 (median) and $71,422 (average). In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory had median and average incomes of $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% from financial year 2023 to March 2026, current estimates for Stirling would be approximately $63,760 (median) and $75,852 (average). The 2021 Census data ranks Stirling's household, family, and personal incomes between the 78th and 80th percentiles nationally. In Stirling, 31.5% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 per week, reflecting regional patterns where 34.3% fall within this earnings band. A substantial proportion, 36.0%, earn above $3,000 per week, indicating strong economic capacity in the area. After housing costs, residents retain 87.6% of their income, demonstrating 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

Stirling's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 82.4% houses and 17.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Australian Capital Territory had 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Stirling was 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, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent figure in Stirling was $460, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Stirling's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863 and rents 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 26.4%, with lone person households at 24.3% and group households comprising 2.2%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is 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 at 40.0% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Australian 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 notably high, with 26.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.5% in primary, 7.0% in secondary, 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 of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 52 different routes that collectively facilitate 3,843 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as excellent, with residents typically residing just 192 meters from their nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most Stirling residents commute outwards daily. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation, used by 87% of residents, while buses are used by 8%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per household in Stirling, which is higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 14% of Stirling's residents work from home, a figure that may have been influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages out to 549 trips per day, translating to approximately 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 based on 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 (~1,178 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. The area has 27.9% of residents aged 65 and over (605 people), which is 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 is more culturally diverse 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, comprising 49.9% of its population. Hinduism is notably overrepresented, making up 2.5% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 4.8%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (26.8%), Australian (24.7%), and Irish (8.9%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences: Hungarian (0.7% vs regional 0.3%), Polish (1.2% vs 0.8%), and French (0.9% vs 0.5%) are overrepresented in Stirling.

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 average of 38. The 75-84 age group makes up 11.7% of Stirling's population, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's percentage, while the 25-34 cohort represents 9.5%. This concentration of the 75-84 age group is higher than the national average of 6.1%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 9.0% to 11.7%, and the 15 to 24 cohort has grown from 9.8% to 11.7%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 12.6% to 10.5%, and the 65 to 74 group has dropped from 13.1% to 11.2%. Demographic projections indicate that Stirling's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 85+ group is expected to grow by 28%, reaching 139 people from the current figure of 108. This growth is led by the aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above accounting for all projected growth. Meanwhile, the 55-64 and 0-4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.