Stirling (WA)

Population growth drivers in Stirling are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, Stirling's population is estimated at around 11,106, reflecting a growth of 941 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 9.3% rise from the previous population count of 10,165. The estimated resident population (ERP) of 11,058 is based on AreaSearch's validation of latest ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 93 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,289 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Stirling's population growth rate of 9.3% exceeds the national average of 8.9%, indicating it as a region with significant growth. Overseas migration contributed approximately 76.0% to overall population gains during recent periods in the suburb of Stirling (WA).

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and post-2032 growth estimation, AreaSearch utilizes ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Future population projections indicate above median growth for statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch. By 2041, the suburb of Stirling (WA) is expected to expand by 2,096 persons, reflecting a total gain of 19.1% over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Stirling when compared nationally

Stirling averaged approximately 24 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 123 homes were approved, with an additional 20 approved in FY-26. Each home built over these years contributed to an average of 7.6 new residents annually.

This has led to a significant demand exceeding supply, typically resulting in price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction cost value for new dwellings was $435,000. In FY-26, commercial approvals totaled $4.0 million, indicating Stirling's residential character. Compared to Greater Perth, Stirling has approximately half the building activity per person. Nationally, it ranks around the 53rd percentile of areas assessed for development activity. However, recent periods have seen an increase in development activity.

This lower-than-average national figure reflects the area's maturity and suggests possible planning constraints. New developments consist of 48% detached houses and 52% attached dwellings, marking a shift from existing housing patterns which are currently 87% houses. This denser development provides accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. The location has approximately 306 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth. Future projections estimate Stirling to add around 2,124 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 23 projects potentially impacting the region. Notable ones include Osborne Park Hospital Women and Newborn Services Expansion, Stephenson Avenue Extension, Stirling Bus Interchange Upgrade, Lake Monger Primary School Additions and Relocation. The following list details those most relevant.

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

Stirling has a well-educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 2.1% as of June 2025.

This rate is lower than Greater Perth's 3.9%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.4%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025, 6,432 residents are employed, with a workforce participation rate similar to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade.

Professional & technical services have particularly notable concentration, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. Conversely, mining shows lower representation at 5.1% compared to the regional average of 7.0%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population data. During the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 4.4%, and labour force increased by 4.1%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 3.7% and labour force growth of 3.8%, with unemployment rising slightly by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer insight into potential future demand within Stirling. These projections suggest that national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Stirling's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by approximately 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years.

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

Stirling's median income among taxpayers was $57,518 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $72,411 during the same period. In comparison, Greater Perth's median income was $58,380 and the average income was $78,020. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Stirling would be approximately $65,686 (median) and $82,693 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household income ranks at the 79th percentile with a weekly income of $2,221. Personal income sits at the 62nd percentile. Income analysis shows that 27.0% of Stirling's community earns between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (2,998 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region where 32.0% fall into the same category. A significant 37.0% earn above $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 87.4% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th 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 assessment, 86.9% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 13.1% comprising semi-detached properties, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Perth metro's dwelling structure, which was 59.6% houses and 40.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Stirling stood at 44.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.9% and rented ones at 15.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Stirling was $2,348, surpassing Perth metro's average of $1,950. The median weekly rent figure in Stirling was recorded as $410, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Stirling's median monthly mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 80.5% of all households, including 40.8% couples with children, 30.5% couples without children, and 8.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 19.5%, with lone person households at 17.9% and group households comprising 1.7%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.4.

Stirling shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 35.3% of residents aged 15+, exceeding the WA average of 27.9% and the SA4 region average of 29.0%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 24.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 27.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them – advanced diplomas account for 10.5% and certificates for 16.7%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.2% in primary education, 7.4% in secondary education, and 5.7% pursuing tertiary education. Schools appear to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

Stirling has 56 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These include a mix of train and bus services. There are 16 individual routes serving these stops, collectively providing 3,991 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 189 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 570 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 71 weekly trips per individual stop.

Stirling's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Stirling with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 56% of the total population (~6,213 people), compared to 59.9% across Greater Perth.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 6.9 and 5.8% of residents respectively, while 74.8% declare themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 73.0% across Greater Perth. Stirling has 20.9% of residents aged 65 and over (2,321 people), which is higher than the 18.3% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

Stirling is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Stirling has a high level of cultural diversity, with 36.3% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 40.5% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Stirling, comprising 60.9% of the population, compared to 47.3% across Greater Perth. The top three ancestry groups in Stirling are Italian (17.2%), English (16.9%), and Australian (15.1%).

Notably, Croatian (3.0%) is overrepresented in Stirling compared to the regional average of 1.1%, as are Macedonian (3.6% vs 1.5%) and Polish (1.2% vs 0.9%).

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

The median age in Stirling is 42 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 years, and also older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 65-74 age group comprises 10.9% of Stirling's population, compared to a lower percentage in Greater Perth, while the 25-34 age group makes up 10.7%. According to data from the post-2021 Census, the 35-44 age group has increased from 13.9% to 14.8%, whereas the 55-64 cohort has decreased from 12.9% to 12.1%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes in Stirling. Notably, the 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 80%, reaching 1,440 people from 799. The combined 65+ age groups will account for 55% of total population growth, reflecting Stirling's aging demographic profile. Conversely, the 0-4 and 5-14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.