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 Stirling, as of Nov 2025, the suburb's estimated population is around 2,141. This reflects a decrease of 50 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,191. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,139 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in Jun 2024 and an additional validated new address since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,622 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. While Stirling experienced a 2.3% decline since census, the SA3 area achieved 0.6% growth, highlighting divergent trends. Overseas migration primarily drove population growth for the suburb during recent periods, contributing approximately 52.0% of overall population gains.

AreaSearch adopts 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, using 2022 as a base. Future population trends indicate an overall decline in the suburb's population, expected to reduce by 133 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow during this period, led by the 75 to 84 age group, 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, indicates Stirling has averaged approximately one new dwelling approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated six homes. As of FY26, one approval has been recorded.

During this period, population has fallen, yet housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Stirling shows substantially reduced construction activity, 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, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Population projections suggest stability or decline in Stirling, which should reduce housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

Stirling has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

No changes can affect a region's performance more than alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that might 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. The following list outlines those likely most 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 a highly educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.5% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.7%.

As of June 2025, Stirling's unemployment rate is 2.1% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.4%, and workforce participation stands at 54.6%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 69.6%. The key industries of employment among residents are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training, while professional & technical services show lower representation at 9.6% versus the regional average of 11.1%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

During the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.7% and labour force increased by 1.6%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. In contrast, Australian Capital Territory saw employment rise by 1.9%, labour force grow by 1.6%, and unemployment fall by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project a 6.6% expansion in national employment over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates varying significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Stirling's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.3% over ten years.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2022, Stirling had a median income among taxpayers of $57,733. The average income was $68,682, which is higher than the national average. This compares to levels of $68,678 and $83,634 in Australian Capital Territory respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.6% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $65,585 (median) and $78,023 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes all rank highly in Stirling, between the 78th and 80th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 31.5% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999 per week, reflecting patterns seen in the region where 34.3% occupy this range. A substantial proportion of high earners (36.0%) indicates strong economic capacity throughout the locality. 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

Dwelling structure in Stirling, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 82.4% houses and 17.5% other dwellings. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory had 81.7% houses and 18.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Stirling was 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 $2,251. Median weekly rent in Stirling was $460, compared to $420 in Australian Capital Territory. Nationally, Stirling's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,258 versus the Australian average of $1,863. Rents in Stirling were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Stirling has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households comprise 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 constitute 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, 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% for residents aged 15+, 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% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.5% in primary, 7.0% in secondary, and 4.7% pursuing tertiary education. Educational facilities appear to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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 operating currently. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with 11 individual routes in total. The combined weekly passenger trips across these routes amount to 1,076.

Residents' accessibility to public transport is rated excellent, with an average distance of 192 meters to the nearest stop. The service frequency averages 153 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 56 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

Stirling faces significant health challenges, as indicated by data revealing high prevalence of common conditions across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 54% (~1,163 people) have private health cover, compared to 60.9% 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.

Stirling was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Stirling's cultural diversity exceeds that of most local markets, with 26.0% of its population born overseas and 18.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Stirling, accounting for 49.9% of its people. Notably, Hinduism is overrepresented, comprising 2.5% of Stirling's population compared to 2.0% across the 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 is overrepresented at 0.7% in Stirling versus 0.6% regionally, Polish at 1.2% versus 0.9%, and French at 0.9% versus 0.7%.

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

Stirling's median age is 46, higher than the Australian Capital Territory's figure of 35 and substantially exceeding the national norm of 38. The 75-84 age group comprises 10.6% of Stirling's population, outpacing the Australian Capital Territory's representation for this cohort. Conversely, the 25-34 age group makes up only 10.0% of Stirling's population. According to the 2021 Census, the 15-24 age group has grown from 9.8% to 11.9%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 9.0% to 10.6%. However, the 85+ cohort has declined from 6.1% to 4.6%, and the 65-74 group dropped from 13.1% to 11.9%. Demographic modeling suggests that Stirling's age profile will significantly evolve by 2041. Leading this shift, the 85+ group is projected to grow by 32%, reaching 130 people from its current figure of 98. This growth is driven entirely by an aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above comprising all projected growth. Meanwhile, the 55-64 and 0-4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.