Stirling North

An assessment of population growth drivers in Stirling North reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since Feb 2026, the suburb of Stirling North's population is estimated at around 2,904. This reflects an increase of 111 people (4.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,793 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,887, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 28 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 42 persons per square kilometer. Stirling North's 4.0% growth since census positions it within 0.7 percentage points of the SA3 area (4.7%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 70.0% 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, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Moving forward with demographic trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population. The suburb's population is expected to decline by 65 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 49 people.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers derived from statistical area data, Stirling North has had approximately 4 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 23 homes were approved, with one more approved so far in FY26. On average, this results in about 0.6 new residents per year per dwelling constructed during these years.

This supply meets or exceeds demand, offering greater buyer choice and supporting potential population growth while maintaining property values, with new properties constructed at an average expected cost of $318,000. In FY26, there have been $4.4 million in commercial approvals, indicating the area's residential character. Compared to the rest of South Australia, Stirling North has recorded somewhat elevated construction activity, with 14.0% more dwellings approved per person over the past five years. This balances buyer choice while supporting current property values.

However, building activity has slowed in recent years. Nationally, this level is below average, reflecting the area's maturity and suggesting possible planning constraints. All new construction in Stirling North has consisted of detached dwellings, preserving its low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With an estimated 2904 people per dwelling approval, it maintains a quiet, low activity development environment. Given stable or declining population projections, housing demand pressures are expected to remain reduced, benefiting potential buyers.

Stirling North has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 13thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects likely affecting this region: Eucalypt Village - Stirling North Accommodation Development, Iberdrola Renewable Energy Park, Port Augusta Storage Project, and Northern Water. The following details those most relevant.

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Employment conditions in Stirling North face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Stirling North has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs, with prominent essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 8.8% in the past year, showing an estimated employment growth of 1.4%. As of September 2025, 1,298 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.5% above Rest of SA's rate of 5.3%.

Workforce participation is similar to Rest of SA's 58.5%. Census responses indicate a low 4.0% of residents work from home. Key industries include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Stirling North specializes in public administration & safety with an employment share 2.9 times the regional level, but agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 3.1%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.4% while labour force rose by 5.6%, causing unemployment to rise by 3.8 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Stirling North's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.4% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Stirling North is extremely high nationally. The median income is $68,994 and the average income stands at $82,137. This contrasts with Rest of SA's figures where the median income is $48,920 and the average income is $58,933. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Stirling North would be approximately $75,065 (median) and $89,365 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows that incomes in Stirling North cluster around the 62nd percentile nationally. The earnings profile indicates that the predominant cohort spans 36.6% of locals (1,062 people) with incomes in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, which aligns with regional levels where this cohort represents 27.5%. After housing costs, residents retain 89.8% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power.

Stirling North is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Stirling North's dwelling structure, as recorded in the latest Census, consisted of 99.0% houses and 1.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Non-Metro SA had 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Stirling North stood at 35.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 48.8% and rented dwellings at 15.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,306, higher than Non-Metro SA's average of $1,153. The median weekly rent in Stirling North was $250, compared to Non-Metro SA's figure of $220. Nationally, Stirling North's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,306 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Stirling North features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 78.2% of all households, including 32.4% couples with children, 33.2% couples without children, and 12.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 21.8%, with lone person households at 20.6% and group households comprising 0.6%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Rest of SA average of 2.3.

Stirling North faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 9.3%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 6.5%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.7%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.1%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 37.2% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications.

Advanced diplomas account for 6.9%, while certificates make up 30.3%. Educational participation is high, with 44.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 22.3% in primary education, 11.6% in secondary education, and 3.1% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Stirling North is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Stirling North faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 59% of the total population (1,725 people), compared to 48.9% across Rest of SA. The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, impacting 10.4 and 7.8% of residents respectively, while 68.9% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.5% across Rest of SA. Working-age residents show an above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 14.9% of residents aged 65 and over (432 people), which is lower than the 27.1% in Rest of SA. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The latest Census data sees Stirling North placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Stirling North, surveyed in June 2016, had a culturally diverse population with 73.0% citizens, 94.2% born in Australia, and 97.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 36.7%. Judaism's representation was not apparent, similar to Rest of SA's 0.0%.

Top ancestral groups were Australian (36.3%), English (30.2%), and Australian Aboriginal (7.3%). Notably, German ancestry was overrepresented at 5.1% compared to the regional average of 8.2%, Maori at 0.3% versus 0.2%, and Dutch at 1.1% against 1.3%.

Stirling North's population is younger than the national pattern

The median age in Stirling North is 35 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of SA's average of 47 years and somewhat younger than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of SA, Stirling North has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (18.0%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (9.2%). According to the 2021 Census, the age group 35-44 has grown from 15.9% to 17.3% of Stirling North's population, while the 25-34 cohort has declined from 19.6% to 18.0%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Stirling North's age structure. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 25%, reaching 163 people from the current figure of 130. Notably, combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 68% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 0-4 and 15-24 age groups are projected to see reduced numbers.