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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Stirling (ACT) has an estimated 2,169 residents. That puts 1,643 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to AreaSearch's evaluation of broader ABS population updates alongside post-Census validated new addresses, the suburb of Stirling (ACT) has an estimated resident population of around 2,169 as of Aug 2026. This represents a contraction of 22 people (1.0%) relative to the 2021 Census tally of 2,191 people. This estimate stems from AreaSearch's calculation of 2,167 residents derived from the ABS ERP release in June 2025, combined with 2 validated new addresses recorded after the Census date. Stirling's population density stands at 1,643 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical benchmark across nationwide locations assessed by AreaSearch.
In contrast to the 1.0% decline in the suburb of Stirling (ACT) since the Census, the wider SA3 area recorded an increase of 1.9%, demonstrating opposing population trajectories. In recent periods, local population growth has been underpinned primarily by overseas arrivals, which accounted for approximately 52.0% of cumulative population additions. Projections for each SA2 area utilise ABS/Geoscience Australia data published in 2024 with a 2022 baseline, supplemented by ACT Government SA2 projections (2022 base) for post-2032 periods and non-covered areas. Based on these projections, the suburb of Stirling (ACT) is anticipated to experience a net population contraction of 143 persons by 2041. Conversely, select older demographics are set to expand, most prominently the 85 and over demographic, which is forecast to gain 36 people. See the age section for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
AreaSearch assessment of ABS building approvals indicates that approximately 1 dwellings are approved annually in the area, with 6 homes receiving development approval across the preceding 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), including 4 so far in FY-25. Given the recent population reduction, this pace of residential construction has remained balanced for prospective purchasers, while an average expected construction cost of $442,000—moderately higher than the regional benchmark—points to an emphasis on premium residential builds. Per capita construction in the area is substantially constrained, sitting 86.0% below the Australian Capital Territory average.
This suppressed supply pipeline generally underpins demand and pricing resilience for existing homes, even with the recent uptick in building activity. Building approval volumes remain below the national norm, reflecting the mature nature of the suburb and likely urban planning restrictions. Moreover, recent residential approvals consist exclusively of detached houses, preserving the traditional low-density suburban landscape oriented towards family living. Builders are prioritising detached dwellings at a higher proportion than the existing housing stock (82.0% at Census), demonstrating enduring buyer appetite for freestanding homes, with an established density of approximately 1076 people per approval. Given that the local population is projected to stabilize or contract, reduced pressure on the existing housing stock may offer favourable conditions for property buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Stirling (ACT)
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 18 current infrastructure and development projects close to Stirling (ACT), worth an estimated $1.37 billion. 2 are already under construction and 4 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and sports & recreation. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Regional development and infrastructure initiatives significantly influence property dynamics, though no major planning initiatives have been recorded by AreaSearch with direct local impact. Notable surrounding developments of interest include the Molonglo Group Centre to Town Centre Transition, Fetherston Weston, the Canberra Hospital Master Plan, and The Centenary Hospital for Women and Children Expansion Project.
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INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Heysen Street Weston Residential Development (Block 7 Section 96)
Sale and planned development of a 13,130 sqm RZ4 medium density residential parcel at Block 7 Section 96 Heysen Street in Weston. The site permits medium density residential multi-unit development such as townhouses and apartments, capitalizing on elevated vistas towards the Brindabella Ranges. Planning controls allow for substantial new infill housing capacity within the established Molonglo Valley and Weston Creek corridor.
Weston Creek Aged Care Facility
Development of a dedicated aged care and supportive living facility across Blocks 1151 and 864 in the District of Weston Creek. Works include residential care accommodation, specialist communal amenities, car parking, and civil infrastructure connections accessed via Cotter Road. Planning and works approval oversight is administered under the National Capital Authority framework.
Fetherston Weston
Village Building Co is delivering a masterplanned residential precinct on the former Australian Federal Police site in Weston. The development comprises 337 energy-efficient dwellings across three-storey apartment buildings, walk-ups, and two-storey townhouses with extensive solar PV, EV charging infrastructure, and landscaped communal open spaces. The ACT planning authority approved the multi-unit estate development application with basement parking and associated civil infrastructure works.
Cooleman Court Shopping Precinct Upgrades
Public realm and commercial precinct revitalisation project undertaken by Transport Canberra and City Services around the Cooleman Court shopping area. Works focused on Brierly Street and Liardet Street, delivering widened pedestrian pavements, community open spaces, new lighting, landscaping, and improved parking configurations.
Molonglo Town Centre
Canberra's sixth town centre, formally reclassified under National Capital Plan Amendment 99 (September 2024). The Suburban Land Agency is master-planning a 97-hectare precinct along the Molonglo River to serve as the primary commercial and community hub for the Molonglo Valley district, expected to house around 70,000 residents by 2050. The centre will include a main shopping precinct, homemakers and service trades precinct, district library and community centre, indoor sport and recreation facility, high school and college, transport interchange, town park, and approximately 10,000 dwellings within the town centre itself.Delivery is planned in four stages over 8-10 years, with retail core construction commencing in 2026.
Woolworths Weston Creek Supermarket Expansion and Refurbishment
Expansion and comprehensive internal refurbishment of the Woolworths supermarket at Cooleman Court in Weston Creek. The upgrade modernised the supermarket layout to Woolworths' latest standard and expanded back-of-house operations to improve direct-to-boot online fulfillment services.
The Hunter
The final stage of Canberra developer Doma Group's 670-apartment masterplan. It includes two new buildings of 16 and 18 storeys, comprising 189 apartments with basement and podium level car parking, communal areas, and a pool.
Wesley Mission Affordable Housing Curtin
The development will deliver 98 homes comprising 83 affordable rental apartments offered at below 75 percent of market rates alongside 15 specialist supported homes for individuals living with mental health challenges. Delivered in partnership between Wesley Mission and the ACT Government, the development includes dedicated community amenities, support service facilities, and landscaped public spaces opposite the Curtin local centre.
965 residents of Stirling (ACT) are employed, from a labour force of 1,009. Unemployment sits at 4.4%, with participation at 55.4%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.5% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 1,975, about 91% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local labour force is characterised by high educational attainment and substantial representation in essential services, with an unemployment rate of 4.4% and an estimated annual employment expansion of 2.2% per AreaSearch statistical aggregations. Across the workforce, 965 residents are employed as of March 2026. The unemployment rate tracks 0.3% above the Australian Capital Territory level of 4.1%, whereas labour force participation of 55.4% trails the territory average of 70.6%. At the Census, 14.0% of employed locals indicated working from home, a metric potentially shaped by Covid-19 lockdown restrictions. The primary employment fields for local residents comprise public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training.
Conversely, professional & technical roles are comparatively under-represented, engaging 9.6% of local workers relative to 11.1% across Australian Capital Territory. As indicated by Census comparisons between the resident and local working populations, this largely residential neighbourhood provides limited internal commercial and employment opportunities. AreaSearch aggregation of ABS and SALM data reveals that in the 12 months to March 2026, local employment expanded by 2.2% against a 1.0% labour force rise, resulting in a 1.1 percentage points drop in the unemployment rate. This outperformed the broader Australian Capital Territory, where employment grew by 0.3%, the labour force increased by 1.1%, and unemployment climbed 0.7 percentage points. Looking ahead, Jobs and Skills Australia national forecasts from Mar-26 offer indicative trends: while Australian employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, mapping these sector forecasts to the local industry distribution suggests employment growth of 6.5% over five years and 13.3% over ten years for local residents (a simple weighted extrapolation that excludes localized population changes).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Stirling (ACT) is $2,206 a week (about $115,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,020 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $57,733 a year against an average of $68,682. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Taxation statistics from the ATO for financial year 2023 show that median taxpayer income in the area is $57,733, with an average of $68,682, sitting moderately above the national standard though below the Australian Capital Territory median of $72,206 and average of $85,981. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2023 places estimated current figures at approximately $63,760 (median) and $75,852 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census showed personal, family, and household earnings ranking between the 78th and 80th percentiles nationwide. The leading income band is $1,500 - 2,999 per week, accounting for 31.5% of residents (683 people), closely aligning with the broader region's 34.3%.
Furthermore, 36.0% of households generate elevated weekly incomes exceeding $3,000, and locals retain 87.6% of income after servicing housing costs, aligning with the area's SEIFA income placement in the 8th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Stirling (ACT) had 770 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 82% detached houses and 1% apartments. 32% are owned with a mortgage, 24% rented and 45% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $460 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,258 a month. Rent absorbs 20.9% of household income here and mortgage repayments 23.6%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
At the most recent Census, the local dwelling inventory comprised 82.4% houses and 17.5% other dwellings (including semi-detached properties and apartments), contrasting with the Australian Capital Territory breakdown of 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Outright property ownership is prominent at 44.7%, surpassing the territory average, while 31.5% of homes are mortgaged and 23.8% are rented. The median monthly mortgage payment was $2,258 and median weekly rent was $460, compared to territory figures of $2,080 and $450, and national averages of $1,863 and $375 respectively.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Stirling (ACT) counted 770 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.6 people each. 34% are couples with children, against 28% couples without children. 24% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.8 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family households constitute 73.6% of all occupied private residences, consisting of couples with children (33.6%), couples without children (28.0%), and single parent families (10.9%). Non-family living arrangements make up the remaining 26.4%, with single-person households representing 24.3% and group households comprising 2.2%. The average household size sits at 2.6 people, slightly higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
40.0% of adults in Stirling (ACT) hold a university qualification, including 24.4% with a bachelor degree and 11.1% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 95% of areas nationally. A further 14.7% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Educational attainment in the area is elevated, with 40.0% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree, exceeding the 30.4% national proportion. Bachelor degree holders form 24.4% of the population, alongside postgraduate qualifications at 11.1% and graduate diplomas at 4.5%. In addition, vocational education accounts for 24.9% of qualifications among residents aged 15+, divided between certificates (14.7%) and advanced diplomas (10.2%). Community engagement in learning is strong, with 26.9% of residents actively attending educational institutions. This comprises 9.5% enrolled in primary education, 7.0% in secondary education, and 4.7% undertaking tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Stirling (ACT) reaches 17 stops on 46 routes, timetabled for about 3,600 services a week. The typical home sits about 190 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.5 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transportation connectivity comprises 17 active bus stops across 46 distinct bus routes, together delivering 3,601 weekly passenger trips. Access to transit is convenient, with residents located an average of 193 meters from their closest stop. Given the residential makeup, outward commuting is standard, with private vehicle travel representing 87% of journeys, 8% by bus, and average vehicle ownership at 1.5 per dwelling. Census data from 2021 indicated 14.0% of workers operated from home, potentially reflecting pandemic conditions. Transit service schedules average 514 trips per day across all servicing routes, representing approximately 211 weekly trips for each active stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
59.4% of residents in Stirling (ACT) report no long-term health condition. 10.9% need daily assistance with core activities, and 54.3% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.5 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health assessments by AreaSearch indicate measurable health challenges, with chronic conditions and mortality rates elevated across both younger and older cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is maintained by approximately 54% of the total population (~1,178 people), compared to 62.4% across Australian Capital Territory. Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most widespread diagnosed medical issues, affecting 10.7 and 9.6% of residents respectively, while 59.4% of the local population reported no chronic ailments, below the 70.2% benchmark in Australian Capital Territory. Working-age residents experience elevated rates of chronic illness, while seniors aged 65 and over account for 26.9% of residents (583 people), notably higher than the 14.2% territory share, with older residents recording health outcomes broadly matching general national trends.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
26.0% of Stirling (ACT) residents were born overseas and 18.7% speak a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (26.8%) and Australian (24.7%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity in the area is pronounced relative to broader benchmarks, with 26.0% of residents born abroad and 18.7% utilizing a non-English language at home. Christianity represents the primary religious affiliation, accounting for 49.9% of the community. Hinduism is also present, representing 2.5% of residents compared to 4.8% across Australian Capital Territory. Regarding parental lineage, the three most common ancestries reported are English at 26.8%, Australian at 24.7%, and Irish at 8.9%. Other notable ethnic backgrounds include Polish at 1.2% (against 0.8% across the territory), French at 0.9% (against 0.5%), and Hungarian at 0.7% (against 0.3% regionally).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Stirling (ACT) is 46, older than 82% of areas nationally. 21.7% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The demographic profile of the suburb of Stirling (ACT) is heavily weighted toward senior residents, with 26.9% aged 65+ as of August 2026 updates, compared to 14.2% across Australian Capital Territory, while residents aged 25 - 44 account for 21.0% versus 32.8% territory-wide. The estimated median age is 46, matching the 2021 Census figure, while exceeding the Australian Capital Territory median of 35 and the national median of 38 recorded at that Census. Since the Census, the 65+ cohort shifted from 28.2% to 26.9%, driven by the 65 to 74 group declining from 13.1% to 10.1% while the 75 to 84 cohort grew from 9.0% to 11.6% without younger inflows.
Projections indicate that by 2041, senior demographics will add 46 residents (8%) to reach 629, while younger adult and child populations are expected to contract.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Stirling (ACT)
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 5 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 2 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (2,191 at the 2021 Census → 2,169 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL80119). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.