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 Nov 2025, Stirling (SA) statistical area's population is estimated at around 3,149. This reflects an increase of 82 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,067. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 3,141 in June 2024 and six additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 478 persons per square kilometer. Recent population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 71.0% of overall gains.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. Future demographic trends suggest a population increase just below the national median for Stirling (SA) statistical area to reach 3,464 persons by 2041. This reflects an increase of 11.3% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Stirling when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Stirling averaging around 13 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 67 homes. As of FY26, 3 approvals have been recorded. Between FY21 and FY25, an average of 2.2 people moved to the area per new home constructed. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $651,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

This financial year, $5.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Stirling has markedly lower building activity, at 59.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, although construction activity has recently intensified. 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 181 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 355 residents through to 2041, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure. Current development appears well-matched to future needs.

Stirling has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 18thth percentile nationally

No infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to impact the area. Key projects include the South Eastern Freeway Upgrade, Adelaide Public Transport Capacity and Access, and Adelaide's Inner And Outer Ring Route Capacity Improvements.

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The labour market strength in Stirling positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Stirling has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 2.0%, lower than Greater Adelaide's 3.9%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.2%. As of September 2025, 1,636 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.0% and workforce participation similar to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. Stirling specializes in professional & technical jobs, with a share 2.1 times the regional level.

However, construction is under-represented at 5.2% compared to Greater Adelaide's 8.7%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.2%, labour force by 2.6%, raising unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. In Greater Adelaide, employment grew by 3.0%, labour force expanded by 2.9%, and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points. Statewide in South Australia, as of 25-November-25, employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, adding 10,710 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.0%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Stirling's employment mix indicates local employment could increase by 7.1% in five years and 14.5% in ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

The suburb of Stirling has a median taxpayer income of $64,753 and an average income of $91,657 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is notably higher than Greater Adelaide's median income of $54,808 and average income of $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $70,451 (median) and $99,723 (average). Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Stirling rank highly nationally, between the 83rd and 86th percentiles. Distribution data indicates that the largest segment comprises 27.9% earning $4000+ weekly (878 residents), differing from the regional norm where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 31.8%. A substantial proportion of high earners (40.7% above $3,000/week) suggests strong economic capacity throughout the area. After housing costs, residents retain 88.5% of their income, reflecting robust purchasing power and indicating that Stirling'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

In Stirling, as per the latest Census evaluation, 94.3% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 5.7% comprising semi-detached properties, apartments, and other types of dwellings. In comparison, Adelaide metro had 95.2% houses and 4.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Stirling stood at 49.8%, with mortgaged dwellings accounting for 40.2% and rented ones making up 10.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Stirling was $2,448, surpassing Adelaide metro's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure in Stirling was recorded at $450, higher than Adelaide metro's $350. Nationally, Stirling's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Stirling has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical 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 aligns with the Greater Adelaide average.

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

In Stirling, residents aged 15+ have a higher proportion of university qualifications at 51.6%, compared to South Australia's 25.7% and the Greater Adelaide's 28.9%. This educational advantage is evident in various qualification levels: Bachelor degrees are held by 30.4%, postgraduate qualifications by 14.7%, and graduate diplomas by 6.5%. Vocational pathways account for 23.7% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 11.3% and certificates at 12.4%. Educational participation is high, with 29.6% currently enrolled in formal education, including primary (10.5%), secondary (9.0%), and tertiary (6.5%) levels.

Educational participation is notably high, 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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 31 different routes that together facilitate 659 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents on average being located 322 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 94 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 21 weekly trips per individual stop.

Stirling's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Stirling's health data shows a relatively positive picture. Prevalence of common health conditions is low across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 63% (1,988 people) have private health cover, higher than Greater Adelaide's 55.5%.

Nationally, the average is 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (9.0%) and asthma (7.7%). 69.0% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 68.5% in Greater Adelaide. Stirling has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 25.9% (815 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 19.9%. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

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

Stirling's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 79.3% of its population born in Australia. The city had a high proportion of citizens, 94.6%, and English speakers, 94.3%. Christianity was the predominant religion at 43.2%.

However, Judaism was overrepresented compared to Greater Adelaide, making up 0.1% versus 0.1%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (34.2%), Australian (25.6%), and Scottish (9.1%). Notably, German ancestry was higher in Stirling at 7.3% than regionally at 8.2%, Welsh at 0.8% versus 0.7%, and Russian at 0.6% compared to 0.3%.

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

Stirling's median age is 48 years, significantly higher than Greater Adelaide's 39 and the national average of 38. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Stirling has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (13.8%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (5.9%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 10.3% to 12.0%, while the 75-84 cohort has risen from 8.2% to 9.4%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group has decreased from 12.2% to 11.0%, and the 65-74 group has dropped from 15.0% to 13.8%. By 2041, Stirling's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 165 people, reaching 225 from 85, leading the demographic shift. Residents aged 65 and older are anticipated to represent 62% of the population growth. Conversely, the 65-74 age group is expected to decrease by 21 residents.