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

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Stirling North is around 2,883 people. This reflects an increase from the 2,793 reported in the 2021 Census, indicating a rise of approximately 90 individuals (3.2%). AreaSearch validated this estimate following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and the addition of 17 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 42 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Over the past decade, Stirling North has shown resilient growth patterns with an average annual growth rate of -0.1%, outperforming the SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 70% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024, using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are used, based on 2021 data and adjusted employing a method of weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. According to these projections, Stirling North's population is expected to decline by 67 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, notably the 35 to 44 age group, projected to increase by 37 people.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates approximately 5 new homes approved annually in Stirling North. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, around 29 homes were approved, with an additional 2 approved so far in FY-26. Over these five years, the average new residents per year per dwelling constructed is 0.5.

This suggests that supply meets or exceeds demand, offering greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth above projections. The average construction value of new properties is $318,000, aligning with broader regional development. This financial year has seen $7.8 million in commercial approvals, indicating the area's residential character. Compared to the rest of South Australia (SA), Stirling North records elevated construction activity, at 45.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period.

However, recent construction activity has eased. Nationally, construction activity is lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent building activity consists solely of standalone homes, preserving the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population count per dwelling approval is 1162 people, reflecting its quiet, low-activity development environment. With stable or declining population forecasts, Stirling North may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Stirling North has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure can significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects that may affect this region. Notable projects include Eucalypt Village - Stirling North Accommodation Development, Iberdrola Renewable Energy Park, Port Augusta Storage Project, and Mid North South Australia REZ Expansion. The following details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Stirling North has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Stirling North has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Key sectors include essential services.

The unemployment rate was 5.8% as of June 2024, with an estimated employment growth of 6.0% over the past year. As of June 2025, 1,339 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.2% higher than Rest of SA's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation in Stirling North is lower at 51.0%, compared to Rest of SA's 54.1%. Major industries for employment among residents are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and retail trade.

Stirling North has a strong specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share 2.9 times the regional level. However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, with only 3.1% of Stirling North's workforce compared to 14.5% in Rest of SA. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 6.0%, labour force grew by 7.1%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.9 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in Sep-22, project national employment 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.

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

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2022 shows Stirling North has high postcode-level incomes nationally: median $68,994 and average $82,137. This contrasts with Rest of SA's median income of $46,889 and average of $56,582. By September 2025, adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 12.83%, estimated incomes are approximately $77,846 (median) and $92,675 (average). Census 2021 data indicates Stirling North's household, family, and personal incomes cluster around the 62nd percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows that 36.6% of locals (1,055 people) predominantly earn between $1,500 - 2,999 annually, aligning with regional levels where this cohort represents 27.5%. After housing costs, residents retain 89.8% of their income.

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

Stirling North's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 99.0% houses and 1.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Non-Metro SA's 85.7% houses and 14.3% other dwellings. Home ownership in Stirling North stood at 35.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 48.8% and rented ones at 15.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,306, surpassing Non-Metro SA's average of $1,138. The median weekly rent in Stirling North was recorded as $250, compared to Non-Metro SA's $187. Nationally, Stirling North's mortgage repayments were lower than 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 comprise 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 constitute the remaining 21.8%, consisting of 20.6% lone person households and 0.6% group households. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Rest of SA average of 2.4.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 9.3%, significantly below the Australian average of 30.4%. This 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%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 37.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 6.9% and certificates at 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. Stirling North Primary School serves the local educational needs within Stirling North, with an enrollment of 305 students as of the latest data. The school caters to typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 955) and offers balanced educational opportunities. It focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas. School places per 100 residents stand at 10.6, below the regional average of 15.4, indicating some students may attend schools outside the area.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health outcomes in Stirling North are marginally below the national average with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Stirling North shows below-average health indicators with common conditions prevalence similar to national averages but higher among older adults. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 59%, compared to 53.1% in Rest of SA.

Asthma and arthritis are most common, affecting 10.4 and 7.8% respectively. 68.9% report no medical ailments, similar to the 68.2% across Rest of SA. The area has 14.3% residents aged 65 and over, lower than the 16.3% in Rest of SA. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention.

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% of people, found in ABS Census data. Stirling North's Judaism population was 0.0%, mirroring Rest of SA's 0.0%.

Ancestry-wise, Australian (36.3%) and English (30.2%) were prominent, exceeding regional averages of 28.5% and 25.2% respectively. However, Australian Aboriginal ancestry was lower at 7.3%, below the regional average of 17.2%. Notable differences included German (5.1%), Maori (0.3%), and Dutch (1.1%) groups in Stirling North compared to regional averages of 4.8%, 0.3%, and 0.9% respectively.

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 median age of 38 years. Compared to Rest of SA, Stirling North has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (18.3%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (8.9%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 35-44 increased from 15.9% to 16.9%, while the 25-34 age group decreased from 19.6% to 18.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Stirling North's age structure. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 27 people, reaching 158 from 123, leading the demographic shift. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 67% 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 have reduced numbers.