Stirling (SA)

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

The suburb of Stirling (SA) had an estimated population of around 3,204 as of November 2025, reflecting a growth of 137 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 4.5% rise from the previous count of 3,067 residents. The current population estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of the latest Estimated Residential Population (ERP) data release by the ABS in June 2024, which indicated a resident population of 3,194 for Stirling. This level of population results in a density ratio of approximately 486 persons per square kilometer. The suburb's growth since the census is within 2.6 percentage points of the state average of 7.1%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed significantly to this growth, accounting for about 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, and uses the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category for areas not covered by this data or for years post-2032. Based on these projections, Stirling is expected to experience a population increase just below the median of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch, with an anticipated expansion of 319 persons to reach approximately 3,523 residents by 2041. This projected growth reflects a total gain of around 9.5% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Stirling has averaged approximately 12 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 64 homes. As of FY-26, 2 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years (FY-21 to FY-25), an average of 2.3 people per year moved to Stirling for each new home constructed, reflecting strong demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value of these homes was $651,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

In FY-26, $10.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Stirling has significantly lower building activity (61.0% below regional average per person), which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Recent building activity consists solely of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population density is 634 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment.

Future projections from AreaSearch indicate Stirling will add approximately 304 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Stirling has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

No changes can influence a region's performance more than modifications to local infrastructure, significant projects, and planning initiatives. A total of zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to impact this area. Notable 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. The following list details those expected to be most relevant.

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Employment conditions in Stirling demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Stirling has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 2.0% as of June 2025, which is below Greater Adelaide's rate of 4.0%.

The estimated employment growth over the past year was 0.9%. Out of 1,627 residents in work, healthcare & social assistance, professional & technical services, and education & training are the dominant sectors. Stirling specializes particularly in professional & technical services, with an employment share 2.1 times the regional level. Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 5.2% compared to the regional average of 8.7%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. In the wider area over a 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 0.9%, labour force by 1.3%, resulting in unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Adelaide recorded employment growth of 2.1% and labour force growth of 2.1%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia for September 2022 suggest Stirling's employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.5% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections against Stirling's employment mix.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Stirling had a median taxpayer income of $64,753 and an average income of $91,657. These figures are among the highest in Australia, compared to $52,592 and $64,886 across Greater Adelaide respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Stirling would be approximately $73,061 (median) and $103,417 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data ranks Stirling's household, family, and personal incomes highly, between the 83rd and 86th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 27.9% of locals (893 people) fall into the $4000+ category, unlike regional trends where 31.8% are in the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Higher earners make up a substantial presence with 40.7% exceeding $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 88.5% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area'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, consisted of 94.3% houses and 5.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Adelaide metro had 95.2% houses and 4.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Stirling was at 49.8%, with the rest being mortgaged (40.2%) or rented (10.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Stirling was $2,448, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,733. Weekly rent in Stirling was recorded at $450, compared to Adelaide metro's $350. 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 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 making up 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

Educational attainment in Stirling is notably higher than broader averages. Among residents aged 15+, 51.6% hold university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in South Australia (SA) and 28.9% in Greater Adelaide. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 30.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 14.7% and graduate diplomas at 6.5%. Vocational pathways account for 23.7% of qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.3%) and certificates (12.4%).

Educational participation is high with 29.6% currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 10.5% in primary, 9.0% in secondary, and 6.5% in tertiary education. The area has two schools serving 688 students: St Catherine's School and Stirling East Primary School. Both focus exclusively on primary education with secondary options available nearby. Stirling functions as an education hub with 21.5 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 14.0, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Transport analysis in Stirling shows 30 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 30 separate routes that together facilitate 656 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents on average being located 322 metres from their nearest stop.

On average, there are 93 daily trips 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 residents show positive health outcomes with low prevalence of common conditions across all ages. Private health cover stands at approximately 63% (2,023 people), higher than Greater Adelaide's 55.2% and close to the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (9.0%) and asthma (7.7%), while 69.0% report no medical ailments, similar to Greater Adelaide's 68.5%.

Stirling has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 25.9% (829 people) compared to Greater Adelaide's 19.9%. Senior health outcomes are 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, as per the census conducted on Tuesday 9 June 2016, exhibited lower cultural diversity compared to regional averages. A majority of its residents were born in Australia (79.3%), held citizenship (94.6%), and spoke English at home exclusively (94.3%). Christianity was identified as the predominant religion, with 43.2% adherents.

Notably, Judaism had a higher representation in Stirling compared to Greater Adelaide, comprising 0.1% of its population. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (34.2%), Australian (25.6%), and Scottish (9.1%). Some ethnicities showed notable deviations from regional norms: German was overrepresented at 7.3%, Welsh at 0.8%, and Russian at 0.6%.

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 now, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 10.3% to 12.0%, while those aged 75-84 increased from 8.2% to 9.4%. Conversely, the age group of 55-64 decreased from 12.2% to 11.0%, and the 65-74 cohort dropped from 15.0% to 13.8%. By 2041, Stirling's age composition is expected to change notably. The 85+ group will grow by 160%, reaching 225 from 86, leading the demographic shift. Residents aged 65 and older will represent 67% of anticipated growth. Conversely, both the 0-4 and 65-74 age groups are expected to decrease in number.