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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Stirling (SA) has an estimated 3,165 residents, up from 3,067 at the 2021 Census — a change of 98 people, or 3.2%. Growth has averaged 0.5% a year over five years. That puts 481 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
As of Aug 2026, the suburb of Stirling (SA) is estimated to have a population of around 3,165, according to AreaSearch evaluations of regional ABS demographic updates and post-Census address validations. This represents a gain of 98 people (3.2%) compared to the 2021 Census total of 3,067 people. AreaSearch established this resident count of 3,165 by reviewing the latest ABS ERP release from June 2025 alongside 8 validated new addresses identified since the Census. With a density of 481 persons per square kilometer, the local environment offers ample personal space alongside capacity for potential expansion.
Recent demographic expansion has been underpinned largely by overseas migration, accounting for approximately 71.0% of net population additions. Projections utilized by AreaSearch incorporate the 2024 ABS/Geoscience Australia dataset with a 2022 base year across SA2 locations. When SA2 locations lack coverage or for years post-2032, figures apply the 2023 SA State Government Regional/LGA age-cohort forecasts grounded in 2021 data, adjusted via weighted population growth aggregation from LGA down to SA2 boundaries. Demographic modeling for the suburb of Stirling (SA) indicates future growth tracking slightly beneath the nationwide median, with aggregated SA2 figures projecting an addition of 304 persons by 2041, representing an overall expansion of 9.6% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
33 new dwellings have been approved in Stirling (SA) over the past five years, an average of 6 a year. That is 1.2 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 5, broadly in line with that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
According to AreaSearch's examination of statistical area building approvals from the ABS, Stirling has averaged approximately 6 residential approvals annually, yielding an estimated total of 33 homes across the past 5 financial years, with 5 approvals logged to date in FY-25. An average influx of 3.5 people per year for every dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (from FY-21 to FY-25) indicates that buyer demand outpaces new residential additions, typically driving heightened competition and capital appreciation. New dwellings feature an average expected construction cost of $811,000, highlighting a strong developer orientation toward upscale, premium housing projects.
Meanwhile, commercial activity has been modest, with commercial approvals standing at $5.2 million this financial year. Per capita residential construction in Stirling sits 87.0% below the Greater Adelaide benchmark, representing substantially restrained development volumes. While building activity has gained pace lately, this constrained supply stream tends to reinforce demand and property pricing across existing housing stock. Such low output also trails the national average, underscoring both planning limitations and the established nature of the locality. Recent residential builds have consisted exclusively of detached houses, preserving the neighborhood's low-density profile and catering to families prioritizing spacious living. A ratio of approximately 628 residents per approved dwelling further illustrates this subdued building climate. The most recent quarterly estimates from AreaSearch anticipate that Stirling will gain 304 residents by 2041. If residential construction volumes remain at prevailing levels, dwelling delivery may struggle to keep pace with incoming population, potentially compounding purchasing pressures and supporting ongoing property value gains.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Stirling (SA)
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 4 current infrastructure and development projects close to Stirling (SA), worth an estimated $1.02 billion. The pipeline spans transport & logistics and health & medical. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local performance is heavily shaped by major planning programs, transport improvements, and civic infrastructure developments. In total, no projects have been identified by AreaSearch as having a direct localized impact on the area. Relevant regional works of interest encompass the 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, with key initiatives outlined below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Estia Health Myrtle Bank Expansion
Expansion of the existing Estia Health residential aged care home in Myrtle Bank. The development involves construction of a two-storey facility addition accommodating 46 residential care beds and independent suites, increasing total capacity to 118 beds. Planning assessment and development approvals were managed through the City of Burnside and SA Planning system.
Kalyra Belair Village
A retirement village in Belair with 119 homes, offering a range of amenities and activities for residents. Villas are available for sale.
Adelaide's Inner And Outer Ring Route Capacity Improvements
Enhancement of Adelaide's Inner and Outer Ring Routes to alleviate congestion, aiming for integrated urban mobility and addressing impacts from population growth, economic activity, and travel demand.
Adelaide Public Transport Capacity and Access
A multi-year state-led initiative to expand the capacity and reach of Adelaide's public transport network. Key focus areas include the electrification of the Outer Harbor and Belair rail lines, upgrades to the Adelaide Railway Station hub to resolve capacity bottlenecks, and the implementation of the City of Adelaide Integrated Transport Strategy (ITS) endorsed in July 2025. The program aims to support projected growth of 670,000 residents by 2051 through enhanced service frequencies, digital signaling (ETCS), and improved first/last mile access within the CBD.
1,645 residents of Stirling (SA) are employed, from a labour force of 1,678. Unemployment sits at 2.0%, with participation at 63.4%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 7.1% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 2,428, about 77% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Aggregated statistical area metrics compiled by AreaSearch show Stirling possesses a well-qualified local labour pool marked by prominent professional services participation, an unemployment rate of merely 2.0%, and an estimated 4.2% expansion in employment over the preceding year. As of March 2026, employed residents total 1,645, with joblessness sitting 1.9% under the 3.8% recorded across Greater Adelaide, whereas the participation rate tracks lower at 63.4% against 66.4% across the broader capital. Census findings indicated that 23.2% of the local workforce operated from home, a figure potentially influenced by Covid-19 restrictions.
The primary sectors employing local residents are health care & social assistance, professional & technical, and education & training. Professional & technical services demonstrate notable local concentration, capturing a workforce proportion 2.1 times the regional average. In contrast, construction accounts for only 5.2% of jobs locally versus 8.7% across the wider region. Given the contrast between the resident labour force and Census working population figures, this largely residential district generates relatively few local workplace opportunities. Analysis of ABS and SALM statistical data by AreaSearch reveals that across the 12 months to March 2026, local employment grew by 4.2% alongside a 4.4% rise in the labour pool, nudging the unemployment rate up by 0.2 percentage points. Across Greater Adelaide, employment likewise advanced by 4.2%, but the workforce grew by 4.0%, lowering unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. Looking ahead, Jobs and Skills Australia national projections from Mar-26 provide context for local employment trajectory over five and ten-year horizons. Nationally, job growth is anticipated to reach 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with performance varying widely across sectors. Weighting these sector forecasts against Stirling's industry composition points to potential local employment expansion of 7.1% over five years and 14.5% over ten years (note that this illustrative model relies on simple weighted extrapolation without incorporating local demographic forecasts).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Stirling (SA) is $2,368 a week (about $123,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,058 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $64,753 a year against an average of $91,657. The average runs 42% above the median, a wider spread than most areas and a sign of a concentrated group of high earners. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Postcode-level ATO statistics aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 indicate that the suburb of Stirling recorded a median taxpayer income of $64,753 and an average of $91,657, positioning it among the country's top-earning communities compared to Greater Adelaide benchmarks of $54,808 and $66,852. Factoring in a 10.17% increase in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023 places updated estimates around $71,338 for median earnings and $100,979 on average as of March 2026. According to Census 2021 findings, local personal, family, and household earnings all place between the 83rd and 86th percentiles across Australia.
The top income tier of $4000+ is the most prevalent, accounting for 27.9% of residents (883 people), unlike greater metropolitan patterns where the $1,500 - 2,999 band leads at 31.8%. Overall community prosperity is underlined by the 40.7% receiving more than $3,000 weekly, bolstering high-end retail trade and services. Furthermore, households preserve 88.5% of income post-housing expenses, and the district attains a 10th decile placement in the SEIFA income index.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Stirling (SA) had 1,153 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 94% detached houses and 1% apartments. 40% are owned with a mortgage, 10% rented and 50% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $450 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,448 a month. Rent absorbs 19.0% of household income here and mortgage repayments 23.9%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Census records show that standalone separate houses make up 94.3% of Stirling's housing stock, with semi-detached properties, units, and alternative formats constituting just 5.7%, whereas the wider Adelaide metro comprises 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Outright property ownership stands at a notable 49.8%, considerably exceeding metropolitan norms, alongside 40.2% mortgaged homes and 10.0% tenanted properties. Monthly mortgage commitments average a median of $2,448 locally against $1,562 across Adelaide metro and $1,863 nationwide. Similarly, median weekly rents reach $450, well above both the Adelaide metro level of $320 and the Australian benchmark of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Stirling (SA) counted 1,153 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.6 people each. 36% are couples with children, against 32% couples without children. 23% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.7 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families constitute the majority of local living arrangements at 76.4%, split between couple families with children (36.2%), couples without children (31.9%), and single-parent households (7.5%). The other 23.6% consists of non-family living structures, where single-person residences represent 22.5% and share houses account for 1.0%. The typical household contains a median of 2.6 people, slightly higher than the Greater Adelaide standard of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
51.6% of adults in Stirling (SA) hold a university qualification, including 30.4% with a bachelor degree and 14.7% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 96% of areas nationally. A further 12.4% hold a vocational qualification. 2 schools serve the area, with 688 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,128 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Academic credentials throughout Stirling notably exceed broader averages, as 51.6% of residents aged 15+ hold higher education degrees, compared to 25.7% across SA and 28.9% in Greater Adelaide, creating a well-equipped base for knowledge-intensive sectors. Bachelor degrees are held by 30.4% of adults, with postgraduate credentials at 14.7% and graduate diplomas at 6.5%. Technical and vocational training encompasses 23.7% of individuals aged 15+, comprising advanced diplomas (11.3%) and certificate courses (12.4%). Formal study engagement across the community is substantial, with 29.6% of the population actively undertaking education. Within this cohort, primary schooling accounts for 10.5%, secondary school attendance represents 9.0%, and 6.5% are engaged in higher or tertiary study.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Stirling (SA) reaches 30 stops on 30 routes, timetabled for about 660 services a week. The typical home sits about 320 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.7 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transit infrastructure across Stirling features 30 operational bus stops connected by 30 separate bus routes, delivering a combined total of 656 weekly passenger trips. Network accessibility remains favorable, with the typical resident situated 322 meters from their closest boarding point. Commuters predominantly travel outside the residential suburb, where private vehicles represent the main transit mode at 89%, followed by 6% utilizing buses. Households maintain an average vehicle ownership rate of 1.7 per dwelling, surpassing regional figures, while 23.2% of workers operated from home according to the 2021 Census (which may reflect COVID-19 conditions).
Transit timetables provide an average volume of 93 daily trips across the broader network, which corresponds to roughly 21 weekly services per stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
69.0% of residents in Stirling (SA) report no long-term health condition, a healthier profile than 90% of areas nationally. 3.7% need daily assistance with core activities, and 63.2% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 3.3 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
AreaSearch evaluations of mortality statistics and chronic illness indicators highlight superior health profiles across Stirling, reflecting minimal incidence of common medical ailments in every demographic group. Furthermore, private health insurance uptake is notably widespread, covering approximately 63% of residents (1,998 people), in contrast to 52.7% throughout Greater Adelaide and 55.7% across Australia. Arthritis and asthma represent the most frequently reported long-term conditions, affecting 9.0% and 7.7% of the local population respectively, while 69.0% of individuals reported having no diagnosed chronic medical issues, compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. Working-age citizens demonstrate strong general wellness with minimal chronic illness.
Seniors aged 65 and over comprise 27.5% of the community (870 people), above the Greater Adelaide benchmark of 19.1%, with older residents maintaining robust health measures that align well with wider population rankings.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Stirling (SA) is largely Australian-born, at 79.3% of residents, with 5.7% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (34.2%) and Australian (25.6%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity metrics in Stirling fall beneath broader norms, with 79.3% of residents born in Australia, 94.6% holding Australian citizenship, and 94.3% speaking exclusively English at home. Christianity forms the largest religious affiliation, accounting for 43.2% of residents. The most notable relative concentration occurs among those practicing Judaism, representing 0.1% of the local population in comparison to 0.1% regionally across Greater Adelaide. Regarding ancestral background based on parental birthplace, the three most common heritages reported in Stirling are English (34.2% versus 27.8% across the broader region), Australian (25.6%), and Scottish (9.1%).
Other cultural backgrounds exhibiting higher local concentrations include German ancestry at 7.3% (against 5.1% regionally), Welsh at 0.8% (compared to 0.6%), and Russian at 0.6% (versus 0.3%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Stirling (SA) is 48, older than 88% of areas nationally. 18.8% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
Reflecting its status as a lifestyle and retirement destination, Stirling maintains an older demographic composition, with senior and retiree age groups (65+) representing 27.5% of the population as at August 2026, compared to 19.1% across Greater Adelaide. Conversely, young to middle-aged adults (25 - 44) make up only 16.4%, significantly below the 28.9% observed across the capital. The estimated median age sits at 48, identical to the 2021 Census outcome and 9 years above the Greater Adelaide median of 39 from that same Census, where the Australian median stood at 38.
The most pronounced demographic shift post-Census has occurred within the mature adult cohort (45 - 64), contracting from 28.4% to an estimated 26.4%. Looking toward 2041, the retiree and senior demographic is forecasted to see the greatest absolute growth, expanding by 184 residents (21%) to reach 1,054.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Stirling (SA)
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 5 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 8 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (3,067 at the 2021 Census → 3,165 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL41384). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.