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 Stirling North's broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of May 2026 the suburb's estimated population is around 2,907. This reflects an increase of 114 people (4.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,793. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 2,905 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, 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 growth rate of 4.1% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 3.9%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 70.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth for the suburb.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 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 adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Projections indicate a decline in overall population over this period, with Stirling North's population expected to decline by 62 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 41 people.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Stirling North, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Stirling North shows approximately 5 new homes approved annually. Between Financial Year 21 and Financial Year 25, around 27 homes were approved, with an additional 2 approved so far in Financial Year 26. Over the past five financial years, about 1.4 new residents arrived per new home on average. However, this has decreased to -3.4 people per dwelling over the past two financial years.

The average construction value of new homes is $318,000. This year has seen $4.4 million in commercial approvals, suggesting a residential character for the area. Compared to the Rest of SA, Stirling North recorded 34.0% higher construction activity per person over the five-year period, balancing buyer choice and supporting property values. However, building activity has slowed recently.

Nationally, the area's construction level is below average, indicating maturity and possible planning constraints. All new constructions have been detached dwellings, preserving low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 1155 people. Population projections suggest stability or decline, reducing housing demand pressures and benefiting potential buyers.

Stirling North has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 15thth percentile nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three major projects likely impacting the region: Eucalypt Village - Stirling North Accommodation Development, Iberdrola Renewable Energy Park, Port Augusta Storage Project, and Northern Water. The following details those considered 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 essential services well represented. The unemployment rate was 10.9% as of December 2025, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. In December 2025, 1,239 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 5.1% higher than Regional SA's rate of 5.7%.

Workforce participation in Stirling North is on par with Regional SA's 58.3%. Census responses showed that only 4.0% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The key industries for employment among residents are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. Stirling North has a particularly 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 Regional SA. Local employment opportunities exist, but many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, the labour force increased by 2.7% while employment declined by 4.2%, causing unemployment to rise by 6.4 percentage points in Stirling North. In comparison, Regional SA saw employment grow by 0.7%, labour force expand by 3.1%, and unemployment rise by 2.2 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer insight into potential future demand within Stirling North. These projections estimate that national employment will increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Stirling North's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 5.7% over five years and 12.4% over ten years, though these are simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

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 indicates that Stirling North's median income is $68,994 and average income is $82,137. This contrasts with Regional SA's median income of $48,920 and average income of $58,933. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $76,011 (median) and $90,490 (average). Census 2021 income data shows that Stirling North's household, family, and personal incomes cluster around the 62nd percentile nationally. The earnings profile reveals that 36.6% of locals (1,063 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to 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 ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Stirling North's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 99.0% houses and 1.0% other dwellings. In comparison, Regional SA had 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Stirling North was at 35.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 48.8% and rented ones at 15.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,306, higher than Regional SA's average of $1,153. The median weekly rent in Stirling North was $250, compared to Regional SA's $220. Nationally, Stirling North's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,306 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $250 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 consist of 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, larger than the Regional 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 Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 6.5%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.7%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 37.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (6.9%) and certificates (30.3%). Educational participation is high at 44.8%, with 22.3% in primary education, 11.6% in secondary education, and 3.1% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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 based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Approximately 59% of the total population has private health cover, compared to 48.9% across Regional SA. The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, impacting 10.4 and 7.8% of residents respectively. 68.9% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.5% across Regional SA. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 14.7% of residents aged 65 and over (427 people), which is lower than the 27.1% in Regional 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 was found to have below average cultural diversity, with 73.0% of its population being citizens born in Australia speaking English only at home. The predominant religion was Christianity, comprising 36.7% of the population. However, Judaism had no representation compared to Regional SA's 0.0%.

The top three ancestral groups were Australian (36.3%), English (30.2%), and Australian Aboriginal (7.3%). Notably, German ancestry was overrepresented at 5.1%, Maori at 0.3%, and Dutch at 1.1% compared to regional figures of 8.2%, 0.2%, and 1.3% respectively.

Stirling North's population is younger than the national pattern

The median age in Stirling North is 35 years, which is significantly below Regional SA's average of 47 years and somewhat younger than Australia's average of 38 years. Relative to Regional SA, Stirling North has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 years (17.4%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 years (9.1%). According to the 2021 Census, the age group of 35-44 years has grown from 15.9% to 17.1% of Stirling North's population. Conversely, the age group of 25-34 years has declined from 19.6% to 17.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Stirling North's age structure. The 85+ age group is expected to grow by 116%, reaching 69 people from the current 31. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 73% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the age groups of 15-24 years and 25-34 years are projected to have reduced numbers.