Stirling (SA)

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

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Stirling (SA) is around 3,150, reflecting an increase of 83 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a growth rate of approximately 2.7%. The latest resident population figure was estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the ABS's June 2025 ERP data release and validation of six new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 478 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential room for further development. The primary driver of population growth in Stirling was overseas migration, contributing approximately 71.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs 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, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data and released in 2023. These projections are adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering projected demographic shifts, Stirling is expected to experience population growth just below the median of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch. By 2041, based on aggregated SA2-level projections, Stirling's population is expected to increase by approximately 296 persons, representing a gain of around 9.4% over the 16-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Stirling according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Stirling has averaged around 13 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years ending June 2025. This totals an estimated 66 homes. So far in FY-26 (July 2025 - June 2026), 4 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, there has been an average of 1.1 new residents per year arriving per new home.

Supply and demand seem well-matched, fostering stable market dynamics. New properties are constructed at an average value of $651,000, indicating a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. This financial year, $5.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature. Relative to Greater Adelaide, Stirling records markedly lower building activity, 59.0% below the regional average per person, which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties.

Recent development has been entirely comprised of standalone homes, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 184 people per dwelling approval, Stirling shows characteristics of a low density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Stirling is expected to grow by 296 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Stirling has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 21stth percentile nationally

No changes have been identified by AreaSearch that could impact the area. Key projects include South Eastern Freeway Upgrade, Adelaide Public Transport Capacity and Access, Adelaide's Inner And Outer Ring Route Capacity Improvements, and SA Water Capital Work Delivery Contracts 2024-28.

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The exceptional employment performance in Stirling places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Stirling has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 2.0% as of the past year, based on AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. Employment growth over this period was estimated at 3.9%.

As of December 2025, Stirling had 1,624 residents employed with an unemployment rate of 1.8%, lower than Greater Adelaide's 3.8%. Workforce participation in Stirling was 63.5% compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.0%. According to Census responses, 23.2% of Stirling residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training.

Stirling has a high specialization in professional & technical employment at 2.1 times the regional level but underrepresentation in construction with only 5.2% of its workforce compared to Greater Adelaide's 8.7%. Limited local employment opportunities are suggested by the working population vs resident population count. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 3.9%, labour force by 4.3%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In Greater Adelaide, employment grew by 4.2%, labour force expanded by 3.9%, and unemployment fell by 0.3 percentage points during this period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Stirling's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.5% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting 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

Stirling suburb's median taxpayer income is $64,753, average being $91,657. These figures are based on latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Nationally, these incomes are extremely high compared to Greater Adelaide's median of $54,808 and average income of $66,852. Considering a 10.17% growth in wages since financial year 2023 (March 2026), estimated incomes would be approximately $71,338 (median) and $100,979 (average). Stirling's incomes rank highly nationally, between 83rd to 86th percentiles for households, families, and individuals. Income distribution shows 27.9% earning above $4,000 weekly (878 residents), differing from the regional norm where 31.8% earn between $1,500 - $2,999 weekly. Notably, 40.7% of Stirling's residents earn more than $3,000 weekly, indicating strong economic capacity in the area. After housing costs, residents retain 88.5% of their income, reflecting robust purchasing power. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

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

Stirling's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 94.3% houses and 5.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Adelaide metro had 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Stirling was at 49.8%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (40.2%) or rented (10.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Stirling was $2,448, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. The median weekly rent figure in Stirling was recorded at $450, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Stirling's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Stirling has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 76.4% of all households, including 36.2% couples with children, 31.9% couples without children, and 7.5% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 23.6%, with lone person households at 22.5% and group households comprising 1.0%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

Stirling demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Stirling has a higher proportion of residents with university qualifications than both South Australia (SA) and Greater Adelaide. Specifically, 51.6% of Stirling's residents aged 15 and above hold such qualifications, compared to 25.7% in SA and 28.9% in Greater Adelaide. This educational advantage is driven by a high number of bachelor degree holders (30.4%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (14.7%) and graduate diplomas (6.5%). Vocational pathways are also prominent, with 23.7% of residents aged 15 and above holding advanced diplomas (11.3%) or certificates (12.4%).

Educational participation is high in Stirling, with 29.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.5% in primary education, 9.0% in secondary education, and 6.5% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Stirling has 30 active public transport stops serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by 31 individual routes, offering a total of 659 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is rated as good, with residents typically located 322 meters from the nearest stop. Most Stirling residents commute outward daily, primarily using cars (89%), with buses accounting for 6% of trips. On average, there are 1.7 vehicles per dwelling in Stirling, higher than the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, 23.2% of Stirling residents work from home, a figure potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 94 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 21 weekly trips per stop.

Stirling's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Stirling's health outcomes show excellent results according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 63% of the total population (1,989 people), compared to 52.7% in Greater Adelaide and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 9.0% and 7.7% of residents respectively. A total of 69.0% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.9% in Greater Adelaide. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. Stirling has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 27.1%, compared to 19.2% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, broadly in line with national rankings for the general population.

Stirling ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Stirling, surveyed in June 2016, had below average cultural diversity. 79.3% of its population were born in Australia, with 94.6% being citizens and 94.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 43.2%.

Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to Greater Adelaide's average of 0.1%. Top ancestry groups were English (34.2%), Australian (25.6%), and Scottish (9.1%). Notably, German (7.3%) and Welsh (0.8%) were overrepresented, while Russian was slightly higher at 0.6% compared to regional averages of 5.1%, 0.6%, and 0.3% respectively.

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

Stirling's median age is 48 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Adelaide's 39 years and the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Stirling has a higher percentage of residents aged 65-74 (13.8%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (5.7%). Between the 2021 Census and now, the age group 15-24 has increased from 10.3% to 12.7%, while the 75-84 cohort has grown from 8.2% to 10.3%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort has decreased from 15.0% to 13.8%, and the 5-14 group has dropped from 14.0% to 12.9%. By 2041, Stirling's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 138% (130 people), reaching 225 from 94. Residents aged 65 and older will represent 62% of the anticipated growth, while the 65-74 group is expected to decrease by 14 residents.