Stirling (WA)

Population growth drivers in Stirling are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census Stirling (WA) statistical area (Lv2)'s population is estimated at around 11,066 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 901 people (8.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,165 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 11,009 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 93 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,281 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Stirling's 8.9% growth since census positions it within 0.8 percentage points of the national average (9.7%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 76.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is utilising the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch is projected for the Stirling (WA) (SA2), with the area expected to expand by 2,100 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 19.6% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Stirling among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, Stirling averaged around 24 new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, an estimated 123 homes were approved, with a further 27 approved so far in FY-26. This results in approximately 7.6 new residents per year for every home built during this period.

Consequently, demand significantly exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction value of these dwellings is $435,000, indicating that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, there have been $18.5 million in commercial approvals, suggesting balanced commercial development activity compared to previous years. When compared to Greater Perth, Stirling has around half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person. Nationally, it places among the 55th percentile of areas assessed, though construction activity has intensified recently. This level reflects market maturity and possible development constraints.

New development in Stirling consists of 46.0% standalone homes and 54.0% attached dwellings. This trend towards denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns, which are currently 87.0% houses, suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With around 282 people per dwelling approval, Stirling shows a developing market. Population forecasts indicate that Stirling will gain 2,168 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 23 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives 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 projects of particular relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment performance in Stirling ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

Stirling has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. Its unemployment rate was 2.2% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 3.8%.

As of September 2025, 6400 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.8% below Greater Perth's 4.0%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade. Professional & technical services show notable concentration at 1.4 times the regional average, while mining has lower representation at 5.1% versus the regional average of 7.0%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 3.8%, labour force by 3.6%, reducing unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 2.9% and marginal unemployment rise. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows WA employment contracted by 0.27%, with an unemployment rate of 4.6%. National forecasts project total employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections for Stirling suggest local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.9% over ten years.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Stirling has an income level above the national average, as per the latest Australian Taxation Office (ATO) data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Stirling is $57,518, while the average income stands at $72,411. This compares to figures for Greater Perth of $60,748 (median) and $80,248 (average). Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $63,051 (median) and $79,377 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household income ranks at the 79th percentile ($2,221 weekly), while personal income sits at the 62nd percentile. Income analysis reveals that 27.0% of Stirling's community (2,987 individuals) earns within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, consistent with broader metropolitan trends showing 32.0% in the same category. Notably, 37.0% earn above $3,000 weekly, indicating prosperous pockets driving local economic activity. After housing costs, residents retain 87.4% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power and 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 evaluation, 86.9% of dwellings were houses with 13.1% being other types such as semi-detached, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. Perth metro had a different composition with 59.6% houses and 40.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Stirling was at 44.7%, while mortgaged dwellings were 39.9% and rented ones were 15.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Stirling was $2,348, higher than Perth metro's average of $1,950. Weekly rent in Stirling was recorded at $410, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Stirling's mortgage repayments were significantly 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 19.5%, with lone person households at 17.9% and group households at 1.7%. The median household size is 2.7 people, 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+, surpassing the WA average of 27.9% and the SA4 region rate 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 prominent, with 27.2% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 10.5% and certificates at 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.

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

The analysis of public transportation in Stirling shows that there are currently 60 active transport stops operating within the city. These consist of a mix of train stations and bus stops. A total of 15 individual routes serve these stops, collectively facilitating 4,530 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport is rated as excellent, with residents typically located an average of 188 meters from their nearest transport stop. On average, there are 647 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 75 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 indicates strong performance across Stirling with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is found to be high at approximately 56% of the total population (~6,191 people), compared to 60.5% across Greater Perth.

The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 6.9 and 5.8% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 74.8%, declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 73.0% across Greater Perth. As of 2021, Stirling has 20.9% of residents aged 65 and over (2,312 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's cultural diversity is notable, with 36.3% speaking a language other than English at home and 40.5% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Stirling, comprising 60.9%, compared to 47.3% across Greater Perth. Italians make up 17.2% of Stirling's population, significantly higher than the regional average of 7.2%.

English ancestry comprises 16.9%, lower than the regional average of 23.5%. Australians comprise 15.1%. Other ethnic groups with notable representation include Croatians at 3.0% (vs regional 1.1%), Macedonians at 3.6% (vs 1.5%), and Polish at 1.2% (vs 0.9%).

Stirling's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Stirling is 42 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and Australia's median age of 38 years. The 65-74 age group comprises 10.9% of Stirling's population, compared to Greater Perth's percentage. Conversely, the 25-34 age group makes up 10.7% of Stirling's population. According to post-2021 Census data, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 13.9% to 14.8%, while the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 12.9% to 12.1%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes in Stirling. The 75 to 84 age group is projected to grow by 81% (642 people), reaching 1,439 from 796. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 55% of total population growth, reflecting Stirling's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 cohorts are forecasted to experience population declines.